"Batman's rich history allows him to be interpreted in a multitude of ways. To be sure, this is a lighter incarnation, but is certainly no less valid and true to the character's roots then the tortured avenger crying out for mommy and daddy." -Bat-Mite, in "Batman: The Brave & The Bold".
Mike was partly right, DC was thinking of canceling Batman due to declining sales. A Fox exec. went to the Playboy mansion where Hef, and the girls were watching the old Batman serials in his home theater, cheering, and throwing popcorn at the screen. When the exec. went to work the next day, he told Fox the story, they contacted Bob Kane who had also wanted to be a movie star, he agreed as long as he could come out to La La land. So Hugh Hefner saved Batman. And now you know...
That Conan O' Brien story was hilarious, the bit when Burt Ward rang Conan up demanding the costume back and Conan just did The Joker laugh down the phone was so funny
Does anyone know if Ward ever appeared on Conan O' Brien's show?
One of my favorite Batman moments is a 3rd Season (?) episode, just a 30 minute one (no two parter) with King Tut. A woman is kidnapped and Bruce was going to go out with her on a date. Batman saves the day. At the end of the episode, Bruce takes her back to her apartment after the date, and she asks him if he want to come in for a drink. Naturally, he declines. Then she offers him milk and cookies! He accepts, turns to the camera and breaking the 4th wall, says "Well, man can't live by crimefighting alone..." and goes in! Awesome!
BTW, I recommend the animated movies "Return of the Caped Crusaders" and especially "Batman Vs. Two Face" which are wonderful returns to the world of the 66 series, featuring Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar returning to the roles, as well as William Shatner as Two Face.
I had a goofy stupid smile on my face the whole time watching them.