Cooter calls new Dukes movie "Sleezy"

Drache · July 20, 2005, 09:04:10 AM

Former Dukes of Hazzard star urges fans to avoid movie version
DOUG GROSS
July 14, 2005

ATLANTA (AP) - A former star of the The Dukes of Hazzard TV show is urging fans to skip the forthcoming movie version, calling it "a sleazy insult."

Ben Jones, a former Georgia congressman who played the wisecracking mechanic Cooter on the popular series from 1979 to 1985, said profanity and sexual content in the film make a mockery of the family-friendly show. "Basically, they trashed our show," said Jones, who read a script of the Warner Brothers movie, which is scheduled to be released next month.

"It's one thing to do whatever movie they want to do, but to take a classic family show and do that is like taking I Love Lucy and making her a crackhead or something."

On Wednesday, Jones wrote an open letter to fans on his website, urging them to stay away.

"From all I have seen and heard, the Dukes movie is a sleazy insult to all of us who have cared about the Dukes of Hazzard for so long," Jones wrote. "Unless they clean it up before the August fifth release date I would strongly recommend that true blue Dukes fans hold their noses and pass this one up."

A spokeswoman at Warner Brothers did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment on Wednesday.

The Dukes of Hazzard was a surprise hit for CBS, pitting "good-ol' boys" Bo and Luke Duke and their moonshine-running Uncle Jesse against the crooked politician Boss Hogg and his bumbling henchman, Sheriff Coltrane, in fictional Hazzard County.

Jones was elected to Congress in 1988 as a Democrat. He lost his bid for a third term in 1992 after his district was redrawn. He owns Cooter's Place, a Dukes memorabilia shop in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Telvis · July 20, 2005, 01:15:47 PM

That's the reason I want to see it!

tomonty · July 20, 2005, 01:19:12 PM

I find it hard to believe that he is whining about sexual content when in the original series you had daisy running around in short,short shorts or a bikini...
I think he should lighten up a little....

4cruzin · July 20, 2005, 01:24:21 PM

I'm gonna go see it!!

Drache · July 20, 2005, 01:25:43 PM

I'll see it when it comes out on DVD....

Silver R/T · July 20, 2005, 02:25:10 PM

everything's sleezy with simpson in it

Dale The Bold · July 20, 2005, 02:30:15 PM

It's not the sleaze that really offends fans, it's that they turned the good ol' boys into potheads.

Daytona Guy · July 20, 2005, 02:57:40 PM

I'm in agreement with Cooter. It should be the Billy Bob's of Hazard. Jessica is from Scanks-Ville Georgia. Just watching the previews makes me want to throw a hub cap and buy a Mobile home. Yee ha. Red necks we solute. No class. I'm glad someone has the guts to speak up.

Telvis · July 20, 2005, 03:16:48 PM

Wasn't there a travelling whorehouse on the original series?? Daisy always wore skimpy outfits especially for the late 70's and early 80's. Moonshine, whores, running from the Police, breaking out of jail, blowing stuff up......Not to mention that they hung out in the Boars Nest bar. Those are some good ole wholesome family values. I think Cooter has been watching too many reruns of Little House On The Prairie. He's got his show's confused.

tomonty · July 20, 2005, 03:54:14 PM

Quote from: Telvis on July 20, 2005, 03:16:48 PM
Wasn't there a travelling whorehouse on the original series?? Daisy always wore skimpy outfits especially for the late 70's and early 80's. Moonshine, whores, running from the Police, breaking out of jail, blowing stuff up......Not to mention that they hung out in the Boars Nest bar. Those are some good ole wholesome family values. I think Cooter has been watching too many reruns of Little House On The Prairie. He's got his show's confused.

That is my point exactly. It wasn't like the original series was nice and wholesome.

NHCharger · July 20, 2005, 04:08:34 PM

I think Jones has a hair across his ass because he wasn't asked to be in the movie.
Unfortunately sex sells everything theses days. Even country music videos push it. Have you seen the new video from Brooks and Dunn

. I had to go take a cold shower after it was over.

Drache · July 20, 2005, 04:10:51 PM

They shoulda started making the movie in 2006 and used a 2006 charger to smash up instead of the '69s!

Johnny SixPack · July 20, 2005, 05:11:25 PM

Quote from: Telvis on July 20, 2005, 03:16:48 PM
Wasn't there a travelling whorehouse on the original series?? Daisy always wore skimpy outfits especially for the late 70's and early 80's. Moonshine, whores, running from the Police, breaking out of jail, blowing stuff up......Not to mention that they hung out in the Boars Nest bar. Those are some good ole wholesome family values. I think Cooter has been watching too many reruns of Little House On The Prairie. He's got his show's confused.

We have a winner!

He's just pissed he didn't get included/payed IMO, so he's retaliating the only way he can.

Personally, I think his saying it's sleezy will probably have the opposite effect he's looking for.

And as I've said before, it's hard to take anything Cooter says seriously, since he's wrecking Chargers for money.

So tell Cooter to stop being such a cooter and ease up a little.

Maybe even try givin' some stuff away for free.

Johnny

Daytona Guy · July 20, 2005, 05:12:25 PM

Quote from: tomonty on July 20, 2005, 03:54:14 PM
Quote from: Telvis on July 20, 2005, 03:16:48 PM
Wasn't there a travelling whorehouse on the original series?? Daisy always wore skimpy outfits especially for the late 70's and early 80's. Moonshine, whores, running from the Police, breaking out of jail, blowing stuff up......Not to mention that they hung out in the Boars Nest bar. Those are some good ole wholesome family values. I think Cooter has been watching too many reruns of Little House On The Prairie. He's got his show's confused.

That is my point exactly. It wasn't like the original series was nice and wholesome.

You all have good points. But Look at Bat Man & Robin back in the 70's. You could argue the same. Cat Woman was hot, nice tight black leather, and that show was full of violence. Lets not put our heads in the sand, there is a difference. The old Dukes show was more of a cultural show. The law was a joke - They were all good old boys. The new Dukes movie just took it from pablum to skank.

Lowprofile · July 21, 2005, 12:06:03 AM

Cooter is just grabbing his last "15 Min. of Fame". Sour Grapes

His Jerry Fallwell imitation is piss poor at best. It is good that he is exercising his freedom of choice. I just wish he would allow us to exercise ours in peace.

Daytona Guy · July 21, 2005, 01:34:04 AM

Quote from: Lowprofile on July 21, 2005, 12:06:03 AM
Cooter is just grabbing his last "15 Min. of Fame". Sour Grapes His Jerry Fallwell imitation is piss poor at best. It is good that he is exercising his freedom of choice. I just wish he would allow us to exercise ours in peace.

You left out freedom of speech. I think that is what he is exercising. Dang, isn't it nice for once to have someone stand up for something? Why is it, that if someone stands up for some morals, that they have sours grapes? Maybe his motives are pure. Why is it so easy for us to rip on him for standing up for good. Why does that antimidate people so much? Why can't I have the freedom of taking my kids to a movie that isn't all skanked out. It's simply cheep white trash. My hat is off to Cooter for having the nads to take the heat for using his freedom of speech. Bring it on. If people do not speak out Hollywood will just keep cramming their crap down our throat.

Lowprofile · July 21, 2005, 02:17:07 AM

Where was it carved in stone that they had to make a movie for your kids to see?

? Thats why they call it "show business" Movies like that are made for one reason only.....to make lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ from 18 to 34 yr. old males, which in turn makes money for WB & Their stockholders. How come all of a sudden "The Dukes of Hazard" might as well be Sodom & Gomorrah. Its just a stupid movie.

Daytona Guy · July 21, 2005, 02:59:13 AM

<<Where was it carved in stone that they had to make a movie for your kids to see??>>

They don't have to - and they didn't. But, if it is about the money, then look at this last years movies, for that matter, look at the 100 all time grossing movies, and you will find out that the biggest money makers are the family movies. Why? because a family of four means four tickets not two. Do the math. If it was about the money, then they blew it. If Cooter's motives are up for judgement, then can I say, - It's about the pervs in Hollywood with an agenda?

I would not call "The Dukes of Hazard" movie a Sodom & Gomorrah type. That would be overstating it, but I do understand your hyperbole. I am just tired of the skanking out of a potential great family movie. Thats all. It is just nice to see someone in Hollywood that will say something. Anything.

BTW. I see you own a 70 RT. Sweet.

69_500 · July 21, 2005, 05:24:11 AM

I think that he is trying to grab some of the limelight of the movie. I mean at least around here the is already a buzz of people saying they want to go see the movie. So if he thinks he can gain some more attention by making a comment about the movie then he will. I can't blame him for making the comment, it is sexual in nature and all. However I don't think its gone past the point that the origional series went in their own time frame.

Chargerguy74 · July 21, 2005, 05:36:50 AM

I like sleezy...I however have a hard time handling Jessica Simpson do to her stupidity

Lowprofile · July 21, 2005, 06:29:47 AM

Take the kids to see "Herbie rides again". Much better movie. Yea, they went for the lowball dollar with "Dukes", but what did you really expect?

And, although the TV show was somewhat tame by todays standards, you got to admit, that show was sucessiful because of Fast Cars, Hell raising, law breakin', Drinkin & Daisy Dukes Shorts. Trailer park trash at its Finest.

BTW Your wing Cars Rock.

Dale The Bold · July 21, 2005, 07:28:56 AM

The only law the Dukes ever broke was speeding, and that was only during car chases (ie. escaping from corrupt cops, or trying to catch the bad guys). Okay, maybe breaking and entering, and mild vigilanteism, but that's how they "fight the system," and was only ever done to catch bad guys. And the only hell-raising they did was making things difficult for the baddies. They would drink beer, but never got drunk (which actually sends a positive message about moderation).

I still think the biggest complaint among fans of the show is that the movie turned the Dukes into druggies, which is quite a disgrace. They've reversed the show. The Duke family were the smart good guys and Rosco and Boss were the foolish bad guys. Now they're both the opposite.

Shakey · July 21, 2005, 07:48:53 AM

Quote from: 69_500 on July 21, 2005, 05:24:11 AM
I think that he is trying to grab some of the limelight of the movie. I mean at least around here the is already a buzz of people saying they want to go see the movie. So if he thinks he can gain some more attention by making a comment about the movie then he will. I can't blame him for making the comment, it is sexual in nature and all. However I don't think its gone past the point that the origional series went in their own time frame.

I agree. I think that Cooter is smarter than what we give him credit for. By him contatcing the media and publicly blasting the movie he is in fact helping to promote the movie. Why would he wnt to promote the movie you ask? Cooter has a Dukes restaurant and museum or something along the lines of that in TN and he plans on opening another. I think right now would be the time to prepare for the grand opening and while his staff are doing that, he can continue to bash/promote the movie. He can tell people to boycott, 10 people will and another 100 will want to go see it.

Daytona Guy · July 21, 2005, 10:41:05 AM

I really do not think he is doing this to promote the movie. I saw the interview with him. He is simply saying that It is not a movie for children. Boycotting does work, ask the French and other companies that crossed lines that people just got tired of promoting. This controversy will do nothing to promote the movie. People will go and see it, but what it will do is alert parents, who want to be shade for their children, to not take their kids.

As for his biz. If it was a Herbie movie, or a movie that promoted a kid audience, then it would have helped his biz 10 fold. As for the former cast being stiffed, ya that ticks me off. I love when they incorporate a former cast into movies. It can be creative. That is one of the things I like about Artist, musical or otherwise, they respect and pay tribute to those who have gone before.

Look at my views. I will still see the movie, but I will not be taking my kids. WB, it is your loss.

"Dale The Bold", I could not have said it better.

What a great way to break in this new board - Yee Haa

bull · July 22, 2005, 03:23:42 PM

My mom recently told me she really didn't like me watching the Dukes of Hazzard back in the '80s, mosly because of the Daisy factor. I think there was also a bit of an authority issue on the show with a corrupt county commissioner and sheriff's dept that she didn't like. Cooter even stole the president's limo in one episode because he just had to have it (I think it was supposed to be the president's car anyway). I can see Cooter's point to an extent but I hardly think the original show was morally virtuous as he claims. It was pretty trashy on its own. This all begs the question, has Ben Jones (or whatever his name is) even seen the whole movie or is he just forming his opinions according to the trailers? So far I haven't seen a huge departure from the essence of the original TV show.

Telvis · July 22, 2005, 03:46:24 PM

I can see both sides. However I still think the original series had a bit of 70's - 80's skank factor of it's own. There were a lot of things in the show that were contrary to family values. The mobile whorehouse and Cooter stealing the presidential limo are just two examples. Although by todays standards the show is pretty wholesome. If the show were reality everyone would have been in prison except maybe Enos. I think Cooter is being a bit hypocritical. Of course I have'nt seen the movie. I didn't realize that Bo and Luke are portrayed as druggies. It may turn out to be much worse than I am anticipating. I may have a totally different opinion once I see it.

Moparstud440 · July 22, 2005, 07:22:41 PM

Well let me put in my .02 here. Back in the day when the original series aired I believe it was cool to have a fast car and avoid cops n such (don't know for a fact since I'm a young-in). Now a days its cool to be involved with drugs in such. They made the movie to attract people to come to watch it, not to stay the same with the old series which is a shame. To me if they wanted to make a movie they could've had a story line or something where the new cast are the sons/daughters and such of the old cast you know and then BO and luck handled down the general to the new boys. But the thing that prob is gonna piss me off more the anything is that the general gets busted up throughout the show and it stays that way. Yeah in the old series you could see when they collided and jumped that the car got demolished, but i feel they could've kept this in the new movie as well. To me thats the major part of the show, the fast indestructible general, but thats just my .02 cents

Mopar440+6 · July 22, 2005, 08:00:59 PM

I fully agree with 440 and Daytona Guy. The TV show was a success because of the fast car and running from the cops and the fact that the whole family could sit down and watch the show together. It wasn't a show that when it came on the kids had to go to bed. On the show Bo and Luke could run from the cops (because it was TV and because the law was corrupt) but in real life every 10+ year old guy could live vicariously through them and the girls wanted to be like Daisy. Family values and morals DO sell and thats what Hollywood doesn't seem to understand very well. Now believe me, I have absolutely nothing against sleazy movies. In fact, I was even going to go see the movie (if only to find out how badly they messed it up) BUT after hearing that they turned Bo and Luke into potheads I definitely will NOT be going to see the movie in theaters, if I see it at all. IMHO if they HAD to do the movie they should have followed the original a little closer. (And don't even try to flame me for that comment because you guys are all complaining because the '06 POS didn't follow the original, not that I like that thing either.) I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm just tryin to state my opinion of what I've seen and heard about this movie.

General_01 · July 22, 2005, 10:57:26 PM

I will go see the movie. I will have to judge it to see if my kids can see it (which I doubt from reviews by people who have seen it). They will be disappointed because they love driving around in the General.

I wish they would have done the movie differently. Making Bo and Luke potheads was just an idiotic thing to do. Modernizing a classic is one thing. Trashing it is another. I think that is what they did. They trashed the Dukes. In the end though, it will probably make enough money to warrant a sequel.

Ghoste · July 23, 2005, 07:40:21 AM

I'm going to see it and I hope it is sleezy. Sorry DOH fans. I loved the series too but this isn't the series it's a movie and if I'm going to sit down in a theatre and pay money to watch them destroy Chargers, then I'm going to need something else to ease the pain.
I am also of the opinion that if they had paid Jones or allowed him in the flick somehow, he'd be okay with it. He has no qualms whatsoever about charging people to come and watch another Charger get totalled in another sensless jumping stunt. If we are upset about anything it should be that.

XXSpiralXX · July 23, 2005, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Dale The Bold on July 20, 2005, 02:30:15 PM
It's not the sleaze that really offends fans, it's that they turned the good ol' boys into potheads.

They did what?! oh fucking hell.............

Headrope · July 23, 2005, 03:05:35 PM

No disrespect, but why can't Cooter have an opinion?
You all have one.

Johnny SixPack · July 23, 2005, 03:14:35 PM

Quote from: Headrope on July 23, 2005, 03:05:35 PM
No disrespect, but why can't Cooter have an opinion?
You all have one.

I don't think anyone is saying he can't.

Mainly people are just picking apart the reasons for his actions.

Johnny

Headrope · July 23, 2005, 03:30:39 PM

No problem.
Just seems like a lot of opinion regarding the opinion of an actor and politician speaking about a movie that hasn't been seen yet (unless someone has a pirated copy.)
Again, I meant no disrepect.

Johnny SixPack · July 23, 2005, 03:40:45 PM

It's all good, man, and I see where you're coming from.

And I seriously doubt we'd be even discussing it if he hadn't made a point of making his opnions known in such a public way.

But, this is JMO.

Johnny

Lostsheep · July 24, 2005, 02:33:56 AM

I plan on seeing it. I know its not the series and I'll take it for what it is.

Lightning · July 24, 2005, 11:29:48 AM

here's my 2 cents: why don't we actually go see the movie first, then we can all pass judgement on it. Just like with the '06 Diplomat, it's a nice car, probably drives nice (Yes, I will test drive one) but it's no Charger.

CFMopar · July 24, 2005, 11:44:31 AM

Im glad its sleezy. Maybe we can see a bit more of "Daisy"

69_500 · July 24, 2005, 06:46:14 PM

I still see people lining up to go see the movie. As far as them making the Duke boys out to being druggies in the movie. Well I believe that will draw in alot of the younger crowds, ie college and high school kids. Look at how well the Harold and Kummar movie did at the box office. Still doesn't make it right though, but i"ll still go just to see the charger and some of daisy.

RT DAVE · July 25, 2005, 02:50:04 PM

Let me get this straight, vagina (I mean cooter) is upset about the new rendition not being wholesome enough? That seems kinda ironic to me...

69_500 · July 25, 2005, 06:57:20 PM

exactly right.

CFMopar · July 25, 2005, 10:43:55 PM

Quotevagina (I mean cooter) is upset about the new rendition not being wholesome enough?

Sounds like a personal problem to me

70charger_boy · January 20, 2007, 08:31:46 PM

I still haven't seen the movie

Vainglory, Esq. · January 20, 2007, 08:51:10 PM

Quit thread dredging!

70charger_boy · January 20, 2007, 09:35:35 PM

THE CHARGER PUNK · January 21, 2007, 02:39:27 AM

That new ones comin out with the hottest daisy of em all in it

Khyron · January 21, 2007, 09:08:37 AM

I like her "cooter"

70charger_boy · January 21, 2007, 10:26:41 AM

Quote from: Khyron on January 21, 2007, 09:08:37 AM
I like her "cooter"

purple70rt · January 21, 2007, 05:53:49 PM

why must you keep dusting off the old stuff roscoe??

News:

Cooter calls new Dukes movie "Sleezy"