Neal Hefti Swings On

One of the 1960’s most swingingest composers was Neal Hefti, who established his pop icon status with the hit theme song to the camp classic TV series “Batman” (1966) and the bizarro LORD LOVE A DUCK (1966). He contributed one of the most infectious themes in film history with THE ODD COUPLE (1968). And his catchy big band piece, “Gotham City Municipal Swing Band” was one of the great music cues from the beloved “Creature Features with Bob Wilkins.” In the spirit of Neal Hefti and the Halloween season, here’s a trailer for WATCH HORROR FILMS: KEEP AMERICA STRONG, an upcoming documentary on Wilkins, the legendary Northern California TV horror-host (George Lucas was a young fan) that includes Hefti’s brassy song: