WELCOME TO THE GREEN HORNET!

From the creator of Batman, the Green Hornet prowls the city streets looking to put an end to criminal activity! Accompanied by his aide, Kato, the Green Hornet -- himself considered a criminal -- exists to fight against crime.

THE CHARACTERS:

Britt Reid is the man who invented the persona of the Green Hornet. He is the owner of the newspaper The Daily Sentinel where he publishes anti-crime stories, and television station DSTV. But Britt feels he must do more than just crusade against crime in print, so he dons the mask of the Green Hornet. Criminals and police alike fear him.

Kato may be considered just an Asian servant to millionaire Britt Reid, but he is so much more than that. Kato is a science expert and a master at kung fu. His bare hands are deadlier than guns or knives.

Mike Axford is the veteran crime beat reporter for the Sentinel. He loves his job with a passion, and he hates the Green Hornet with the same passion. When any crime happens in the city, Mike is eager to lay responsibility at the feet of the Green Hornet. He has no idea that the man behind the mask is his boss!

Lenore "Casey" Case is Britt Reid's personal secretary and one of two people chosen to share the secret of the Green Hornet's true identity. She uses this knowledge to help cover for Britt when the Green Hornet is on the prowl, but her job as a crusading newspaper publisher's secretary also makes her an occasional target for criminals looking to settle a score with Britt.

Frank P. Scanlon is the city District Attorney. He, too, knows who is behind the mask, and he welcomes the assistance since he knows that the Green Hornet is a crime fighter, not a criminal. He feeds information to Britt to help the Green Hornet set traps for criminals, and he receives "anonymous" phone calls once the criminals have been bagged.

THE ACTORS:

Van Williams landed the role of the Green Hornet after starring in three previous series (Bourbon Street Beat, SurfSide 6, and The Tycoon). Unlike his friend Adam West's almost parody portrayal of Batman, Williams made the Hornet a serious figure. Although one of Williams' shortest starring roles (only the 1975 children's show Westwind had fewer episodes), this is what he is best remembered for.

Bruce Lee was a martial arts instructor living in the same apartment building as Batman star Burt Ward when he was cast to play the role of Britt Reid's valet. He went on to major success in movies before dying tragically at the young age of 32 in 1973.

Lloyd Gough spent many years acting under the name "Lloyd Goff" (the name he used for his role in the classic 1947 film Body and Soul) because he was blacklisted in Hollywood. Television resurrected his career, and his role as the veteran reporter opened the door for numerous guest star appearances right up until his death in 1984.

Wende Wagner began her career in front of the camera as an underwater stunt double on shows like Sea Hunt. She was in Rosemary's Baby and did a number of guest star appearances before stepping away from acting to focus on painting. She lived on the beach in Malibu (where her Green Hornet co-star Van Williams served as a sheriff's deputy for many years) and painted until she died of cancer in 1997 at the young age of 55.

Walter Brooke had a long career as a character actor, but he may be best remembering for uttering one word. His memorable line, "Just one word -- plastics" from the 1967 film The Graduate was listed at #42 on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Movie Quotes." He began acting in 1941 and continued appearing in television programs and movies. His final appearance, in an episode of Hardcastle and McCormick, came shortly before his death at age 71 in 1986 from emphysema.

THE LEGACY:

Although "The Green Hornet" has been presented as a radio show, two movie serials, and countless comic books, the television show stands as the most fondly remembered incarnation of the hero, thanks in no small part to the stars.

FURTHER READING:

James Van Hise's The Green Hornet Book (published in 1989) covers all incarnations of the Green Hornet, with a focus on the television series. Each episode is discussed in detail. Information on the serials and the radio show is also provided. The book is out of print but can be acquired through auction sites.

THEME MUSIC:

Jazz great Al Hirt performed "Flight of the Bumblebee" for the theme music. His 1966 album, The Horn Meets the Hornet featured the theme as well as Hirt and Van Williams on the cover.

Opening Theme