DC History: The First Batman Serial

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In the world of cinema, a serial a is 20th-century motion picture format that emphasized short subjects/films with a runtime of roughly 10-30 minutes each. These serials — also called serial films, movie serials, or chapter plays — were shown in consecutive order at the theaters. The theaters played one serial weekly until the series concluded. Like television episodes, the chapters usually ended in cliffhangers that kept fans guessing and going back for more. They were also typically shown during Saturday matinees in order to appeal to families. Bookended by cartoons, newsreels, and two feature-length films, the serials were a huge hit among audiences everywhere.

After all, serials were usually action-packed and exciting. They offered an escape from the everyday, from the mundane. It’s no wonder, then, that the most popular genres were crime fiction, sci-fi, Westerns, espionage thrillers, and … super hero! And it just so happens that Batman was the first DC hero to take his tights to the silver screen.

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The First Batman Serial Released in 1943

 

Batman (1943) was a 15-chapter serial created by Columbia Pictures. The first chapter, “The Electrical Brain,” released on July 16, 1943. It starred Lewis Wilson as Batman. Notably, Wilson was the first person to ever play a live-action version of the Caped Crusader. Dressed in tights, a cape, and that signature cowl, Wilson wowed audiences in beautiful black-and-white stories based on Detective Comics. However, while the hero, along with his sidekick Robin and his butler Alfred, were of DC fame, the new villain and Batman’s love interest were both Columbia original inventions. Dr. Daka and Linda Page were crucial to the serial style. Basically, the protagonist always had to have someone to save and someone to punch.

Columbia also took some liberties with the plot. In the serial, Batman was a secret U.S. government agent operating to safeguard American interests after Pearl Harbor. He had to thwart his enemy Dr. Daka, who schemed all the way from Los Angeles, California. Batman also took place at the height of World War II, a global conflict which lasted from 1939-1945 and was often a major topic in American (and global) cinema. Naturally, the story had overt ties to national identity and politics, which aren’t as present in Batman comic books.

The Batman Serial Plot

Based in Gotham City, Batman and his ward Robin learn about the nefarious Dr. Daka. Dr. Daka’s henchman are operating in Gotham and attempting to sabotage U.S. cities from coast to coast. Dr. Daka’s goal? To steal radium in order to power his newly invented hand-held ray gun that can dissolve any matter. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne’s girlfriend’s uncle has been abducted by Dr. Daka’s crime ring. Bruce combats the threat as Batman, a masked vigilante who can beat even the remote-controlled zombies sent his way! (Yes, the serial features a minor antagonist that is in fact a remote-controlled zombie).

Later, in the Batcave, Batman interrogates one of the henchman. He discovers that the stolen radium is being kept in Gotham’s Little Tokyo. Batman and Robin infiltrate the laboratory/lair, which is disguised by a Fun House ride. Inside, they rescue a bound and gagged Linda. Unfortunately, Dr. Daka transforms her uncle Warren into a zombie and tries to derail a supply train. He also tries to steal America’s Victory Plans. In the end, the Dynamic Duo stops Dr. Daka. He tries to escape through a trap door, falls, and is eaten by a pit of hungry alligators.

How Batman Changed DC Media Forever

Think everything crucial to Batman came from the comics? Think again! Batman debuted many of the essential elements of Batman mythos. The Batcave hidden beneath Wayne Manor, as well as the grandfather clock used to access it, came from this serial. Alfred Pennyworth’s physical appearance changed dramatically in comics after Batman showed, with artists drawing a slimmer and mustachioed Alfred to match the actor William Austin.

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Batman and Robin Ran in 1949

New Adventures of Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder (1949) by Columbia Pictures was a direct sequel to Batman, although the actors changed completely. This 15-chapter serial also included supporting characters Vicki Vale and Commissioner Jim Gordon. In Batman and Robin, the Dynamic Duo faced off an enigmatic, hooded villain called The Wizard. The Wizard remotely controlled vehicles. He set challenges and traps for Batman and Robin out of some compulsive desire to make them solve his games. Still, nothing could stop Batman and Robin in the end! The last episode of the serial was even entitled “Batman Victorious.”

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But Don’t Forget Superman in 1948!

Undoubtedly, the Batman serials were massively successful and beloved. But Superman (1948) was considered Columbia Pictures’ crowning super hero achievement. This 15-part serial starred Kirk Alyn as Superman and Noel Neill as Lois Lane. It was considered a tremendous financial success for the studio, which risked a lot on the expensive in-flight action sequences (all of which had to be animated with costly special effects). Superman was credited for making Kirk Alyn a more popular actor and also for launching Neill’s career.

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Have you seen the original Batman serial from 1943? Grab a bucket of popcorn, some Batman action figures, and let’s have a marathon! Then share your favorite episodes with other DC fans at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!