4D Man (1959)

Starring Robert Lansing, Lee Meriwether, James Congdon, Robert Strauss, Edgar Stehli
Directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr.
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

A scientist gains the ability to pass his atoms through solid objects, giving him the power to walk through walls, but if he touches anyone while in this state, he drains their life and youth.

An interesting follow-up from the creators of The Blob, the picture boasts good special effects and an appearance by a young Patty Duke a few years before her acclaimed role in The Miracle Worker.  I've always thought that Lansing was a bit too low-key in his turn as scientist Scott Nelson, making it difficult to read him or understand his motivations, but maybe part of that's a deficiency in the screenplay.  I liked the rest of the cast, with Strauss entertaining as an assistant making a play to take over the lab, although the springing up of the relationship between brother Tony Nelson (Congdon) and Linda Davis (Meriwether) seems a little too quick.  The use of a jazz score by Ralph Carmichael is striking, although I'm not sure it really fits, but the eerie musical tone he employs when Lansing uses his abilities is first rate.  All in all, it's a solid science fiction thriller, but think the script could have used a little more work.

Batman (1966)

Starring Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith
Directed by Leslie H. Martinson
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)

Costumed crimefighters Batman and Robin must face an alliance of their archvillains: The Catwoman, The Joker, The Penguin, and The Riddler.

A huge hit on television in the 1960s, the Batman TV series, based on the hero's comic book adventures, and featuring amusing plots and big-name guest stars as the colorful villains, also launched this feature film, with nearly all the series regulars reprising their roles, except for the role of Catwoman, played by a capable and alluring replacement in Lee Meriwether here.  It's been a favorite movie of mine for many years, with tongue in cheek humor that's not daring or groundbreaking but makes for a fun time nevertheless, and features a very good music score by composer Nelson Riddle and some nifty special effects by L.B. Abbott and his team.