Forgotten Hollywood

   Actor-dancer John Duncan appeared in films with Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Alan Ladd, Bob Hope, and many other luminaries, usually in small parts. His adeptness at dancing the jitterbug made him a sought after extra in dance sequences for 1940s musicals. But, he is best remembered as playing Robin to Robert Lowery’s Batman in a 1949 serial.

JOHN DUNCAN          ROBERT LOWERY 

   Duncan’s dance skills in small town stage shows helped pay his parents mortgage during the Great Depression. Billed Johnny Duncan he made his film debut in 1939. By the early 1940s, he was appearing regularly in small parts, including a brief stint with The East Side Kids. He continued working in films throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Duncan’s last motion picture was Spartacus, in which his screen character was beheaded.

   Batman and Robin was the second serial based on the popular comic book. Its cheap effects and enthusiastic performances make it something of a camp classic. It’s also the inspiration for the popular 1960s television series starring Adam West and Burt Ward.

   Duncan continued to make appearances as he approached age 90, signing autographs at collectors shows.

   John Duncan was 92.

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   Michigan State University is the latest repository in the state that houses Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. The school of learning joins the University of Michigan as the second college to house my initial work. Luminaries as Magic Johnson, Robert Urich, and Dick Martin attended the school.

   It’s the 90th library to carry Forgotten Hollywood Forgotten History. Overall, 108 literary branches carry a combination of both works.

Until next time>                               “never forget”