Customer Reviews

Back to the Batcave: The Real Story Behind "Batman"

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back to the Batcave is a definite "must read" for any fan of the classic 60's television series. This work details Adam West's early acting career as well as providing interesting anecdotes and behind the scene looks at what went on during the shooting of Batman. An added bonus is a 41 page annotated episode guide providing the Batfan with air dates, guest stars and plot synopsis'. Grainy photos, sloppy editing and a substandard print job kept this reader from assigning this book a 4 rating. In addition, some fans could probably do without reading the epilogue. West comes off as bitter (almost whining) about not being offered the lead in the 1989 Batman film. I, for one found it mildly embarrassing and depressing. It's my hope that should future editions be printed, this section will be rewritten.

Not the best celebrity book I've added to my collection, but not the worst. I'm giving it ***-plus because it appears to be an honest effort. I just wanted more meat and potatoes (read: interesting facts) about making the Batman series than the book offers. We hear about the other actors but it's mostly "Neil Hamilton (Comissioner Gordon) was very serious; Stafford Repp (Chief O'Hara) was a lot of fun..." I wanted some good solid stories about the production of this time capsule of a series, and while they might be dull and boring to Adam, they would have lent a lot of color to the book. I just ordered Burt Ward's book, which I already hear is a complete 180 from West's, and will have to compare the two. Make no mistake, I loved the series and was a Batman-aholic in the 1960s, like most of us, so I was really hoping for some golden chestnuts about Cesar Romero, Frank Gorshin, Burgess Meredith and Vincent Price. West does, however, let us know exactly how he feels about Julie Newmar (and who wouldn't share his admiration of such a 'Living Doll'? ... those of you from the 60s will understand that reference). So-so, but I will take the effort to read it again someday, if that's an endorsement.

THIS BOOK HAS A LOT OF INFO AND IS WELL WORTH READING. ADAM WEST TELLS SOME INTERESTING, UNIQUE AND HUMOROUS STORIES OF HIS LIFE, CAREER, AND TIME HE WAS ON THE SHOW. I FOUND HIS WRITING VERY WITTY, HUMOROUS AND WELL DONE. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. THE ONLY NEGATIVE I HAVE IS THAT I HOPED IT WAS LONGER AND MORE DETAILED. ALSO THE PHOTOS ARE GRAINY AND OUT OF FOCUS. BUT FOR A TRIVIA AND NOSTALGIC TV WATCHER THIS IS A GOOD BOOK TO HAVE.
VERY RECOMMENDED.

Adam "Batman" West knows how to write! great job!