Welcome to Remake Radar, where we take on Hollywood’s penchant for remaking films for better or worse (which is most of the time). This month’s movie:
“Fame” (1980)
Stars:Eddie Barth, Irene Cara, Lee, Curreri, Debbie Allen, Richard Belzer, Michael DeLorenzo, and Meg Tilly.
Director: Alan Parker
Story: Four students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts are followed from audition to graduation.
What can I say about the original? It won Academy Awards for Best Score and Best Song (“Fame”). It was the sixth film by Alan Parker who preceded it with “Bugsy Malone,” and “Midnight Express,” and followed it with “Pink Floyd: The Wall,” “Angel Heart,” and “Mississippi Burning,” among others. Finally, it gave a career to Debbie Allen.
Why is that last bit important? After winning some Oscars it became bound for TV where it was remade into a TV series in 1982 that ran for six seasons; Debbie Allen played Lydia Gant. In 2003 Debbie Allen started her own version of “Fame,” making it a talent show. Finally, Debbie shows up once again in this year’s remake as Principal Simms.
What do we know now?: Just short a few cast members of a “Cheers” or “Frasier” reunion, Kelsey Grammer AND Bebe Neuwirth are in this one, along with Charles S. Dutton, Kay Panabaker and every other guy or girl who can sing, dance, or act. It’s set for release on September 25, 2009.
Original Trailer:
TV show intro:
Remake trailer:
Chas Andrews' Movie Blog 