Monday, November 21, 2011

New Simon Templar TV Movie On Long Delay

Last April I blogged that James Purefoy had signed on to be the next Simon Templar known in fictional detective history as The Saint.  Shooting in New Orleans was delayed from July untill October. Then delayed for an undetermined time. Trust me I have good sources on this one. Arguements over script and Purefoy as the main actor and what various groups wanted for an updated character. Money halted and that was the final straw that broke this latest attempt at a comeback for the once well known character. So as of this writing this project is at best months away from production. I write this considering that my last blog on this subject received a fairly large number of hits. So Saint fans as was stated in the back of many a Saint story......Beware The Sign Of The Saint .....He Will Be Back. At least we can only hope so...... Be Seeing You

2 comments:

Burl Barer said...

As one of the script writers for The Saint in New Orleans,allow me to clarify a few points. The director, producer, rights holders, and Mr. Purefoy liked the 2hr pilot script by Bill Macdonald and me. Then Mr Purefoy could not commit to more than 13 episodes, then network interests preferred a one hour rather than 2 hr pilot, and then yes, you are correct, money became an issue on rights extension..however that issue was resolved as well. As I understand the situation currently, our 2hr script has been re-written to 1 hr, a few more scripts have been written, a well known show runner is being attached and there is high interest from several networks...as for the star? Good question. The Saint is known for reappearing undefeated...so instead of a tv movie it appears it will skip that part and go directly to one hour series somewhere...I have personally been out of the loop as far as direct involvement the past few months, but I know all those involved retain the same firm resolve to bring THE SAINT back in a manner that would bring a smile to the face of Leslie Charteris. In the meantime, as I am authorized by the Estate of Leslie Charteris to create new Saint novels, there will be a new full length Saint novel forthcoming in 2012 whether or not there is a TV movie, series etc.

hudson hawk said...

Wow ....I have just been contacted by Burl Barer......award winning author and an associate of Mr. Charteris himself. Looking forward to new novel....down loaded last one. Thanks for further information and feedback.