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Fox are going to remake Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em for America!
Ooh Betty! Frank remade for US
Stephen Brook
Wednesday October 17, 2007
MediaGuardian.co.uk
Frank Spencer: the hapless hero in the original series of Some Mothers Do 'Av 'Em. Photograph: BBC
Ooh Betty! Have you heard about the most unlikely TV revival of all time - a new American version of the 70s BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em?
The Fox TV network has asked the BBC to make a pilot episode of the comedy, which saw well-meaning disaster zone Frank Spencer try and fail to provide a better life for his long-suffering wife Betty.
Created by Raymond Allen, the original ran for three series from 1973 and propelled Michael Crawford to fame in part because he coupled his effeminate portrayal of the naive Frank with a series of spectacular stunts.
These included a day trip that culminated in Frank hanging from his Morris Minor as it teetered on a cliff edge and a roller-skate ride that saw Spencer crash through doors, shops and even skate under a passing lorry.
"I never would have dreamt 35 years ago when I originally wrote the series that dearly loved but disastrous Frank would be creating havoc on American soil," said Mr Allen. "It's a very exciting time... and a treasured moment of glory for Frank!"
If executives at Rupert Murdoch's Fox network like the slapstick humour, the pilot could spawn an entire series.
Philip Stark, the writer/producer behind That 70s Show and the film Dude Where's My Car, who also worked on South Park, is to adapt, update and executive produce a pilot script for American audiences.
The US remake will be co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, which has turned the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, into a smash hit for ABC. "We have felt for a while now that Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em would translate brilliantly across the pond," said Paul Telegdy, executive producer with BBC Worldwide.
"With Philip's exceptional skills on board we're confident we'll produce a winning pilot with the ultimate aim of bringing Ray's fantastic show to millions of US viewers." The BBC has a long history of exporting its comedy across the pond, with the US version of The Office well established on the NBC network.
In the 70s the sitcom Steptoe and Son was turned into Sanford and Son for US audiences.
Ooh Betty! Frank remade for US
Stephen Brook
Wednesday October 17, 2007
MediaGuardian.co.uk
Frank Spencer: the hapless hero in the original series of Some Mothers Do 'Av 'Em. Photograph: BBC
Ooh Betty! Have you heard about the most unlikely TV revival of all time - a new American version of the 70s BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em?
The Fox TV network has asked the BBC to make a pilot episode of the comedy, which saw well-meaning disaster zone Frank Spencer try and fail to provide a better life for his long-suffering wife Betty.
Created by Raymond Allen, the original ran for three series from 1973 and propelled Michael Crawford to fame in part because he coupled his effeminate portrayal of the naive Frank with a series of spectacular stunts.
These included a day trip that culminated in Frank hanging from his Morris Minor as it teetered on a cliff edge and a roller-skate ride that saw Spencer crash through doors, shops and even skate under a passing lorry.
"I never would have dreamt 35 years ago when I originally wrote the series that dearly loved but disastrous Frank would be creating havoc on American soil," said Mr Allen. "It's a very exciting time... and a treasured moment of glory for Frank!"
If executives at Rupert Murdoch's Fox network like the slapstick humour, the pilot could spawn an entire series.
Philip Stark, the writer/producer behind That 70s Show and the film Dude Where's My Car, who also worked on South Park, is to adapt, update and executive produce a pilot script for American audiences.
The US remake will be co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, which has turned the US version of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, into a smash hit for ABC. "We have felt for a while now that Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em would translate brilliantly across the pond," said Paul Telegdy, executive producer with BBC Worldwide.
"With Philip's exceptional skills on board we're confident we'll produce a winning pilot with the ultimate aim of bringing Ray's fantastic show to millions of US viewers." The BBC has a long history of exporting its comedy across the pond, with the US version of The Office well established on the NBC network.
In the 70s the sitcom Steptoe and Son was turned into Sanford and Son for US audiences.
