User Reviews

"The Mad Hatter Runs Afoul" finds Jervis Tetsch (David Wayne) rejoicing in the demise of Batman and Robin, while virtually the entire world mourns the loss of the Dynamic Duo, Commissioner Gordon and Chief O'Hara reduced to sobbing. Having deflected the deadly high voltage rays, Batman and Professor Overbeck (Leonid Kinskey, in a brief yet overdone performance) costume a pair of skeletons before planting their obituary in all the papers. Jervis puts a lid on their careers with this little speech to hat check girl Polly (Jean Hale): "who made Batman and Robin famous? Criminals, that's who! If you want to show a little respect for the dearly departed, stay crooked!" Switching Hattie Hatfield's fake ruby for the priceless one on display with the Golden Buddha of Bergama is the final coup for The Mad Hatter, except that the still living Caped Crusaders are able to trace him back to his lair at the defunct Green Derby restaurant for a final showdown atop the water tower. Another fine showcase for David Wayne, and a look at what would happen if Batman and Robin actually fell victim to one of their numerous death traps.

To get Batman's cowl, the Mad Hatter sprays him with a radioactive gas that causes the cowl to change color to pink. When Batman visits a scientist at a nuclear facility to solve the problem, the villain manages to seize the hood and locks Batman and Robin in an X-ray cabinet that causes them to turn into skeletons in a matter of minutes. The caped crusade manages to escape but makes the world believe that he is dead so that Mad Hatter trusts and can finally catch him. Meanwhile the whole world is in mourning believing that the death of the dynamic duo is real. David Wayne returns through the front door in his role as Mad Hatter with a solid and extremely funny script, the whole scene where all the countries in the world are told about Batman's death is brilliant, it should be noted that the images of the people in the streets in mourning are real and belong to the death of Eva Peron in Argentina.

Are Batman and Robin DEAD???

The opening scene is Gotham City's Atomic Energy Lab where the dynamic duo have been KILLED and transformed into skeletons! The laboratory and the deadly x-ray cabinets make for one way cool set, looking even better in color. The set decorators had to have a blast putting the thing together. Art Class 101.

Word spreads EVERYWHERE Batman and Robin are officially dead --but we know better, right? In the meantime, the fiendish Mad Hatter (David Wayne) is determined to pull a switch-a-roo with Hattie Hatfield's prize ruby. Replace the real one with a big fat fake! Popular character actress Jean Hale is super, playing the Hatter's devious gal pal, Polly. Jean looked a lot like Yvonne Craig (BATGIRL), only with blonde hair.

Batman and Robin trace the Mad Hatter to the defunct Green Ruby restaurant! The BIG showdown is way atop the gigantic water tower, where the Dynamic Duo corner the Hatter and his goons. The fight scene is a trip because it's fought outside, a neat change of pace instead of the usual warehouse brawls.

In a brief scene, look for popular character actor Leonid Kinskey, playing eccentric professor Overback. Kinskey was in dozens of sitcoms, usually playing doctors and scientists. He appeared in the classic film CASABLANCA.

Note; listen for the very familiar submarine sounds from VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA in the Batcave. Charles Hoffman wrote this episode, who was long associated with the series, also working in the script department for most of the show's run. He also wrote for JOHNNY QUEST.

The gag phone number is Pennsylvania 6 -5- Oh, Oh, Oh.

There's no question David Wayne "slightly" resembles Burgess Meredith, and that's the fun part. Wayne was fantastic in this campy role, and with a wirey red moustache to match.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 36 remastered color.