Julie Newmar and Batman Comments: Original Catwoman Sounds Off

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Sunday, July 29, 2012

Two weeks after the newest Batman movie hit theaters, the original Catwoman Julie Newmar has commented on the film franchise.

The actress portrayed Catwoman, also known as Selina Kyle, on ABC's series "Batman" from 1966 through 1968.

In the latest installation, "The Dark Knight Rises," Catwoman is portrayed by superstar Anne Hathaway. In a recent interview, Newmar divulged mixed feelings on the Christopher Nolan-directed film franchise and on other Catwoman portrayals.

"It's dark," said the 78-year-old actress, according to Yahoo News. "I think that we had so much fun in the '60's… and then Vietnam came and things got darker and darker and darker."

Although Newmar did not see "The Dark Knight Rises," she noted one actress' portrayal of Catwoman in 1992's "Batman Returns."

"I do admire Michelle Pfeiffer as an actress," said Newmar. "I haven't seen Anne [Hathaway] yet and I'm sure she's divine."

Continuing to discuss the character and her history with Batman, Newmar recalled scenes including violence.

"I remember sitting back in the fight scenes- Catwoman would just sort of sit back in the fight scenes and file her nails like that," the actress laughingly recounted. "She couldn't be bothered with all that nonsense."

While she did not name her favorite portrayal of Catwoman, Newmar openly praised her "Batman" co-star Adam West as being the best.

"I think [West] fit the part better than anyone," she said, according to Yahoo. "What with all the costumes that they have to wear now, there's a lot that you can't see anymore. You know, when you have everything sort of padded out and they're very macho and all that sort of thing, it's as if the costume acts for you."

Catwoman is an on-again, off-again love interest of superhero Batman. Other actresses that have played the famed cat burglar include Halle Berry, Gina Gershon, Julia Rose, and Lee Meriwether, among many others.

Newmar's portrayal of the cat burglar is cemented in Hollywood's history, and the actress acknowledged her fan following. The actress said most of her fan mail has been "particularly from boys who say, 'You made me realize I was a boy,'" reported NorthJersey.

While Batman remains popular even today, "The Dark Knight Rises" has been plagued with tragedy. During a midnight screening of the new film earlier this month in Aurora, Colorado, an armed gunman opened fire on the crowded audience; killing 12 people and injuring 58.

In light of the horrific crime, Warner Bros. did not release the box office results of the hit summer film during its opening weekend. The shooting suspect has been identified as 24-year-old James Holmes.