After watching a rather horrendous 1973 TV version of Double Indemnity (Lee J. Cobb was pretty good in the Barton Keyes role; the rest were zombies), I came here to ask for a list of other theatrical films with television remakes, only to discover that a thread regarding remakes in general is running on page 1 as we speak.
With all due respect to that poster and his thread, I ask that he understand my reasoning for starting this one. It was not done to step on his toes.
I wish to exclude from this list any TV versions of classic stories that may have had previous film versions (Shakespeare, Biblical stories, etc.), since it can be said the TV movies were reinterpretations of the print source, not necessarily remakes of the film.
The TV DI is simply an edited and sometimes updated version of Wilder and Chandler’s screenplay, and not a reinterpretation of Cain’s novella.
I also wish to exclude any TV shows based on films (MAS*H, Stargate, etc.). Just telefims, please.
So, the list includes, so far:
Double Indemnity (1944 film) Double Indemnity (1973 TV movie)
And this may not count, but Ringu was actually made into a TV movie in Japan three years before the more well-known theater release. Sadako was played by softcore porn actress Ayane Miura and spent most of her time walking around naked. Seriously.
The PBS version was made in 2000. It was an improvement, actually, although Rik Mayall was the only familiar face.
There have also been TV remakes of Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Don’t Drink the Water, Mr. Roberts and Harvey. All of these originated on the stage and some of these remakes were filmed stage productions.
You’re right, I even got the name right just a week or two ago in the thread on WTF? remakes. :smack: Early-onset senility, I guess.
But since I’m here I’ll mention three more. There seems to be a recent trend in Japan for films and TV movies/miniseries to get made almost simultaneously, but with separate sets of actors. Shitsurakuen (Paradise Lost), Densha no Otoko (Train Man), and Platonic Sex all come to mind.
Actually, 12 Angry Men was first a TV movie, then remade as a theatrical release, then remade again as a TV movie. Marty which won the Oscar for Best Picture and for Ernest Borgnine in the title role, was the same way.