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Awesome / Batman (1966)
aka: Batman The Movie

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  • In "Give 'Em the Axe" when Batman disarms Riddler of his sword in the museum and holds him effortlessly in a hand lock, "Didn't your mother tell you not to play with knives?" Then while Batman is forcing Riddler into one of the torture devices to secure him, twisting his hand painfully all the way, the villain learns how pissed off Bats can get. "Let me give you one last word of advice: give up your evil ways! When you've paid your debt to society, and pay it you will, start life anew as a respectable citizen!"
    • Which has become something of a Canon Immigrant, as Riddler's done just that in the main comics.
  • Commissioner Gordon calls Batman about Mr. Freeze's demands... and then Chief O'hara calls Bruce Wayne about Mr. Freeze's demands and says that he and the Commissioner want him and Batman to talk to each other. Batman/Bruce ends up Holding Both Sides of the Conversation rather smoothly and the police are none the wiser.
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  • In "Flop Goes the Joker", Alfred proves that he is literally Batman's Batman. The Joker invades Wayne Manor, gun in hand, and casually dubs Alfred an "Anglo-fink". Alfred just as casually disarms him with a fireplace poker and then chases him through the house until the Joker enters the study. Thus begins the Joker's Humiliation Conga.
    Batman: Alfred, what's happened?
    Alfred: Joker accidentally tripped the batpole switch and mistook this for a secret passage.
    Robin: Then he's down in the Batcave!
    Alfred: Joker didn't quite make the Batcave, Master Robin.
    Robin: Then, where is he?
    Alfred: I believe he should be arriving presently.
    Batman: The Emergency Batpole Elevator Lift. Fast thinking, Alfred.
    Alfred: Thank you, sir.

    Joker: (At the top of the poles) Somebody get me off this crazy dumbwaiter! I can't breathe!!
    Batman: Alfred, Joker says he can't breathe. Why don't you give him some breathing space?
    Alfred: With pleasure, Sir. (Presses the down button)
    Joker: Oh no! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! (Slides back down)

    Aunt Harriet: By the way, where is Joker?
    Robin: Right now, Joker's having his ups and downs.
    Batman: You might say that.

    Joker: (At top of poles exhausted) Alfred ol' pal, have pity!
    Alfred: We Anglo-finks have a long memory. (Pushes Down Button)
    Joker: Oh no!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! (Slides back down)

    Alfred: One shouldn't take pleasure in another creature's misfortunes. But, occasionally, one may be forgiven for a slight twinge of satisfaction.
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  • The movie, while for the most part cheesy, has Batman's stunning rebuke, "You. FILTHY. CRIMINALS!" He puts so much hate into that one line it puts Christian Bale to shame.
  • Alfred, of all people. When Batman and Robin become hopelessly trapped and unable to save the city, Gordon and O'Hara call on "that mysterious voice that sometimes answers the Bat Phone."
  • "The Joker gets his paintings switched.'' Batman manages to totally undermine the Joker's robbery spree while also delivers a few zingers.
  • The Two Part Crossover with Batman and The Green Hornet. Robin Vs Kato played by Bruce Lee... 'nuff said.
  • In "The Wail of the Siren", Robin was so angry at the Siren for nearly killing Bruce Wayne (she hypnotized him with her voice and ordered him to jump off a building) that when she stumbles and is desperately holding on to the edge of the roof, he threatens to let her fall. Keep in mind that normally this Robin Wouldn't Hit a Girl. He sternly agrees to pull her up in exchange for her removing her spell from Bruce.
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  • The Joker has his own awesome moment when in his first story, he hijacks a TV news studio, apparently kills the anchorman with his joy buzzer, then plays What's My Crime? on air to give Batman a hint, capped with the taunt after a wrong answer, "As you doubtless know, every wrong answer means that we contribute $1 to the famous Joker's Home for Worn-Out Bats!"
  • In one episode, Batman, Robin and Batgirl all get delivered to City Hall turned into 2D figures, and it occurs to Commissioner Gordon to use the Bat Hotline and get help from the Mysterious Voice (AKA Alfred) who always answers the phone.
  • People don’t give this show enough credit for how much of a faithful adaptation it was. It hit all the major beats from the comics: the batcave, car, and signal, Alfred and Commissioner Gordon, the villains, all of it! They could have easily changed the character into something completely different, but they didn’t. Even the campiness was accurate to the comics, for better or worse (the show actually tones it *down*. Zebra Batman, anyone?). It also brought some new elements to the franchise, such as Dick Grayson being a teenager rather than an 8 year old, the Riddler being one of Batman's main foes (plus his now standard green-bowler-and-tie outfit, which Frank Gorshin came up with), and the entire character of Batgirl as we know her. These new ideas proved so popular that they've lasted to this day.

Alternative Title(s): Batman The Movie


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