I'd say Gorshin was already a name in 1965. He was playing the top clubs and before Batman aired, he had signed for his 11th Ed Sullivan appearance. Besides, you don't buy a Bel Air mansion without some money in the pocket. He was the bigger TV name and she was the bigger movie name. Dozier simply c...

Gorshin was hot in 1965. In addition to his very popular nightclub work and variety show guest spots, his dramatic role on COMBAT was well received, he was in talks to open on Broadway in Jerome Robbins' The Office and he did a western with Chuck Connors, "Ride Beyond Vengeance." And he bo...

Here's how the first show was spotlighted in a half-page listing in TV Guide:

There are a lot of different cuts in that video and his line ordering the orange juice is the original track recorded on set. In the final show, it's looped in post.

He is outstanding in GIGOT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1hYJs2vctU

Gleason wanted the part according to this syndicated Feb. 5, 1966 article.

From Army Archerd's column in Daily Variety: January 5, 1967

I missed that, sorry for the double post!

Did anyone know this bit of trivia!

I really doubt the change in his military classification was a publicity stunt!

I think the producers - who were still anxious to get enough shows in the can for syndication - were taking no chances.

Thanks, I'm glad that you've found it interesting. Burt received his A1 reclassification in early January 1967 meaning he was available for unrestricted military service and meant he could be drafted whenever needed. The first mention of Batgirl was in the trades on January 9, 1967 and the presentat...

What's the origin of claiming the movie was supposed to precede the TV show?

In looking at the trades and Adam's schedule in 1965, that would not have been possible.