He certainly did get the short end of the stick in a lot of ways. He suffered more than his fair share of injuries and occupational hazards on the set, was paid close to nothing, and after all that, the network wanted him off the show for absolutely no reason? How he looks back so fondly on the whole experience is beyond me, and downright heroic, if you'll pardon the expression.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Well said!

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom I give him absolute kudos for choosing to look at the positive, the up-side of that time in his life. While I think he was probably a better actor than most would give him credit for, I hope for nothing but the best life for him.

@only257

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom AGREED

@patrickperalta59

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom I'm no actor but if I was I'd be happy with what ever they paid me be it a TV series or movie. of course I'm single no family of my own no wife or kids.. so if I was a actor I'd be happy..

@Foe_KREALOFFICAL

4 ай бұрын

@@patrickperalta5925 cent a year

Burt is a great guy, met him at several Comicons and he is always a pleasure to talk to.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

It's good that Burt is taking advantage of the sutograph circuit and he is well remembered with the series garnering new followings, but the kid wanted to act. He wanted a career. As great as Dustin Hoffman was in The Graduate, I sometimes imagine hom in the part and I still think he could've done it if not for network interference. By the time the network was so concerned about his breaking the "myth of Robin", they were thinking cancellation anyway. Networks can be evil, too. .

@kevinmiller6380

Жыл бұрын

Sad to say that Burt Ward is the only surviving (regular) cast member of Batman.

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinmiller6380 also John Astin, Cliff Robertson and Julie Newmar are all that's left of the villains

@kevinmiller6380

Жыл бұрын

@@farrellmcnulty909 Cliff Robertson died September 10th, 2011, one day after his 88th birthday. So that leaves just John Astin and Julie Newmar as the surviving villains.

The men in my family were earning less than $450 a month att working at General Dynamics, Rohr Industries and Solar Aeronautics building jet planes and space shuttle parts! Mr. Ward knew that his wages were outstanding for the region in which we all lived. Being allotted less than Mr. West made sense and still made for a very nice standard of living. Batman and Robin being in the "womens' rights" ad impressed the heck out of me. They truly were kind men in the business of Show that respected women. Very rare Thanks Dave.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Agree on all points...except that wasn't Adam West in the commercial. He was unavailable so they went with veteran comedic actor, Dick Gautier.

@allialias

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom Dick Gautier!?! Oh man, that's even better!! Wow, that made my day. Groovy Man! Groovy! He was an Improv master extrordinare ' :)

Holy yes Boy Wonder definitely wasn't treated good

It's crazy to realize how quickly the Batman show rose to fame, and just as quickly, fell from grace. In the 60s, that's the way it was. Shows like Batman, the Munsters and even the great Dark Shadows all blazed brightly for a very brief period and then went out. As to this issue, I had no idea about the pay discrepancy. I am not surprised that Ward never spoke out about it or seemed angry. He truly seems like a very positive person, a real gentleman. But it was wrong, pure and simple. I really liked everybody on this show and am endlessly fascinated by 'behind the scenes' stories like this. Another good one, Dave.

I believe that there was talk of having Batgirl as Batman's sidekick, but Adam thought that was unfair to Burt. In some sense, yes, he was treated unfair. He has said there were times that there were dangerous stunts, and his stunt double was having coffee with Adam. I can understand they need him for closeups. Victor Paul's hairline was nothing like Burt's. I understand that Burt was a pain. I think he admitted it too. One time he told Stanley Ralph Ross (a writer) that he had too much to do in one show. So Ross had started him on page 4, and then not to return until page 55. (Something like that.) I believe Burt has grown since his Conan O'Brien interview, and has become a canine crusader.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I mention that near the end of the video. And yes, Adam was a true defender of Burt...and Madge Blake (Aunt Harriet).

@wb3381

Жыл бұрын

There was a huge age gap between the 2

@tomlemery8490

Жыл бұрын

@@wb3381 There is a 8 year difference between Burt and Yvonne, and a 9 year difference between Adam and Yvonne.

Dick Gautier played Batman in the equal pay PSA, as Adam West was unavailable.

The irony of that psa, Burt paid less than Yvonne, yet Robin got paid more than batgirl!

the funniest line in the commercial is missing - "Holy DISCONTENT!"

I still love watching the original Batman and Robin. Thanks Dave ❣️😊

Burt Ward was the best Robin and a real life hero. It was sickening, honestly, the way Burt Ward was treated. He was the best "old chum" a Bat could ask for. He really WAS Robin. :)

Regarding Burt, in the beginning stock shot, Burt rode in the Batmobile, while Batman was played by a stuntman, I heard that Burt almost fell out of the car during a sharp turn.

Burt should have campaigned for equal pay for sidekicks.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!!

@jackbits6397

Жыл бұрын

@Dave Sundstrom Had the Sky High movie in my mind's eye when I commented that 😆

Hey Dave, sorry it took me so long to get to this one-i've been busy. My very first comic book crush was Batgirl, and when Yvonne came along my crush doubled. [And the comic version had only been around for a year or so when they added Yvonne to the cast] She was a good fit for the character and embodied her spirit and personality. I can't believe that Burt was getting less paid-that's not right. That commercial should have been 'Equal Pay For Sidekicks!' I knew everyone on the BatMan series got along and were friends-even all the villains. Burgess Meredith and Cesar Romero became good friends also. Do you remember the 'Challenge of the SuperHeroes' specials from the late 70's? They featured Adam and Burt as BatMan and Robin hosting a 'roast' to their fellow superheroes. Anyway, always a pleasure to watch one of your videos and hear the background stories. Have a great holiday my friend and take care of yourself.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I remember “Challenge of the Superheroes” well. It was pretty darn disappointing.

But Batgirl was the one who was doing TV spots saying that women need to receive equal pay. Sorta ironic.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Yep, definitely ironic. Kudos to Burt for being such a good sport!

Just shows the high character that Burt Ward has after what he put up with injuries and low pay he truly was a Boy Wonder. Class Act all the way!

I really love your vids ..you go outside of what is always reviewed by some of other KZreadrs .I enjoy media history and you're always teaching new things.😁

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@mikesilva3868

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom I do too🎅

i agree she shouldn't have been paid less he should have been paid more i watched reruns on family channel with my mom back in the 80s truly classic tv

Being 12 in '65,I watched the show every week, for it's entire run. Being of that age,I had a crush on all of the beautiful ladies in each episode! I never knew the wage discrepancies, until now! Yes I personally think Burt should've been paid more! RIP to all of the actors & actresses that are no longer with us, that were a part of the show,that made it so much fun to watch!

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your memories, Mike!

@Mike583

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom Thank you Dave for allowing me to relive the memories of my youth! Most would remain forgotten, if not for folks like you!❤

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, my friend!

aka Jerry Gillespie. Hey Dave was wondering if you knew Yvonne Craig was married to actor/singer Jimmy Boyd. He sang the original version of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus in 1953. They were married in 1960 when Jimmy was a semi regular on the show Bachelor Father. They divorced in 1962.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing, Jerry.

@markgerard3674

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom No problem Dave. Incidentally both died from the same disease, cancer. Jimmy died in 2009 a few years before Yvonne died

@markgerard3674

Жыл бұрын

I can see why you didn't know Dave. On Yvonne's Wikipedia page there is no mention of her marriage to Jimmy but on his page it does mention the marriage

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like her Wikipedia page needs an update!

@markgerard3674

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom You are correct. Perhaps you can do a segment on the connection between Batgirl and the song I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus since tis the season

Many years ago Yvonne Craig and I were both "celebrities" at a koffeeklatsch at a science fiction convention. I got the impression that she hadn't done much since Batman had ended and felt bad for her. Several folks came to see ME, but nobody came to see her. As for Burt Ward, he certainly did get the short end of the stick. The producers didn't seem to realize that he was eye candy for us little girls because he looked closer to our age while Batman (Adam West) looked old enough to be our father. Regarding whether Yvonne was "sexy" or "attractive," as a straight female, I'm no judge of that.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Great story. How cool is it that you were sitting there right next to Yvonne!!?!? Remind me why you were at the convention. What is your background?

@zapdunga12

Жыл бұрын

Oh stop the bull.. since you are a straight female you can't judge on whether she was attractive and sexy????? Are you for real? I'm a straight man and I can tell if another man is good-looking. You don't have to be gay to see that Elvis didn't look like Barney Fife😂

Stuart Margolin just died on the 12th........"Angel" was such a great character on "The Rockford Files".

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

😢

I like to think we have come along way with equal pay, there was a scene in the movie 9 to 5 1980, when the three female leads "kidnapped" Mr Hart and made changes in the office for the better, when escaped he threatened to send Lily Jane and Dolly to prison when the head guy comes down to why production was up, the ladies explained different things they had done as it was Mr Harts idea, the man was impressed but whispered to his side kick the "equal pay thing" would have to go, anyone who seen the movie will know how it pans out.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Love that movie!

Batgirl killed the series. She shouldn’t have been in every s3 episode. They also nixed the cliffhangers and most were single parters so you had only one episode to have a villain a story AND a third crimefighter. There’s just no time to do that effectively.

@mapleva

2 ай бұрын

Did any other show do cliffhangers with two episodes a week? I think it was exclusive to Batman.

Thanks Dave for posting Love 💘 ❤ 😘 💕 ♥ 💗

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, Wanda!

Heck no was he treated fairly they put that man through hell look at the documentary movie they made year's ago just before Adam West past it'll show&tell you the torture he went through especially about how his stunt double was rarely used and he had to perform most of the stunts.

I believe that Burt and his wife run a non-profit for homeless dogs, I think. He's probably not so bitter because Adam was a life long friend. He was barely an adult when he was in the show so he probably figured he was "paying his dues". That said, he was the most taken advantage of actor in US TV in my opinion.

Holy improprieties! In terms of onscreen experience, sure, he should’ve been paid less. In terms of hard work, definitely not! The stunts alone….diabolical! Batgirl and Catwoman were great discoveries for young boys at the time too. On on hand, you had the bad girl always tempting Batman, on the other, the responsible daddy’s girl with a secret life. I’d heard somewhere that Yvonne did her own motorcycle riding. You can guess how popular that was at the time! Those outfits didn’t hurt, either. Fun fact: one of the pre~Batman movies Craig starred in was the Gene Krupa Story, alongside future Star Trek guests Susan Oliver (Vina, the original “green girl”), and Celia Lovsky (Vulcan leader T’Pau). Somebody in casting was paying excellent attention! I like to think that Wards inclusion in CWs Crisis On Infinite Earths depicted a retired Robin on “patrol’ with Ace, the Bat Hound, staying alert to anything threatening to the fair citizens of Gotham. Also a nod to his work with canines. While there were “ crimson skies of death” lurking, there was no suggestion that Earth 66 was destroyed with the others. You don’t suppose…..? Fortunately, life has been far kinder to Burt later in life, with career opportunities, family, even a star on the walk of fame! Holy long overdue,ol’ chum!

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful comments. Thank for sharing!

Jan Smithers is alright with me for sure, though also liked Lyndsay Wagner of Bionic Woman fame, also really talented pretty actress.

3:30. Yvonne Craig looks like a pre Jennifer Walters She Hulk.

An old Stock Broker friend of mine used to have Burt Ward as a Client, and I remember hearing that he was a Successful Investor. Thanks for the Video 😀

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome…and that’s great to hear!

I had no idea about this! The things I learn on your channel.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same way about your channel, RNG!

Well from what I have seen the villains and villainesses got paid more than anyone per episode (or double episode) Adam West made the most because of course he was in every episode but I don't even he made more per episode than the villains. I think for Burt it was so dang much fun that he may not have cared about the money

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Good point about the guest villain's pay!

wasn’t fair!! Still did his job tho🫡 Robin

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

Adam West is honored in his hometown of Walla Walla every September.

@jdsundstrom

2 ай бұрын

I'm thinking about heading up there for "Adam West Day" this year.

@mapleva

2 ай бұрын

@@jdsundstrom That would be a great trip, I would go.

Dave, I never knew season 2 had 60 episodes

Cesar Romero should have been paid more than any of them.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I believe he was.

I love Yvonne I have clips of Batgirl in my channel the book and a picture with her autograph. I like Robin too, love the Batman tv show.

I think Burt deserves it because he was just as important as Adam West. While Batman had the gear, Robin had the youthful enthusiasm that gave him confidence. And, during those fight scenes, although it was very well staged and choreographed, Robin threw some punches that were haymakers. More effective than Batman. By today’s standards, rent was reasonably cheep and groceries were not ridiculously high priced as they are today. So, you could live okay with that salary, back then. Batgirl did bring something to the show, her Batcycle, intelligence, beauty, courage and those beautifully high kicks during her fight scenes.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree, Gary!

It's hard to believe he only made $450 an episode, even by the standards of the time that really seems low. That said, the series was really a flash in the pan. It had one good half season, the film based on the series underperformed at the box office that summer, by the time the second season started the series was in a full nosedive barely surviving the network axe at season's end. Batgirl was a character being brought in to save the series. Unfortunately, she couldn't coexist with Robin, she would have to become Batman's primary assistant for the idea to have any chance of working. They kept Robin cluttering the half hour series with way too many characters to service(Batgirl is really two characters Batgirl and Barbara Gordon). Honestly it was probably too late anyway, once a fad dies it's hard to reignite the interest.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

While I'm glad the show was renewed for a third season, the quality of those episodes had diminished dramatically. It's too bad Batgirl hadn't been an occasional guest during the first and second season INSTEAD of being brought on-board to save the show.

LOVE BATMAN, I REALLY WANT TO SING THE SONG HOORAY FOR CHRISTMAS I REALLY DO BUT I ALREADY HAVE DONE IT ALREADY SO I AM GOING TO SING HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Wow! Yeah! I did not know that. Way unfair!

It probably came down to his Agent not asking for enough I know in business it's always better to start high because you can always go down but you rarely can ever go up once an agreement has been made.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I’m not sure if Burt even had a manager during those early years.

How many episodes was she in? Was she ever officially a series regular? Maybe she was being paid guest star rates.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I believe she was in every episode during the 3rd season where she was a series regular.

But Burt was the only one with a hot song, (available on KZread)...

From what I understand, I don't think the rumors are true about dropping Burt, but the reason why they paid Yvonne more was because they were going to do a spin off show of a new Batgirl series. About to be the star of her own show, as a star she would be paid star wages. Of course the cancelation of Batman put a damper on that spin off show. That's according to other sources that I know of.

I prefer her in Green

If I correctly remember the publicity around a book Burt Ward had written some years back, he seemed to really enjoy all the female fan "attention" he got. That sounds like some pretty good compensation!

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Definitely a nice perk!

Burt Wart and Walter Konig had it rough, only because they were a couple of young bucks on TV shows with extremely sexy women in sexy attire. Oh the blue balls they must have gone home with.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I think they’d both say they were blessed to have worked with ladies who were beautiful in more ways than just there physical appearances.

Me encanta la capa de Batichica me encanta la capa de seda de Batichica ❤

Actually Dave, Yvonne Craig's autobiography is actually pretty easy to find. It's available on Yvonne Craig's official site, which is run by Craig's sister: Meridel Carson.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

It still isn't cheap. Once you add in shipping, it's almost $40 for an unsigned paperback edition.

That PSA is typical. Reminds me of US women's soccer.

Such income discrepancies are sad, but Burt is obviously a class act, and didn't let it affect his performance or relationships. I do applaud Yvonne for being paid what she was worth, but stiffing Burt like that was bad form. I grew up on those shows, and they hold very fond memories for me.

HOLY EXPLOITATION BATMAN!😮

Yvonne Craig was also on an episode of Dobie Gillis as a beatnik girl earlier in the 60s.

@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc

Жыл бұрын

Yvonne Craig also appeared in an episode of Star Trek, the original series.

The execs were criminal to Burt. They put him in a tight costume and when he was human, they gave him pills to try to permanently help. Fortunately Adam talked him out of going along.

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

They really took advantage of the fact that Ward was a newcomer and a young guy so they could pull any dick moves on him as they desired. If this is true, and it certainly makes sense that it would be, Burt Ward was up for the role of Benjamin Braddock in the Graduate, and was forced to decline it as network executives were cautious about the illusion of "Robin" being spoiled by his other work. I don't see why he couldn't have at least gone for an audition or screen test and if he landed the role, just say bye-bye, put a mask and cape on some other kid and keep going. I thought "what if he landed Dustin Hoffman's career?" Burt Ward might've been Tootsie!

I think your pay should be based on your abilities, and what you bring to your employer, not your gender or race.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

Too bad Batgirl wasn't on Batman for all three seasons.

I think Burt was given a cameo on Supergirl

To be honest, I agree with the producers on this. Not once did I watch the show because of Robin. Batgirl? Yes. Catwoman? YES.

Did Burt have acting experience prior to Batman?

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Nope

@wb3381

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom I thought he was a child actor prior

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

@@wb3381 He was a martial arts champion in some league, but he was working for a real estate company at the time of his audition.

Burt was the only Robin for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The show was my life for 3 years.

Dave, I was wondering if you was going to bring up the point that they were going to write him off the show, but I had a feeling you wasn't going to leave it out. Most definitely, Yvonne Craig, was accusing well let me add this point what he didn't get per episode, he made it up with his backstage Conquest.

That sad Bret Word. Got short end of stick . But that Hollywood I remember TV 📺 ads as a little boy.. Batman is not Batman with out Robin.&Batgirl.

Nah that’s stupid he was the best to watch on that show

Burt was making chump change

Well he did have the smaller pole.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Yikes!

@GoldenRAGEofTV

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstromWell, hey I..well I. uh. Holy Innuendoes Batman!

@caulkins69

Жыл бұрын

Tell that to the Catholic League of Decency.

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

@@caulkins69 You beat me to it, but I'm glad the subject was...brought up....raised?...a very solid point, caulkins

Holy Crimson Sky of Death

i like his character,he did a great job.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

Wholly Short-Change Dave! Hope he doesn't end up being a WARD of the State! (😆😆😆)

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Ha! I see what you did there!

I never watch Star Trek and I never watch those other shows But I really love the guy who played Robin he was good raven boy wonder was excellent he should’ve got paid more than bat girl that was not right he was on there a lot longer and showed him more often I don’t know why he didn’t speak up at the time the only thing I didn’t like this at the beginning of the show when she came in I thought they said they change the song around when they say Batman they said I said Batman bad girl actually I don’t know why they called her a bad girl since she was not really a girl she was a woman they should’ Call her bat Woman that would’ve made more sense because she wasn’t really a girl at the time did she get paid more than him because she was a woman if that was the truth that wasn’t right he was in the shower that long longer and he had more episodes then she did I don’t know why he didn’t speak up about himself❤

Holy Julie Newmar is the hottest, Batman🔥 Yvonne Craig, a very close second❤️‍🔥 Burt got hosed💸

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Yes...yes...and YES!!!

Hey this one's not in Spanish!

Burt was treated badly he deserved better so did Yvonne and adam

First black eye I ever got, I was playing Batman and running around the room throwing fists and saying, POW, BOINK, ZOOM and ran into the door. Everyone thought I got beat up because I was too embarrassed to tell them I was playing Batman. Also, I have had a life long affection for women wearing a specific sexy attire. Got that from Batgirl. Had it all my life. Love it and love her. Batgirl, Barbara Stanwick and I dream of Jeannie set the standard for my taste in women and what they wear.

It’s pronounced E-von, not Ya-von.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the assistance!

I would say Burt wasn’t treated all the best the whole run of the show due to the fact that his stunt double wasn’t used as much as Adam’s was causing him to get hurt a bit more during filming cause it would be more noticeable when a stunt double was in for robin due to the mask Burt wore like it was visible in the movie in the big submarine fight that in places franks stunt double was in the shot cause Frank even in his older day wore his hair slicked back and in some shots the riddler’s hair isn’t slick back or like it was and got messed up from the fight and after the catholic league of decency complained about their privates being visible in their tights like u would see in a pair of pants Burt was forced to try and shrink his and the show tried various methods before settling on a pill that would make his less noticeable when in the robin suit but the show didn’t really abandon the cliffhanger style in the 3rd season they just didn’t have the worlds come up that the show’s producer william dozier would read us at the end of the first half of the plot cause there were like 4 2 part plots and one 3 part plot in season 3

Bert what is speak up for myself and I wish you would’ve Finished the storyt

Burt defiantly got shafted being the lowest paid performer. I mean, if anything he should the second highest paid, after Adam West being the titular character of course. Seems to be due to how young he was. Thanks for the video Dave!

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Jared!

Thanks.

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome

No he was not treated fair if you’re going to bring something up you need to talk about it because that’s not right to bring up something in and it like you did you said Robin almost got dropped from show I want to know why I mean you shouldn’t bring up something if you can’t finish it I’m sure most of us would like to know why they almost droppe himd

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

They almost dropped him because the budget for the show was dramatically reduced for the 3rd season. Because of that, they were considering having Batgirl be Batman's one and only sidekick.

@veronicamiller3868

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom Well I’m glad that didn’t happen and what they have done killed them off if they would’ve killed him off then his idea Wood I’ve been ruined what I don’t understand on the commercial that bad girl said that it was a lot that a woman had to make the same as a man but I’m threes company Suzanne’s Quit because she wanted to make the same as a man and they didn’t want to pair that so how was it and Batman that bat Got more money than Robin this does not make any sense but I’m glad they did not Robin I don’t think the fans would’ve liked it at all

No he was not… 😢

I never liked the addition of Batgirl.

@frankenjstein9371

Жыл бұрын

I did. Yvonne was insanely beautiful and talented.

@JohnLee-pt5jz

Жыл бұрын

I never really thought about it.

@farrellmcnulty909

Жыл бұрын

the character was cool, I just hated everything else around it, the cheap sets, the lousy writing, etc. I think the first season was its best, its scariest, its funniest.

Na na na batman interesting info on the 60s batman tv series 🎳

@jdsundstrom

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike!

@mikesilva3868

Жыл бұрын

@@jdsundstrom no problem 🎅