...And, not just in the form of the late, legendary '60s and '70s thespian goddess Julie Gregg, one of the privileged ladies (Marianna Hill being the other) to have both a "Batman" episodic acting credit, and a role in "The Godfather" saga! "Batman" butler 'Alfred' (Alan Napier) figures heavily in this episode, which is beyond cool, as his veteran presence is always welcome! In fact, the 'Alfred' character seemed to be more often showcased in 'Penguin' episodes, which made me wonder if there was some unusual connection between Burgess Meredith, and Mr. Napier! In any event, good show, sir!
4 Reviews
Knott A. Fish?
kevinolzak20 May 2016
"Fine Finny Fiends" concludes the brief first season on a typically high note. Burgess Meredith's third two parter as The Penguin opens with Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred (Alan Napier) strolling down the street in search of a bargain deal on caviar, coming upon a phony shop set up by Penguin's goons (Victor Lundin would return with Cliff Robertson's Shame for the third season). It's only a matter of moments before Alfred is unconscious due to Penguin gas, the cagey bird carefully brainwashing the butler so that he can learn where the Multimillionaires Annual Awards Dinner is located at the proper time. The news of Alfred's kidnapping is tempered somewhat by his quick return to Wayne Manor, but with a decidedly odd twitch that signals all is not right with their trusted associate. A fish hook planted by The Penguin brings the Dynamic Duo to the waterfront's South Pier, run by Knott A. Fish, but wind up trapped in a vacuum room where the oxygen is being sucked out at high speed. Knott A. Fish has a moll this time, a beautiful blonde called Finella, played by Julie Gregg, modeling one eye popping bathing suit after another (she would get unbilled bits in "Green Ice," plus the 1966 feature film). Bill Williams appears in both chapters as an unnamed Multimillionaire.
Alfred kidnapped!
ShadeGrenade16 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
As I write this, the '60's 'Batman' series is being repeated for what feels like the millionth time. There is a good reason why its repeats are still with us - it is a marvellous show. It could have been called 'post-modern ironic' had that pretentious term existed in 1966. Hopefully I.T.V.-4 will show all three seasons ( B.B.C-4 had it last, but cut it short after only two ). It hails from the same wonderful, mad era of U.S. television that gave us 'Star Trek', 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E', 'The Monkees' and 'Get Smart'. Colour had recently arrived, and 'Batman' was well placed to take advantage of the medium. The sets, costumes, special effects, and action sequences look great to this day. Besides, after enduring the sheer hell of 'The Dark Knight' ( whoever who have thought 'Batman' could get so depressing? ) on D.V.D. recently, it comes a blessed relief. It is unashamedly campy and I love it to bits. Those who dismiss it as 'cheesy' are missing the point.
'Fine Finny Fiends' was the opening instalment of the two-part season finale. Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, Alfred ( Alan Napier ) goes to a fish store to buy caviar for the upcoming Millionaires Annual Dinner Dance only to be kidnapped by the Penguin ( Burgess Meredith ). Batman and Robin are concerned not only for the fate of their friend, but also because he knows their secret identities. The Penguin wants to know the location of the dance, but Alfred does not know it, so the wily old bird lets him go, albeit in a brainwashed state. Batman suddenly notices his butler twitching involuntarily for no apparent reason...
Scripted by Sheldon Stark, this was directed by Tom Gries, later to make the films 'Will Penny' and 'Breakheart Pass'.
We can only guess at how much fun the cast and crew must have had making this show. The writers were fond of getting saucy jokes past the censor - the 'Catwoman' episodes make endless 'pussy' references for example. There is a curious little scene here - Finella ( the beautiful Julie Gregg ), the Penguin's moll, is bent over whilst wearing a revealing swim-suit, and behind her are two men puffing and panting as they operate a bellows. The sexual overtones are unmistakable. Scenes like that were fun for adults while the kids ( me included ) were happy to lap up the adventure content.
The episode ends with the usual cliffhanger - here its Batman and Robin trapped in a room with with the air being pumped out by the Penguin's goons. Will they escape? Of course they will!
Before I sign off, a quick mention of new B.B.C.-1 controller Danny Cohen's recent interview in 'The Radio Times'. Asked why he had axed the hit drama 'Lark Rise To Candleford', he replied: "We've got lots of exciting new projects lined up!". Sounds impressive until you recall that, back in 1991, 'Eldorado' was also described as 'an exciting new project'. Responding to complaints about squeezed closing credits, he then said: "We've got to get the balance right" which is the kind of reply you usually only ever get from Government ministers when their departments come under fire for wasteful spending. Balance between what exactly, Mr.Cohen? People hate the practice of squeezing closing credits and voice-overs trying to promote the next programme before the last one has finished and yet it still goes on. Be brave and scrap it, sir, and you'll go down in the annals of television history as a hero to rival 'Batman'.
'Fine Finny Fiends' was the opening instalment of the two-part season finale. Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, Alfred ( Alan Napier ) goes to a fish store to buy caviar for the upcoming Millionaires Annual Dinner Dance only to be kidnapped by the Penguin ( Burgess Meredith ). Batman and Robin are concerned not only for the fate of their friend, but also because he knows their secret identities. The Penguin wants to know the location of the dance, but Alfred does not know it, so the wily old bird lets him go, albeit in a brainwashed state. Batman suddenly notices his butler twitching involuntarily for no apparent reason...
Scripted by Sheldon Stark, this was directed by Tom Gries, later to make the films 'Will Penny' and 'Breakheart Pass'.
We can only guess at how much fun the cast and crew must have had making this show. The writers were fond of getting saucy jokes past the censor - the 'Catwoman' episodes make endless 'pussy' references for example. There is a curious little scene here - Finella ( the beautiful Julie Gregg ), the Penguin's moll, is bent over whilst wearing a revealing swim-suit, and behind her are two men puffing and panting as they operate a bellows. The sexual overtones are unmistakable. Scenes like that were fun for adults while the kids ( me included ) were happy to lap up the adventure content.
The episode ends with the usual cliffhanger - here its Batman and Robin trapped in a room with with the air being pumped out by the Penguin's goons. Will they escape? Of course they will!
Before I sign off, a quick mention of new B.B.C.-1 controller Danny Cohen's recent interview in 'The Radio Times'. Asked why he had axed the hit drama 'Lark Rise To Candleford', he replied: "We've got lots of exciting new projects lined up!". Sounds impressive until you recall that, back in 1991, 'Eldorado' was also described as 'an exciting new project'. Responding to complaints about squeezed closing credits, he then said: "We've got to get the balance right" which is the kind of reply you usually only ever get from Government ministers when their departments come under fire for wasteful spending. Balance between what exactly, Mr.Cohen? People hate the practice of squeezing closing credits and voice-overs trying to promote the next programme before the last one has finished and yet it still goes on. Be brave and scrap it, sir, and you'll go down in the annals of television history as a hero to rival 'Batman'.
NOT WITH MY BUTLER YOU DON'T!!!!
tcchelsey24 September 2023
You know it was coming, right? Sooner or later Alfred, the butler was going to be kidnapped. In this case, the crafty Penguin has his goons trail the distinguished gentleman, who is shopping for cavier for his "other" boss, fabulously wealthy Bruce Wayne. Of course, the big worry here --for BATMAN -- is that Alfred may spill the proverbial beans as to who the caped crusader actually is.
Naaaa. He wouldn't....
Poor Alfred is subjected to the "Penguin box", which is sort of a steam box, where the Penguin can sweat the truth out of him, among other terrible deeds. The fiend! The Penguin is assisted by beautiful, but sinister Finella, played by popular actress Julie Gregg. Julie would become quite famous in a few years, playing Sandra Corleone in THE GODFATHER.
The ending is clever enough as Batman and Robin find a fish hook as a clue, leading them to the waterfront warehouse belonging to Knot A. Fish? Don't y'all love it? Now they get trapped by the qwacking Penguin and it's another game of death.
Well directed by Tom Gries, no stranger to adventure, with such credits as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, the RAT PATROL and VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. This is also a fairly decent size role for Alan Napier (as Alfred), who, when not answering the Bat phone, is generally tidying up either the Bat Cave or the Wayne mansion!
Napier, who stood 6 foot 6, claimed he really did not know much about Batman when he got the role as tv's most famous butler. He never read comic books! However, he had a distinguished stage and film background and seemed a perfect fit. Prior to BATMAN, he was in several classic episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, also on cop shows like IRONSIDE.
By the way. Alfred's last name is Pennyworth. Super trivia question!
Best of SEASON 1, EPISODE 33 remastered dvd box set.
Naaaa. He wouldn't....
Poor Alfred is subjected to the "Penguin box", which is sort of a steam box, where the Penguin can sweat the truth out of him, among other terrible deeds. The fiend! The Penguin is assisted by beautiful, but sinister Finella, played by popular actress Julie Gregg. Julie would become quite famous in a few years, playing Sandra Corleone in THE GODFATHER.
The ending is clever enough as Batman and Robin find a fish hook as a clue, leading them to the waterfront warehouse belonging to Knot A. Fish? Don't y'all love it? Now they get trapped by the qwacking Penguin and it's another game of death.
Well directed by Tom Gries, no stranger to adventure, with such credits as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, the RAT PATROL and VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. This is also a fairly decent size role for Alan Napier (as Alfred), who, when not answering the Bat phone, is generally tidying up either the Bat Cave or the Wayne mansion!
Napier, who stood 6 foot 6, claimed he really did not know much about Batman when he got the role as tv's most famous butler. He never read comic books! However, he had a distinguished stage and film background and seemed a perfect fit. Prior to BATMAN, he was in several classic episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, also on cop shows like IRONSIDE.
By the way. Alfred's last name is Pennyworth. Super trivia question!
Best of SEASON 1, EPISODE 33 remastered dvd box set.
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