Small Screen to Big Screen

Small Screen to Big Screen

Do you ever jump up and down and applaud or role your eyes and shake your head when you hear of the next movie that’s coming out based on a former TV program? In recent years some of our favorite TV shows have been adapted and made into feature length films. We’ve seen “Starsky & Hutch”, “Lost in Space” and “The Beverly Hillbillies” come from the small screen in our living rooms to the big screen in local theaters. What are some of the former TV shows we can expect to see in a theater soon?

Bewitched

This favorite TV show about a witch, Samantha, trying to live a normal, modern life with her husband, Darrin, originally starred Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York (then later Dick Sargent). In the big screen version, Nicole Kidman takes over the role of Samantha and Will Ferrell will be playing Darrin. Don’t worry Endora fans! She’ll also be in the movie. Samantha’s meddlesome mother, formerly played by Agnes Moorehead, will be portrayed by Shirley MacLaine.

Dukes of Hazzard

The good ol’ boys from Hazzard County were portrayed by John Schneider and Tom Wopat when “The Dukes of Hazzard” was on TV. The updated film version includes Sean William Scott and Johnny Knoxville as Bo and Luke Duke. Jessica Simpson will play their cousin, Daisy Duke, while Willie Nelson plays Uncle Jesse. To round out the cast, Burt Reynolds will take over the role of Boss Hogg.

The Honeymooners

First shown in the 1950s, “The Honeymooners” has become a classic. Who can ever replace Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, Art Carney as his closest pal Ed Norton, Audrey Meadows as Ralph’s wife, Alice, and Joyce Randolph as Ed’s wife, Trixie? Cedric the Entertainer will get the chance with the movie version. The comedienne will portray the bus driver who’s looking for a “get rich quick” scheme.

Strangers With Candy

This cult favorite TV show starred Amy Sedaris as Jerri, a forty-something, former drug addict who decides to return to high school. The updated version will not only have Amy Sedaris reprising her role but will also star much of the cast from the original show including Stephen Colbert as Chuck Noblet and Paul Dinello as Geoffrey Jellineck.

Land of the Lost

Who doesn’t remember the story about a family that is thrown back in time to the dinosaur age? The TV show starred Spencer Milligan as Rick Marshall (a.k.a. Dad) while Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman portrayed his children Will and Holly. Although filming on the project hasn’t started, look for the big screen version to star Will Ferrell. No word yet on whether Cha-Ka or the Sleestack will be appearing in the film. Stay tuned!