Do you remember The Big Valley? Chances are you don't. The 1965 western was ABC's answer to the blockbuster success of Bonanza ... over four decades ago! Apparently someone -- the original producer's daughter -- believes that it's time for a western again (based on what?) and, that said, The Big Valley is planning on a big screen version of the TV series. The Big Valley never reached Bonanza status, but it did run over 100 episodes and launched a couple of television stars. Both Lee Majors and Linda Evans were virtual unknowns before the series, and The Big Valley is listed as their debuts. Thanks to The Big Valley, Majors eventually landed The Six Million Dollar Man and Linda Evans achieved big-time stardom on Dynasty in the '80s.
On the other end of the spectrum, Miss Barbara Stanwyck -- that was how she was billed -- was a big time movie star before The Big Valley, a four-time Oscar nominee, although it was not her first TV series. Still, as Victoria Barkley, matriarch of the most important family in Stockton, California in the 1870s, Stanwyck carried the show. Also getting a lot of buzz back then were Richard Long (pre-The Nanny and the Professor) and Peter Breck as Victoria's two eldest sons, Jarrod and Nick.
All this could add up to an interesting remake, but again you have to wonder about the viability of a western. The producers have a screenwriter/director lined up, Daniel Adams, and the movie starts shooting next April in Michigan and New Mexico. I guess California doesn't cut it any more as a location for California.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-14-2009 @ 11:14AM
Fig\\\'s Friend said...
Isn't it sad that Hollywood just can't come up with an original idea any more? And of course I DO remember "The Big Valley" - very fondly. Can't imagine who they will cast - but I'm sure it will be dreadful.
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7-14-2009 @ 1:19PM
Jimmy_MO said...
Let me second that on the original ideas.
Of course, it comes down to money. Hollywood isn't about taking risks. Remaking shows into big budget movies is, more often than not, a safe bet. For every Land of the Lost, there's a Star Trek, Addams Family, or The Fugitive.
7-14-2009 @ 12:07PM
Mike McNamara said...
Yeah, please insert my standard "aren't there any original ideas out there?" complaint here.
That said, a Western about a family with strong female characters would certainly be a different kind of Hollywood movie, even though it's based on a pre-existing product. I can't imagine anybody filling Miss Barbara Stanwyck's boots but if they go through with this, casting will be EVERYTHING.
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7-14-2009 @ 11:58AM
PB said...
For continuity, they should cast Linda Evans as the matriarch ...
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7-14-2009 @ 12:04PM
Jeff N. said...
Right cast and a good script and they might have something. But the original cast was very good so I don't have hopes this will be nearly as good.
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7-14-2009 @ 12:31PM
jj said...
I think someone like Kathy Bates could play the role Stanwyck created. Loved this show and it could be good and successful with a good story and right casting. Of course, they should always remember the good story and right casting rule when doing ANYTHING.
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7-14-2009 @ 2:42PM
JND said...
I wasn't alive when the series originally aired- just want to point out that some of the younger generation is familiar w/ the show...... However, the actress picked to play Victoria will have some big boots to fill- no one took a punch like Stanwyck. Also, I cannot imagine anyone else in the roll of Nick Barkley other than the rugged Peter Breck- he's still around and still a cowboy. The producers should give him a call.
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7-15-2009 @ 12:16AM
Jgreenefields said...
Please, NOOOOO!!!
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7-29-2009 @ 2:01AM
Jennie said...
As much as I love Peter Breck, I don't think I want to see an 80 year old Nick Barkley. No. Not ever. Lee Majors has announced that he has been cast to play the old stud himself, Tom Barkley. That alone might make it worth the price of admission. Or at least a Netflix pick.
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8-04-2009 @ 11:47PM
stocktongirl said...
I wasn't born when the show first aired, either. However, I'm a HUGE fan; being in a Big Valley Fan Club and all. I think Edelman-Johnson, being the daughter of the original writer, will do the movie justice and Daniel Adams has written me that he will do his best to cast the right actors for the other characters as Lee Majors is indeed playing Tom Barkley in the beginning of the movie. So, I will wait with my fingers crossed.
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8-07-2009 @ 7:25PM
Nance said...
Interestingly, producers Gardner (age 99!) and Laven are still alive as well.
Good idea to cast Majors as Tom. I'm guessing we'll see Tom at the end of his life which happens 6 years before Heath arrives. Wonder if Tom will have that Kentucky accent too. ;
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