The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood

The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood is a 2000 made-for-television adventure-comedy film that follows the antics of the much-loved Duke cousins, portrayed by the original series stars, Tom Wopat, John Schneider, and Catherine Bach. In this fun-filled flick, the cousins find their way to Hollywood from their home in Hazzard County, Georgia. Still driving their iconic orange car, the General Lee, the team sets off for the West Coast for an adventure that is too large to be constrained to the small town of Hazzard County.

In this movie, the Dukes plan a trip to Hollywood to sell some musical talent from their county at a nationally televised competition. Along with their intention to support the local hospital by contributing the proceeds from the sale, the cousins also aspire to show the world that Hazzard County has got talent. However, a series of comic confrontations unfolds when their journey to Hollywood turns into a comedy of errors.

Doing justice to the characters they portrayed for seven seasons on CBS television in the late '70s and early '80s, John Schneider returns as Bo Duke and Tom Wopat returns as Luke Duke. Catherine Bach is back in her role as Daisy Duke, delivering the same charm and spirit she conveyed in the original television series. Denver Pyle makes an appearance in the film as Uncle Jesse, his presence being kindly featured through the use of archival footage, becoming a touching homage to the actor who had passed away a year before the movie was made. The beloved character of Cooter, portrayed by Ben Jones, also returns, providing ample support and comic relief.

The plot thickens as the Dukes' tape containing the country music performances of Hazzard County's talent, which they planned to sell in Hollywood, mysteriously goes missing. With the hospital funding at stake, the Dukes, being their usual heroic selves, make it their mission to retrieve the stolen tape as they encounter unfamiliar terrain and a new array of quirky characters.

The television film directed by Bradford May still features the same fast cars, narrow escapes, and country charm that made the original series so endearing to fans. However, the setting enhances the film's appeal by drawing contrast between the Duke's simple, rural origins, and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. This unique setting presents numerous comedic aspects to the film, highlighting the culture clash between the country folk of Hazzard County and the slick Hollywood proponents.

Simultaneously, the movie wonderfully maintains the heartwarming character relationships that are the core tenet of the Dukes of Hazzard series. The bond between the Duke Boys and their cousin Daisy, their shared dedication to their community, and their commitment to standing up to injustice, add depth and meaning in between the chases and comedic mix-ups.

Moreover, fans of the original series will find the movie satisfying, as the signature Dukes themes are evident throughout — the Duke family loyalty, their resourcefulness in the face of adversity and, of course, the good ol' southern humor and folksy wisdom. The reunion movie also introduces new characters and plots that add new flavors while preserving the core elements of the original series.

The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood is more than just a continuation of a beloved series; it is a nostalgic journey for fans while also being a fun, standalone adventure-comedy movie for newcomers. It successfully encapsulates the charm and spirit of the original television series while adding elements that resonate with the cinematic landscape of the new millennium. With the good-hearted Duke family, lively car chases, and southern charm, this film is an entertaining romp that transports viewers from the rural landscapes of Hazzard County, Georgia, to the glamorous hills of Hollywood, California.