Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series)

Perchance to Dream (1992)

Kevin Conroy: Batman, Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne

Photos 

Quotes 

• Bruce Wayne : [looking over a high ledge]  You're wrong. There is a way for me to wake up.

  The Mad Hatter : N-now just a moment! You don't want to do anything foolish! This isn't an ordinary dream! What if you're wrong?

  Bruce Wayne : Then I'll see you in your nightmares!

• [holding a dream machine] 

  James Gordon : I'll have the lab boys take a look at it. Any idea what it is?

  Batman : Yes, the stuff that dreams are made of.

• Dr. Jervis Tetch : It's impossible! No one's will is strong enough to escape my dream machine!

  Batman : Why? Why did you do it?

  Dr. Jervis Tetch : You, of all people, have the gall to ask me that? You ruined my life! I was willing to give you whatever life you wanted, just to keep you out of mine!

• [after the Batman impostor is revealed] 

  Bruce Wayne : The Mad Hatter?

  The Mad Hatter : Congratulations are in order, I suppose. And you're right! This is a dream, a very special dream.

  Bruce Wayne : Then you know everything about me?

  The Mad Hatter : I do! But I'm only a part of your dream. The mind control apparatus I've hooked you to reveals nothing to the outside world - its purpose is to create an ideal fantasy world for you!

  Bruce Wayne : Then you're not the real Mad Hatter.

  The Mad Hatter : No. Just a figment of your imagination. But that doesn't mean I'm not real - in this dream world!

  Bruce Wayne : Make it stop!

  The Mad Hatter : I'm crushed! You don't like the fantasy world I've created for you?

  Bruce Wayne : It's not real!

  The Mad Hatter : Ah! Are you the dreamer or are you part of someone else's dream? That's exactly the question Tweedledee put to Alice in 'Through the Looking... '

  Bruce Wayne : This isn't some silly storybook!

  The Mad Hatter : Oh, but it is! It's a beautiful story! You have love, wealth, a family, all you ever wanted! Your own private Wonderland!

  Bruce Wayne : NO! I won't live a lie! No matter how attractive you make it!

  The Mad Hatter : It's a moot point, my friend. There's no way out!

• Alfred Pennyworth : A problem, sir?

  Bruce Wayne : It's not here!

  Alfred Pennyworth : What's not here, sir?

  Bruce Wayne : You know what I'm talking about! The entrance to the Batcave! Why is it sealed up?

  Alfred Pennyworth : Batcave? I'm sorry, I don't...

  Bruce Wayne : That's right, Alfred, the Batcave. It's a big hole in the ground with a big car in it that's all black, remember?

• Bruce Wayne : Alfred, will you do me a favor? It's an odd favor. Would you tell me... about my life? Just humor me, please.

  Alfred Pennyworth : Very well, Master Bruce. Since your father retired, um, you've been head of Wayne Enterprises, though Lucius Fox really runs the business. Not that you aren't capable, of course.

  Bruce Wayne : That's all right, Alfred. Go on, please.

  Alfred Pennyworth : And, um, unless plans have changed since last night, you're to marry Ms. Selina Kyle. You proposed to her last week.

  Bruce Wayne : [more to himself]  No, it's wrong. It's all wrong.

  Alfred Pennyworth : Well, sir, it's a leisurely existence, I admit. But there are worse lives.

• Alfred Pennyworth : Good morning, Master Bruce. Rise and shine, sir.

  Bruce Wayne : I'm lucky to be awake at all. I fell under that trap like an amateur.

  Alfred Pennyworth : Trap, sir?

  Bruce Wayne : How'd I get back here? Robin?

  Alfred Pennyworth : Robin, sir? Eh, a young lady? I thought you and Miss Selina were... pardon me, sir. None of my business.

  Bruce Wayne : If this is a joke, Alfred, it's not funny.

  Alfred Pennyworth : If it's a joke, sir, I assure you it's on me. I've just prepared breakfast. Perhaps morning coffee will clear the cobwebs.

• Bruce Wayne : I couldn't go to a psychiatrist. You're the only doctor I trust, Leslie. It's like I'm living someone else's life. I don't know anything about me anymore. Help me, Leslie, please.

  Dr. Leslie Thompkins : Even though I'm not a psychiatrist, Bruce, your problem seems clear. You've led the sort of life where everything has been handed to you, even Wayne Enterprises. You don't feel you've accomplished anything. It's all been laid out for you. So your unconscious created a life more satisfying to you. You've identified with someone whose every deed has great value.

  Bruce Wayne : Batman.

  Dr. Leslie Thompkins : It's called disassociation, Bruce. Once you find pride in your own existence, then these delusions will vanish.

  Bruce Wayne : Then all these years of training and discipline... what happened to my parents...

  Dr. Leslie Thompkins : A delusion.

• Selina Kyle : Isn't he fantastic?

  Bruce Wayne : Actually... yeah. Who... who is he?

  Selina Kyle : They call him Batman.

  Bruce Wayne : No, I mean *who* is he?

  Selina Kyle : No one knows. He just appeared in Gotham a few weeks ago. Bruce, you okay?

  Bruce Wayne : Selina, does the name Catwoman ring a bell?

  Selina Kyle : Catwoman? Bruce, you're beginning to worry me. What's this all about?

  Bruce Wayne : I'm losing my mind, that's what.

• Selina Kyle : Your mother called, darling, said you could use some cheering up. And, um, who better for the job than the woman you're marrying next week? Bruce? You really are upset. What's wrong?

  Bruce Wayne : I feel as if... I'm someone else. It's crazy, but I know I'm...

  Selina Kyle : Batman!

  [he turns and, looking out the window, sees Batman soar by] 

• Thomas Wayne : You okay, son?

  Bruce Wayne : I'm... I'm all right. Just partied too hard last night, that's all.

  Thomas Wayne : You will be able to get to the office today, won't you? There's that stockholders' meeting, you know.

  Bruce Wayne : Sure. I'm fine. Really.

  Thomas Wayne : Well, good. Glad you'll be there. Your mother and I have an appointment, too, this morning.

  [pantomiming a golf swing] 

  Thomas Wayne : On the golf course.

• Bruce Wayne : Have you found that entrance to the Batcave yet, Alfred?

  Alfred Pennyworth : Uh, I'm afraid not, sir.

  Bruce Wayne : Good. 'Cause if you had, then we'd both be nuts.

  Alfred Pennyworth : It's nice to see you in good humor again, Master Bruce.