The Beverly Hillbillies Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
The day they moved in... Beverly Hills moved out.
Jed Clampett and kin move from Arkansas to Beverly Hills when he becomes a billionaire, after an oil strike. The country folk are very naive with regard to life in the big city, so when Jed starts a search for a new wife there are inevitably plenty of takers and con artists ready to make a fast buck.
| Jim Varney | Jed Clampett |
| Diedrich Bader | Jethro Bodine |
| Erika Eleniak | Elly May Clampett |
| Cloris Leachman | Granny |
| Lily Tomlin | Miss Jane Hathaway |
| Lea Thompson | Laura Jackson |
| Rob Schneider | Woodrow Tyler |
| Dolly Parton | Herself |
| Dabney Coleman | Milburn Drysdale |
| Penny Fuller | Mrs. Margaret Drysdale |
| Kevin Connolly | Morgan Drysdale |
| Linda Carlson | Aunt Pearl |
| Lyman Ward | Chief Gallo |
| Leann Hunley | Miss Arlington |
| Ernie Lively | Briggs |
| Penelope Spheeris |
4.20 out of 10 (5012 votes)
Visitor Reviews
ye gods this stinks
posted on 03 Aug 2009This movie is in the unique position where by it both sucks and blows.....it really is that bad. IN fact I will stick my neck out here and say that this is the worst movie I have ever seen. I just dont understand how when there are so many other opportunities to spend a few million quid some one saw fit to spend it making this .....shame on you Hollywood!!!!!
Just one word describes this movie: AWFUL!!!!
posted on 17 Jun 2009don't waste your time watching this HORRIBLE, AWFUL movie!!! The acting, the dialouge, the direction, the casting...all HORRIBLE!!! This, along with "The Honeymooners" "The Dukes of Hazzard" and countless other movies that are based on TV shows, should be held up as prime examples as to why certain shows should never get the big-screen treatment. However, there is one bright spot: Lily Tomlin as Jane Hathaway, she captures the character perfectly, the way Nancy Kulp did in the classic TV show. But, the all-time worst performance is,without a doubt, Diedrich Bader (Oswald from "The Drew Carey show") as Jethro.
Don't waste money on this movie!!! Instead buy the DVDs from MPI. I'm just glad I didn't buy this, and instead rented it.
WELLL DOGGIES THEIR ON THE BIG SCREEN
posted on 30 Apr 2009Penelope Spheeris does a GREAT job directing this feature film based on the 1962-71 CBS-TV series. The plot is basically the same as the classic TV sitcom. A family of hillbillies become millionaires overnight when the father,while hunting a rabbit,misses his shot and strikes oil. Jim (Ernest) Varney stars as "JED CLAMPETT". The role made famous by Buddy Ebsen in the TV series. Cloris Leachman is "GRANNY", Lily Tomlin is "JANE HATHAWAY" and Dabney Coleman is "MILBOURNE DRYSDALE" the President of the Commerce Bank of Beverly Hills. This big budget box-office smash also has a cameo by Dolly Parton as herself and a cameo appearance by Buddy Ebsen as private detective "BARNABY JONES" the other role he portrayed about a year after the cancellation of his classic sitcom. TWO THUMBS-UP to one of the best based-on-TV series movie ever filmed.
Poor Cloris Leachman
posted on 02 Apr 2009How such a brilliant actress gets stuck in crappy films such as this is one of the mysteries of the universe. Like Louise Fletcher and Richard Crenna, Cloris started out with a promising acting career, and along the way has chosen horribly written roles in terrible b-grade television series or films. For example, I challenge anyone not to laugh at her Frau Blucher from Young Frankenstein, or Nurse Diesel from High Anxiety, two roles in which her characters are so finely crafted that they transcend the media. While I'm on the subject of slowly fading actors, Ray Milland's role in The Thing With Two Heads is only slightly more ignominious than Cloris's role in Beverly Hillbillies, which is largely comprised of a screaming old woman shaking her fist.Jim Varney proves that he's not just a one-note catch-phrase with a surprisingly good performance as Jed, which almost redeems him from all those stupid Ernest movies. Diedrich Bader is quite possibly the most irritating man in the world, next to Jim Carrey. His performance as Jethro consists of a big, stupid, cheese-eating grin. Dabney Coleman was once a good actor, but Dragnet forever proved that he wasn't above taking money over prestige. Lily Tomlin as the mannish Miss Hathaway only adds to the misery.Can you imagine the conversation that birthed this loathsome mess? "Hey, let's do a remake of that crappy 1960s show that everyone who didn't live in Missouri absolutely hated." Oh well, there are worse tv-to-film crap-o-ramas, namely McHale's Navy.
A pretty entertaining movie based on the old TV series, I rate it "6" of 10.
posted on 27 Dec 2008You shouldn't go into watching this movie thinking you'll get something great or novel. After all, it IS based on the silly old TV series, which I thoroughly enjoyed back then. Erika Eleniak, former Playboy model, who plays Ellie May, is strikingly beautiful and does a fine job in this role. The late Jim Varney is also very good as Jed Clampett, Lily Tomlin is good in her role. Lea Thompson (first of Back To The Future fame) shows her acting range in a role as the scheming "French teacher" out to get Jed's money. I didn't particularly care for Rob Schneider's role, but wat the heck. Still, anyone who enjoyed the TV series should have fun watching this film.
LUUUUUUUUUUUVED IT!
posted on 19 Nov 2008I disagree w/ other commenters that this movie had "dirty parts". OK, it wasn't Pollyanna; there were a few PG13 moments, but nothing to make you send the kids outta the room. They had to add a LITTLE spice, GEEZ!! It was made in 1993-far past the age of innocence! Anyhoo, the characters-
JIM VARNEY as JED-SHOCKINGLY WELL DONE, and VERY ENDEARING! I really wish he hadn't died, there's no telling what else he could have done.
CLORIS LEACHMAN as GRANNY-OH MY LORD, how is it possible to put into words WHAT A GREAT JOB SHE DID! The word HILARIOUS just doesn't cut it! Dare I say, SHE WAS A BETTER GRANNY THAT THE ORIGINAL, IRENE RYAN? THERE, I SAID IT! Whew, what a relief! I mean it too!
DEIDRICH BADER as JETHRO-VERY FUNNY! DIFFERENT than Max Baer, for sure, but still VERY FUNNY! Those big horse teeth really added to the redneck effect. I really loved the part when he & his mom Pearl were flying down the road, and she asked him didn't he order the new brakes yet, and he said "sure I did Maw, they're coming in next week"! He was funny as Jethrine too, although maybe just a little too pretty (?) (best movie line:"C'MON CITY BOY, LET'S DANCE!" I LOVE THAT!)
ERICA ELENIAK as ELLIE MAE-did a good job, pretty true to the character, although I couldn't get over how bushy her eyebrows were, but I guess that added to the hillbilly effect. She is a VERY pretty lady.
LILLY TOMLIN as MISS JANE-NAILED IT, NAILED IT, NAILED IT!!!!!!!!!!!
the same for DABNEY COLEMAN as MR. DRYSDALE, and whomever that was as MRS. DRYSDALE, and also the lady who played COUSIN PEARL. The rest of the cast-well, not very important.
Cloris?!?!
posted on 15 Nov 2008As a fan of the original hillbillies I was appauled at the addition of not only the obvious idiot Jethro character but the Facts of Life/Different Strokes mentality of using the hated cloris leachman as the true lead character, Granny. Granny is not just a funny old lady but the lead person in a hilarious series. To disgrace her good name by using the one person that every 40 something guy hates goes against everything that our forefathers, Jed, Hoss, and Ben Cartwright laid down before us. Maxwell Smart would be turning over in his phone booth to here that the weak mother/weird sister of joe pulnicheck is Granny? Only a female director would cast such a person that is so contrary to woodsy, homespun humor that Irene Ryan could produce.
Silly
posted on 06 Nov 2008I have to admit that I've never seen a full episode of the TV series. I've seen bits and pieces of enough to know the basic premise and the characters.This is just to let you know that I'm reviewing it without comparing it to the TV series. But still--with the silly premise who ever thought this would work as a full length film?The Clampetts strike oil, become billionaires and move to Beverly Hills. An evil bank assistant (Rob Schneider) and his girlfriend (Lea Thompson) plan to swindle them out of it all.There's very little plot, even for 90 minutes. There are some good jokes but most range from lame to insultingly stupid. It's all up to the actors to carry this off. Luckily, they're up to it. Deidrich Bader is very good as dumb as dirt Jethro (and his sister)--he's full of life, engaging and has a great smile. Dabney Coleman is good but given nothing to work with as Mr. Drysdale. Erika Eleniack is cute and perky as Elly May--she can't act but she was hired for her body not comedic talent. Cloris Leachman is good but a little too loud as Granny. Lilly Tomlin is hysterical as Miss Hathaway--she looks great and provides the few true laughs in the film. The late Jim Varney is surprisingly very good as Jed--who would have thought? Schneider and Thompson try to be funny but their material is very poor. Guest appearances by Buddy Ebsen, Dolly Parton and Zsa Zsa Gabor (in a VERY dated joke) don't help.With a better script this could have been great. As it is, it's almost worth seeing for the actors (especially Tomlin). Maybe the TV series is better...
Liked the movie( Jim Varney Fan)
posted on 07 Oct 2008I thought this was just another example of how good Jim Varney was. The movie was funny and held to the nature of the original show. If you like Jim Varney and want to see a very funny show I recommend it. I couldn't wait for this movie to be released on DVD. I only wished now the one Jim Varney made called Earnest P. Worrel's Family Album would be released. I liked the Earnest Movies for example: Goes to camp, Saves Christmas etc... But this movie I feel like is much better.If you liked the old TV series this Movie will bring back memories, I didn't think they could find another as good as Buddie Epson for Jed Clampet but see for your self Jim Varney did a wonderful job. I will have to rate this one high on account of good clean FAMILY movie.
The Beverly Hillbillies
posted on 27 Aug 2008The Beverly Hillbillies t.v. show was great, this movie stunk. In the t.v. show, they were more realistic, they never would have shown granny smacking into a tree limb, thats like a National Lampoon movie, but not as funny. I think the cast was very talented, but noone used their talent well except the guy who played Jethro and Jim Varney who played Paw. It is still a fair price, but only for Paw and Jethro.
A slightly updated version of an old classic TV that was wholesome viewing.
posted on 23 Aug 2008The cast of this movie did a very good job of resurrecting SOME of the aspects of the original TV series. The simple, honest way of approaching life, trusting others to do the same, and respecting other people as equals. As one other commenter noted, I felt the one finger salute by the whole family cheapened the image of the Clampetts. Supposedly, they didn't know what it meant but it didn't belong in the movie in the first place. Also the tobacco chewing was degrading. Wasn't needed and it detracted from the rest of the movie. I enjoyed this movie for the most part, and had a few good laughs. A few times the acting by Jethro was a bit too hammed up but in all the folks did a good job. If this movie encourages just one person to seek out the original TV series it will have been a good thing.
very hysterical and a great movie
posted on 03 Jul 2008I would say Jim Varney (Jed Clampet) Cloris Leachmen (Granny), Erika Eleniak (Elly may Clampet) Diedrich Bader (Jethro Bodine) Lily Tomlin (Miss Jane Hathaway), and Dabney Colmen (Milburn Drysdale)did a great job. I have seen this on ABC family in April I like that movie. His bloodhound is sometimes lazy but he was hunting a jack rabbit Jim Varney is similar to Buddy Ebsen. DOlly Parton did very well with this song called If you Ain't got love. Jim Varney did very well in the Hot Rod Lincon. It's actually different then the TV series. In the Beverly hillbillies movie it was terrible that Larua Jackson wants to steal Jed Clampets money. My favorite part when the orangutan spanks Larua Jackson's butt. One part must of been a problem with getting hitched. Jethro Bodine was hysterical.
Better Than the Television Series
posted on 27 Jun 2008I saw "The Beverly Hillbillies" for the first time a couple of days ago, as I love the old show. I looked at the video jacket and thought, "Yeah, yeah, these guys look nothing like the original Hillbillies (except Cloris Leachman who is an exact duplicate of Granny). Can they be good? Maybe....". Good thing I watched it, instead of judging it just by the jacket! I loved it! I thought that it was so funny! All of the players give better performances than the old cast. But don't get me wrong, the old cast was GREAT! But these guys are even BETTER!The plot... Been there, done that. But with a lot more laughs and an unexpected plot twist, we have our final product: A fabulous movie. The only parts that may not be funny are the jokes within about the first 10 or 12 (maybe a bit more) minutes. That's only two jokes, but the rest will have you laughing. Don't pass it up! Just listen to the man who sings the song: "Come 'n listen to my story of a man named Jed...". Go listen to his story! 10/10
Wonderful movie
posted on 03 Jun 2008What a wonderful, silly, entertaining movie! Diedrich Bader is especially hilarious as Jethro/Jethrine, but everyone in this movie is funny. The Clampetts are great. They are the kind of people that one should have as friends. Not only are they nice, they will treat you as a friend. Jim Varney was perfect as Jed and we cannot forget mentioning Dabney Coleman whose performance as usual added to the humor. This is an unpretentious, humorous, entertaining movie and the kind of movie that is not only watchable but provokes nonstop laughter. This special movie compares favorably with the sitcom. Both are humorous without being nasty and both show that nice people can actually finish first. If you enjoy nonstop laughs then this movie is for you.
The comedy equivalent of bad sex – lots of face pulling and noise but no actual enjoyment or satisfaction
posted on 29 Mar 2008When he is out hunting, Arkansas bumpkin Jed Clampett strikes oil on his own land. It doesn't take long for the oil companies to get wind of the largest domestic oil reserve in recent history and before you can say "Texas T", they have bought him out to the tune of one billion dollars (US$ though – but still a lot of money). Jed packs up his family and heads out for the lifestyle that he can now afford in Beverly Hills. His new bank manager, Milburn Drysdale expects his new billionaire clients to be the height of breeding and sophistication and is surprised to find that although the Clampetts are "salt of the earth" people, they aren't really "Beverly Hills" material.One of countless remakes of TV series of yesteryear, this basic, bland and unfunny affair is probably no better or worse than the average television show original but where that has the benefit of nostalgia to strengthen it, this film is left totally exposed in the cold light of modern American cinema. Without this protection the film must stand on its own thanks to a slick narrative, lots of laughs and so on. Sadly the makers seem to have forgotten this and the plot is a predictable and forced narrative along the lines of "little people makin' good". I wanted to care about Jed's search for a wife, or worry about whether he would have his money scammed away, or hope that Elly May can be allowed to be herself but really I couldn't bring myself to give a monkey's at any point. A bit of a problem when it then comes to following a story but then, hey, at least I'll be laughing too hard to care about the detail.Well, not really. The comedy here is very basic and seems happy to just rely totally on how stupid Jethro is; how tomboyish Elly is; how old Granny is and how everyone else either slaps their forehead with frustration at these characteristics or just do pratfalls over furniture. Attempts at postmodernism are mostly very lazy and lack any inspiration or genuine wit. It might appeal to children but it was all too little for me. The cast aren't able to help much but in fairness several of them are used to operating at this level. The late Varney is actually pretty restrained but this doesn't mean he is funny or produces a good character – because he can't. However he looks like Lawrence Olivier next to the mugging ineptitude of Bader, who seems to have been told that "looking confused with a big stupid smile on your face" will produce the type of comedy gold that will stand for all time. He is terrible of course but I do know he is only following direction. Eleniak is a tomboy, and that's about it – she never convinces but then so what? Leachman is told to be old and indeed she is, Schneider is bad even by his standards; Thompson's performance makes "Allo, Allo" look like an Open University programme and Coleman clearly needs cash and needs it now (or then I suppose). Tomlin is very out of place but at least she seems to be having fun with it – I'm glad one of us was.Overall then, for those who want to watch old television comedies without the blinkers of nostalgia then this is one good way because it exposes the film for what it is – a poorly developed unfunny comedy. Nobody in it can raise the material and instead they are pulled down with it like so many pilots in a nose-diving aircraft; I guess the only difference is that the pilots would be struggling to pull out of the dive whereas here the cast mostly seem blissfully happy to mug along as it spirals ever downwards. A pointless 90 minutes of my evening that gave me nothing back in return for my investment.
Not the Beverly Hillbillies!
posted on 31 Aug 2009Captures none of the folksy comedy of the original series instead relying on bathroom humor. Don't waste your money or time. Spend your money on the TV series instead. Only thing worth mentioning is Lily Tomlin as Jane Hathaway who almost captures to a T the characterization of the original Nancy Culp. Otherwise, this one's a turkey and Jed would be a-shootin it!