Was the Batmobile a lemon?
Is the Batcape a girl-magnet?
And which actors does the original Batman really rate in the new films?
DoG chats with a cult legend…
Some prefacing chit-chat about the weather led us on to talk of the show itself…
I think the latter.
It was like eating the same meal over and over.
But I think the trick is to keep it fresh.
Thats part of the actors responsibility, isnt it?
By thinking funny [laughs].
I have the curse of thinking funny!
And so with each script and new situation, I saw something funny in it.
But I could never let the audience think that I thought it was funny.
…was that a hard balancing act to pull off?
It was just diabolically hard [laughs].
It wasnt easy, but we had some wonderful writers and great guest stars.
Most of them got it.
Thank you for recognising that.
Its taken you years, Martin!
[laughs] Yeah, it was a conscious effort that I always felt.
I was at war with the producers at the beginning because of that.
They wanted it to be stiff and at one level.
I wouldnt do it.
They said Let him go, let him do what hes doing.
So you really had quite an influence on the actual tone of the show?
I think that if I hadnt I dont know which direction it would have gone.
I think Id have some new tights those were itchy [laughs].
But thats been the complaint of everyone whos played Batman the costume.
Its my legs [laughs].
He was just a poor soul.
He was so torn, Martin…it was heartbreaking!
But not with our Batman.
It would have violated the tenor or as you put it the tone of the show.
I wouldnt do that.
Id just make the relationships more important.
I dont know Im really not a critic and I cant tell.
I think…Val Kilmer?
But I havent really seen all the movies in their entirety.
I like Christian Bale.
Ive heard hes a big fan of mine, but I certainly reciprocate.
I think hes really very good.
Id love to play his father.
Well, it was wonderful on film [laughs].
Ill give you a little quiet information youll be privy to the fact that it didnt drive well.
I tried to keep it under thirty-five miles an hour [laughs].
But it looked great on film, and its so funky and it goes on and on.
On the Blu-ray, if you punch it in, they take you on a tour of the Batmobile.
I look forward to that.
You might even get to drive it to the local pub.
So I might as well make an agreement with it and enjoy it as they do.
So thats what I decided to go ahead and do.
And its worked beautifully, in that I dont mind having fun with myself and my character.
To be an icon…I guess thats a privilege.
And a little parody here and there doesnt hurt.
Do you ever regret turning Cubby Broccoli down for James Bond inDiamonds Are Forever?
No, wait a minute.
Then I thought Well, why cant I do both?
But I thought that was a little greedy.Batmanwas chock full of celebrity guests.
Were there any that maybe even you were in awe of?
We were so fortunate to get all those good people.
I loved Burgess Meredith, what he did with Penguin.
Have to agree with that!
And Frank Gorshin was always on the edge of anxiety and madness as Riddler.
And I like that.
I love to do scenes with people who are on the edge and who really explore every little nuance.
Is there anything youd like to see film-makers change about the current Batman franchise?
Oh gosh, no.
But even in those movies, I would rather see warmer relationships.
And more subtle, tongue-in-cheek comedy of some kind.
