The 80s marked a golden era for television, showcasing only the finest content.
The Dukes of Hazzard charmed millions with its exhilarating action sequences, the iconic General Lee, and the unforgettable cast. However, akin to any cherished classic, the series harbored its fair share of goofs, concealed truths, and blunders that fans continue to notice.
From on-set slip-ups to undisclosed revelations, there’s a wealth of secrets surrounding The Dukes of Hazzard beyond the surface. Let’s delve into some fun and unexpected moments that rendered this show a genuine gem in 80s television history.
There’s an enduring appeal to The Dukes of Hazzard. Embracing a straightforward approach, scarce profanity, and pure, unadulterated enjoyment, it emerged as essential viewing for countless viewers.
And who could overlook Daisy Duke? With her trademark short shorts, she essentially pioneered a fashion trend that lingers even now.
For many, she stood out as a primary reason to tune in, her poster proudly displayed on bedroom walls alongside Farrah Fawcett’s. The Dukes of Hazzard transcended being merely a TV show; it metamorphosed into an experience that kept us fixed to the screen every Friday night, eagerly anticipating the next escapade of Bo and Luke Duke in their beloved General Lee.
From the unforgettable cast to the remarkable pursuits, it was the sort of show that unified audiences, whether pedaling their bikes in the summer or rushing home just before 8:00. Let’s unravel the enchantment of The Dukes of Hazzard – a classic that still summons wistful recollections of simpler times.
Intriguing Contract Clause of Sorrell Booke
Here’s an entertaining tidbit about Sorrell Booke’s portrayal of Boss Hogg in The Dukes of Hazzard: His contract featured a peculiar
clause
barring the character from involving in drug trafficking or murder. This provision adds an interesting twist, particularly considering Boss Hogg’s corrupt and scheming demeanor.
Nonetheless, it underscores the show’s light-hearted, family-friendly ambiance. Sorrell’s impeccable fusion of wit and allure solidified Boss Hogg as one of television’s most iconic antagonists, warranting, in my opinion, at least an Emmy nod for his unforgettable portrayal.
To animate the character of the portly “Boss” Jefferson Davis Hogg, Sorrell Booke donned padding beneath his attire to amplify the illusion of his corpulence. It constituted a deliberate endeavor to etch the iconic character into the collective memory.
The Real Story Behind General Lee’s “Dixie” Horn
Did you know that the famed “Dixie” horn of General Lee wasn’t initially part of the script? During the early episodes filmed in Atlanta, the production team chanced upon a car whizzing by, emitting the familiar melody. Intrigued, they trailed the driver, negotiated a purchase of the horn, and paid a hefty sum.
Ironically, they could have acquired it at any auto parts store for a fraction of the cost! What’s more, the horn featured solely in the initial five episodes. Its incorporation occurred during post-production in light of the shift to Warner Brothers’ premises. Talk about a quintessential “oops!” moment.
John Schneider’s Age Fabrication
In various interviews, John Schneider disclosed that he falsified his age to snag the role of Bo Duke.
He misrepresented his age as 24 to the producers, although he was merely 18 at the time. To heighten the deception, he arrived at the audition sporting a casual ensemble of a t-shirt and blue jeans, toting a six-pack of beer, and even assuming a Southern accent, despite hailing from New York City.
Fictitious Georgia Driving School
Upon auditioning for The Dukes of Hazzard, John Schneider also claimed to have graduated from the Georgia School of High Performance Driving. The catch? Such an institution was nonexistent!
“But they bought it,” Schneider revealed to Fox News.
Nevertheless, John wasn’t spinning tales without merit – he possessed an innate aptitude behind the wheel. While he was barred from executing major stunt jumps or perilous sequences, had he been authorized, he likely could have aced them.
The Iconic Legacy of “Daisy Duke” Shorts
How many TV characters have shaped a fashion trend that endures decades post-show closure? Catherine Bach, renowned for her portrayal of Daisy Duke, forever etched herself into pop culture history.
In a 1996 interview on E! True Hollywood Story, Bach unveiled that her iconic shorts encountered initial resistance on The Dukes of Hazzard. Upon her inaugural donning of the garment, network executives raised objections.
They insisted on her skirt length being improper and eventually relented under the condition that Catherine wore pantyhose beneath to avert “accidental exposures.”
Ironically, instead of concealing, the pantyhose accentuated her lithe, shapely legs further, promptly propelling her into a sex symbol of 70s TV. It’s amusing how something intended for modesty propelled Catherine into a standout star of that era.
Even now, cut-off denim shorts are colloquially termed “Daisy Dukes,” with individuals donning the iconic hotpants without prior knowledge of the TV series. That’s undeniably noteworthy.
The Quest for a Dolly Parton Look-alike
As the naturally radiant Daisy Duke, Catherine emerged as one of television’s most recognizable faces. Her character resonated with many, with Daisy serving as the primary draw for numerous viewers. Per Catherine, the producers initially sought a doppelganger of Dolly Parton for the role of Daisy.
They aimed for a blonde, busty figure reminiscent of Dolly’s and desirable proportions. Nonetheless, Catherine attended the casting call and clinched the role. CBS recruited her that very evening.
Interestingly, the parallel to Dolly Parton was ingrained right from the onset of The Dukes of Hazzard. In the pilot episode, Daisy Duke is depicted as an adept singer well-versed in all of Dolly Parton’s tunes, hinting at Daisy’s aspiration for a music career in early episodes.
“The character is a composite of numerous individuals I’ve encountered. She embodies half the wildest girl I befriended in high school, aspects of close pals I had in Georgia, is much like Dolly Parton, and mirrors myself during my waitressing days. She exudes independence, physical prowess, and matches the boys skill for skill,” Catherine elucidated in 1979.
Rosco’s Oversight: Daisy Morphs into Cathy
Here’s a delightful blooper from The Dukes of Hazzard that likely eluded most viewers!
In the episode State of the Country, towards its culmination, Rosco inadvertently refers to Daisy as Cathy just before she hands him the gun. It’s a minor slip-up that might evade notice unless one keenly observes – watch it below!
The Unaired Moment
John Schneider, the most fervent Dukes of Hazzard aficionado among the cast, found the 1985 conclusion of the show particularly challenging.
While the series finale, Opening Night at the Boar’s Nest, concluded with the characters reveling in Boss Hogg’s unexpected return, the real concluding scene never reached TV or even DVD release.
In that elusive instance, Bo and Luke convened in the General Lee and exchanged a final banter in the Boar’s Nest parking lot. Upon cessation of filming, Schneider reminisced the emotional gravity of the occasion: “Diverging from the televised finale where we embraced in the Boar’s Nest, I distinctly recall asserting, ‘Well, that’s a wrap.’ Subsequently, the rear projection screen descended, and I wept profusely behind the wheel of that motionless General.”
Not solely did John grapple with the loss, but fans were equally disheartened. Yet, 11 years down the line, with TNN’s revival of reruns, adoration for The Dukes of Hazzard rekindled, culminating in two TV films and a fresh cohort of enthusiasts.
Waylon Jennings’ Devoted Mother
Waylon Jennings not only lent his voice to The Dukes of Hazzard but also bestowed the show with its iconic theme song Good Ol’ Boys – his inaugural single to surpass a million copies in sales! He once highlighted
it as one of his simplest records, and the endeavor unquestionably paid off. The track ascended to #1 on the country charts in 1980 and even achieved platinum status as a ringtone in 2007.
However, here’s the kicker – Waylon’s mother tuned in to The Dukes of Hazzard weekly yearning for a glimpse of her son. The hitch? The revered country crooner was only heard, not seen! In fact, his hands strumming a guitar were his sole visible feature in the closing credits. Thus, in the extended edition of the theme song, Waylon infused the whimsical lyrics: “You know my mama loves me… but she don’t understand, they keep showing my hands and not…”
