Batman lives

Playing a superhero in a major film can go to your head - but it would appear the latest incarnation of the Caped Crusader has taken the role thorough

11:47 24 August 2004

Playing a superhero in a major film can go to your head - but it would appear the latest incarnation of the Caped Crusader has taken the role thoroughly to heart.

Christian Bale, who plays the Dark Knight in new film Batman Begins, proved his worthiness to wield the utility belt when disaster threatened the film's production crew.

According to TeenHollywood a vintage Plymouth car started to slide ominously towards the set of the movie.

Without a single thought for his own safety the 30-year-old Brit raced the runaway vehicle down the hill, threw himself through an open window and steered it to safety.

Cinemagoers will see what heroics Bale can manage while playing Batman on screen when the film opens in July next year.