Our exclusive story on the fact that an American version of LOTSW was very nearly filmed in the USA (Click here for more details) certainly set your imagination going. 

It was a pleasure to receive scores of emails, your suggestions as to which classic American actors could have taken the parts of the famous members of the cast from LOTSW. This took us completely by surprise, but was a super idea. 

We really enjoyed reading your emails - there were some amazing suggestions, including Mrs Doubtfire (played by the talented Robin Williams) as our very own Nora Batty!  Many thanks to everyone who took part. In fact, there were so many ideas (including same names for different cast members) that we have just included a sample selection below. 

But first, a delightful little message from an American fan reminding everyone that actually, the cast from the real version of LOTSW could never, ever be replaced! 

Helen, of Seven Valleys, PA, USA, said: 

 "Hi Patrick, 
Picking actor's for an Americanized SW is great fun, but SW would not be SW without the original Compo, Foggy, Clegg and all the rest.  We American's remade the British "Men Behaving Badly", which did very badly in the ratings. LOL
There was also talk about an Americanized version of Coupling.  Speaking for myself, I prefer British comedy at it's finest and SW is the best of the best.  I can't imagine scenery like Holmfirth here in America and I just don't think that the comedy would be as good.  No offense to our many fine actor's, it's just that you don't mess with a good thing and SW is a good thing.  I have to say that British comedy is the best and cannot be beat. So you guy's just keep sending it over the "water", it is much appreciated and much looked forward to." 



And now...your Suggestions 

Eli - Dick Van Dyke
Compo - Tom Bosley (Happy Days dad right), Mel Brooks, Strother Martin.
Pearl - Shirley McClain
Marina - Ann Margaret
Howard - Hal Holbrook
Nora Batty - Kathy Bates, and Robin Williams (playing the part of Mrs Doubtfire)
Wesley - Alan Alda
Truly - Burt Reynolds
Barry - Barry Bostwick
Clegg - Tom Bosley (Happy Days dad)	(photo above)
Foggy - Gregory Peck
Smiler - Jack Klugman

Many thanks for your emails, we really enjoyed reading them. 


Patrick, Editor 
Holmfirth, England