19 Bat-tastic behind-the-scenes 'Batman' pictures from the 1960s
If there's one thing that sets the 1960s Batman apart from its cinematic followers, it's an overwhelming sense of fun. The Gotham of 1966 was splashed with color. Peeking at behind-the-scenes pictures from the set, the production seemed like a blast, as well.
No wonder notable celebrities were lining up to play the villains of the Caped Crusader. They hardly needed the Joker's gas to put smiles on the faces of the cast.
Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Yvonne Craig — even Mr. Freeze — had a blast.
Let's take a look at some snapshots from the Batman set, largely from the TV show, but a few from the movie, as well.
Yvonne Craig studies up on her source material.
The Everett CollectionJulie Newmar takes a cat call.
The Everett CollectionCushions make for a soft landing in the Batcave.
The Everett CollectionThis scene called for a bluer sky than the weather could provide.
The Everett CollectionThe Robinmobile lacks the horsepower of the Batmobile.
The Everett CollectionAdam West and Burt Ward show off their wingspans.
The Everett CollectionIt's Robin v Riddler as Ward and Frank Gorshin ham it up for the camera.
The Everett CollectionWest slips into the cowl.
The Everett CollectionWest kicks back with the Green Hornet (Van Williams) on the Black Beauty.
The Everett CollectionWest tries out his Bat-communicator while the crew sets up a shot with the Batmobile.
AP PhotoA crew member hands West a hot prop for the famous bomb scene in the Batman film.
AP PhotoFrank Gorshin and his Riddler henchmen get prepped for a scene.
AP Photo/David F. SmithThe man in the middle is no villain — unless you are a Lakers fan. That's Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach posing with the baddies in April 1966.
AP PhotoBurt Ward practices his karate moves on the balcony of his West Los Angeles apartment in February 1966, a month after the premiere of Batman.
AP PhotoAll that kicking works up a hunger. Time to grill and chill.
AP PhotoSpeaking of chillin' — West chats with Otto Preminger in costume on the set.
The Everett CollectionWest carries a model of the International Stamp Exhibition.
The Everett CollectionBatman is king of the Batcave in this spread from the March 11, 1966, issue of LIFE magazine.
West, Ward, Craig and Newmar reunite in the 1990s.
The Everett Collection