News

You wouldn’t think it could happen in America, in the land of free speech. You wouldn’t think it could happen to two respected and talented individuals like Tom Wopat and John Schneider. But this time, ya’ll, the Dukes have really been framed.

The Dukes of Hazzard epitomized values like honesty and justice and helping one’s neighbors. The flag-painted roof of the General Lee was a nod to one of the greatest military tacticians in history, who defied overwhelming odds to win numerous battles. This symbolism was not an endorsement of prejudice. It was the allegory of “fighting the system” of corruption in a small town.

Despite the positive, fun-loving nature of the Dukes of Hazzard, the Cincinnati Pops caved in to pressure from an over-zealous special interest group and canceled an upcoming performance by Tom and John. This is a form of prejudice in reverse, and punishing these two performers for their association with one of the most beloved and family-oriented programs of all time, just doesn’t make sense.

Ben Jones, a/k/a “Cooter Davenport” has asked for fans to speak up. In doing so, we must conduct ourselves as befitting of everything the Dukes stood for, and display honor, integrity, and fairness. Please let the Cincinnati Pops know the kind of following the Dukes of Hazzard truly has. Let them know how much it would mean to us, to see this unfortunate issue resolved. Tom and John deserve to have their good standing with the Cincinnati Pops restored.

Email : publicrelations@cincinnatisymphony.org

Phone: 1-513-621-1919

See Ben’s message here.

While HazzardNet remains one of the oldest and highest-ranked Dukes of Hazzard websites in the world, we have apparently offended The People’s Republic of China in the process. Well, excuse the hell outta us! Is it our rampant display of freedom of speech? Our occasional use of the rebel flag? Our bad jokes? Whatever the case, we can only thank God that we’re in America and free to be a part of all that’s wrong with society.

Ben Jones has released a press release regarding the cancellation of John and Tom’s upcoming appearance at the Cincinnati Pops. The press release can by read by clicking here.

“According to Jones, the Cincinnati Pops was pressured to cancel a July 14, 2007 performance by singers John Schneider and Tom Wopat because of their connection with ‘The Dukes of Hazzard.’ Jones and Schneider were both told that the cancellation came after members of the Cincinnati community complained that the popular and perennial family show has ‘racist overtones.’ Both Schneider and Wopat have appeared previously with the Cincinnati Pops.”

Thanks to Renee for bringing this to our attention. Together, maybe we can get Tom and John’s appearance back on the schedule.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning was ABC Family Channel’s most-watched original movie of all time for the male demographic, ages 12 to 34.

Because no other rating data is available yet, we can’t tell you where that leaves people who are over 35 years old, or how many women watched the show, or whether kids under 12 saw it. We can assume, however, that Warner Bros hit the target they wanted to hit with this latest incarnation of the Dukes.

The Dukes of Hazzard still has muscle to flex when it comes to bringing in an audience. We have attempted to get information from WB concerning the prospects of a new series, but so far they have not responded. ( Maybe they’re still sore over our lackluster reviews of the 2005 movie.) For the moment, it’s accurate to say that no plans for a new series are officially in the works – but it would be short-sighted to think that nobody has this thought on a post-it note somewhere in Burbank.

Meanwhile, April Scott felt good enough about the movie to hold an invitation-only Hollywood bash to celebrate the tv premiere. Ironically, the dress code was strictly formal and no “daisy dukes” were permitted. Still, with all the party hoopla, if the idea of a new Dukes series gets any legs under it…they’ll be April’s.

For those of you who caught Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning on ABC Family Channel, we’ve set up a discussion forum for you to post reviews and thoughts on the movie.

Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning forum