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

The 1943 serial of Batman may not be as well-known as the more recent versions of the DC superhero but it's still significant since it was the first live-action adaptation of the cowled crimefighter. The 15-part series also introduced the concept of The Bat Cave, which has been a staple in the comics since.

However, the serial did take many liberties from the source material. There was no Joker, Bruce Wayne was a government agent, and he fought zombies for some reason.

But the most significant alteration was how Alfred was depicted. Originally, Batman's valet was a portly and bumbling fool who perceived himself as a master detective despite the fact he didn't realise his employer was Batman.

In this serial, William Austin portrayed Alfred as an assured, firm, and somewhat flippant butler. The creative team behind the Batman comics loved Austin's performance and so, revised the character to resemble the actor's portrayal.

The writers also gave Alfred a lean physique and wispy moustache to further emulate Austin's look. Austin may not be famous by today's standards but he can't get enough credit since he's the only person who's performance changed how the character was portrayed in the comics for decades to come.