User Reviews

"Penguin is a Girl's Best Friend" finds Burgess Meredith back after an absence of only one week, paired not with The Joker but with Carolyn Jones as Marsha, Queen of Diamonds, the second and last three part storyline from the second season, designed to be edited into a feature film for the overseas market. Penguin is already at work on an armored car robbery when the Batmobile pulls up, the Caped Crusaders making quick work of his men, before Chief O'Hara arrives to put a damper on Batman's triumph. The Chief surprises Batman with the knowledge that the master of foul play has turned to filmmaking, as president of Penguin Pictures, intending to sue the city for Batman's blunder unless he signs a contract to star in the movie, set in the days of the Roman gladiators. This turn of events is enough for Marsha to sign on as investor and leading lady, still intending to snare Batman with lipstick dipped in love potion created by her Aunt Hilda (Estelle Winwood). The Gotham City Legion of Decency prevents the shooting of Marsha's naked milk bath, but not before one enterprising crewman peeks under his blindfold! Carolyn Jones was a better choice than Zsa Zsa Gabor, but continues to spout as many 'darlings' as the much married diamond expert. The climactic cliffhanger takes place at a museum of antiquities, the Dynamic Duo set to be catapulted across town to certain death, as Penguin rejoices: "I'm sure you'll make a big splash at the other end of your journey!"

The Penguin gets into the world of Hollywood and starts shooting a movie, calling Marsha the queen of diamonds to join the production. Batman suspects that all this is actually a screen to cover up a villainous plan and agrees to be the protagonist to be able to closely monitor his actions. This first part of a triple episode is extremely funny and could even be considered a bit explicit for the little ones to see Marsha almost naked and then star in a fiery scene with Batman.

Penguin forms a motion picture company.

If the makers of the show are going to make a three-parter you would think they would go all out to make a knockout show (like the recent Joker three-parter) but instead we get this just okay adventure (or is sitcom the best genre description for this one?).

When you employ a comical actor from McHales Navy (he only appears in part two) you are really pushing the comedy level to new heights!

I love the 1966 Batman series, and this three-parter has some great moments, but I just wanted something a bit better.

James B Clark directed this reel camp episode, who at the time was also working on the WILD WILD WEST, so it's really a walk on the wild side.

10 Stars. This is an a R-rated tv episode of sorts, considering the story was produced in the 1960s. Notorious Marsha, Queen of Diamonds (memorably played by Carolyn Jones!) is encouraged by the Penguin (Burgess Meredith) to appear in his X-rated movie? Penguin is now a film producer and Marsha, his star attraction, is going to make him millions or billions!

There's one interesting scene -- Jones practically wearing nothing! -- standing behind a beach towel. The gang must have had a blast putting this together. She has some super wardrobe changes, including a very 60s mini skirt. Nice threads. An elaborate episode with some artsy movie sets and, of course, a BAMMM, POWWW fight with Batman, Robin and the goon brigade.

Greedy Penguin is also planning an armored car robbery which leads to the Dynamic Duo being strapped down, ready to be flattened to death --all being filmed. Don't miss Estelle Winwood, in a neat gag role, as a witch. Something for all of us camp adventure lovers.

Carolyn Jones had just wrapped up filming the ADDAMS FAMILY, so producers hired her ASAP, which was a very smart move. She guested in five classic episodes and word has it that Zsa Zsa Gabor was originally considered for the role. Incredible.

Stylishly written by Stanford Sherman, who wrote 18 episodes for the show, later known for Clint Eastwood's ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN. SEASON 2 EPISODE 42 dvd box set in beautifully restored color. Thank you again, METV.