<P> One change, which was later to become synonymous with the show, was the transformation of Diana Prince into Wonder Woman by spinning . During the filming of the pilot, producers were trying to figure out a way to show how Diana Prince became Wonder Woman, when Carter suggested that she do a spin . </P> <P> Unlike the earlier pilot, the comic - book origins of the character were emphasized by the retention of the character's traditional uniform (the design of which was interpreted and executed by Donald Lee Feld, credited as "Donfeld") with the original setting and through the use of comic book elements . The series's title sequence was animated in the form of a series of comic book panels featuring Wonder Woman performing a variety of heroic feats . Within the show, location and exposition were handled through comic book - style text panels . Transitions between scenes and commercial breaks were marked by animated starburst sequences . </P> <P> In early 1942, during the Second World War, American pilot Major Steve Trevor (Waggoner) bails out during an air battle over the Bermuda Triangle, location of Paradise Island . The island is home to the Amazons: beautiful, ageless women with great strength, agility, and intelligence . Amazon princess Diana (Carter) rescues the handsome unconscious Trevor and helps nurse him back to health . Her mother, the Amazon queen (Cloris Leachman; succeeded by Carolyn Jones and Beatrice Straight in later episodes), decrees that Olympic - style games shall be held to select one Amazon to return Trevor back to America . But she forbids her own daughter Diana, the princess, to participate . Diana states that since she is not allowed to participate, she does not want to be present for the games and will take a retreat to the other side of the island . The games are held with participants wearing masks and numbers, shown as Roman numerals in triangles on white sleeveless short tunic - dresses . Among the contestants is a blonde Amazon . During the events, the blonde Amazon shows exceptional skills and she ties for first with another Amazon . To break the deadlock, the "bullets and bracelets" event is decided as the tiebreaker, wherein each of the women takes turns shooting at the other; the one being shot at must deflect the bullets with her bulletproof bracelets . The blond woman wins the event, superficially injuring her opponent's arm . When she is pronounced the winner, she removes her mask and wig and reveals that she is Diana . Her mother, though initially shocked, relents and allows her to go to America . </P> <P> Diana's uniform as Wonder Woman, designed by Queen Hippolyta, features emblems of America, the land to which she will be returning Steve Trevor . A golden belt will be the source of her strength and power while away from Paradise Island . She has her bullet - deflecting bracelets and also receives a golden lasso which is unbreakable and forces people to obey and tell the truth when bound with it . As shown later in flashback, Hippolyta also teaches Diana how to transform her clothes magically into the uniform . </P>

Who played wonder woman's mother on the tv series