The Big Valley

[AndyB2008]

Just as well it wasn't released in cinemas after the horrible versions of The Mod Squad (credit to Michael Cole, now the only surviving main cast member, for opting out), Bilko and The Avengers. Not to mention The Wild Wild West as I mentioned.

 

[ClassyCo]

I think they did indeed do a BV theatrical film about a decade ago, with Susan Sarandon as Victoria Barkley -- but it apparently went straight-to-video (or wherever they go these days after a failed release).

I was completely unaware of that. I'm going to see if I can't dig that up.

Off-topic: last night I dreamt it was my birthday and someone gave me the BSC DVD.

I'd like to have this set simply because it looks so "pretty" and would like nice on my DVD shelf.

 

[Seaviewer]

Susan Sarandon might actually be good in the role but by and large these big screen remakes are usually doomed to fail. Trying for a straight copy is rather pointless but making wholesale changes will alienate the original fans without making new ones who don't see what the fuss was all about.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

I think they did indeed do a BV theatrical film about a decade ago, with Susan Sarandon as Victoria Barkley -- but it apparently went straight-to-video (or wherever they go these days after a failed release).

I could be wrong but don't think the movie was ever made, showrunner had some issues

Movie Director Indicted in $4.7 Million Tax Rebate Fraud Case

Daniel Adams faces up to 32 years in prison for claims associated with his films "The Lightkeepers" and "Golden Boys."

www.hollywoodreporter.com

I grew up watching reruns of Bonanza in the 80s and 90s and I really enjoyed it. For some reason when I see it now it doesn’t have the same appeal to me. I never get tired of the theme song though.

I think the seasons with Adam have more of an edge, more of a feel for the old west. Later seasons incorporated more comedy elements.
The passing of Dan Blocker meant that the series was never as compelling. Hoss provided a strong yet stabilizing element to the overall
tone of the show, and he was irreplaceable.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Some of the better BV episodes...

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

 

[JROG]

I've always been curious and I saw it's on Amazon Prime, so I watched the first episode on a whim, not expecting too much -- and loved it! The mood, the production value, the hot men, bitchy and fun Linda Evans, Stanwyck as Lady of the Manor, a bastard son. Quite effective and fun!

Does it remain serialized? (Something tells me probably not lol)

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

I've always been curious and I saw it's on Amazon Prime, so I watched the first episode on a whim, not expecting too much -- and loved it! The mood, the production value, the hot men, bitchy and fun Linda Evans, Stanwyck as Lady of the Manor, a bastard son. Quite effective and fun!

Does it remain serialized? (Something tells me probably not lol)

Oh, no. It's not serialized at all. Nothing in American primetime was back then except for PEYTON PLACE (until DALLAS).

 

[Chris2]

Somebody from that family was always getting held hostage or kidnapped.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

And, over time, they seem to have rid themselves of the Season 2 and 4 theme versions.

Somebody from that family was always getting held hostage or kidnapped.

Well, that valley -- it was really big.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

And, over time, they seem to have rid themselves of the Season 2 and 4 theme versions.

Somewhere during the course of its 55-year syndication run, the Season 1 theme music and design replaced that of Season 2; and the Season 3 theme music and design replaced that of Season 4.

So the Season 2 and Season 4 theme music and design just disappeared.

Is it that way on the DVDs? Does @Willie Oleson know? Did you ever buy them?

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

One of the best Western series ever

Barbara Stanwick was superb.
I always thought Victoria Barkley was the standard for a strong Matriarch
Only Jane Wyman came close to the same impact in that type of role

 

[lbf522]

One of the best Western series ever

Barbara Stanwick was superb.
I always thought Victoria Barkley was the standard for a strong Matriarch
Only Jane Wyman came close to the same impact in that type of role

I had wish they had made Ellie Ewing like that a strong Matriarch type. There were moments but the writers dropped that and remarried her.

Anyway, I loved Big Valley and loved watching it. I watched it on cable years after it was taken of the air. I read once that Barbara Stanwyck wanted Heath to be Victoria's son but executives felt that would be too scandalous so they went with Heath being Tom Barkley's son.

 

[Willie Oleson]

Is it that way on the DVDs? Does @Willie Oleson know? Did you ever buy them?

I have the complete series box set but I haven't even finished disc 1 thanks to a slightly underwhelming reception and shifting priorities. But it is my intention to watch all of it. Perhaps it was never meant to be binge-watched.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

I had wish they had made Ellie Ewing like that a strong Matriarch type. There were moments but the writers dropped that and remarried her.

Anyway, I loved Big Valley and loved watching it. I watched it on cable years after it was taken of the air. I read once that Barbara Stanwyck wanted Heath to be Victoria's son but executives felt that would be too scandalous so they went with Heath being Tom Barkley's son.

I seem to recall reading the same story, about Victoria being Heath's mother

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

I seem to recall reading the same story, about Victoria being Heath's mother

Yes, apparently ABC "was horrified" by the idea.

In retrospect, Heath Barkley should have been some big, hunky black guy. But in 1965, the network executives would never have permitted it... I mean, in some markets even today, the line, "I'm your father's bastard son" in the pilot episode still gets bleeped. I still don't know how they got it on the air 60 years ago.

 

[Toni]

Yes, apparently ABC "was horrified" by the idea.

In retrospect, Heath Barkley should have been some big, hunky black guy. But in 1965, the network executives would never have permitted it... I mean, in some markets even today, the line, "I'm your father's bastard son" in the pilot episode still gets bleeped. I still don't know how they got it on the air 60 years ago.

Hey! The guy in the portrait is the one who replaced Jock at Southfork!!

Yes, apparently ABC "was horrified" by the idea.

In retrospect, Heath Barkley should have been some big, hunky black guy. But in 1965, the network executives would never have permitted it... I mean, in some markets even today, the line, "I'm your father's bastard son" in the pilot episode still gets bleeped. I still don't know how they got it on the air 60 years ago.

Papa Southworth, can you hear me...?​

 

[Chris2]

I have to laugh that Victoria spends a lot of time early in the series reassuring Heath that “you’re just as much of a Barkley as they are!” And yet when it comes to the credits, he’s listed as only “Heath” (as opposed everyone else: “Jarrod Barkley” “Victoria Barkley” etc.)

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

I have to laugh that Victoria spends a lot of time early in the series reassuring Heath that “you’re just as much of a Barkley as they are!” And yet when it comes to the credits, he’s listed as only “Heath” (as opposed everyone else: “Jarrod Barkley” “Victoria Barkley” etc.)

Heh. Yes.