In what is arguably the weirdest possible version of Bruce Wayne's childhood, Pertwee has to walk a fine line between serving as a father figure and a literal employee, and he actually pulls it off in a way that's compelling and believable.

That's what makes Sean Pertwee's performance as Alfred so fun to watch. While the movies and TV shows to follow would feature a variety of new looks for Alfred, the comics have kept Austin as the standard ever since. When the character was introduced in the comics, it was as a hefty, clean-shaven caricature of a 'gentleman's gentleman.' After the serial's debut and almost inexplicable success, however, the Alfred of the comics took some time off for a ' holiday at a health resort,' and returned to the Batcave sporting a thin, mustachioed new look to match Austin's screen portrayal.

What really sets Austin apart is that he's probably the most influential Alfred of all time. Like his comic book counterpart of the time, he provides a bit of comic relief, both intentionally-by freaking himself out by reading scary detective novels alone in Wayne Manor-and unintentionally, by being tasked with driving Batman and Robin around in what is clearly just Bruce Wayne's convertible with the top put up. If, however, you do find yourself watching Batman '43, perhaps as punishment for shoplifting or insurance fraud, you can at least look forward to one bright spot: William Austin's portrayal of Alfred.

Batman brave and the bold alfred