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Good Movies That Became Bad TV Shows

Kingsfield's classroom shrunk because we saw him teaching second or third year seminars. Although we don't see it, we can assume there was another group of 1-Ls coming along and taking Kingsfield's dreaded Intro to Contract Law in a large classroom, while Hart and his study group were taking the more advanced courses.

Besides, no university has classrooms, especially large lecture halls, dedicated to one professor and one course. Other professors and other courses used the same lecture hall. Some passing references suggest all 1-Ls did not take contract law from Kingsfield; other sections of the course were taught by other faculty (although Hart really wanted Kingsfield's section).
 
Anyone remember Roll Out in the early 70s? It was an attempt by CBS to exploit the MASH success with a comedy based on "The Red Ball Express". I don't think it lasted half a year.
 
In their book on prime-time TV programs, Brooks and Marsh note in the chapter that lists TV series adapted from movies that a hit movie seldom makes a hit TV series.

Yes, "Lassie", "The Virginian", "M*A*S*H", "Alice", and a few other shows based on movies became hits (although "Lassie" and "M*A*S*H" were first books), but most are flops.

Nevertheless, don't be surprised over the next few weeks if the broadcast networks announce one or two shows for the upcoming Fall season based on movies.
 
The Black Bart pilot was included on some DVD versions of Blazing Saddles.

There was also an animated version of Spaceballs and Mel Brooks was involved in the production that only lasted one season on either Sci-Fi or Comedy Central. (I can't remember which)
 
Well, it's debatable whether the TV show "Lassie" had anything to do with the movie "Lassie, Come Home." Other than a collie named "Lassie." Actually, the same collie was used in the TV pilot but then one of "Lassie's" son (yes, "Lassie" was a transvestite way before "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or John Waters films).
 
LowTideNumber6 said:
If I recall correctly, the 80s version of "Odd Couple" used old scripts because it was filmed during a writer's strike, though I could be wrong about that...
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No, the new "Odd Couple" came on a year after the '81 writers strike. You may be thinking of "Mission Impossible," which did use old scripts due to the '88 writers strike.
 
FredLeonard said:
Well, it's debatable whether the TV show "Lassie" had anything to do with the movie "Lassie, Come Home." Other than a collie named "Lassie." Actually, the same collie was used in the TV pilot but then one of "Lassie's" son (yes, "Lassie" was a transvestite way before "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or John Waters films).
Click to expand...

I once read that male collies have shinier coats than do females, and thus photograph better. That's why all the Lassies have been male (I may get in trouble for this, but I wonder what the camera people did if he had to hike his leg :).
 
The Four Seasons staring Jack Weston. Cast included the late Alan Arbus from M*A*S*H and 2 of Alan Alda's daughters. Alan Alda was an executive producer. CBS- 1-29-1984 thru 7-29-84. Slightly remember this Sunday Night show.
 
anotherguy said:
The Black Bart pilot was included on some DVD versions of Blazing Saddles.

There was also an animated version of Spaceballs and Mel Brooks was involved in the production that only lasted one season on either Sci-Fi or Comedy Central. (I can't remember which)
Click to expand...

G4 broadcast "Spaceballs: The Animated Series", not the Sci-Fi Channel (now called SyFy) or Comedy Central.
 
Mario500 said:
anotherguy said:
The Black Bart pilot was included on some DVD versions of Blazing Saddles.

There was also an animated version of Spaceballs and Mel Brooks was involved in the production that only lasted one season on either Sci-Fi or Comedy Central. (I can't remember which)
Click to expand...

G4 broadcast "Spaceballs: The Animated Series", not the Sci-Fi Channel (now called SyFy) or Comedy Central.
Click to expand...

OK thanks. I stand corrected on that. I didn't have time to look when I made the earlier post.
 
The 1962 My Mother the Car movie starring Cary Grant as Dave Crabtree and Angela Lansbury as Gladys (the car) was far superior to the TV show.

just trying to see if anyone is paying attention...
 
Lkeller said:
The 1962 My Mother the Car movie starring Cary Grant as Dave Crabtree and Angela Lansbury as Gladys (the car) was far superior to the TV show.

just trying to see if anyone is paying attention...
Click to expand...
...sorry, Pal, but you need a much bigger shovel to turn that load ;D ...
 
Kudos to the reviver of this thread.

Someone way up the thread mentioned the "M.U.S.H." animated segments Uncle Croc's Block (which starred Charles Nelson Reilly as Uncle Croc and, like The Odd Ball Couple, came from Filmation; both were on ABC IIRC, if that hasn't been mentioned already). The dramatic deep voiced announcer who introduced "M.U.S.H." was the same one who introduced Shazam! and Isis (two live action Filmation series on CBS in that era). Anyone remember his name?

Someone else mentioned Makin' It. It's star, David Naughton, sang the theme song (and reached #16 on the Hot 100 that spring [as I was about to graduate from HS] after ABC axed the show [thank you Messrs. Brooks, Marsh, and Whitburn]). Naughton played Billy Manucci, who'd rather be on the dance floor than pursuing his teaching degree. I don't think I ever watched the show (it was on Thursdays briefly before moving to Fridays, replacing the first half hour of Donny and Marie, which had moved to Sundays opposite 60 Minutes [as The Osmond Family Show]). OTOH I do remember hearing the song on the radio then.

ixnay

ixnay
 
I don't believe anyone mentioned Gung Ho, in which Gedde Watanabe returned as Kaz but Scott Bakula took over Michael Keaton's role. I guess there was only so much you could do with the premise of that movie.

Remember when Jimmie J.J. Walker filled in for Richard Pryor on the syndicated remake of Bustin' Loose? ...... Nah, I didn't think so.

And don't get me started on Dirty Dancing: The Series. :p Ugh.
 
Lkeller said:
The 1962 My Mother the Car movie starring Cary Grant as Dave Crabtree and Angela Lansbury as Gladys (the car) was far superior to the TV show.

just trying to see if anyone is paying attention...
Click to expand...

Many readers who expected reliable information here would frown upon false information posted on purpose.
 
ixnay said:
Kudos to the reviver of this thread.

Someone way up the thread mentioned the "M.U.S.H." animated segments Uncle Croc's Block (which starred Charles Nelson Reilly as Uncle Croc and, like The Odd Ball Couple, came from Filmation; both were on ABC IIRC, if that hasn't been mentioned already). The dramatic deep voiced announcer who introduced "M.U.S.H." was the same one who introduced Shazam! and Isis (two live action Filmation series on CBS in that era). Anyone remember his name?

Someone else mentioned Makin' It. It's star, David Naughton, sang the theme song (and reached #16 on the Hot 100 that spring [as I was about to graduate from HS] after ABC axed the show [thank you Messrs. Brooks, Marsh, and Whitburn]). Naughton played Billy Manucci, who'd rather be on the dance floor than pursuing his teaching degree. I don't think I ever watched the show (it was on Thursdays briefly before moving to Fridays, replacing the first half hour of Donny and Marie, which had moved to Sundays opposite 60 Minutes [as The Osmond Family Show]). OTOH I do remember hearing the song on the radio then.

ixnay

ixnay
Click to expand...

Filmation co-founder Norm Prescott, a former DJ in Boston (and sidekick to Bob & Ray when they started there) often did announcer duty on their shows.

"The Oddball Couple" was a Depatie-Freleng production, not Filmation.

"Makin' It" also had John Travolta's sister Ellen in its cast. The theme song also turned up in the movie "Meatballs."
 
Lkeller said:
The 1962 My Mother the Car movie starring Cary Grant as Dave Crabtree and Angela Lansbury as Gladys (the car) was far superior to the TV show.
Click to expand...

I loved that movie! They showed true genius by casting Moe Howard as Captain Manzini (with a very convincing fake mustache). The theme song was performed by Bill Haley and his Comets, resurrecting their careers. ;D

Lighten up, Francis - er, Mario. We're just having fun here.
 
rnigma said:
"Makin' It" also had John Travolta's sister Ellen in its cast. The theme song also turned up in the movie "Meatballs."
Click to expand...

The theme, of course, was notable for having made the Top Ten on the Billboard Hot 100 -- after its show had left the air due to poor ratings.
 
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