Review of Batman and Robin (1949) by Prushothmaraj S — 12 Oct 2010

1949 version of good clean fun (for kids) with the required car chases, gun-play and fist fights (including then exotic Judo/Jujitsu shoulder throws used by The Batman), with cliffhangers and vacuum tube era sci-fi effects, this 15 part serial has all the low-budget standards common to all serials of the era, and is similar to the serial version treatment of Marvels Captain America made around the same time.

This would be banned by the meddling panty-waists of today for being "too violent" for the kiddie set. Narrow minded or ignorant viewers will carp about issues like Batman's jacked up looking cowl (with Devil-like pointed "ears" and satanic extra long pointed nose) and the "Batmobile" being excused off as Bruce Wayne's borrowed Chevrolet convertible (which was in fact a powerful "muscle car" in it's day), or The Batman pulling out impossible items (like a full sized Blowtorch!) from a rather fey looking "utility belt" that has no pockets (??!!).

Unlike most versions, Bats & Bird-Boy get their butts kicked by the bad-guys on more than one occasion. Smoking and drinking is normal behavior throughout. The women (Jane Adams as Vicki Vale) all are feminine, wearing their high-heels no matter the situation, and the musical score, though generic, is exciting counterpoint driving the action.

A few familiar character actor faces show up in bit parts here also. This stuff is rather cool in it's own over-the-top way, (because unlike the wretched 1960's TV series, they are not trying hard to be "camp" by making fun of the material, but playing it straight in deference to the material, which is as it should be).

Rather than being a lazy snob picking this apart, it's best to take a more open-minded view, get in the mood of the era and enjoy this for what it was intended to be: Fun!!...and it is if you get off your high horse and let it, you Jive Monkey-Heads!!