Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt

This wild, wooley and wacky look back at the evolution of the 1960's camp classic is a lighthearted romp through a lot of memories for fans of the series, as well as an interesting expose for those who were unaware of the true lives of the stars.

Hosted by the originals, Adam West and Burt Ward, their hunt for a missing Batmobile (George Barris' 1955 Ford Futura), is filled with rememberances of the lives of the dynamic duo in and out of their tights. The plot is peppered with actual Batlore, including Mickey Rooney's turning down the part of The Penguin, Lyle Waggoner's original screen test as the Dark Knight, et al.

Appearences by Frank Gorshin, Julie Newmar, Lee Meriweather help round out the cast that are superbly lead by West and Ward, taking a step backwards from ego and attitudes and goofing it up with the rest of the gang, with great impersonations of younger versions of West, Ward, Gorshin, Burgess Merideth, Meriweather, Vincent Price, Yvonne Craig and a Ceaser Romero Joker that will knock your socks off.

Another amazing bit of trivia is that Dawn Wells, "Mary Ann" of Gilligan's Island fame was an executive producer for the show.

Lots of biography movies are not always laughable. But this one is every bit has laughable. The old Batman was campy, and this movie tries to be campy and funny has it was in the sixties. Adam West and Burt Ward seem to enjoy making fun themselves. They are at a Batman convention. But get pulled into action, when someone steals the batmoblie. During that time they remember the time on the set of Batman. A pure delight for Batman fans.

I enjoyed every minute of this movie and seeing how Adam and Burt both formed the dynamic duo us batfans grew to love. Since some actors and actresses were lacked in this movie such as Yvonne Craig (Barbara Gordon/Batgirl) and Eartha Kitt (Catwoman), maybe there ought to be a sequel to follow with Adam and Burt on pursuit of that supposed orphan who stole the batmobile again at the end of this movie. And add the characters of Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, Madge Blake and Stafford Repp. (Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Aunt Harriet, and Chief O'Hara) I'm just wondering what seeing them back then as we did in Adam and Burt portrayed by Jack and Jason would be like. Anyway I give this film an A+.

Part reunion show, bringing back the original stars (Adam West, Burt Ward, Frank Gorshin and Julie Newmar) and part re-creation of the series shown in flashbacks, this is an affectionate tribute to one of the 60s most popular shows, and a must-see for series fans. Throwaway riffs (on, for instance, Adam West's cheapness and Burt Ward's weight gain) add to the fun as Adam and Burt are re-united to hunt for the stolen Batmobile, a hunt replete with the BIFF and THWAK sound effects, and cheap looking minimalist sets so characteristic of the show.

And as the movie goes along, we flash back through the progress of the series' production from casting to cancellation. It's a nice blend of affectionate nostalgia and silly post modern fun.

Okay, I'll admit it: Reunion movies don't always work. They're almost always missing that special something that makes them pale in comparison to the original. That's what I was expecting when I tuned into this, but that's not what I got. "The Misadventures of Adam and Burt" is a BANG! POW! WHAM! gasser, especially if you're a long-time BatFan like me!

First, there's the cast. If there is any justice, Adam West and Burt Ward should be nominated for Emmys for their delightfully funny, wickedly self-parodying performances. Ditto Jack Brewer and, especially, Jason Marsden as their younger incarnations. All four of them truly seemed to be having fun with the roles. And that's the sort of enthusiasm that quickly finds its way to the audience. Sort of like the original series, come to think of it.

As to the other visitors from the series, Lee Meriwether has a delightful cameo as a waitress with at least one surprise up her sleeve. Julie Newmar still looks stupafyin'-ly super in her walk-on, and can still heat up the tube. If time has been a bit less kind to Frank Gorshin, he more than compensates with the sheer enthusiasm and good humor which has always been his trademark.

It's my hope that Fox will bring this out on VHS and DVD soon, ALONG WITH the original "Batman" series. I know BatFans would eat up both like BatBurgers.

God bless Adam and Burt, always heroes in the hearts of their many fans.