BATMAN
Screenplay by Sam HammSynopsis by Brian Aldrich
In Gotham City, 1989, CROOKS have become afraid. They have heard rumors of a "bat" that takes revenge upon them for their crimes. BATMAN is a crusader for justice, a vigilante, who has clothed himself in the garb of a bat to bring horror to those who commit crime. An election is forthcoming in Gotham City. Corrupt BOSS GRISSOM is trying to keep honest HARVEY DENT from being elected District Attorney. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner GORDON, LT. ECKHARDT, and reporter ALEXANDER KNOX can't figure out if Batman is a criminal or a godsend.
Knox is attracted to the sexy and talented photojournalist VICKI VALE. He becomes jealous when the handsome and wealthy playboy BRUCE WAYNE (Batman's true identity) seduces her. Meanwhile, Boss Grissom has found out about his chief enforcer, JACK NAPIER's secret affair with Grissom's girl, ALICIA. Grissom sets up Napier by sending him to rob a chemical plant and then alerting the police. The police descend on the plant. Batman arrives and foils Napier's escape. Napier, shot, falls into a batch of chemicals, transforming his appearance into a ghastly, clown-like countenance. The police and Batman consider him dead, but Napier goes mad, calls himself "The JOKER", kills Grissom, takes over his organization, disfigures Alicia, poisons beauty products which kill innocent citizens, and demands a ransom from the city.
Meanwhile, Knox and Vale figure out that Bruce Wayne is Batman. As a child, Bruce witnessed a crook kill his parents and swore revenge against crime. Vale is falling in love with Bruce, but he is confused about getting involved and doesn't return her calls. The Joker has also fallen for Vale and tries to kidnap her. Batman rescues her in his Batmobile. She tries to get him to admit he's really Bruce, but he won't. Knox blackmails Bruce with exposing his identity if he doesn't leave Vale alone. Bruce goes to break it off with her at her apartment. The Joker kidnaps Vale and Batman pursues them. A circus COUPLE are killed by the Joker in his flight from Batman. Their SON chases after the Joker for revenge. Batman helps Vale get away. The Joker escapes as well.
Batman convinces the police to raid Ace Chemical, the site of Joker's hideout. At the same time, the Joker creates a havoc in the streets of Gotham. Batman shows up in his glider. The Joker has a good shot at him, but Knox and Vale signal to warn Batman. Knox dies. Batman chases after the Joker. The circus Son shows up, ready to kill the Joker. The Son is about to kill the Joker when Batman knocks the boy unconscious. Batman and the Joker have a showdown. Batman, armed with a bomb, is ready to blow himself up with the Joker, but the Joker falls to his death. Batman is comforted by Vale and becomes a hero. The circus boy becomes ROBIN, the boy wonder, and teams up with Batman.
Summary Criticism: This is a well-crafted screenplay. The writer depicts the legend of the Batman character without going into boring exposition. The script has the scope, integrity and commitment of the first "Superman" film.
Batman (1989) - imdb
Sam Hamm - imdb
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