who - or what - is The Penguin? A reclusive and strangely deformed creature with a brilliant mind honed on rage and an insatiable need for revenge, The Penguin forms an unlikely alliance with amoral business mogul Shreck that sends Gotham and its residents
to their knees in terror. Flanked by an army of loyal penguins prepared to do his most evil bidding and a treacherous band of vandals known as the Red Triangle Circus Gang, The Penguin carries the secret of his origins with him as he embarks on his diabolical plan to destroy Gotham City--and its savior, Batman.

Yet Batman has an even greater challenge to face in the form of the seductively beautiful, yet lethally dangerous Catwoman. Catwoman, whose own existence, like Batman's, sprang out of tragedy, is a stunning combatant who confronts Batman with a fierce energy, a scathing wit--and a secret he must discover before he falls under her spell forever. As Catwoman's slashing, slithering whip curls around Batman's shoulders and flings him to the floor, the humbled--but tantalized--Dark Knight wonders for the hundredth time...where has he met this amazing woman before?

Director Burton once again mines the rich legend of Batman to present a caroming funhouse ride through the imagination, a dizzying glimpse into a dark urban future, and an exploration of a romantic attraction as mysterious as it is powerful, in "Batman Returns."

The screenplay by DANIEL WATERS ("Heathers") is based upon Batman characters created by BOB KANE and published by DC Comics. DENISE DI NOVI produces, and JON PETERS, PETER GUBER, BENJAMIN MELNIKER and MICHAEL USLAN serve as executive producers. LARRY FRANCO is the co-producer. The associate producer/unit production manager is IAN BRYCE.