ADAM WEST: A HERO SETS A STANDARD           by Scott Cranford

​What an incredible, colorful, hopeful, and exciting endless world the 1966 Batman TV series and movie created. And at the center of it all, a hero rich in coolness, confidence and moral fiber. "The" Batman, as far a this fan is concerned, Adam West. 

Adam West impacted what people believe makes up a superhero and set a standard that still influences modern society. Adam West was heroic in many fashion’s. He made boy scout ethics admirable and hip. He delivered an honest, forthright hero to millions of children and adults all over the world. He will live on forever. 

When Adam West was cast as Batman he was experienced enough to know that in order to make this character work, he would have to bring something new to the table. Something that no one had done before. Sources revealed that the producers wanted Batman’s delivery to be wooden, like Joe Friday on Dragnet. But it was West’s idea to make the character become excited when putting together clues. This stratagy paid off big time. Adam West's range of character and explosive movements are unforgettable. 

​As a kid living in Rocky Hill, CT., I was obsessed with The Batman series and Adam West’s portrayal of Batman. I had my friend John Prest tape record the audio of the shows and bring them to school for me. We took fandom too far before it was cool, creating costumes based on the 1966 series and visiting banks, police stations, etc. Batman was a great source of heroic inspiration for me, and continues to be. 
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With Adam West and Marcella Cranford at a press mixer in Metropolis, Ill

City Hall in Los Angeles CA shines The Batsignal in honor of Adam West

Adam West, Noel Neill, Julie Newmar, Steve Stanley, Scott Cranford

​I was working on a movie set one day at the beach. I was at the catering truck getting a cup of coffee, when I looked up next to me and saw Adam West. I was stunned. I told him that he was my favorite actor and how much he meant to me. He couldn’t have been more gracious. 

Years later Adam was a guest in Metropolis Illinois and I had the honor of spending time with him and even got to go out to dinner with him. It was the ultimate experience for a Batman fan. I was able to witness first hand a little piece of Adam's life. It was no surprise to me how fond people were of him. He felt a responsibility to live up to his persona to his fans. He was a real life superhero and role model. ​

Riding the Batmobile in Metropolis, Illinois at The Superman Celebration

Hearing of Adam West's passing hit me hard. Although he lived a long life and was able to enjoy his fame as Batman, it is still difficult to accept. A bright knight has fallen. 

 

I went to the Bat-signal dedication gathering in Los Angeles honoring the hero, appropriately held on the steps of City Hall. It was sponsored by the mayor and the police chief. I was pleased to see thousands of fans, young and old come out for the superhero legend.

Ralph Garman spoke eloquently about the man he helped get the respect he deserved. His trusty sidekick Burt Ward (Robin), in a voice that is one of a kind, reminded the crowd how Adam spent his life spreading joy and how his life long friend wanted to make the world better.
It was a Heroic message indeed! ​

To Adam West: Well done Old Chum! Thanks for having the guts to be a hero! 
​-Scott Cranford

Also remembering my Bat-buddies Jeff Cranford, Jason Krause, Scott Summitt, Steve Stanley, Charlie Fitzsimons, Jason Broadway, Burt Ward, Ralph Garman and especially those who never hesitated when I asked them to suit up, Michael Myslenski, Andrew Bricker, John Prest, David Defose, Eric Chmielecki, Jason Chmielecki and David Comfort.