“ABC Hoping To Set New Trend With ‘Batman.” That was the headline on this story from our Jan. 12, 1966, edition of the Orlando Sentinel.
Sandra Hinson’s story previews the debut of what would become the iconic “Batman” TV series. Here’s her story:
A white hot beam of light pierces the midnight sky, sending its urgent message into the inky black night over Gotham, striking terror into rotten hearts of evil-doers.
At the end of that blinding beam, sent forth from Police Commissioner Gordon’s office, the clouds above the city reflect the winged symbol of swift and incorruptible justice — The Bat — the mute unfailing call for Batman!
ABC’s twice-weekly TV series based on the famous “Batman” cartoon character debuts Wednesday night leading off the network’s highly touted “second season” of four new shows. The publicity staff is pulling out all the stops to arouse interest in the show, including a Hollywood premiere in New York complete with lights, blazing Bat symbols, plush red carpets, champagne and popcorn.
The production staff has gone all out to make the show appeal to adults as well as the eight to 14-year-old action set. “This is merchandising medium, not an entertainment medium,” said producer William Dozier, explaining why he decided to apply the pop art technique of the exaggerated cliche, laying it on to the point where it becomes amusing to adults.
Part of an ad that appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on Jan. 12, 1966 for the debut of ‘Batman’ on WFTV-Channel 9. (Sentinel file)
“Picture it.” exclaims Judy Stone, New York Times News Service television writer: “Bruce Wayne, clean-cut millionaire crime fighter, known to evil-doers as Batman and his young ward, alias Robin, Boy Wonder, high on the wipe-’em-out list of The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), cunning head of the Molehill Mob. “You swing a mean cape,” says Molly, the mob’s moll (Jill St. John), as she and Batman dance the Watusi at the ‘What-A-Way-To-Go-Go’ just before Batman slumps to the floor, done in by glass of orange juice. But wait, Batman will rise again!
Naturally, ABC is hoping to set a new trend with the show. Dozier is quoted as saying “If comic book series can be produced as well as we hope to produce ‘Batman,’ we would be delighted to start a trend.”
Article from Jan 12, 1966 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Florida) <!— 
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What else can they do to promote the show? Introduce a new dance, of course. And what will they call it? “The Batusi,” what else? Jon and Lee and the Checkmates intruded it at New York City’s famed Peppermint Lounge. Sample lyric: “Shake your hips, it’s mighty neat, do it hanging by your feet.”
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