Heath Ledger's role as The Joker in The Dark Knight has earned universal raves. But there are other memorable performances in Joker history. Here's a look at some who have worn that evil grin. Rob Clark
Cesar Romero
The performance: The 1960s Batman TV series
The personality: This Joker worked in old-timey TV days, but like Adam West's Batman, he hasn't aged real well. He's corny, slightly effeminate and not at all intimidating.
The look: There is a creepy-clown quality to his appearance. His healthy thicket of green hair is impressive. But his lipstick smile is a lazy red swipe heading north.
The laugh: A decent cackle for an ultra-cheesy show.
The formula: Big Gay Al from South Park, multiplied by Dr. Evil, divided by Milton Berle.
Jack Nicholson
The performance: Batman (1989)
The personality: More comic than killer, Jack emphasized the laughs in his vaudeville-maniac interpretation. His quips (see some on here) add much-needed humor to Tim Burton's gothic treatment.
The look: The Joker's permanent smile – created by an unexpected dip in a vat of chemicals, is excellent. His wardrobe of purple-green suit ensembles is fashionable for a villain. But let's be honest – the Joker shouldn't be balding.
The laugh: No one hams it up for the camera and chuckles like Jack. His evil giggles are the highlight of the movie.
The formula: Tim Curry in Stephen King's It, multiplied by Don Rickles, divided by Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs.
Prince
The performance: Two music videos for Batman (1989)
The personality: He's a tormented half-Batman, half-Joker in "Batdance," the hit that spawned a million cheerleader dance routines. He's mostly Joker in "Partyman," in which he poisons the drinks for unsuspecting partygoers.
The look: When the skinny Purple One is made up like the Joker, he actually looks more like the comic book character than most of the others. Too bad acting is not his strong suit.
The laugh: "Partyman" closes with Prince's take on the Joker laugh, which sounds more like an asthmatic chipmunk.
The formula: Katt Williams, multiplied by Sly Stone, divided by Apollonia.
The performance: Voice of the Joker on various animated Batman series and films in the '90s.
The personality: Appropriately devilish and ruthless, with an air of Euro snootiness.
The look: Mark Hamill looks nothing like any Joker version. Thank you, animation.
The laugh: It's second only to Jack's, leaping from low and creepy to insane-asylum delirious.
The formula: Eddie Izzard, multiplied by John Malkovich, divided by Luke Skywalker.QUICK REVIEW
The Dark Knight
A-The revamped Batman franchise's next chapter is dense, swift and, well, dark. The existential crisis Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne-Batman suffers is overshadowed by Heath Ledger, who gives one of the finest, scariest portraits of villainy in screen history. Not for kids. Also starring Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michael Caine. PG-13 (violence, intense action, adult themes). 153 min. In wide release. Chris Vognar
