The Batman Filmography: Live-action Features, 1943–1997 (Hardcover)

by Mark S. Reinhart (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Cowled and scowling, with a winged cape inspired by da Vinci and a thirst for justice born of his parents’ murder, he debuted as a comic book character in 1939. Even his earliest incarnation is instantly recognizable: Batman-the Caped Crusader. A few short years later Bob Kane’s creation leapt from the printed page to the silver screen, a brooding presence framed against the darkened Gotham skyline, ever vigilant to the misdeeds of a host of maniacal and devious enemies. Since his film debut in the 1940s, Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne have been a regular presence in movies. In various incarnations, with or without his cheerful sidekick Robin, Batman has remained an American icon, capturing the imagination of each successive generation of moviegoers.

This detailed examination of live-action Batman features follows his motion picture adventures, from his first appearances on the screen in 1940’s film serials, through the camp craze surrounding the 1966 television series, up to the Warner Bros. series of summer blockbusters that began with 1989’s Batman starring Michael Keaton. Chapters on each of the seven feature-length Batman movies include extensive film and production credits, a production history, and a critical analysis of the movie relative to other Batman films and the original comic book character. Notes accompany each chapter, and an index and bibliography are included.

About the Author
Mark S. Reinhart is also the author of Abraham Lincoln on Screen (1999). He works both as a Media Services Consultant and a musician in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (November 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786420235
• ISBN-13: 978-0786420230
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,313,550 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book, but repetitive, December 28, 2004

By	Batman Collector (Chicago) - See all my reviews

The idea for this book is a good one--Batman is such an iconic character, and has been interpreted in very diverse ways on film. The author is quite knowledgable on Batman history, and is quite opinionated on his thoughts regarding the various film makers and their contributions to Batman (good or bad). I only had two problems with the book:

1. The introduction is lengthy and quite good--the only problem is that most of it is repeated in the chapters on the various films. That's a lot of padding for a $45 book.

2. There are VERY complete summaries of each of the films--the author should have assumed that anyone willing to pay $45 for this book would have enough familiarity with the storylines of each, and would rather have more pages devoted to critical essay on them. The book would have been better served by expanding the topics to include the animated films.

In short, I commend the author for taking the initiative to write and publish a book like this--I hope if he publishes a future revised edition to include the new movie he takes some of these ideas into account.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Reference Source, September 28, 2005

By	T.R. (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

I used this book to research the two Batman movie serials made in the 1940's. I found it to be loaded with valuable information about not only the serials, but ALL of the Batman live action movies released between 1943 and 1997. I highly recommend this book to serious Batman fans.

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Batman Book, October 16, 2005

By	Mary Ann in Ohio "MR" (OH) - See all my reviews

As a forever Batman fan, I totally enjoyed this book. It put each film into perspective for me. I bought this book as a present for another Batman fan, and it was his BEST gift!! This is a must for any Batman lover!