It’s Friday!
By now, you all know about the passing of actor Adam West last weekend at the age of 88. He had a long career, appearing in such classic television shows as Maverick, Bonanza, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, The Outer Limits, Bewitched, Night Gallery, The Love Boat, Laverne and Shirley and Murder She Wrote among many others. But of course, he’ll always be most fondly remembered for his iconic portrayal of Lionel Lamely in the film “The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood.”
And Batman. He played Batman, too.
I’ve been sitting on two Adam West clips, debating whether or not to use them. Now it seems obvious.
The first is the classic “Batusi” dance. It’s certainly groovy, but “Groovy Friday” groovy? There’s just that thirty seconds of West dancing before the candy-colored fisticuffs begin. Still, I think that’s enough.
You have to love West for his total commitment to the role even in the most ridiculous situations. Like this one, where he hosts The Hollywood Palace in full costume singing new lyrics to the classic song “Orange Colored Sky.” It’s an amusing choice given its “smash bang” lyrics and West is not a bad singer. Plus there’s the recommended Friday dose of go-go boots.
Have a groovy weekend!
Groovy Friday Extra!
Here’s the entire Adam West episode of “Hollywood Palace” with guest stars George Carlin, Ray Charles, “Groovy Friday” alumnus Joey Heatherton, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. That’s one helluva line-up.
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