Fan Friday Flashback: ABC’s “The Green Hornet”

Graphic by ABC TV

There was Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger in the fall of 1949.  There was Guy Williams as Zorro in the fall of 1957.  There was Adam West as Batman alongside Burt Ward in January 1966.  That fall, on September 9, 1966, there was Van Williams as The Green Hornet, with Bruce Lee as Kato.

Making its buzz onto ABC on Friday nights, The Green Hornet completes ABC’s “Masks” of Justice alongside the Ranger, who is his grand-nephew.

The alter-ego of crusading “Daily Sentinel” publisher Britt Reid, the Hornet faces one challenge after another with his aide Kato, an expert in martial arts – and driver of their rolling arsenal known as the Black Beauty.  To many, the Green Hornet is a most wanted criminal.  In reality, though, he is secretly serving on the right side of the law against organized crime, corruption and injustice.  Not only he is assisted by Kato, but Reid/the Hornet also gets assistance from his lovely secretary Lenore Case and district attorney Frank Scanlon: protecting the rights and lives of decent, good citizens in his pursuit of those who are the enemies of law and order.

Though it only lasted one season, The Green Hornet continues to maintain a devoted fan following thanks to Lee, who went on to become a martial arts icon.  Reruns have aired over the years, which included the series being a part of the weekend superhero line-up on Heroes & Icons (H&I). The Green Hornet also inspired urban shows like Knight RiderHardcastle & McCormick, and Renegade (1992-96, syndication; 1996-97, USA Network).

An outlaw vigilante hero, The Green Hornet rides to sting the bad guys in the name of justice.


video by ABC-TV

Sponsored Stories

Sponsored Stories

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*