This Week in Television History: October 2016 PART III

As always, the further we go back in Hollywood history,
the more that fact and legend become intertwined.
It's hard to say where the truth really lies.

October 20, 1991

The movie "I Still Dream of Jeannie" aired.

The made-for-television comedy film produced by Columbia Pictures Television which premiered on NBC. It is the second and final reunion film based on the 1965–70 sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.

Barbara Eden and Bill Daily are the only two regular cast members of the original series to reprise their roles in this movie. Once again, Larry Hagman was unavailable to reprise his role of Tony Nelson, as he had just completed a 14½ season run on Dallas and was taking a vacation with his family. Although the character Tony Nelson is mentioned throughout the film, and briefly appears in the animated opening sequence, he remains unseen for the rest of the movie.

Ironically, one of his Dallas co-stars, Ken Kercheval, appears in the film. The irony is further emphasized by the fact that Hagman and Kercheval played enemies on Dallas and the character that Kercheval plays in I Still Dream of Jeannie is one that fills in the spot that would have gone to Hagman if he had been able to play Tony Nelson again for this film.

The film was directed by Joseph Scanlan and the teleplay was written by April Kelly.

CLICK HERE for a list of Stations

To quote the Bicentennial Minute, "And that's the way it was".

Stay Tuned

Tony Figueroa