One of the most recognizable characters in fiction,Batmanhas arguablythe best branding of any superheroin the biz. From his iconic Bat-logo and silhouette to his comical array of crime-fighting gadgets,there’s a distinctly comic enjoyment to placing the word “bat” in front of a noun and immediately associating it with the Caped Crusader himself.It’s some of the most cohesive character branding and iconography in fiction.
While some of the more serious iterations shy away from this on-the-nose nomenclature (I doubtChristopher Nolanever referred to them as “batarangs”), there’s no Batman without his signature equipment. Of course,the World’s Greatest Detectiveneeds a place to park his Batmobile, making the Batcave another essentialfor each iteration of Batman. Though he’s a far cry from today’s gritty and grounded versions,Adam West’scampy and colorful Batmanplayed an integral role in developing the cultural recognizability of the character, making it all the more fitting thathis Batcave was filmed in the film capital of the world, right among the Hollywood sign itself.
The Classic 1960s Batcave Was Filmed Near the Hollywood Sign
The 1966Batmanwas knownfor its campy atmosphere, bright colors, and hilariously comical portrayal of the original characters. Everything about the series and movie radiated an unserious tone that, while dissonant with the Batmans of today, remains an importantpart of the character’s storied history. But while the series was known for its flashy gadgets and eclectic prop design, there were some parts of the show that ultimately remained grounded. In particular,the exterior shots of Adam West’s Batcave were shot at theBronson Caves(or Bronson Canyon), a dry and rugged section of Griffith Park and just a hike away from the Hollywood sign. Though the interior of the Batcave was shot on a film stage, its secret entrance was shot on location in this Los Angeles canyon. Amid the screen-grabbing “BAMS” and brightly colored costumes of the show, the shots of theBatmobile racing out of the Batcavehave become entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist, playing a part in developing the quintessential idea of a secret superhero base.
Bronson Canyon Is a Classic Hollywood Set Location
Though it’s most notable for its appearance as the Batcave, Bronson Canyon has historically beenone of the most popular shooting locations in the Los Angeles area, having appeared in dozens of films and television shows dating back to the early 1900s. The caves' filmography includesa list of foundational Hollywood films, such asThe Three Musketeers(1933)andFlash Gordon (1936), and notably,the rugged terrain of the landscapeandthe shape of the cave openings made the canyona premier location for filming Westernsand sci-fi films.This includes notable names such asJohn Wayne’sThe Searchers, a classic Western about a Civil War veteran, andInvasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), an alien invasion film that would come todefine the genre. Despite how little the two genres have in common, they share literal common ground in Bronson Canyon.
McFarlane Toys Unites Batman, Superman Against The Riddler and Bizarro
This comes as fans are getting closer to the next cinematic era for DC.
The Bronson Caves have remained a staple in cinema, continuing to be used in films even to this day. Most recently,Andy Samberg’sexistential comedy,Palm Springs, also heavilyfeatured the Bronson Caves in its story. The cave was not onlya visually recognizable set piece, but an integral part of the story for itsmysterious ability to trap people within a time loop. Interestingly,Bronson Canyon is actually relatively small compared to other sections of Griffith Park, but the visual intrigue of the location and accessibility for film crews have made it a staple in Hollywood, and a genuine part of cinema history. Cinephiles today can hike up and through the Hollywood Hills to get to theselandmarks in movie history— though it’s doubtful that they’ll hearthe rev of the Batmobileracing out of the caves anytime soon.
Batman ‘66
The Caped Crusader and his young ward battle evildoers in Gotham City.
Batman (1966)is available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.
Watch on Prime Video
