Changes

In the mid-1950's public backlash against comics in the wake of Dr. Frederic Wertham's book ''Seduction of the Innocent: The Influence of Comic Books on Today's Youth'' forced many comic publishers to either change their format or go out of business; indeed, much of what was published - either in mainstream comics or so-called "underground" versions - was dark, violent, and sometimes gory.  The Joker went through a change as a result: the insane, homicidal character was reduced to a campy prankster who used a lot of jokes and puzzles in his crazy, yet seemingly harmless, crimes.  The additions of a "Joker-mobile" or a Batman-like utility belt didn't help his stories, either, and when Julius Schwartz - who hated the Joker - took over the Batman editorial position, the Clown Prince of Crime was relegated to the trash can.

In the mid-1950's public backlash against comics in the wake of Dr. Frederic Wertham's book ''Seduction of the Innocent: The Influence of Comic Books on Today's Youth'' forced many comic publishers to either change their format or go out of business; indeed, much of what was published - either in mainstream comics or so-called "underground" versions - was dark, violent, and sometimes gory.  The Joker went through a change as a result: the insane, homicidal character was reduced to a campy prankster who used a lot of jokes and puzzles in his crazy, yet seemingly harmless, crimes.  The additions of a "Joker-mobile" or a Batman-like utility belt didn't help his stories, either, and when Julius Schwartz - who hated the Joker - took over the Batman editorial position, the Clown Prince of Crime was relegated to the trash can.

====Film Adaptions====

====Television====

But the Joker wouldn't die so quickly, as producer William Dozier placed the Joker in the fifth episode of his 1966-69 television series ''Batman''<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059968/</ref>.  Played by veteran actor [[Cesar Romero]]<ref>http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003110/</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjiIHfKwi0Q</ref>, this new film version kept in line with the campyness of the comic character.  One of the big-name stars who was attracted to film guest appearances in the series ([[Burgess Meredith]], Julie Newmar, [[Frank Gorshin]], [[Vincent Price]] among others), Romero had an unusual trait which he insisted not be touched: a well-groomed mustache, which was hidden under his white make up.  

But the Joker wouldn't die so quickly, as producer William Dozier placed the Joker in the fifth episode of his 1966-69 television series ''Batman''<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059968/</ref>.  Played by veteran actor [[Cesar Romero]]<ref>http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003110/</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjiIHfKwi0Q</ref>, this new film version kept in line with the campyness of the comic character.  One of the big-name stars who was attracted to film guest appearances in the series ([[Burgess Meredith]], Julie Newmar, [[Frank Gorshin]], [[Vincent Price]] among others), Romero had an unusual trait which he insisted not be touched: a well-groomed mustache, which was hidden under his white make up.