The Cat's Meow

"The Cat's Meow" kicks off the most outlandish Catwoman two parter of them all, loaded with guest stars galore. Last seen in a cameo in "Ma Parker," Julie Newmar's felonious feline is just out of prison and heading a rock group named Catwoman and the Kittens, in possession of an atomizer capable of stealing a person's voice and rendering him literally speechless. Clues initially lead to Joker, Penguin, and Riddler, but since all are still behind bars it's no stretch to finger the lovely culprit. Morning talk show host Harry Upps (Peter Leeds), a play on Hugh Downs, is the first rendered speechless, then Commissioner Gordon, with the ultimate prize being the singing voices of Britain's popular soft rock duo Chad (Stuart) and Jeremy (Clyde), who coincidentally are staying at the home of Bruce Wayne. Catwoman's disguise as dance instructor Miss Klutz, teaching young Dick Grayson 'one heck of a lesson,' ends abruptly due to her aversion to dogwood, but it helps the Dynamic Duo trace her back to the studio run by Benton Belgoody, played by an unbilled Joe Flynn (McHALE'S NAVY), managing to put in a plug for his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. After a pitiful effort from her henchmen, Catwoman again foils her nemeses using a powerful drug on her claws, placing them in a huge drum set to amplify the sound of water dripping above their heads, enough to drive them insane and turn their brains into jelly. Chad and Jeremy were now past their prime as hitmakers, but still doing the rounds on American television, the song heard playing on a turntable for their arrival not released until their OF CABBAGES AND KINGS album in 1967, a Jeremy Clyde original titled "Manners Maketh Man," two more heard in the next episode.

This dual-episode is one of the best that features Julie Newmar as Catwoman. The big draw at the time was supposed to be songsters Chad and Jeremy, but the dialogue steals the show in this episode, particularly Catwoman's. She's sassy and very funny-thanks largely to the talent of Newmar. With due respect to the other actresses who played the role, she was the only Catwoman who really knew how to reflect the show's spirit.

See it again and have fun!

"The Cat's Meow" is a fun episode, directed by series regular James B. Clark (who did 15 episodes) and master writer Stanley Ralph Ross (who wrote 27 episodes). Ross also appeared in a few episodes as the forger, Ballpoint Baxter.

Catwoman ( fabulous Julie Newmar) has invented a little gizmo that can steal anyone's voice? Target: Chad and Jeremy! Singers Chad and Jeremy at the time were also appearing on tv shows, such as PATTY DUKE and DICK VAN DYKE. It was a smart move on their part, especially to guest star on BATMAN.

The Catwoman fools Commissioner Gordon (before she steals his voice!) into thinking she's changed her ways and given up crime. Next stop, she hits the recording studios to get Chad and Jeremy, and turn the recording industry upside down. In between, there are some campy one liners and the usual POWS and BIFFFS with the Catwoman's bad guys.

Look for Joe Flynn, pretending to be a good guy, but actually one of the Catwoman's gang. Popular character actor Peter Leeds plays tv host Harry Upps, mocking Hugh Downs.

Don't miss, CATWOMAN AND THE KITTENS.

Restored in beautiful color for all us long time fans.

Also to note, we lost Chad Stuart in 2020. We will never forget Chad and Jeremy. SEASON 2 EPISODE 29.