MovieChat Forums > Batman (1966) Discussion > Commissioner Gordon, Idiot or Liar?

Commissioner Gordon, Idiot or Liar?

posted 9 years ago by rockmail
22 replies | jump to latest

There are only two choices possible regarding Commissioner Gordon not knowing Batman's real identity. Idiot or liar.

He clearly stated that he often ate lunch at Wayne Manor, and he was also seen in many party scenes at the estate.

Fact 1. - Alfred the butler was in attendance at most if not all of these events.

Fact 2. - Alfred the butler often answered calls from Commissioner Gordon on the Bat Phone, perhaps even more often than the caped crusaders, as they were often engaged in activities outside the room containing the phone.

Conclusion - Commissioner Gordon had to have heard Alfred's distinctive voice both in person and on the phone many, many time. Yet, he is never shown having the knowledge that Bruce Wayne is secretly Batman. In the TV series, he even states at one point that he wished to never know Batman's real identity so he cannot be held responsible for the information.

And no, later books, movies, TV shows that change this relationship do not count - we're talking 1960s TV show ONLY.

Idiot, Liar, or a really bad phone line? Pick one.

[–] Jimmy-128 9 years ago

You're assuming that the Batphone didn't have a Bat-scrambler to disguise Alfred's voice. We never hear how his voice sounds on Commissioner Gordon's phone.

[–] BiffGG 9 years ago

When I am not sure if somebody is an idiot I always think about how my neighbor would handle or react to something as the man is the village idiot. My take on Gordon is an active state of denial. He knows the scoop but is doing everything possible to put a mental block on it.

[–] TVadic73 9 years ago

Gordon's an idiot. An inept, hilarious idiot.

"My Uncle still has MY nose...."

[–] DearJohnny 9 years ago

No, those are the rules. Commissioner Gordon cannot know Bruce Wayne is Batman despite how blindingly obvious it is. Neither can anyone else unless Bruce tells them.

Perhaps more poignant, he's unable to figure out Barbara Gordon is Batgirl despite the fact she's HIS OWN DAUGHTER.

[–] srb-3 9 years ago

No, those are the rules. Commissioner Gordon cannot know Bruce Wayne is Batman despite how blindingly obvious it is. Neither can anyone else unless Bruce tells them.

Perhaps more poignant, he's unable to figure out Barbara Gordon is Batgirl despite the fact she's HIS OWN DAUGHTER.

Exactly!

[–] Jimmy-128 9 years ago

Let's be fair--if no one figures out Clark Kent is Superman when his only disguise is a pair of glasses, how is Commissioner Gordon supposed to figure out that a masked redhead is really his brunette daughter?

[–] lunkerstool 9 years ago

You'd think he would recognize his own daughters voice! Lol

[–] Kehaar317 9 years ago

I always thought the blinding evidence was played for laughs. Bruce Wayne has the Batphone on his desk in plain sight, fer Pete's sake. That makes me laugh every time.

[–] srb-3 9 years ago

In all fairness, Bruce's Batphone is in his private study which is off limits to most people.

[–] hurricanehorton 9 years ago

The biggest clue would be seeing the batpoles, that had a sign up saying; "Secret Access To The Batcaves" written behind them.

[–] erikjestrada-104-474363 9 years ago

Don't confuse reality with the comic book world. If you separate the two then it all adds up.

[–] skat1140 9 years ago

There's a third alternative:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonagnosia

[–] Greatornot 9 years ago

I go idiot. I think they purposely made Gordon and O'Hara as Keystone cops. Perhaps politically incorrect with the obvious Irish policeman , O'Hara. That was a major stereotype back then. Also you would think being a commissioner he would have top notch detective skills. He could not even figure his own daughter was Batgirl. That might even be worse.

[–] pioneergrrrl (2389) 5 years ago

Gordon did not have to have top detective skills to be a commissioner--he just had to know the right people. Probably had connections. Or paid off the Mayor/City Council.