Classic Movie Batman Villains: Mr. Freeze

The Three Faces of Mr. Freeze…

I must admit, I’ve been wanting to do a Batman blog series for quite some time… I’ve just always had such a soft spot for the colorful cast of campy ‘classic movie’ villains that appeared on the show — and now, with the release of the classic Batman TV series on DVD (and Blu-ray), well, I just couldn’t resist any longer…

So, without further adieu, and in honor of the freezing cold of winter, I am starting with rogue scientist Dr. Shivel, better known to Batman fans as the diabolical Mr. Freeze…

1966 Batman Title Card

Backstory (for the TV show, not necessarily the comic books which vary a bit): During an attempted arrest by Batman, criminal scientist Dr. Shivel is accidentally exposed to an instant freeze solution which alters his molecular structure, making him a being of pure cold. He must now wear a refrigerated suit to survive, and seeks revenge on Batman who he blames for his sub-zero condition.

And now the three actors that played Mr. Freeze in order of their appearance…

George Sanders as Mr. Freeze in Batman TV Series

George Sanders starred as Mister Freeze in two back-to-back 1966 episodes: Instant Freeze (Feb 2) and Rats Like Cheese (Feb 3).

Sanders is wearing the classic cryogenic cooling suit. 🙂

Incidentally, George Sanders was married to Zsa Zsa Gabor (from 1949-1954) who played villainess Minerva on the series as well.

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Otto Preminger as Mr. Freeze in Batman TV Series

Otto Preminger starred as Mr. Freeze in two back-to-back 1966 episodes: Green Ice (Nov 9) and Deep Freeze (Nov 10)

Instead of the classic cooling suit, Preminger is donning a freeze collar.

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Eli Wallach as Mr. Freeze in Batman TV Series

Eli Wallach starred as Mr. Freeze in two back-to-back 1967 episodes: Ice Spy (Mar 29) and The Duo Defy (Mar 30)

Wallach, like Preminger, prefers the freeze collar. 🙂

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So, if you’re now in the mood to watch the Caped Crusaders battle their arch villains — or perhaps just need a quick refresher course in onomatopoeia —  you can purchase the complete TV series here:

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub

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3 Responses to Classic Movie Batman Villains: Mr. Freeze

  1. Rick says:

    All three actors who played Mr. Freeze on the TV series did a fine job, but my fave is Otto (perhaps because he’s the first one I remember). Plus, one didn’t get to see Otto act very often!

    • Annmarie Gatti says:

      I used to love watching Batman as a kid… little did I realize how incredibly famous the actors were who played the villains…

  2. Pingback: Which Actor Played The Best Live-Action Villain? – zoompress

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