Did you ever watch the 1949 serial? I thought it was much better than the 1943 one.
Directed with atmospheric flair by Lambert Hillyer, the politically incorrect "Batman" (1943) remains among Columbia's better chapterplays. Though lacking the solid production values and crisp pacing of the Republic serials, the studio was more faithful in adapting comic-book heroics to the big screen. Hillyer keeps the proceedings moving at a good clip — regardless of flubbed lines or continuity errors. (When Batman loses his cape during a fight scene, keep shooting and ask questions later.) Relatively uncut, the Caped Crusader's film debut is worth seeing.
Unfortunately, "Batman and Robin" (1949) is not among the great serials. With producer Sam Katzman at the helm, it's bargain-basement all the way — right down to the cheap costumes and poor excuse for a Batmobile. Despite low-budget shortcomings, there's plenty of hokey fun as Batman and Robin face one contrived cliffhanger after another. The mysterious Wizard makes for an interesting villain, since he never appeared in the comic books. Robert Lowery does a good job as Batman (somehow, his stuntman has the better costume), but John Duncan's Boy Wonder looks like a juvenile delinquent. It's nice to see Lyle Talbot as Commissioner Gordon, even though he has a tendency to activate the Bat Signal in broad daylight. Flaws and all, "Batman and Robin" is a guilty pleasure.
