Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em Gets American Treatment
Cult British comedy show Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is going to be made in to a modern American sitcom.
The original BBC made show ran from 1973 to 1978 with Michael Crawford in the hapless Frank Spencer role. Now Fox has ordered scripts for an American version of the show. I remember the show well, as it was shown all through the 1980s on a seemingly never ending series of repeats. But it never got boring, as each of the twenty two episodes was highly original.
Phil Stark, the man behind That 70s Show, is to write the scripts for BBC Worldwide and Sony Pictures Television. He will also be executive producer alongside the BBC’s Paul Telegdy and Ian Moffitt.
I have mixed views on this news, as although I loved the original show, I can see it being completely muffed up when it’s remade by a big American network. No offence, but the British and Americans seem to have a slightly different sense of humour.
The whole appeal of the original BBC production was Frank Spencer’s complete inability to achieve anything, with Michael Crawford putting in a majestic performance as the uniquely clumsy lead character. Will the new writer be able to bring that sort of character up to date?
British sitcoms have transferred well to America in recent years, with The Office notably achieving much higher ratings and plaudits than the original. The thing is, that show had Ricky Gervais (the original show’s creator) directly involved, so he could keep the essence of the show intact in the move across the Atlantic.
Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em won’t however have that luxury. It could still do well though, as the physical humour is likely to travel well. For a nation that produces masterpieces such as Heroes and Lost, maybe I should trust them not to mess it up.
October 18th, 2007 at 8:32 am
I’m with you. Look what the Americans did to Doctor Who. Sigh.
Oh, and I’ve Smile Awarded you - http://www.watchingdrwho.com/the-weekly-info-roundup/
October 19th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
It’ll never make it. The writing was too clever and Michael Crawford, one of the most
under-rated actors of all time, has reactions, both obvious and incredibly subtle, and comedic timing unmatched by anyone I can think of. The British couldn’t imagine his playing The Phantom until he did, and Americans, unfamiliar with him, couldn’t imagine The Phantom playing comedy. You have to have a genius to make Frank Crawford sympathetic as well as funny and not just a boob. Michele Dotrice was a perfect foil.