Batman: Every Live-Action Alfred Pennyworth Ranked Worst To Best

11. Eric Wilton - Batman And Robin (1949)

After the success of the 1943 Batman serial, Columbia created a 15-part follow-up called Batman and Robin. Although Robin appeared in the previous series, this continuation focussed primarily on the Boy Wonder's relationship with his mentor.

Because more emphasis is put on the dynamic duo, it feels like Alfred (played by Eric Wilton) is lost in the shuffle. In this serial, Alfred doesn't act like Bruce's legal guardian or his aide-de-camp. Instead, he's just... his butler

Now, that doesn't suggest he just buttles about (which is a real word). As one would expect, he assists Batman with his crime-fighting exploits at every given opportunity. He always has an excuse to explain Bruce's absence to his acquaintances. He's eager to let Bruce know of any criminal activity in the city and gives him any advice he deems helpful.

But Wilton doesn't play the character with the same affinity we've seen in other adaptations. He also doesn't appear much in each episode (and he's not credited in the opening) so you don't care as much about his relationship with Bruce. Because of the way Wilton's character is written (or underwritten), Alfred comes across as a helpful assistant, and nothing more.