A look inside Hollywood and the movies. : INTO THE BELFRY : What If We Just Wanted His Ears?

Several weeks ago, it was reported that thieves were stealing “Batman Returns” posters from around the city almost as fast as Warner Bros. could put them up. Well, for those of you law-abiding citizens who didn’t get one and have to have a poster from the film, now you can--for a price.

In addition to the usual round-up of T-shirts, watches, baseball caps and coffee mugs, Warner Bros. has decided to sell a limited number--200, to be exact--of framed “Batman Returns” posters, featuring the snow-swept Batman logo and personally signed by Batman himself, Michael Keaton. Priced at $250, these posters will only be available through the mail, unlike much of the “Batman” merchandise, which will be sold at the studio’s retail outlets.

According to Karine Joret, Warners’ retail director of worldwide marketing and publicity, studios rarely sell “teaser” posters from films, but because of the what she calls the “event-status” surrounding the film’s opening Friday it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.

Joret says that executives of Warners’ catalogue division approached Keaton about signing the posters. “Fortunately for us, he agreed to do it, which makes it different and something that should become a hot item.”

Keaton is dividing the money from the sale of the posters and donating it to several charities. He wasn’t available for comment, but his spokesman said, “In light of recent unrest in Los Angeles, proceeds will be targeted toward a project in Los Angeles” and the Montana State University library for the preservation of the Native American culture.”

Keaton is also putting his “Batman” affiliation to use for another charity: He has persuaded Warner Bros. to supply a print for a special premiere of “Batman Returns” Thursday in Pittsburgh, which will benefit the Parental Stress Center, an organization that Keaton has been involved with for years.