It was remarkably tough, comparatively sophisticated and genuinely action-packed.
Comparisons will always be made between "The Green Hornet" and its TV stable mate "Batman". So, what were some of the similarities?
To start with, both were made by 20th Century Fox. In keeping with the time-honored superhero tradition, the "real-life" identities of the respective title characters were successful, well-connected and highly respected members of the community. When in character as their alter egos, both drove amazing custom-built cars that were veritable killing machines on wheels, armed with a vast array of deadly, concealed weapons. Both had capable, intelligent and gutsy sidekicks who could more than hold their own when the chips were down and the fists were flying.
But there were some major differences as well.
Where "Batman" was decidedly over the top and essentially in the business of extracting squeals of the delight from the younger set, "The Green Hornet" was deadly serious when it came to crime fighting. In the former show, the resident bad guys were exotic fantasy figures who wore crazy and colorful costumes and had cute names like the "Joker" and "Penguin". Indeed, the Art department at 20th really pulled out all the stops on "Batman" to cash in on the newly arrived novelty of color TV.
In "The Green Hornet", the villains of the piece were traditional bad guys and girls.
Star Van Williams handled the dual role of Britt Reid, Editor of "The Daily Sentinel" newspaper and the Green Hornet with panache. Creating a stern-faced 007 type of character, Williams proved to be no slouch when it came to manufacturing his own brand of ice-cube intensity in the style of James Bond.
Bruce Lee, as Kato, the Hornet's faithful Chinese partner in crime busting, was there primarily to handle the ultra-rough stuff. And, indeed, when he made with the high kicks and karate chops he created some good television.
Generally well written, sharply directed and competently acted by all those in the cast who really mattered, "The Green Hornet" flashed across our TV screens only fleetingly, but it made a lasting and favorable impression on a lot of us.
What it lacked was true fantasy and humor - the two key ingredients that made "Batman" a classic.
"The Green Hornet" was good - very good in fact. But it didn't have those special qualities that guarantee immortality.
Comparisons will always be made between "The Green Hornet" and its TV stable mate "Batman". So, what were some of the similarities?
To start with, both were made by 20th Century Fox. In keeping with the time-honored superhero tradition, the "real-life" identities of the respective title characters were successful, well-connected and highly respected members of the community. When in character as their alter egos, both drove amazing custom-built cars that were veritable killing machines on wheels, armed with a vast array of deadly, concealed weapons. Both had capable, intelligent and gutsy sidekicks who could more than hold their own when the chips were down and the fists were flying.
But there were some major differences as well.
Where "Batman" was decidedly over the top and essentially in the business of extracting squeals of the delight from the younger set, "The Green Hornet" was deadly serious when it came to crime fighting. In the former show, the resident bad guys were exotic fantasy figures who wore crazy and colorful costumes and had cute names like the "Joker" and "Penguin". Indeed, the Art department at 20th really pulled out all the stops on "Batman" to cash in on the newly arrived novelty of color TV.
In "The Green Hornet", the villains of the piece were traditional bad guys and girls.
Star Van Williams handled the dual role of Britt Reid, Editor of "The Daily Sentinel" newspaper and the Green Hornet with panache. Creating a stern-faced 007 type of character, Williams proved to be no slouch when it came to manufacturing his own brand of ice-cube intensity in the style of James Bond.
Bruce Lee, as Kato, the Hornet's faithful Chinese partner in crime busting, was there primarily to handle the ultra-rough stuff. And, indeed, when he made with the high kicks and karate chops he created some good television.
Generally well written, sharply directed and competently acted by all those in the cast who really mattered, "The Green Hornet" flashed across our TV screens only fleetingly, but it made a lasting and favorable impression on a lot of us.
What it lacked was true fantasy and humor - the two key ingredients that made "Batman" a classic.
"The Green Hornet" was good - very good in fact. But it didn't have those special qualities that guarantee immortality.