Lost and Found: The Bat Whispers

The Story

The Bat is one of the most commonly-remade stories of the early 20th Century.  It was made numerous times, even once with Vincent Price in the lead role.  The story is also famous for inspiring some little character called Batman.  This film version comes to you from 1930 and is actually the second version, although both were directed by the same man.  What's notable about the film is that three versions were shot, including one in 1:33:1 aspect ratio.  What we call 'wide-screen' was called 'Maginfilm' in 1930.  Unfortunately, all of the versions became lost over time.

Was It Found?

Thankfully, yes.  The original film negative was restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive.  Praise Jebus!

Importance

As I mentioned, this film was shot in wide-screen, even if it wasn't called that then.  While it's not the first one- that honor goes to either Napoleon (1927) or a random newsreel- it is a famous one.  It does also bear repeating that this film inspired Bob Kane and Bill Finger (yes, both of them!) to creat Batman.  Do I need to explain why that's important?  I didn't think so.

Next up, Nazi Germany brings a film that the Fuhrer demanded to be destroyed.  How did it get to England then?  Stay tuned...