Bombs, Beaver and Batman: Madge Blake's Shocking Past!

[@Super_Chief]

Back in the 1960s, Madge Blake moved into a very modest apartment complex (which is still standing today) at 415 N. Holliston Avenue in Pasadena, CA. That address just happened to be next door to the house I grew up in as a child. It didn’t take long for word to get out that “Aunt Harriet” from Batman had just moved into our neighborhood, and before you knew it, every kid within a ten-mile radius descended upon her home for a chance to see this “T.V. star”. The line of kids trying to get her autograph went from her apartment front door, all the way out of her apartment complex, and then went down the sidewalk in front of the complex. The manager of that apartment complex would occasionally shoo us kids off by saying “You kids stop bothering that woman and go home!”, only to have the line form again an hour later. Madge must’ve had a stack of 8” x 10” black & white glossy photographs to give out, because she actually took the time to stand in her doorway and talk to each and every child who knocked on her door that month, giving each child an autographed photograph. What a sweet old woman she was! Madge really loved to bake. She would occasionally invite my brother or myself into her apartment to help her bake cookies. She ended up being like a grandmother to my brother and I. When I heard the story about Madge once baking Adam West a cake for saving her job, I thought to myself, “Yep, that sure sounds like Madge alright!” A few years ago I was lucky enough to contact Madge’s granddaughter, who is a professional skater and an entertainer in her own right. It was really neat being able to tell her stories about her grandmother. She said she remembered visiting her grandmother at those apartments back in the 1960s. And, believe it or not, the neighbors on the other side of my house were the Van Halen family, where Eddie Van Halen lived - but that is an entirely different story!😉

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing! Your comment may end up in a future video. 🙂

[@kevinsmith5288]

"Larry, you just wait till your father gets home from Cincinnati!!" 😂

[@jdsundstrom]

Larry's dad was always AWOL!

[@richh9450]

I noticed that whatever role Madge played, she was always herself. She was that good.❤

[@PaulTesta]

Madge Blake was perfectly cast as Aunt Harriet. That's my favorite role of hers. I especially liked her involvement in the Chandell (Liberace) 2-parter episode, since she was integral in the plot. But... I think the scariest Batman scene for me (as a kid) was the cliffhanger in the Zelda the Great 2-parter, when Aunt Harriet was suspended over a vat of fire, blindfolded, and swinging her legs, as though she were trying to run for safety. That was a REALLY disturbing scene for me. Thanks for this episode! Paul

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Paul!

[@michaelcarter9395]

Aunt Harriet was another character from the TV show that joined the Cannon Comic Universe. I watch another KZbinr, "Casually Comics", and she talks a lot about how the TV show worked with DC, bringing Alfred back from the dead, creating Batgirl and Aunt Harriett. And how forgotten characters like Catwoman were brought back. Superman Comics have this same relationship with the Superman Radio series. Lore created for radio, like Kryptonite and "Up, up, and away", were brought into the comics.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Michael! I'll definitely check out that channel. 🙂

[@Leadeshipcoach]

Casually Comics is a great channel Dave! Sasha (the host)knows her stuff and is funny (she reminds me of my middle daughter). She does great topics.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well...if Sasha reminds you of your daughter, I've got to check it out for sure!

[@larrygrebler5054]

Another fun fact : Batman and Robin first met Superman on the radio.

[@13thwho]

Aunt Harriet actually appeared in the comics, first. It was in “Detective Comics” #328 in 1964, the story in which Alfred was supposedly killed. She showed up at Wayne Manor after Alfred’s funeral to look after Bruce and Dick.

[@josephrainonejr.4381]

Thanks Dave, l also remember Ms. Blake from the Superman episode of I Love Lucy. She always gave a great and natural performance.🌹

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@thrashpondopons8348]

Never knew that Manhattan Project Factoid! Wow! Thanks Dave!

[@jdsundstrom]

Any time! And...thanks for all your support, Bob!

[@SamsonTJ423]

I remember her more on Leave it to Beaver reruns! She was a good actress and played her part well as Larry's mom. Have a good day Dave!

[@jdsundstrom]

Have a great days as well. Thanks for all your support!

[@SidneyJohnson-p2n]

She was even in the movie singing in the rain

[@ravenpoe7093]

Yes, same here. I didn’t really watch Batman. As far as being Mrs Mondello, everyone criticizes her age saying she must be his grandma. Yeah, she was up there in age but she fit so well playing Larry’s mom. She played nervous role very well and coupled with her and Larry’s size and red hair (even tho couldn’t really see that in b&w) she was perfect to spite age difference

[@laurafaunce6022]

She was also “Dora Bailey” in the 1952 classic(one of my favorites), “Singin’ In The Rain”--she was not as much Aunt Harriet, but more like a typical gossip columnist at the time(late 1920’s)--but she was still recognizable!😆😸

[@d.g.n9392]

Watched her on so many shows, The Real McCoys, Leave it to Beaver, Batman, My Favorite Martian. She’s a favorite of ours

[@frankdenardo8684]

Larry Mondelo's mom

[@luishumbertovega3900]

Born in 1958 I was 10 during Batman's last season, so Aunt Harriet was a familiar face as I loved the series. But in recent years I have discovered her playing supporting roles in two of my favorite MGM 1950s musicals: An American In Paris and Singin' In The Rain. Thank You for the video, nice work, Blessings from San Juan PR 🇵🇷.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories!

[@WolfmanJack66]

Her as Larry's mom was epic. Always frazzled. Very funny

[@jdsundstrom]

Her comedic timing was truly impeccable!

[@seaninness334]

I see on her IMDB page she did a lot of work for the Joey Bishop Show and Real McCoys, both way before my time. I also she did a bit of uncredited work in M, Adam's Rib, an American in Paris, Singin' in the Rain, The Bad and the Beautiful and Brigadoon. She seemed to be a real veteran of the old studio system.

[@jdsundstrom]

Good info. Thanks for sharing, Sean!

[@tracyroth-myers5574]

Nice. Thanks Dave.❤

[@jdsundstrom]

My pleasure!

[@jons.6216]

I was just saying on another channel that the only one I could have thought would have made a great Aunt Bea would have been Madge Blake! Great to hear she was actually up for the part! There was that really sweet moment on the show when she and Liberace were on the "date" and he was playing "Auf Wiedersehen" on the piano!

[@jdsundstrom]

Love the episodes with Liberace!

[@marlenepearson3936]

I didn't know anything about her. So thanks Dave 😊 It took me a long time ⌛️ to figure out that Aunt Harriet and Larry's mom were one in the same person. I loved her in both rolls. 👍

[@jdsundstrom]

Glad you enjoyed it, Marlene!

[@keithe2150]

Holy Batman video, Dave. What a great morning coffee and a Batman video. It doesn’t get better than this. I had no idea what a real name was. I never paid much attention to that as a kid, but I certainly know her on screen. Take care be well fight the good fight.

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Keith. Thanks for all your support!

[@jwavada]

She’ll always be Aunt Harriet!

[@Leadeshipcoach]

Yep!

[@williamwelch7]

Thanks Dave. She also appeared in 'Singin' in the Rain', and was first cousin to Milburn Stone, Doc Adams on 'Gunsmoke'

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, William!

[@wiseguymaybe]

You know Aunt Harriet was only on two episodes of the 3rd seasons of Batman, it was rumored Barbara Gordon was just a decoy to the audience. it was actually Aunt Harriet that was Batgitl WHAT A DISGUISE!!! Thanks to the wizard SHAZAM. Weeeellllll,....maybe not but .anything rediculous was on Batman, which I greatly appreciated more as an adult than when I was a kid.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Larry!

[@SuperMarioBrosIII]

Great video Dave!🦇🌆📺📼

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks 👍

[@markgerard3674]

She also played Joey Bishop's mother on the Joey Bishop Show. Marlo Thomas was also on the show pre-That Girl

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. She was great on that show as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@JAG51020]

Didn't know that she was the original choice for Aunt Bee, or that she had worked on the Mahattan Project! Besides Mrs. Mondello and Aunt Harriet, she also played the recurring role of Flora MacMichael on "The Real McCoys", next door neighbor to the McCoy family who lived with her bachelor brother George (Andy Clyde), and was smitten with Walter Brennan's Grandpa Amos character. And yes, I also wondered why Larry's father was never home!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing!

[@13thwho]

Madge made two cameo appearances in the third season of “Batman”: “Ring Around the Riddler”, and “The Bloody Tower”. Her absence was explained as having Aunt Harriet travel around the world.

[@jdsundstrom]

I knew it wasn't many. Thanks for the additional info!

[@jehobden]

Madge Blake also had a good part in Lucy & Desi's movie "The Long, Long Trailer", where she played Larry's aunt. She was good at playing aunts.

[@michaelgarcia8602]

Magie Blake always be members in Batman The Tv show for me.

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

She was also on the Real McCoys . Was Milburn Stone first cousin. Stone played Doc on TV gun smoke. As you mentioned she was considered for Aunt Bee on AG. Howard McNear was Doc on radio version of gun smoke with Parley Baer as Chester.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Phillip!

[@melissageiger71]

They were both great rolls for her but I'd have to choose Mrs. Mondello ❤️

[@raynardabraham7831]

Wow,I did not know that the Batman TV show had cast commercials. I hope that more of them turn up if they have any.😊

[@jdsundstrom]

Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX28k2eCYraKqac&pp=ygUVYmF0bWFuIHR2IGNvbW1lcmNpYWxz

[@marcdewey1242]

I remember her on I love Lucy,same episode that George Reeves guest starred in as Superman,and on Gomer Pyle USMC.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the comment, Marc!

[@Leadeshipcoach]

I liked her as Larry’s mom…but whenever I see her in any other show I immediately think "Aunt Harriet!😊 Forever a part of my childhood 😊

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories, Mike!

[@prycerobertson4695]

She also played George MacMichael's sister on The Real McCoys (which ran the same six years as Leave it to Beaver, spanning between '57 and '63).

[@jdsundstrom]

She was a multi-talented lady!

[@hectorfarm9416]

Larry Mondelo and his mom. Should have had their own show.

[@elainevankat5353]

Hi Dave, I liked her more as Larry’s mom!😁 GREAT WORK/VIDEO!👏

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks 👍

[@BIGELOW.65]

I think the producers didn't like the way she stumbled over her lines. Adam, like you said, stuck up for her. That story is in Adam's book, "Back to the Batcave."

[@jdsundstrom]

I've lost my autographed copy of "Back to the Batcave". It's probably packed away in a box somewhere...but the fact that I can't find it is heartbreaking!

[@krdragon6950]

Madge Blade also appeared on an episode of I Love Lucy that had George Reeves as Superman. So Madge Blade work with the World’s Finest Batman and Superman.

[@jdsundstrom]

Cool factoid!

[@kevin10001]

Actually George reeves was the second actor to play Superman in the 1948 and 1950 serials and Adam was the 3rd actor to play Batman Lewis Wilson was Batman in 1943 serial and Robert lowery was Batman in 1949 serial

[@richdouglas2311]

The Aunt Harriet character barely existed in the Batman comic books when the show launched. But there was concern about a bachelor living alone with his male teenaged ward (and butler), so they beefed up Aunt Harriet to, essentially, be a chaperone. Her character disappeared from the comics soon after the show ended. One other thing: it was odd that she was Dick's aunt. Dick was orphaned when his parents--a circus act--were murdered. Batman was on the scene and took Grayson in. But where was Aunt Harriet if she was Dick's aunt? How would a stranger (Bruce Wayne) get custody of a stranger? Perhaps rich people play by different rules? Naw.....

[@jdsundstrom]

Good info. Thanks for sharing, Rich!

[@pamelamays4186]

Aunt Harriet should have been in the Batman films. Madgen Sinclair was pretty good in the episodes guest starring Liberace. Aunt Harriet wasn't fooled when Harry pretended to be Chantel: "A woman always knows."

[@jdsundstrom]

Love those episodes!

[@ronk9830]

I saw an Alfred Hitchcock episode with her in it and the credit said Madge Kennedy, possibly a stage name back then. 🤔

[@doaver2.125]

She was better as Ms Mondello. It showed her comedic ability, and when she was on camera she never disappointed.

[@robertcuratolo5339]

Aunt Harriet 🚀

[@cadeevans4623]

I loved old classic Batman with Adam West some people don't appreciate this show and think a it's cheesy and all I prefer 60s Batman over New Batman anyway loved leave it too beaver Andy Griffith show sleeping beauty is a classic from Walt Disney classic information from a classic video and classics in general

[@jdsundstrom]

You've got great taste in TV shows, Cade!

[@cadeevans4623]

Thanks Dave the old shows were the best so much class to them and everyone could watch them together shows today can compare to the classic shows

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

I loved her as Mary in the one episode of Bewitched.

[@jdsundstrom]

Madge was in so many wonderful classic TV shows. 🙂

[@kevin10001]

She also was on the television series the real McCoys and from what I have read over the years is that she wasn’t in the best of health during the 3rd season so her appearances got reduced because of that but she was a fantastic part of the masterpiece that is Batman and she is the only live action depiction of aunt Harriet we have ever gotten and the only time we have ever seen chief Clancy O’Hara in live action

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for the additional info, Kevin!

[@KasumiKenshirou]

I always thought it was weird that Dick Grayson had a adult living relative. Why didn't she adopt Dick instead of him becoming Bruce Wayne's ward? Did she just turn up after she learned Dick was the ward of a millionaire?

[@jdsundstrom]

Good questions!

[@sekenamcmurren2217]

I thought On Leave It To Beaver she was Larry's grandmother until he called her m om. Yet on Batman she was Bruce Wayne's Aunt. I liked her on both shows Dave. 🤷

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Sekena!

[@toddmccreary4579]

Mrs. Mondello had so much trouble with Larry because he was supposed to wait until his father got home but he never did. Maybe if Rusty Stevens stayed on they might have gotten Larry a dad. Just imagine if Aunt Harriet could pass all that WWII knowledge on to Batman. Sometimes I wonder how deaf she must have been because sometimes Alfred said Bat phone pretty loud for her to be able to hear it but she was just duh. I get confused whether she was Bruce's aunt or Dick's (I thought Dick)

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Todd!

[@tigger06]

He DID come home, at least one time that I absolutely remember.

[@froggy556]

How about when she was the camp counselor in charge in "The Parent Trap?" Does anyone remember that?

[@jdsundstrom]

I honestly don't. I'll have to go back and watch that one again.

[@froggy556]

@@jdsundstrom My mistake, it wasn't her. I just looked into it. Sorry

[@Brenkert60]

She was great in everything she did but I liked her best on "The Real McCoys" as Flora MacMichael. She could exasperate Amos McCoy more than any other character.

[@pamelamays4186]

Holy destroyer of worlds, Bat Man!

[@mikesilva3868]

Good actress 😊

[@jdsundstrom]

She was lots of fun. 🙂

[@j.robertsergertson4513]

Madge may or may not met J. Robert Oppenheimer but I'd guarantee she or her husband met General Groves

[@jdsundstrom]

I bet you're right!

[@pamelamays4186]

I liked her better as Aunt Harriet. The Dynamic Duo needed a little domesticity in their lives. She made sure they got their rest and ate good food.

[@jdsundstrom]

I can't decide which role I liked her better in. Such a tough decision!

[@joegongora2200]

Well, Madge was great in both roles playing Larry Mondello’s Mom and Aunt Harriet Dick Grayson’s Aunt. She helped Batman fight crime, because she was part of the ladies for morality. This was when a certain lady that was connected to an Arch criminal wanted to do a movie 🎥 scene with Batman that perhaps involved nudity. Aunt Harriet and her lady friends prevented that from taking place in Gotham City 🌆. She did what she could to fight against crime. I’m glad that Adam West set his foot down and prevented Madge Blake from getting fired. That’s because he saw the good in her Adam West was certainly a good man. You could say that Batman came through for Aunt Harriet. If she had gotten fired I don’t think 💭 the series would be the same without her. She was meant to be on that series.

[@jdsundstrom]

Totally agree, Joe!

[@tigger06]

She'll always be Mrs. Mondello to me. Wouldn't be the same without her.

[@jdsundstrom]

She was so good in the role. 🙂

[@SidneyJohnson-p2n]

Larrys dad was always in cinncanatii for his job i thought that they should have lived there instead of Mayfield

[@jdsundstrom]

I have a feeling Larry's dad preferred being away from all of his antics.

[@johncollins1884]

What an interesting life.

[@jdsundstrom]

Indeed!

[@dannystaton5386]

Greetings dave

[@jdsundstrom]

Hey Danny!

[@ravenpoe7093]

Larry’s mom

[@peterkirgan2921]

Holy Aunt Harriett Batman!!

[@jasongoldtrap1114]

At the 3:30 mark you call her "Aunt Bea."

[@jdsundstrom]

I can't believe I did that! And...I can't believe I didn't catch it. I watched the darn video 3 or 4 times before I published it. Nice catch, Jason!

[@alfredodoardi2717]

Larry's mother! closely followed by aunt harriet!

[@markgerard3674]

69 when she passed? That will be my age on Thursday.!

[@jdsundstrom]

And, hopefully, you'll be sticking around for a very long time!

[@jerrygillespie1214]

​@jdsundstrom I hope so, too. We'll find out starting Thursday. I am going to a free Yoga class

[@danielwrynn4707]

Aunt Harriet wasn't bad or anything, just that she can be a pain in the ass, especially when she would be exasperated.

[@BookHen-xn2bh]

I have had a theory for years about Larry Mondello's mother. Since she was an older lady I think that Larry was actually his older sister's son. Suppose Larry's older sister (whom they mentioned fairly often) had Larry without being married and his grandparents passed him off as theirs. This is my theory.

[@jdsundstrom]

That theory makes a lot of sense.

[@tigger06]

It was always a known FACT that Madge was Mrs. Mondello, Larry's MOM. Don't try to change the narrative. His sister was still in high school

[@tigger06]

There are people who do have older parents. It DOES happen. And she actually was not that old.

[@skykitchen867]

Let her rest in peace.

[@jdsundstrom]

Did you even watch the video? It is a kind tribute to a wonderful lady.

[@johnbeechy]

myop the scenes used with her were meant to show the dynamic duo was not being in character at home. they lived the life, but even at home they kept up the illusion. i do not pretend to Know all about the Thought patterns (like test patterns) of the 1960s' viewer(s). however, it was done intentionally and payments made out of Budget were made. given how the pays out varied for different cast members, adding one for unnecessary scenes makes less cents for other costs. if the Thought was to Show the two living normal at rich home lives as citizens (rich). it worked by having the family not know all about the two dudes' nightly activity. the mere thought of the two boys 'out scaling walls' might make H not well at all. lol many of the era's shows portrayed woman as easy to Faint over the slightest worry or fear. Art is subjective. some artists can and others can not and the only judgment is payment. thanks for another In Season Tear drop.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your perspective, John!