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One of Timothy's favorites: Jill St. John as "Molly" |
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One of Timothy's favorites: Jill St. John as "Molly" |
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Timothy in his own words: |
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" ¡Hola! My name is Timothy Forbes, and I currently live in Upstate New York, near the Pennsylvania border. I have watched Batman since its premiere on 12 January 1966, and found it a truly intriguing series. I will not forget the night I saw it. I was 6½ years old, and was already watching The Adventures of Superman on WPIX in New York, which we received on cable. That first night, I saw the episode on a black-and-white set, and it changed the way I looked at television. This show was the first truly modern color television series, and it was so innovative, because of its art direction, style and panache. The plot was fun, and I loved the art direction of the show. It was such a modern show. |
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The first episode, especially, made an impression on me not only because of its use of color and of interesting sets, but also in the emotional story line involving the Riddler’s moll, Molly, played by Jill St. John, and Batman. I especially remember when Batman tried in vain to save Molly from falling. Her acting really made an impression on me. While I have seen and enjoyed the 1989-97 Batman films, Adam West remains my favorite. His portrayal really defined the character in my book. Mr. West plays the role with a real seriousness, and with a real sense of decency. His portrayal of Batman, I think, resonated well in 1966, part because of America’s longing for a replacement for the slain John F. Kennedy. I watched Batman on a regular basis. I especially loved the first season, and continued to watch the second season. At the end of 1967, however, I stopped watching because I was dismayed by the way the show had been manhandled. I did not like how the show’s production values had deteriorated, nor did I like the addition of Batgirl (though I think now Yvonne Craig should have had her own show; she was/is excellent). |
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One villain who made a special impression on me was Catwoman. I liked cats from the time I was young, and she looked like she was a lot of fun. I also liked the tension between Batman and her. I can also say that Catwoman prepared me for Emma Peel of The Avengers, which I first saw in January 1967. Ironically, Emma Peel was cited as a major influence on the current Catwoman in the comics. Fast forward to May 2002. I had to contend with a number of problems in Rochester, NY where I was living. When the Batman series aired on TV Land, I decided to check out the DC Comics Web site, and it was then that I started to buy the Catwoman comic. The current comic appeals to me, because I like the different take on her character, and Ed Brubaker, the writer, does an excellent job. I also get other comics, including Batman, Detective Comics, JLA and Wonder Woman. As for memorabilia, I own some Catwoman items, including a couple of action figures and a porcelain statue. |
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As of this writing (12 January 2006), I have met Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether and Adrienne Barbeau, who has voiced Catwoman. I also met Noel Neill, who played Lois Lane from The Adventures of Superman. While meeting Adam and Burt was a treat, and Lee was very nice, I am honoured to have met both Adrienne and Noel. I love these two ladies! They are so sweet!I do, however, belong to the 1966 Batman group, as well as the MSN Batman Legacy Group, where I am an assistant manager. I have met many wonderful people on the 1966 Batman Message Board in person, both at Super Mega Show and Chiller Theatre, and consider them good friends. I have a communications background, and have worked in newspaper and book publishing. I am looking to do something with the Internet or broadcasting, and am working on a screenplay for a fan film, Batman 1969. This film is both a tribute to the 1966 series, as well as to another series I enjoy, The FBI, starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Phillip Abbott, Stephen Brooks and William Reynolds. And I have ideas for other fan film productions for the future, too. Additonally, I also have traveled to Colombia four times (hence, my greeting en Español), as well as to the former Soviet Union. I also spent four months in England, and have also visited France and Mexico. As for why I still like Batman, it is simple: This is a series with a lot of creativity and panache. You get to meet so many interesting characters, and see so many interesting stories. And the East Coast locations are a lot of fun for me, because I am an East Coast person. |
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I also know the Batman saga continues to evolve. The times do change. A future Batman series could not be done quite like the 1966 series. However, what I envision is a series which could do an episode like “Hi Diddle Riddle”/“Smack in the Middle,” and then go in a darkly serious, dramatic direction, but with some humor to take the edge off. I hope to show off this idea in Batman 1969. I would also like the future series to reflect the present-day comic, and use so many of the newer characters that people the Bat/Cat-world, such as the Birds of Prey, Ra’s Al Ghul, and Poison Ivy. The 1966 series has left enough of a brilliant legacy that its spirit can be applied to the present Bat- (and Cat-) world. And it is a delight to see that so many people still hold this landmark television series in such high regard, almost 40 years after it first aired." |
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Catfan’s Feline
Fatale Follies:
The 1965 FBI Show
Tribute Site:
Frontenac Media:
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