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How many fans realise that America very nearly got its own version of Last of the Summer Wine?

Alan JW Bell, series producer and director for the past 20 years told Summer Wine Online: "It is a fact that the USA was very interested in filming its very own Last of the Summer Wine over there.

"Several big companies were interested, Paramount, Viacom and Universal International, who took its interest to contract stage in 1989.

"Micky Rooney (pictured right) wanted to play the Compo character. He loved writers Roy Clarke's style of humour and scripts, but problems arose over casting and it failed to go into production."

Where was the US version of Summer Wine nearly filmed?

Alan said: "The southern Californian town of Bakersfield was Mickey Rooney's suggestion, because it was a little town. I think it would have worked well out there."

What is Bakersfield like?

For a start, it is really nothing like our Holmfirth - the small Pennine market town where Summer Wine is filmed.

Bakersfield is now described as one of the fastest-growing US cities, an oil, mining and agricultural centre, with a population of nearly 200,000. 

Gold was discovered in the region in 1899. There are several major manufacturers and large aerospace facilities, including the well-known Edwards Air Force Base.

However, like Holmfirth, Bakersfield is well regarded for its "atmosphere of small-town hospitality and friendly people". 

We are strongly indebted to Bakersfield resident Seannan for providing the following inside information about the town, via email:

She writes:

"Here are some quick links to get you started, some general background and history and one of our claims to fame Bakersfield on Encyclopedia.com & 2002 Bakersfield Business Conference.

"As you will see, we are definitely a petroleum and agriculture place.

"From the City of Bakersfield main page: "With its big city conveniences and advantages, Bakersfield still manages to maintain an atmosphere of small town hospitality, friendship, cooperation, compassion, and optimism. ...... Hallmarks of the Bakersfield community continue to be a high quality of life, a strong family orientation, and the fact that people care"

"I have to say this last sentence is so very true. In just one day...the people here donated $62,000 (approx £38,000 ) for the families of the Bakersfield men and women serving in the military.

"We are basically thought of as a little "hick" town (Johnny Carson made fun of us for years) but the truth is, this town is full of wealth and highly intelligent, creative, innovative people who, for the most part, manage to keep a friendly "down to earth" way of life.

"In recent years, we have become more of a "city" with all those Los Angeles people taking up space. There is another useful link, the Visitor's Bureau website Welcome To The Greater Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (Interesting Flash slide show - Editor). 

"As far as this place being suitable for a sit com, I don't know about that, but it would make a really excellent soap opera sometimes :) Everyone knows everyone else or knows someone who does. There are a few little areas that I think would be great subject matter, beautiful homes in old established neighborhoods, where everyone is a true "neighbor" in every sense of the word."

Seannan (April 2003)


Another Interesting Twist to the Story? 

There is another interesting Bakersfield/Summer Wine twist, highlighted with the help of Robin, the USA fan who is organising the first ever American Summer Wine Gala in 2003. 

Years ago, there was a show produced in the town called "Hee Haw" the two main people on it were Bakersfield's Buck Owens (similar to Bill Owen??) and Roy Clark - no connection with LOTSW writer Roy Clarke of course - but what an interesting coincidence!

Other Links

Lead story on the Bakersfield local newspaper website www.bakersfield.com

"Torrid housing growth sparks delays in getting power to new homes" 
"Susan and Scott Carr had problems getting power to the home they were having built. They eventually walked away from the project and purchased an existing home in north Bakersfield." (April 2003) 

Official Micky Rooney website

http://www.mickeyrooney.com/

"Hee Haw" official website

http://www.heehaw.com/

NOTE: Summer Wine Online Editor Patrick Brooke would like to thank fans and others on both sides of the Atlantic for their help researching this article. We received many interesting emails following an initial "Any Fans in Bakersfield" appeal on the website.
Thanks again for all your enthusiastic help.  

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