I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

General goings on in the 1966 Batman World

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High C
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by High C »

Bob Furmanek wrote: Wed Feb 06, 2019 12:14 pm Gorshin 10.1.65.JPG
Interesting that Stephen Kandel was involved. Obviously this didn't sell.
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'She had a devastating, hypnotic effect on all the men.'--A schoolmate describing Joan Collins at age 17
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Mark Racop
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by Mark Racop »

This is a fascinating topic. I've wondered the same, but thought about it from a more practical standpoint: maybe the makeup shop wasn't ready for Joker's white face and green hair, or the Penguin's nose? Maybe Cesar and Burgess weren't available for the pilot shooting dates? Maybe the prop department needed more time to make the giant umbrella. As far as it being a gamble to use Gorshin, I certainly agree that it was, but I'm so thrilled that we all get to enjoy the payoff.
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Bob Furmanek
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by Bob Furmanek »

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 bought a mansion in Bel Air!
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epaddon
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by epaddon »

Thanks for filling in some more background, Bob. It certainly helps broaden my understanding of where Gorshin stood at that point though if there wasn't in Dozier's mind a perceived risk, then there shouldn't have been a need for casting a henchmoll who was unquestionably a bigger name than Gorshin at the time.
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High C
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by High C »

Bob Furmanek wrote: Wed Feb 06, 2019 12:52 pm 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 bought a mansion in Bel Air!
Based on your research, Bob, I'd say Gorshin was just on the verge of breaking out as a star, and Batman pushed him over the top. But he wasn't quite there when Dozier signed him, so that's why Dozier hedged his bet by casting Jill St. John and giving her top billing ahead of Gorshin.
'I thought Siren was perfect for Joan.'--Stanley Ralph Ross, writer of 'The Wail of the Siren'

My hobbies include gazing at the Siren and doing her bidding, evil or otherwise.

'She had a devastating, hypnotic effect on all the men.'--A schoolmate describing Joan Collins at age 17
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Bob Furmanek
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by Bob Furmanek »

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 covered both bases.
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High C
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by High C »

Bob Furmanek wrote: Thu Feb 07, 2019 9:45 am 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 covered both bases.
I respect your opinion as much or more than anyone's but we'll have to agree to disagree on this one, Bob. Thanks for your input.
'I thought Siren was perfect for Joan.'--Stanley Ralph Ross, writer of 'The Wail of the Siren'

My hobbies include gazing at the Siren and doing her bidding, evil or otherwise.

'She had a devastating, hypnotic effect on all the men.'--A schoolmate describing Joan Collins at age 17
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dell
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by dell »

Better to cover as many bases as you can with the pilot. The Batman character is a draw for the kids, Jill St John is a good draw for the guys (I don't know if they made a big deal out of who would be in the episode), and Frank Gorshin is a good draw for those people familiar with his other work. A well balanced cast for a show that was very edgy for 1966.
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Dr. Shimel
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by Dr. Shimel »

Bob Furmanek wrote: Thu Feb 07, 2019 9:45 am I'd say Gorshin was already a name in 1965...he had signed for his 11th Ed Sullivan appearance.
One of his Ed Sullivan appearances delivered a huge audience. Of course, that Feb. 9, 1964 appearance also had some up-and-coming group from Liverpool on it... :lol: :lol: :lol:
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dell
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by dell »

Dr. Shimel wrote: Sat Feb 09, 2019 8:31 pm
Bob Furmanek wrote: Thu Feb 07, 2019 9:45 am I'd say Gorshin was already a name in 1965...he had signed for his 11th Ed Sullivan appearance.
One of his Ed Sullivan appearances delivered a huge audience. Of course, that Feb. 9, 1964 appearance also had some up-and-coming group from Liverpool on it... :lol: :lol: :lol:
Chad and Jeremy???
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Dan E Kool
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Re: I think Dozier rolled the dice with Gorshin

Post by Dan E Kool »

Perhaps Gorshin wasn't as big a name with a wider audience as Burgess Meredith, but maybe he was hot with the audience that Dozier was looking for? A younger, hipper audience?
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