User Reviews

"The Joker's Hard Times" continues for the second of its three chapters, Batman using his Batarang to knock the lit fuse into position to burn his bonds and free himself and Robin just before the 8 ton meteorite falls upon the altar. Meanwhile, The Joker returns to police headquarters to snatch Libra the Scales, actually the statue of Justice, worth half a million dollars in Carrara marble, then Scorpio the Duran Golden Scorpion, then finally a visit to Sagittarius the Archer, represented by millionaire Basil Bowman (Howard Wendell). With Venus (Terry Moore) turning over a new leaf, Batman is able to recover the kidnapped opera star Leo Crustash (Charles Fredericks), but only after The Joker has already cashed Leo's ransom check of $100,000. All three are pelted with Pisces the Fish to allow the devilish clown to steal the only two specimens in the world of a particular tropical fish, before ending up captured by The Joker, who wants to show he's not all bad, just mostly, intending to serve up a three course meal for his hungry giant clam. This was one of the most outrageous cliffhangers during the show's entire run, Robin seemingly swallowed whole, only one foot still dangling in plain view! Cesar Romero was not only a fine actor, he was able to laugh up a storm to bring Joker to vibrant life in several celebrated entries.

Way campy episode finds The Joker (Cesar Romero at his insane best) cackling all the way to the bank, stealing the marble Gotham City statue of justice?

There's also a neat twist when the Joker uses Venus (Terry Moore) as a shield to escape the Dynamic Duo.

Although, she does have a thing for Batman...

Venus jumps ship, turns on her ex boss and teams with Batman and Robin --but not for long. The Joker plans to get even, and with the most BIZARRO trap ---leading the Dynamic Duo to a pond where they and Venus face a man-eating clam! A three course dinner? Must See TV, reminiscent of 50s sci fi films, like ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS. You have to admit, the killer clam (which swallows Robin?) is a work of art. Super writing from Stephen Kandell, long time writer for cop shows.

By the way, is that the Golden Gate Bridge? --in the background --while Batman and Robin are driving? Sure looks like it.

This was Terry Moore's second appearance (in a three episode special) who at the time was married to billionaire recluse Howard Hughes. Directed by veteran Oscar Rudolph, who over his long career headed 500 tv shows,

Howard Wendell, popular in tv westerns, plays millionaire Basil Bowman and Charles Fredericks (who passed suddenly a few years later) plays Leo Crustash. Fredericks appeared in many Warner Brothers/ABC tv shows in the 50s.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 38 remastered color dvd box set. ABC/1967.

The Joker steals a statue of Justice, seeing himself chased by Batman steals a patrol car and escapes in it. Venus is attracted to Batman and offers to collaborate with him to catch the Joker, they manage to free the kidnapped tenor but when they try to prevent the theft of a valuable exhibition fish they end up trapped in a pond at the mercy of a monstrous and gigantic clam. Unfortunately this chapter seems to have been written in a hurry and without thinking too much, it is stupid that the police do not recognize Joker and confuse him with one of them so he only puts on a police cap. Terry Moore overacts her character by looking like a fool, it is absurd that a fish is exposed in a park fountain, although the series was characterized by its camp comedy tone, the script of this story lacks the original grace of other episodes. The best is the cliffhanger trap.