Much as Zeus, All-Father of Olympus did when he visited the homes of pretty little mortal maidens, these “films” are the result of directors who have strayed from their expected station and… lowered their standards, shall we say?
Let’s face it, most of these movies are reflective of the meager resources allotted the director and crew. And it shows – in spades.
Duel, a 1971 tale of a humble businessman and a crazed truck driver with MAJOR road rage, was a huge hit. Of course, it was written By Richard Matheson, directed by Steven Spielberg – yes, that Steven Spielberg – and starred a then-popular actor, Dennis Weaver, so that certainly helped.
Just a little.
Cover of Duel (Collector's Edition)
You don’t see too many directors of Spielberg’s calibre directing television movies, so Duel is a major aberration from the norm, such as The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.
I’m sure that was a real winner in every way.
At this time of the year we have the most dreadful made-for-tv movies of all to look forward to: Christmas specials. Every washed-up or forgotten actor still breathing seems to gravitate to these ridciculous pieces of TV cinema.
These movies also make me want to kill myself with a cheese grater.
The most notable exception – from a fanboy standpoint – is the The Star Wars Holiday Special. Produced in 1978 with only limited involvement from Lucas, it has been referred to as a “’70s train wreck, combining the worst of Star Wars with the utter worst of variety television.”
Image via Wikipedia
Unfortunately, most TV movies are a virus with no cure – except the remote, of course.
Well said, though I do love the Patrick Stewart “A Christmas Carol”
I agree!
Hummm… I kind of like some of the made for TV movies. Like, “The Stand”, or “Dune”, or I had a list in my head when I read this this morning. But these are more TV-mini series than made for TV movies. So do they count are they even in this category?
But I do get what you are saying!!! Some are VERY bad!!!
I suppose they count…
Personally, I enjoyed The Stand, although it could have been way better! GOOD NEWS: They’re producing a feature film version! BAD NEWS: Ben Affleck is directing it!
No!!! I don’t think it would go over very well as a feature film. Movies are generally under two hours and to tell the crucial story lines in that novel… well the mini series was something like six and it had cut out a lot and shouldn’t have.
Fabulous book though… I think it was good for the time… it could have been better… but generally… I really do enjoy the TV mini series. Another one that comes to mind is “Stephen King’s Kingdom Hospital” very weird show. But I think that is just me as a King’s fan, His short novel’s make the best movies, and his full length novels make some great made for tV movies.
Interesting point of view – as always, Woman!
I still haven’t managed to see the Star Wars Christmas Special. *sigh* Someday.
It’s a thrill ride – Bea Arthur, Art Carney, the first appearance of Bobba Fett – that leaves you breathless and scratching your head!
Britain has endured a plethora of somebody called Doris Roberts playing an old woman spreading Xmas cheers to somewhere in the USA on several occassions. That and Kelsey Grammar (?) playing a singing Scrooge on three of our terrestrial channels. This partly explains our binge drinkibng culture…….
It certainly does…
Thanks for the visit and comment, my Crimson Friend!
Funny stuff….now I must find the Star Wars Xmas special….I didn’t even know it existed before I read your post. Thanks Hook!
You’re welcome! Good luck in your quest; apparently only VHS copies exist on the – black market!
As much as I want to say I too hate “made for TV movies” I just don’t think that statement would be true of me. While I hate those cheesy, over dramatic “made for TV movies” that broadcast on major network channels, I am an auto sucker for channeling in those LMN (LIFETIME MOVIE NETWORK) movies via cable/satellite.
Yes – they’re corny, cheesy and Steven Spielberg wouldn’t touch the direction of one with a 39.5 foot pole, but for some reason, my remote control loves them. I won’t dare say I actually sit – engaged to watch any of them, but believe you me, they rule the background more often than not.
So um…I guess I’m mute on this one. lol!
GREAT topic Hook. ‘You got me.
No flip flopper -
Just a “corny movie watcher”,
–I’m Qui
You’re allowed to like whatever you want, young lady! This was just my humble opinion, that’s all.