#202 British Batmania: A Slow Burn

To The Batpoles! Batman 1966

We Americans know that Batman was also popular in the United Kingdom (and many other countries), but there are differences in the level of popularity that was reached and how long it lasted, and also in terms of when “first run” of the show was there. 66 Batman Message Board co-admin Ben Bentley is, in fact, British, so we asked for his assistance in tackling this topic. Our discussion touches on the show’s second wind in the ‘70s, Batman references in The Avengers (as in Steed and Peel) and other British TV shows and commercials (on into the ’80s!), Adam West’s “Kerb Drill” traffic safety PSA, the Carpet King, whether British kids actually jumped from roofs because of Batman, and more.

Plus, the Piano AccoMan version of the theme, more of Adam talking with Conan O’Brien, and your reaction to Episode 199’s discussion of the Nora Clavicle script!

"Batman: The Super-Sell" (The Tatler, July 16, 1966)

Batmobile-adjacent car on Rentaghost (1983)

Adam's "Batman and Robin" single from 1976

Adam's "Kerb Drill" PSA (1967)

Adam on the Danny Baker Show (1994)

What the Pope admitted about meeting Adam West

Fight scene from The Avengers "The Winged Avenger"

Only Fools and Horses Bat-ref

Austin Rover ad (1987)

Cyril Lord carpets commercial (History of Advertising Trust)Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's "I'm Bored" - reference to Carpet King ad 2 minutes in