Every Screen Batman Ranked From Worst To Best

11. Robert Lowery (Batman & Robin Serials, 1949)

Much like the earlier, superior serial starring Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery's Batman & Robin serials from 1949 are firmly entrenched in a different time. They have inevitably aged poorly, but there's more than enough charm in the black and white episodes to warrant watching them (you can buy the whole set on DVD).

On reflection, it seems that Zack Snyder learned something of his approach to zippy editing from director Gordon Bennett, who hurtles the action onwards at a startling pace. Unfortunately, Bob Kane was never a fan, but for completists, the serials are a necessity.

Lowery's Batman is an unfortunately comic affair: he has the soft middle of golden age portly actors who achieved an "action physique" by sucking in, and his line delivery is sub-Adam West quality and creaks badly.

Still, he's the best thing about the hokey serials, and there's definitely something to be said for the idea of Batman as a noirish detective, punching his way towards the measliest plot progression he was given before the next cliffhanger.