4. Holy Caped Crusaders! Which 1960s role did Adam West play, featuring a caped detective who used unexpected gadgets to fight crime in Gotham City?
From Quiz Action Figures of the 1960s and 1970s
Answer:
Batman
Adam West caught the attention of "Batman's" producer, William Dozier, while he was playing Captain Quik, a James Bond-type character, in milk commercials for Nestle's Quik.
Adam West fell in love with the script during the audition which portrayed the superhero with witty humor and a detective theme. West signed the contract on the spot with the condition that he would have a say in choosing the actor that played Robin.
West went along with the director's choice with Burt Ward as Robin. He valued Ward's experience with stunts but was hesitant with Ward's inexperience with acting. Ward proved to be faithful as a team player.
West and Ward became known as the "Dynamic Duo" for their portrayal of Batman and Robin. In the "Batman" show, Batman would often fight unexpected surprises with tools from his utility belt, followed by Robin's remark of "Holy Batman!". The show was known for its fight scenes, riddles, and humor. It also rotated through many villains and scenarios, which kept the shows entertaining for their viewers.
West and Ward lead the "Batman" show to be nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Comedy Series" in its first year in 1966. It lost to "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
The "Batman" show became a huge part of Adam West's fame and legacy. According to "The Hollywood Reporter", when "Batman" ended, West shared with his fans, "When Batman was canceled, the only thing I thought is that it would be the end of me, and it was for a bit. But then I realized what we created in the show. We created this zany, lovable world." (The Hollywood Reporter, "Adam West Dies At 88")
(Information from "The Hollywood Reporter", "Reuters", and "NBC News")