John Schneider says 'Dukes' movie was 'offensive on every level' - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-24-2009, 04:58 PM

Link

TORONTO — John Schneider, who played good ol' boy Bo Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," says the '80s TV show was one of the last programs that families sat down to watch together.

He's still riled about the raunchy 2005 movie version starring Jessica Simpson and Johnny Knoxville.

"It was awful. Just awful," Schneider said of the "Dukes" film.

"It was offensive on every level. The car stuff was great. But to depict Uncle Jesse as a pot-smoking, grab-ass, lecherous old man was really a travesty as far as I'm concerned."

Schneider is scheduled to appear at a Toronto car show this weekend to sign autographs and shake hands at a "Dukes of Hazzard" booth alongside a 1969 Dodge Charger - the vehicle that was immortalized on the show as the General Lee.

Schneider estimates that at least 329 Dodge Chargers were used on "Dukes," which ran from 1979 to 1985 and chronicled the adventures of two cousins living in fictional Hazzard County.

Most went the way of the wrecking yard due to the spectacular chases that Bo and Luke (Tom Wopat) frequently found themselves caught up in (says Schneider: "If you've never jumped a car before, you should really try it").

Schneider made headlines when he sold his own General Lee last year, although he refuses to say what it went for.

A self-professed car nut (he currently has five in his collection, but has had as many as 16) the actor says he sees all types of cars painted to resemble the General, including tow trucks, Humvees, Mini Coopers and Lamborghinis.

"People have a tendency of thinking: 'Well, you know, those "Dukes of Hazzard" fans, they're a certain demographic.' No, motorheads like myself come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world," he said.

"Every country I've been in, I've either seen a General Lee in person, or somebody has said, did you know that right down the street ... there's a General Lee? Saw one in Milan, Italy, I've seen several in Australia. They're everywhere."

Most often, though, Schneider hears from "Dukes" viewers who decided to build their own version of the General Lee. When that happens, there's always a story.

"People have made them with their fathers and their grandfathers and their moms," he said.

"When you see somebody that has a General Lee that they made themselves, it represents many, many, many hours of spending time together with people that you love, people that you care about and you're sharing a passion about a particular hobby or even a particular car."

The American actor, also an accomplished musician who has recorded 10 albums, likens "The Dukes of Hazzard" to "I Love Lucy" and "The Andy Griffith Show."

He's stunned that the big-screen version was so totally devoid of that family spirit.

"It's interesting to me how a company as large as Warner Bros. could completely and totally miss the heart and soul of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' when they made that movie," he said.

The show, he says, embodies the same spirit that compels families to rebuild cars together.

"The show is a safe place you can go and take your kids."

The Motion Custom Car Show takes place March 27-29 at the Direct Energy Centre.

Mr. Television · 03-24-2009, 06:50 PM

Warner Bros. Didn't care about the show or it's fans. All they cared about was making money so they hired young actors who would appeal to the younger generation and then made it sleazy. I hope that Dallas movie never happens because I bet they'll do the same thing to it.

catlover79 · 03-24-2009, 09:58 PM

Ben Jones (Cooter) is also a very vocal opponent of the movie as well. Makes me all the more glad I never saw it. Give me the TV show ANY DAY!! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw!!

Retro4Life · 05-23-2011, 07:52 PM

Did any of the original stars appear in the film?

glickmam · 05-23-2011, 08:43 PM

In addition, Sorrell Booke and Denver Pyle were probably rolling around in their graves.

Schmoopie · 05-23-2011, 09:33 PM

This is only one reason I hate seeing shows transition onto the big screen. For one thing, Hollywood has this idea that today's audiences like things sleazy and crude; something I've seen at least once in almost every move these days. I mean if they want to do that, why not just do a movie "like" Dukes of Hazard" but change the names and so forth? People will still get it and they could even sell it as a parody. Just as bad I suppose, but at least it wouldn't degrade from the original series.

In my opinion, movies from TV shows should really only be made if they have original cast members in them and it be either a continuation or a conclusion to the series.

steevo · 05-29-2011, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

Did any of the original stars appear in the film?

No they didn't.

I saw the movie too and found it to be vulgar.

Retro4Life · 05-29-2011, 03:28 PM

I hate it when "reboots" don't at least honor the original series.

(Of course I tend to hate reboots in general, but that's a whole other issue).

The worst example I can think of this is the recent "Land of the Lost" reboot/travesty when the filmed cameos of the original stars were CUT OUT of the final cut. What a slap in the face.

Meh, I better not get started.

catlover79 · 05-29-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

The worst example I can think of this is the recent "Land of the Lost" reboot/travesty when the filmed cameos of the original stars were CUT OUT of the final cut. What a slap in the face.

Now that is just inexcusable.

Marvo301 · 05-29-2011, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

I hate it when "reboots" don't at least honor the original series.

(Of course I tend to hate reboots in general, but that's a whole other issue).

The worst example I can think of this is the recent "Land of the Lost" reboot/travesty when the filmed cameos of the original stars were CUT OUT of the final cut. What a slap in the face.

Meh, I better not get started.

Although considering how the movie turned out they're probably grateful not have made the cut!

catlover79 · 05-29-2011, 07:07 PM

True!!

Retro4Life · 05-29-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Now that is just inexcusable.

Yeah, it is. And the terrible thing is that most of these reboots/remakes really only get one shot; if you blow it then, your chance to "do it right" is gone forever.

I mean, seriously are they EVER going to be able to do another LOTL movie or series now, after the colossal bomb they laid with this one? So for the fans, that was the only chance they might have to see their favorite stars back in action (if only briefly) as the characters they loved.

And now it's gone for good.

Retro4Life · 05-29-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Although considering how the movie turned out they're probably grateful not have made the cut!

That blasphemy should never have been made, it's true. But I *might* have thought about renting it, just to see the originals again. As it is, I wouldn't touch it with Howard Stern's hands.

704Hauser · 05-30-2011, 01:42 AM

I do admit I saw The Dukes Of Hazzard film a few years ago, when I was still in high school, and, being quite the fan of smut and just general frat-boy humour at the time (I was also a huge fan of things South Park and American Pie during this period), I quite enjoyed it, enough to warrant buying season sets of the TV show. I grew to like the TV show a lot more, so at least one good thing came out of the movie

.

Today, I saw a clip from the movie on YouTube and was horrified! I'm almost ashamed to have watched the film! I'm glad I have the original series to watch though.

hawkeye123 · 06-02-2012, 04:37 PM

It was good for what it was.But i deffinatley prefered the orignal and would of much rather they did it like that.Than the way they did.I can understand why they we're all upset about it.It was more of a comedy than a family show.I didn't like what they did with Uncle Jesse either.

03-24-2009, 04:58 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,338	John Schneider says 'Dukes' movie was 'offensive on every level' Link TORONTO — John Schneider, who played good ol' boy Bo Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard," says the '80s TV show was one of the last programs that families sat down to watch together. He's still riled about the raunchy 2005 movie version starring Jessica Simpson and Johnny Knoxville. "It was awful. Just awful," Schneider said of the "Dukes" film. "It was offensive on every level. The car stuff was great. But to depict Uncle Jesse as a pot-smoking, grab-ass, lecherous old man was really a travesty as far as I'm concerned." Schneider is scheduled to appear at a Toronto car show this weekend to sign autographs and shake hands at a "Dukes of Hazzard" booth alongside a 1969 Dodge Charger - the vehicle that was immortalized on the show as the General Lee. Schneider estimates that at least 329 Dodge Chargers were used on "Dukes," which ran from 1979 to 1985 and chronicled the adventures of two cousins living in fictional Hazzard County. Most went the way of the wrecking yard due to the spectacular chases that Bo and Luke (Tom Wopat) frequently found themselves caught up in (says Schneider: "If you've never jumped a car before, you should really try it"). Schneider made headlines when he sold his own General Lee last year, although he refuses to say what it went for. A self-professed car nut (he currently has five in his collection, but has had as many as 16) the actor says he sees all types of cars painted to resemble the General, including tow trucks, Humvees, Mini Coopers and Lamborghinis. "People have a tendency of thinking: 'Well, you know, those "Dukes of Hazzard" fans, they're a certain demographic.' No, motorheads like myself come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world," he said. "Every country I've been in, I've either seen a General Lee in person, or somebody has said, did you know that right down the street ... there's a General Lee? Saw one in Milan, Italy, I've seen several in Australia. They're everywhere." Most often, though, Schneider hears from "Dukes" viewers who decided to build their own version of the General Lee. When that happens, there's always a story. "People have made them with their fathers and their grandfathers and their moms," he said. "When you see somebody that has a General Lee that they made themselves, it represents many, many, many hours of spending time together with people that you love, people that you care about and you're sharing a passion about a particular hobby or even a particular car." The American actor, also an accomplished musician who has recorded 10 albums, likens "The Dukes of Hazzard" to "I Love Lucy" and "The Andy Griffith Show." He's stunned that the big-screen version was so totally devoid of that family spirit. "It's interesting to me how a company as large as Warner Bros. could completely and totally miss the heart and soul of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' when they made that movie," he said. The show, he says, embodies the same spirit that compels families to rebuild cars together. "The show is a safe place you can go and take your kids." The Motion Custom Car Show takes place March 27-29 at the Direct Energy Centre.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-24-2009, 06:50 PM	#2
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,125	Warner Bros. Didn't care about the show or it's fans. All they cared about was making money so they hired young actors who would appeal to the younger generation and then made it sleazy. I hope that Dallas movie never happens because I bet they'll do the same thing to it.
	__________________ Sonny

03-24-2009, 09:58 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Ben Jones (Cooter) is also a very vocal opponent of the movie as well. Makes me all the more glad I never saw it. Give me the TV show ANY DAY!! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-23-2011, 07:52 PM	#4
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,706	Did any of the original stars appear in the film?
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

05-23-2011, 09:33 PM	#6
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	This is only one reason I hate seeing shows transition onto the big screen. For one thing, Hollywood has this idea that today's audiences like things sleazy and crude; something I've seen at least once in almost every move these days. I mean if they want to do that, why not just do a movie "like" Dukes of Hazard" but change the names and so forth? People will still get it and they could even sell it as a parody. Just as bad I suppose, but at least it wouldn't degrade from the original series. In my opinion, movies from TV shows should really only be made if they have original cast members in them and it be either a continuation or a conclusion to the series.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

05-23-2011, 08:43 PM	#5
glickmam Member Forum Regular Join Date: Mar 03, 2007 Posts: 661	In addition, Sorrell Booke and Denver Pyle were probably rolling around in their graves.

05-29-2011, 03:28 PM	#8
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,706	I hate it when "reboots" don't at least honor the original series. (Of course I tend to hate reboots in general, but that's a whole other issue). The worst example I can think of this is the recent "Land of the Lost" reboot/travesty when the filmed cameos of the original stars were CUT OUT of the final cut. What a slap in the face. Meh, I better not get started.

05-29-2011, 07:07 PM	#11
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	True!!

05-30-2011, 01:42 AM	#14
704Hauser Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 08, 2011 Location: Australia Posts: 366	I do admit I saw The Dukes Of Hazzard film a few years ago, when I was still in high school, and, being quite the fan of smut and just general frat-boy humour at the time (I was also a huge fan of things South Park and American Pie during this period), I quite enjoyed it, enough to warrant buying season sets of the TV show. I grew to like the TV show a lot more, so at least one good thing came out of the movie . Today, I saw a clip from the movie on YouTube and was horrified! I'm almost ashamed to have watched the film! I'm glad I have the original series to watch though.
	__________________ Who's that riding in the sun? Who's the man with the itchy gun? Who's the man who kills for fun? Psycho Dad, Psycho Dad, Psycho Dad.

06-02-2012, 04:37 PM	#15
hawkeye123 Member Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2012 Posts: 1,390	It was good for what it was.But i deffinatley prefered the orignal and would of much rather they did it like that.Than the way they did.I can understand why they we're all upset about it.It was more of a comedy than a family show.I didn't like what they did with Uncle Jesse either.