"Fine Feathered Finks" sets up the introduction of Burgess Meredith's iconic interpretation of the dastardly Penguin, a penguin-suited, cigarette smoking, monocle-wearing, umbrella-carrying nuisance of the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder. Penguin is released from the Gotham penitentiary after time served, but he's not suddenly rehabilitated. Nope, he plans to weave a plan that influences Batman to help him in a crime! Bizarre as it may sound, he has a goose cooking in a planted listening device, hidden in the handle of an umbrella Batman and Robin take back to the Batcave to examine and investigate. This episode ends with Bruce Wayne caught in a net and bound for the furnace of Penguin's umbrella store (calling it the KG Bird
get it???). Opens with exploding umbrellas in a jewelry store, as the police attempt, with the Dynamic Duo's help, to uncover Penguin's elusive scheme. This episode is a nice opening for Meredith to "wack, wack, wack", hobble along, and smile sinisterly as he plots the next big crime and way to trick Batman. It also has Robin unwisely challenging the law regarding Penguin's release and Batman having to correct him in such an opinion. Holy, Popcorn, will Bruce escape the furnace!
8 Reviews
An Unprecedented Demand for Umbrellas
injury-6544715 June 2020
The penguin waddles in!
Obviously this Episode is Most notable for introducing us to the inimitable Penguin. Played spectacularly with a lovely waddle and a disturbing umbrella fetish. I was worried he might break his teeth chewing on his cigarette holder so hard. I love his gorgeous purple hat.
Bird themed wordplay is all over this one. I like the use of carrier pigeons and penguins. He's definitely an avian archcriminal.
Umbrella shops seem to be a big deal in Gotham City. I can't believe three umbrella factories were recently opened in the area. Is the Joker constantly releasing toxic rain onto the populace or something? The sheer amount of umbrellas on display throughout this episode is a sight to behold in itself.
The duo rightly figure out that the Penguin is not a reformed man. But they don't realise he hasn't yet devised a scheme, he's relying on Batman to help with that. I think that's an interesting idea - I'll be curious to see how it plays out in the next episode. Also I can't believe it's only episode 3 and already the Penguin has discovered the true identity of Batman (if only he were clever enough to realise it) !
There are extreme gay undertones here. Batman is teaching Robin French and remarks on the importance of people learning to share each other's tongues!
Obviously this Episode is Most notable for introducing us to the inimitable Penguin. Played spectacularly with a lovely waddle and a disturbing umbrella fetish. I was worried he might break his teeth chewing on his cigarette holder so hard. I love his gorgeous purple hat.
Bird themed wordplay is all over this one. I like the use of carrier pigeons and penguins. He's definitely an avian archcriminal.
Umbrella shops seem to be a big deal in Gotham City. I can't believe three umbrella factories were recently opened in the area. Is the Joker constantly releasing toxic rain onto the populace or something? The sheer amount of umbrellas on display throughout this episode is a sight to behold in itself.
The duo rightly figure out that the Penguin is not a reformed man. But they don't realise he hasn't yet devised a scheme, he's relying on Batman to help with that. I think that's an interesting idea - I'll be curious to see how it plays out in the next episode. Also I can't believe it's only episode 3 and already the Penguin has discovered the true identity of Batman (if only he were clever enough to realise it) !
There are extreme gay undertones here. Batman is teaching Robin French and remarks on the importance of people learning to share each other's tongues!
Penguin Waddles Into Gotham
DKosty12327 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The Penguin (Burgess Meredith) makes his first appearance in this campy 1960's classic. Meredith was always busy on television in this era, but this might be his first TV episode in color. The first script is really well done. There are plenty of twists and turns and gadgets. The most famous prop from this episode, one of the world's largest umbrellas blocks a city street in Gotham in this one.
It starts with the bird getting out of jail, and then staging a robbery at a jewelry store with prop umbrellas creating a havoc scene, yet nothing is stolen. Then in some clever technology, Batman gets to see a video of Penguin from prison taken just before his release. The video obviously shows that Warden Crichtens rehab has not helped.
Penguin starts to plot, then punches out the hidden camera. There's plenty more to come and a cliff hanger in this one for the first time involving Bruce Wayne. Still in progress at the end in tune in tomorrow same time, same channel. The announcer has not yet slipped in the Bat Channel. Good episode, and these look pristine now, on Blue Ray.
It starts with the bird getting out of jail, and then staging a robbery at a jewelry store with prop umbrellas creating a havoc scene, yet nothing is stolen. Then in some clever technology, Batman gets to see a video of Penguin from prison taken just before his release. The video obviously shows that Warden Crichtens rehab has not helped.
Penguin starts to plot, then punches out the hidden camera. There's plenty more to come and a cliff hanger in this one for the first time involving Bruce Wayne. Still in progress at the end in tune in tomorrow same time, same channel. The announcer has not yet slipped in the Bat Channel. Good episode, and these look pristine now, on Blue Ray.
Burgess Meredith debuts as The Penguin
kevinolzak20 May 2016
"Fine Feathered Finks" was only the second two part episode, but already writer Lorenzo Semple Jr. had set the pattern for the entire series, here introducing one of the most popular foes of the Caped Crusader, The Penguin, waddling master of fowl play. Mickey Rooney was first choice, but a scheduling conflict led to the casting of Burgess Meredith, whose extensive stage and film career ("Of Mice and Men") overshadowed his TV career (several beloved episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE). An unselfish jobbing actor, Meredith turned out to be so in tune with the role that he became producer William Dozier's favorite, building up his costume and waddling like the avian for which he was so named. The now familiar quack was not intentional, but came from the actor's aversion to the cigarette holder that seemingly never leaves his clenched teeth, being a longtime non smoker this enabled him to cough out the offending smoke! The passage of 50 years dims the memory of how 1966 viewers reacted at the sight of this not so well known actor's first scene as The Penguin, courtesy a private showing of film orchestrated by Warden Crichton (David Lewis, making the first of his eight appearances), whose progressive policies don't seem to work in rehabilitating arch criminals. Once released, Penguin opens an umbrella shop using the pseudonym 'K.G. Bird,' and though several suspicious incidents occur involving trick umbrellas no crimes take place. Bruce Wayne decides to take matters into his own hands by planting a bug in Penguin's shop, but it's discovered and the culprit captured and sent to perish in a tempering furnace capable of reaching 10,000 degrees. The main henchmen are two very familiar faces, Walter Burke and Lewis Charles, the latter returning for the only two part Penguin story from the third season.
My Vote for Best Episode
tharrx15 June 2006
This episode features not only the first appearance of Burgess Meredith's unforgettable Penguin, but maybe the tightest script the show ever got.
In brief, the Penguin has announced he's gone straight (a trick he often pulled in both the comics and the show) and opens up an umbrella shop. In reality, he's scheming to get back into crime by having Batman plan his heists for him! How the Penguin does this, and how Batman ultimately foils him, make this one Batman episode that is more than just a series of fights in-between jokes. It has a beginning, a middle and an end, and they're all good.
It also doesn't hurt that it features Leslie Parrish, one of the most gorgeous female guest stars ever.
In brief, the Penguin has announced he's gone straight (a trick he often pulled in both the comics and the show) and opens up an umbrella shop. In reality, he's scheming to get back into crime by having Batman plan his heists for him! How the Penguin does this, and how Batman ultimately foils him, make this one Batman episode that is more than just a series of fights in-between jokes. It has a beginning, a middle and an end, and they're all good.
It also doesn't hurt that it features Leslie Parrish, one of the most gorgeous female guest stars ever.
ENTER THE QWACKING PENGUIN, PLEASE.
tcchelsey21 May 2023
The story goes that it all began on an episode of THE WILD, WILD WEST, about a year earlier. The terrific, prolific actor Burgess Meredith played a crafty professor called Orkney Cadwallander, who created earthquakes with the use of explosives. He was so over the top that his performance more than likely lead to winning the role of the equally devious and eccentric PENGUIN. Meredith would go on to appear more than twenty times on the series, more popular than ever, and producers even worked around his schedule in order to bring him back at a time that was convenient for him. Now that's star treatment!
Here, the Penguin is introduced as an ex-con who has gone straight, running an innocent umbrella shop? His secret plan is to rob the city --with lots of umbrellas to cause chaos and confusion, including a mega, mega GIGANTIC umbrella that lands in the middle of Gotham City. The production artists were a creative bunch. Some great supporting actors, such as David Lewis, playing the warden (in nine episodes). Lewis later became a regular on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Also look for popular character actor Walter Burke as the Penguin's henchman called Sparrow. Burke was usually cast in Irish roles (also because he was of Irish heritage), replete with an accent. He played some memorable offbeat roles, such as the Toymaker in an episode of LOST IN SPACE and as Zeno the magician on BEWITCHED. Also Lewis Charles (as Hawkeye) appears, who generally played cons and sidekicks to villains. Not to be missed. SEASON 1 dvd box set, now restored.
Here, the Penguin is introduced as an ex-con who has gone straight, running an innocent umbrella shop? His secret plan is to rob the city --with lots of umbrellas to cause chaos and confusion, including a mega, mega GIGANTIC umbrella that lands in the middle of Gotham City. The production artists were a creative bunch. Some great supporting actors, such as David Lewis, playing the warden (in nine episodes). Lewis later became a regular on GENERAL HOSPITAL. Also look for popular character actor Walter Burke as the Penguin's henchman called Sparrow. Burke was usually cast in Irish roles (also because he was of Irish heritage), replete with an accent. He played some memorable offbeat roles, such as the Toymaker in an episode of LOST IN SPACE and as Zeno the magician on BEWITCHED. Also Lewis Charles (as Hawkeye) appears, who generally played cons and sidekicks to villains. Not to be missed. SEASON 1 dvd box set, now restored.
Diminutive Avian Arch Foe Waddles His Way To Head of Batman TV's Rogues'Gallery by Sticking Close To Original Concept!
redryan6429 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Much like Ceasar Romero's Joker, Broadway and Film Star and truly one of the Finest Actors anywhere, Burgess Meredith gave the definitive interpretation of Arch Villain, The Penguin. Mr. Meredith had the face and properly shaped nose(though a prosthetic extension was added, of course!). When seen without the Trademark Top Hat, his down the middle parted hair style, along with his ever present monocle, gave him a certain appearance of being a creature with one foot in our world, the other one being soundly planted in Comic Book Land.
There is always the unavoidable temptation to compare this original filmed Penguin by Mr. Meredith to Danny DiVito's version as the Penguin in Director Tim Burton's BATMAN RETURNS (1992). The Series Penguin was a vicious thug, but has a curtain of gentility which he uses to mask his true nature. To be sure, the Burgess Meredith Penguin has a temper, and even a truly all around nasty disposition.
In contrast Danny Divito's Pengy has an unapologetic abrasiveness of personality that presents itself always, proudly in the open.He is as nasty as his outward appearance reflects the inwardly tormented soul of this version.
In looking around for whatever influences were around at that time in our history, we must ask, just what would have contributed to the genesis of a diminutively sized, tuxedo wearing, bird-like felonious sociopath. As is often the case, we need only to look toward Hollywood. For it was the motion pictures of the times that have come to exert a great influence on American and World social behaviour. A Classic Example of Life imitating Art, but on a Grand Scale.
One look at the film or any one of a number of stills from THE MALTESE FALCON (Warner Brother, 1941). Along with Humphrey Bogart was British Stage Actor, Sydney Greenstreet, appearing in his first film as the 'brains' heavy, Kasper Guttman.* Always spiffy decked out in dark, almost tuxedo-like suits and matching black hat, he was a model of tonsorial splendor. His outfit included the wearing of spats and the carrying of walking stick.
When this appearance and mannerisms are added to the physical qualities of the then 63 year old Sidney Greenstreet, you have a prototype of the Penguin. Even his walk was waddling and swaying to and fro, much like those Antarctic flightless birds. All of these trappings set on the rotund physique of Sydney's gave the appearance of a huge penguin.** Now then, as for FINE FEATHERD FINKS, this was the second week of the Pop Art, 'Camp' Batman Revolution. Like all of those other Batman Comics villains, there had never been a film counterpart, until this Year of A.D. 1966. It was up to Mr. Burgess Meredith and the Production team to put it together.
They opted for a very close to the Comics, both in appearance and personality for TV's second Criminal Foe.
In the opening, a fashionable "smart shop" in downtown Gotham City reports an incident of unusual occurrence involving some incendiary umbrellas. All of the earmarks of a Penguin designed hold-up were present, except no robbery occurred.
Warden Creighton pays a visit to Police Commishiner Gordon for an official meeting with Gordon, Batman & Robin. The Warden has news and a videotaped record implicating The Penguin in planning a new crime spree for Gotham. Following an incident with a giant umbrella, the Caped Crimebusters investigate one of three new Umbrella Factories recently licensed in town, but this one is run by the licensee who used the moniker of K.G. Bird (Cagey Bird).
Entering the shop of Penguin as Bruce Wayne, Batman is he discovered trying to leave a bugging device behind. As this installment comes to its end, we have Bruce Wayne unconscious, strapped onto a conveyor belt, being fed, like a piece of kindling, into the factory's blast furnace, when.........................(see my Review of THE PENGUIN's A JINX!)
* Warner Brothers had planned to cast Edward Arnold as Kasper Guttman. Then, quite by accident, Studio Head, Jack Warner, saw Sydney Greenstreet in as stage play, and immediately knew that they had an actor to portray "The Fatman".
** In the first appearance of The Penguin in the Comics, Bruce Wayne and his Ward, Dick Grayson observed one Mr. Boniface (the only name ever given Penguin) in an Art Gallery. They remarked on how much that he looked like a penguin.
There is always the unavoidable temptation to compare this original filmed Penguin by Mr. Meredith to Danny DiVito's version as the Penguin in Director Tim Burton's BATMAN RETURNS (1992). The Series Penguin was a vicious thug, but has a curtain of gentility which he uses to mask his true nature. To be sure, the Burgess Meredith Penguin has a temper, and even a truly all around nasty disposition.
In contrast Danny Divito's Pengy has an unapologetic abrasiveness of personality that presents itself always, proudly in the open.He is as nasty as his outward appearance reflects the inwardly tormented soul of this version.
In looking around for whatever influences were around at that time in our history, we must ask, just what would have contributed to the genesis of a diminutively sized, tuxedo wearing, bird-like felonious sociopath. As is often the case, we need only to look toward Hollywood. For it was the motion pictures of the times that have come to exert a great influence on American and World social behaviour. A Classic Example of Life imitating Art, but on a Grand Scale.
One look at the film or any one of a number of stills from THE MALTESE FALCON (Warner Brother, 1941). Along with Humphrey Bogart was British Stage Actor, Sydney Greenstreet, appearing in his first film as the 'brains' heavy, Kasper Guttman.* Always spiffy decked out in dark, almost tuxedo-like suits and matching black hat, he was a model of tonsorial splendor. His outfit included the wearing of spats and the carrying of walking stick.
When this appearance and mannerisms are added to the physical qualities of the then 63 year old Sidney Greenstreet, you have a prototype of the Penguin. Even his walk was waddling and swaying to and fro, much like those Antarctic flightless birds. All of these trappings set on the rotund physique of Sydney's gave the appearance of a huge penguin.** Now then, as for FINE FEATHERD FINKS, this was the second week of the Pop Art, 'Camp' Batman Revolution. Like all of those other Batman Comics villains, there had never been a film counterpart, until this Year of A.D. 1966. It was up to Mr. Burgess Meredith and the Production team to put it together.
They opted for a very close to the Comics, both in appearance and personality for TV's second Criminal Foe.
In the opening, a fashionable "smart shop" in downtown Gotham City reports an incident of unusual occurrence involving some incendiary umbrellas. All of the earmarks of a Penguin designed hold-up were present, except no robbery occurred.
Warden Creighton pays a visit to Police Commishiner Gordon for an official meeting with Gordon, Batman & Robin. The Warden has news and a videotaped record implicating The Penguin in planning a new crime spree for Gotham. Following an incident with a giant umbrella, the Caped Crimebusters investigate one of three new Umbrella Factories recently licensed in town, but this one is run by the licensee who used the moniker of K.G. Bird (Cagey Bird).
Entering the shop of Penguin as Bruce Wayne, Batman is he discovered trying to leave a bugging device behind. As this installment comes to its end, we have Bruce Wayne unconscious, strapped onto a conveyor belt, being fed, like a piece of kindling, into the factory's blast furnace, when.........................(see my Review of THE PENGUIN's A JINX!)
* Warner Brothers had planned to cast Edward Arnold as Kasper Guttman. Then, quite by accident, Studio Head, Jack Warner, saw Sydney Greenstreet in as stage play, and immediately knew that they had an actor to portray "The Fatman".
** In the first appearance of The Penguin in the Comics, Bruce Wayne and his Ward, Dick Grayson observed one Mr. Boniface (the only name ever given Penguin) in an Art Gallery. They remarked on how much that he looked like a penguin.
Fine Feathered Finks
Prismark1019 February 2024
Burgess Meredith plays the Penguin. The master of fowl play. He may be incarcerated but the cagey bird is planning his next big crime that feather his nest.
It is umbrellas and his little chicks are giving them away. Outside a grand shop opening. Once inside the umbrellas cause havoc as smoke or confetti is emitted but no robbery.
It is a puzzle. Commissioner Gordon calls in Batman and Robin. Not quite understanding that the Penguin has a daffy duck plan where Batman will lead to his next crime.
The first episode ends with a hot cliffhanger. It seems the Penguin has been in the clink for too long. He fails to recognise Bruce Wayne.
Only the third episode and even with a classic villain, the charm is begin to lose its feathers.
It is umbrellas and his little chicks are giving them away. Outside a grand shop opening. Once inside the umbrellas cause havoc as smoke or confetti is emitted but no robbery.
It is a puzzle. Commissioner Gordon calls in Batman and Robin. Not quite understanding that the Penguin has a daffy duck plan where Batman will lead to his next crime.
The first episode ends with a hot cliffhanger. It seems the Penguin has been in the clink for too long. He fails to recognise Bruce Wayne.
Only the third episode and even with a classic villain, the charm is begin to lose its feathers.
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