Batman, Episode 4 - The Penguin's a Jinx (1966)

Batman, Episode 4 - The Penguin's a Jinx (1966)

50 years ago today...
"The Penguin's a Jinx," the fourth episode of the Batman TV series, premiered on ABC TV, January 20th, 1966.  It continued on from the cliffhanger that ended the previous episode, with Bruce Wayne in an incinerator deathtrap.  After Bruce escapes the trap, he and Robin attempt to predict The Penguin's next crime.  Unbeknownst to the Dynamic Duo, while Batman was unable to bug The Penguin's Umbrella factory, The Penguin was able to sneak a bug into the Batcave.  As a result, rather than predicting The Penguin's next crime, they are actually planning it for him, as The Penguin listens in.  The crime involves kidnapping a Hollywood actress who is shooting a film in Gotham, and holding her for ransom.

Batman and Robin Inadvertently Plan The Penguin's Next Crime

Eventually, Batman and Robin realize what has happened and use the listening device to convey false information to The Penguin and capture him.  The episode ends on a sad note, however, as the actress has fallen hopelessly in love with Batman, and is now doomed to a life of loneliness.

The Penguin and His Henchmen

"Fine Feathered Finks" and "The Penguin's a Jinx" were based on the 1965 story "Partners in Plunder" that appeared in issue 169 of the Batman comic book, written by France Herron and drawn by Sheldon Moldoff.

Bat-Facts for The Penguin's a Jinx:  

Special Guest Villain: Burgess Meredith as "The Penguin"

Featured Bat-Gadget: The Bat-zooka

Robin's Catchphrase: "Holy flypaper!"

Weirdest Sign or Label: "Secret Elevator to Umbrella Factory"

Onomatopoeias: "Pow!!  Ooooff!  Krunch!  Bam!  Zlonk!  Clunk!"

 

Pow!!  Ooooff!  Krunch!  Bam!  Zlonk!  Clunk!

More screencaps after the break...

Bruce Wayne Deathtrap on TV

Alfred and Robin Worry About the Batman

Flaming Shoes!

Alfred Uses the Service Elevator

The Penguin and His Goons Listen in on The Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder

"Oh, what a drag it is being a famous movie star and so rich. Why doesn't anything exciting ever happen to me?"

Batman Fires the Bat-zooka

"Don't be alarmed, Miss Robbins, we're not law-breakers."

Celebrated Crime Fighters

The Penguin's Trick Umbrella

Batman and Robin Shake Hands After Punching People

Bruce Wayne: Smooth Operator