What better combination would there ever be; veteran director Don Weis and Cesar Romero playing the Joker. Weis had his hand in about every hit show on tv, and just before this episode he directed the GHOST IN THE INVISIBLE BIKINI. While he was directing Batman he also did a ton of episodes for IRONSIDE.
Caesar Romero may have landed the gig due to his many comic performances on the RED SKELTON SHOW. One thing for certain, he was one heck of an actor, both in dramatic and comedic roles for decades. He may also have adapted his crazyhouse laugh from Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch of the West ( WIZARD OF OZ). Listen carefully. They sound a lot alike.
In perhaps the most ingenius escape plan ever, we get our very first glimpse of the Joker in prison, pitching for the baseball team. Beneath the pitcher's base is a giganic spring which elevates him up in the air and over the prison walls?? Now that's original. His mission is to rob the Gotham Comedy Hall of Fame. Why not? If you look closely, Romero's famous moustache (which he did not want to shave off) is painted over in heavy white makeup.
Look for beautiful Nancy Kovack, playing Queenie. She was the perfect guest for this show. Best remembered for the cult movie, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS.
By the way, catch the Batmobile pulling up to Gotham City Hall (on the Warner Bros. Lot). Impossible to miss the lady in the red coat walking by. You will always see the same shot of the same extras filing past the Batmobile. Should you take the Warner Brothers tour, the tour guides faithfully mention the lady in red - whoever she was?
Super THWAPP, POWW fight between the Joker and Batman and Robin. Batman is crowned by a sword, but it ain't over.
A real reel camp episode defined, and historical when it comes to tv villains. Not to be missed. SEASON 1 EPISODE 5 dvd box set (remastered) in beautiful color. Released 2007, 2012 and 2015. 5 dvd set. Thanks METV for running this cult series Saturday nights. Perfect Bat Time.
