J Carroll Naish

J Carroll Naish played different ethic groups in his movie roles, but I don't think he ever played an Italian in a serial. Unless you count the Mystery Squadron (Mascot, 1933). I believe he used a heavy Italian accent there and worked on the construction crew. Actually, I think he was the mysterious leader of the gang. He of course did play Life with Luigi on TV and radio. In the Batman serial, he probably was the only actor with any kind of professional credits. The rest of them were basically contract "B" actors. Why they hired him for the role is not clear. Maybe Philip Ahn was not available. Viewers of the Batman serial have to realize that this was escapist entertainment and certainly not a documentary. It is surprizing that some of the anti-Japanese slurs were allowed to go through the censor board. Notice where Linda Paige, when confronted by Dr. Daka, exclaims "Why, you're a Jap." To which Daka hisses, "Please to say Nipponese." I recall seeing the serial in the 1954 re-issue, but don't recall hearing any racial slurs. I know on the Goodtimes video, when a slur is about to come, they lower the volume and another actor dubs in a more suitable line, like "hooligans."