"Three's company" was on my favorite shows as a young kid ,although now I think that so many misunderstandings make the situations unbelievable and grotesque. Also, over the years I had the chance to watch the much better and much subtle original - "Man about the house" Any how, this film presents the behind-the-scenes happenings on the "Three's company" set, from what I believe to be a Joyce DeWitt point of view. True, Suzanne Somers was hired for her looks and not her talent/brains (not to say that she doesn't have one or the other or both), and it seems as though she did manage to drive everyone crazy, but lets face it - she only did what many other TV stars do - take advantage of their success while it is still there (and TV success usually lasts only a few years). Actually, I believe the one member of the cast without whom there would have been no show is John Ritter. Both girls could have been easily replaced by other actress'. This film shows to little of Ritters' talent.
Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Three's Company' (2003 TV Movie)
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Review this title32 Reviews
Fair But Not Good
aesgaard4131 May 2003
I loved Three's Company when it was on, but this movie does not give it it a very good treatment. The whole movie comes off as very rushed with the series development and the first season all revealed within the first thirty minutes and then a segue straight into the Suzanne Somers travesty when her head became bigger than her chest. In fact, the movie has an eerie quality as if it was filmed by the crew from Sixty Minutes, but then, this is a ABC series being done by NBC. The pace was way too fast like a recreation from America's Most Wanted on steroids. The set didn't look very good; it looked like it was built as a high school set. In fact, it looked a lot better when it was recreated on that episode of "Eight Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter." They should have borrowed that set. And the background Seventies motif in the "real-world" was too awful. Did it really look like that back then ? Bret Anthony pulls off a fair John Ritter impression, but he just lacks the charm and panache of the original; there will never be another Ritter. The slapstick was just bad; Ritter does it better. Judy Taylor was a passable Suzanne, but then I never saw the fuss in Somers; I thought she was way over-rated. I loved Melanie Deanna Moore ! She is just too adorable and perfect for Joyce. Nice to see her in something else besides those glad commercials. I just didn't buy the young guy playing Don Knotts and couldn't believe they omitted Richard Kline entirely. I thought Company was best when it was around Kline, Ritter and Knotts and they dropped the tired husband and wife routines. There were brief parts with Priscilla Barnes, and my favorite roommate Jenilee Harrison is just barely given a scene. Some of the behind the scenes quotes I know were lifted from real life. Brian Dennehy looks and acts like the Skipper from Gilligan's Island corrupted by Hollywood; he just has one obnoxious producer scene too many. On a whole, I'd say the movie was fair, but I'm glad I watched it, but I do believe it could have been done much better.
I didn't want to like it
jfgibson7315 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I don't usually give these behind the scenes re-enactment movies a chance. For some reason, it bothers me that they might not depict the events very accurately. Which is a silly thing to criticize, because most movies based on true events change some facts, even when they are well-made. But somehow, these made for TV movies just seem too misleading. Well, in the case of this Three's Company biopic, I didn't care because it was just too entertaining not to like.
The movie focuses mostly on Suzanne Somers and how her choices affected the show. The fact that Joyce DeWitt was involved with the production seems to lend it some credibility, until you notice that her character is the only one in the movie who doesn't do anything wrong. You really have to be out of touch to help make a movie where everyone behaves badly but you and not expect people to be suspicious about the authenticity.
It's sad to think that the making of this show was so troubled--the episodes were so carefree and upbeat, and the cast seem like they could have been great team, on screen and off.
It may not be any more factual than a tabloid, but I couldn't stop watching this movie.
The movie focuses mostly on Suzanne Somers and how her choices affected the show. The fact that Joyce DeWitt was involved with the production seems to lend it some credibility, until you notice that her character is the only one in the movie who doesn't do anything wrong. You really have to be out of touch to help make a movie where everyone behaves badly but you and not expect people to be suspicious about the authenticity.
It's sad to think that the making of this show was so troubled--the episodes were so carefree and upbeat, and the cast seem like they could have been great team, on screen and off.
It may not be any more factual than a tabloid, but I couldn't stop watching this movie.
Very Serious Behind the Scenes Business
gjung0127 May 2003
It is sobering to see that a show that exemplified the mindless, 70s sex revolution with it's, at the time, envelope pushing innuendo and double entendres, was fraught with deception, greed and betrayal behind the scenes.
The actors chosen to portray the various performers of "Three's Company" are very good, most notably the ones chosen to portray John Ritter/Jack Tripper and Joyce DeWitt/Janet Wood. The actress who played Suzanne Sommers/Chrissy Snow did a wonderful job playing the conflicted yet easily swayed by her husband star who ends up becoming a pariah of the set of the show after unreasonable contractual demands and skipping out on tapings. The performances of the network brass, show's producers, and Sommer's husband, Alan Hamel are excellent also. The supporting cast, the Roepers, Mr. Furley and Cyndi Snow, are also represented. Priscilla Barnes/Teri is merely an extra with no lines and Larry is nowhere to be found. It would be interesting to see how the rest of the cast and crew were affected by the contractual warfare that became very personal between Sommers and the producers. Joyce DeWitt took on a role as a producer of this film and narrates the film. Although this was not necessary, I suppose it lent a bit of authority since DeWitt was obviously there when all of these things were happening. But one wonders if this also could mean that the movie is slanted by representing DeWitt as the Saint who is just doing her job who gets wronged by Sommers, the Producers and Ritter who keeps plans of him getting a spinoff that doesn't include Janet from her. But the facts speak for themselves and one can see that this could all be very well true.
One can say that Sommers is painted in a bad light but it does evoke sympathy for her when she begins to wonder if she has gone too far and is killing her career but is easily sold on the idea by her slick talking husband who is an unsuccessful actor who's claim to fame are local supermarket commercials. Sommers quickness to believe this man is revealed when she talks about humiliating herself early in her career to help pay her son's hospital costs by dressing as a squirrel and passing out nuts and when she says that she wanted to become the next Farrah not Liberace in one of the films funnier (unintentionally lines). Ritter is portrayed as a nice guy who loses patience with Sommers antics but also as a passive, milquetoast who gives in too easily to the producers' offer of his own spinoff at the expense of the other cast members.
The bottom line is that what energy or magic the series had early on in it's run, was spoiled by the lack of appreciation for the actors by the producers, avarice of Sommers and "her people," Alan Hamel and the constant tinkering that was designed to spite Sommers. In the end, everyone seemed to lose and seems embittered by the whole experience. Ritter and Sommers did not seem to want part of this project and DeWitt seems to be gritting her teeth to this day in the segments where she narrates the goings on.
All in all, this is one of the more interesting, well made TV movies about a TV show because it deals with what made the show work and ultimately what ruined it, the best and worst of human nature.
The actors chosen to portray the various performers of "Three's Company" are very good, most notably the ones chosen to portray John Ritter/Jack Tripper and Joyce DeWitt/Janet Wood. The actress who played Suzanne Sommers/Chrissy Snow did a wonderful job playing the conflicted yet easily swayed by her husband star who ends up becoming a pariah of the set of the show after unreasonable contractual demands and skipping out on tapings. The performances of the network brass, show's producers, and Sommer's husband, Alan Hamel are excellent also. The supporting cast, the Roepers, Mr. Furley and Cyndi Snow, are also represented. Priscilla Barnes/Teri is merely an extra with no lines and Larry is nowhere to be found. It would be interesting to see how the rest of the cast and crew were affected by the contractual warfare that became very personal between Sommers and the producers. Joyce DeWitt took on a role as a producer of this film and narrates the film. Although this was not necessary, I suppose it lent a bit of authority since DeWitt was obviously there when all of these things were happening. But one wonders if this also could mean that the movie is slanted by representing DeWitt as the Saint who is just doing her job who gets wronged by Sommers, the Producers and Ritter who keeps plans of him getting a spinoff that doesn't include Janet from her. But the facts speak for themselves and one can see that this could all be very well true.
One can say that Sommers is painted in a bad light but it does evoke sympathy for her when she begins to wonder if she has gone too far and is killing her career but is easily sold on the idea by her slick talking husband who is an unsuccessful actor who's claim to fame are local supermarket commercials. Sommers quickness to believe this man is revealed when she talks about humiliating herself early in her career to help pay her son's hospital costs by dressing as a squirrel and passing out nuts and when she says that she wanted to become the next Farrah not Liberace in one of the films funnier (unintentionally lines). Ritter is portrayed as a nice guy who loses patience with Sommers antics but also as a passive, milquetoast who gives in too easily to the producers' offer of his own spinoff at the expense of the other cast members.
The bottom line is that what energy or magic the series had early on in it's run, was spoiled by the lack of appreciation for the actors by the producers, avarice of Sommers and "her people," Alan Hamel and the constant tinkering that was designed to spite Sommers. In the end, everyone seemed to lose and seems embittered by the whole experience. Ritter and Sommers did not seem to want part of this project and DeWitt seems to be gritting her teeth to this day in the segments where she narrates the goings on.
All in all, this is one of the more interesting, well made TV movies about a TV show because it deals with what made the show work and ultimately what ruined it, the best and worst of human nature.
Not a terrible expose!
Sylviastel31 May 2020
When three's company debuted, it was groundbreaking sitcom and instant hit. The movie is only tip of the iceberg. Looking back, I can see why Suzanne did what she did. 40 years later, sexism and misogyny is alive and well in Hollywood. Ritter was earning $150,000 while Somers and Dewitt earned $30,000. That's a big difference. Don't forget that Priscilla Barnes referred to her time as three worst years of her life. There was plenty going on behind the scenes. Thankfully Joyce and Suzanne made peace in 2012. We lost John too soon.
Surprisingly OK
preppy-38 July 2006
Behind the scenes look at the "Three's Company" sit com (1977-1984). It concentrates primarily on the issues with Suzanne Somers trying to take over.
This was done with the full cooperation of Joyce DeWitt (who played Janet in the show) so it's questionable how factual this actually is. Still I saw the True Hollywood story on it and read the book and, basically, they all seem to agree. It's fast-moving and fairly well done. Somers comes across surprisingly pretty sensitively--her husband Alan Hamel comes across as the SOB who caused all the trouble. Surprisingly ABC and its executives come out pretty nicely too (even though DeWitt complained nonstop about their sexism originally). However the characters of Larry or Lana are never mentioned but the Ropers pop up and they do acknowledge their failed sitcom.
The acting wavers--Bret Anthony plays John Ritter and barely resembles him; Melanie Deanne Moore looks just like Janet however and Judy Taylor is actually very good as Chrisse. Greg Binkley is WAY too young to play Don Knotts (although he sounds just like him). Brian Dennehy is a scream as Fred Silverman. And a few pot shots are taken at Jenilee Harrison who replaced Somers. Priscilla Barnes is just mentioned in passing.
So--all in all--not bad. It held my interest. Just don't take it as gospel truth.
This was done with the full cooperation of Joyce DeWitt (who played Janet in the show) so it's questionable how factual this actually is. Still I saw the True Hollywood story on it and read the book and, basically, they all seem to agree. It's fast-moving and fairly well done. Somers comes across surprisingly pretty sensitively--her husband Alan Hamel comes across as the SOB who caused all the trouble. Surprisingly ABC and its executives come out pretty nicely too (even though DeWitt complained nonstop about their sexism originally). However the characters of Larry or Lana are never mentioned but the Ropers pop up and they do acknowledge their failed sitcom.
The acting wavers--Bret Anthony plays John Ritter and barely resembles him; Melanie Deanne Moore looks just like Janet however and Judy Taylor is actually very good as Chrisse. Greg Binkley is WAY too young to play Don Knotts (although he sounds just like him). Brian Dennehy is a scream as Fred Silverman. And a few pot shots are taken at Jenilee Harrison who replaced Somers. Priscilla Barnes is just mentioned in passing.
So--all in all--not bad. It held my interest. Just don't take it as gospel truth.
Three Guesses Who Is The Angel In This Company (First Two Don't Count)
florida8719 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this on Arab show-time (I think) and I used to watch Three's Company all the time, first when it aired and than in rerun's. My favorite memories were watching this with my 60'sh Dad and he was a big Mr Ferly fan (Don Knotts), as am I; those are good memories of hanging with my Dad (I was in my 30's). This take is all about Threes Company and the inside scoop on it from Joyce De Witts viewpoint. As a result of this the only good person in this is Joyce. Everyone else betrays her or is oblivious to whats going on (that would be Don Knotts), poor ol poor ol Joyce. You know I did find this very entertaining but I find it funny that Susanne Summers in the movie can't use her character of Chrissy in Vegas (probably based on a true event), and yet Joyce can besmirch Susanne's character so badly in this film and suffer no lawful retaliation. Maybe they secured her permission before airing it, as it's not flattering at all (and remembering the way things went down because it was a show I watched when airing, I wasn't to crazy about her either). So lets look at how it shook down, Threes Company ran for several seasons after Susanne left, thus John and Joyce got paid good money (compared to this Average Joe), for several years. I think Don Knotts helped out a lot for the quality of the show, although the original landlord and wife were a great element also, Don didn't hurt. John went on to do some movies (Remember the one where he's wearing a glow in the dark condom? I don't either but I remember the ad for it!), and he also has a "hit" comedy when he died a Young death, so he was a success after Threes Company. Susanne went on to other things (Vegas, thighmaster) and made lots of money, I have no idea what she's doing now but her whole thing was based on her young looks so that only goes so far, but all in all, a success (what's so bad about making lots of money doing thighmaster commercials, the only infomercial worth watching, I mean C'MON!). Joyce didn't even show Susannes kid in the movie (he's mentioned but I never saw him), for fear (I guess) that this will give sympathy to Susanne. And Joyce, poor Joyce. I used to love her in the same way I used to love Mary Ann on Gilligans Island, I wanted to have sex with both as opposed to the dumb blonde. I felt sorry for her after all the gossip stories but she has done squat after Threes Company that was on a national level. And hey, if it's good therapy to do this backstabbing flick where you made millions before and are still bitter than I guess you better do it. Just be advised Joyce, you didn't win any sympathy points with me, if anything you lost by me as a threes company fan watching this and now having a different view when I watch the reruns again (I guess you aren't getting residuals, so don't care). As far as the movie goes, I was riveted by Brian Dennihey, he was awesome and sooooo funny, you just had the feeling that was all real with those two suck ass's he had with him, god there is a limit I will go for a paycheck and it's not nearly close enough to brown nose like those two. Also interesting was the whole Roper's thing, at least that guy knew it was a business and took it in stride (he got screwed, but he's been in a lot of movies as a character actor and took it in stride). Ever see a TV show where they tell a story through different characters perspective and all the stories are different? Well this is Joyce's view and it really shows. Very entertaining though! I feel bad for the nobody TV actors playing other TV actors, thats gotta hurt, but hey, it's a paycheck!
predictable but not bad
ldavis-213 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
While I wait for the inevitable "Friends" expose, I caught this last night. In interviews, Joyce DeWitt said that since she was powerless to stop this movie, she offered to help them get it right. Smart move, since everyone, save for her, Don Knotts and Norman Fell, gets roasted. The ABC execs are patronizing scum-suckers who treat the cast as though they don't have a working brain cell, programming genius Fred Silverman is a cigar-chomping mercenary, and John Ritter is a back-stabbing weasel, as opposed to Suzanne Somers, a front-stabbing weasel who goes along with every "strategic move" her obnoxious and clueless hubby comes up with, even as he sinks her career!
A good flick for what it is. The guy who played Ritter was impressive. The sets were perfect and I hope they get an Emmy nod. But, what's with the "Unauthorized Story"? Would it have been the "Authorized Story" if it had been on ABC?
A good flick for what it is. The guy who played Ritter was impressive. The sets were perfect and I hope they get an Emmy nod. But, what's with the "Unauthorized Story"? Would it have been the "Authorized Story" if it had been on ABC?
Astonishing Lead Actors
sddavis6315 May 2003
I always enjoyed the TV series "Three's Company" and was familiar with some of the behind the scenes controversy about it and decided that I had to watch this TV movie when I heard it was coming out. Overall, I was not disappointed.
I don't think anyone could watch this movie without being astonished by the performances of Bret Anthony, Melanie Deanne Moore and Judy Tyler as John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. They were completely convincing and believable in these parts. You could almost reshoot the series with these three and it would take a while to realize that it wasn't Ritter, DeWitt and Somers. Even the supporting cast (Gregg Brinkley, Barbara Gordon and Terence Kelly as Don Knotts, Audra Lindley and Norman Fell) slipped perfectly into their roles. The account of how the show fell apart as Somers and particularly her husband Alan Hamel decided to push the rest of the cast aside to make way for her stardom felt real, and there were even moments of sympathy for Somers as the definite impression is given that she never intended things to go this far - it was "her people" and her husband and not her. It's very entertaining.
Not perfect, mind you. I thought the whole thing had too much of a pro-Joyce DeWitt feel to it. She was always the innocent one getting hurt - first by Somers, then by Ritter as he hides the fact that the show is about to be cancelled and his character spun off. It would be interesting to see the story from Suzanne Somers' point of view. I also thought the movie jumped far too quickly through the first few years of the show for the sake of concentrating on the Somers controversy. Joyce DeWitt's (the real one) narrative was also completely unnecessary and added nothing of value, in my view.
But even with those criticisms I thought this was great entertainment for a Monday night couchfest. 8/10
I don't think anyone could watch this movie without being astonished by the performances of Bret Anthony, Melanie Deanne Moore and Judy Tyler as John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. They were completely convincing and believable in these parts. You could almost reshoot the series with these three and it would take a while to realize that it wasn't Ritter, DeWitt and Somers. Even the supporting cast (Gregg Brinkley, Barbara Gordon and Terence Kelly as Don Knotts, Audra Lindley and Norman Fell) slipped perfectly into their roles. The account of how the show fell apart as Somers and particularly her husband Alan Hamel decided to push the rest of the cast aside to make way for her stardom felt real, and there were even moments of sympathy for Somers as the definite impression is given that she never intended things to go this far - it was "her people" and her husband and not her. It's very entertaining.
Not perfect, mind you. I thought the whole thing had too much of a pro-Joyce DeWitt feel to it. She was always the innocent one getting hurt - first by Somers, then by Ritter as he hides the fact that the show is about to be cancelled and his character spun off. It would be interesting to see the story from Suzanne Somers' point of view. I also thought the movie jumped far too quickly through the first few years of the show for the sake of concentrating on the Somers controversy. Joyce DeWitt's (the real one) narrative was also completely unnecessary and added nothing of value, in my view.
But even with those criticisms I thought this was great entertainment for a Monday night couchfest. 8/10
Will This Movie Ever Air Again??
JasonChanning10 July 2005
I saw this movie on E! Network in the last of July '03. My daughter up in Nashville called me later in a panic asking if I recorded it, because she caught only the last fifteen minutes. I told her I did not, but I would the next time it aired, and then John Ritter died before I saw it on the schedule again. I assumed it would not show again after that, but comments here indicate that it has and I missed it. Does it show on networks other than E!? Does anyone know if it will ever show again, or how I could get my daughter a off-the-air copy? She was hit by a car and badly crippled. I try to do all I can to bring a little sunshine into her life. Thank you. Mr. Jason Channing, Saint Petersburg.
About the movie
glennstar-112 May 2003
I just watched this movie about Three's Company. As a long time follower of the show and a person who knows about the behind the scenes of the show to some extent, there were a few flaws. For one, where is Richard Kline, Larry, he wasn't even acknowledged in the show. He was in the show till the end and was in the final episode and you just see the 4 stars at the end. I guess perhaps he didn't allow his name or likeness in the movie, but he was a star of the show. Also, they had Norman Fell telling the shows' producer that the Ropers was cancelled, and it was cancelled in 1981, not the fall of 1980.
I thought they focused a little too much on Suzanne Somers, I have read that they producers of the show were not exactly the nicest guys in the world and they treated Jennilee Harrison badly and fazed her out of the show and that Priscilla Barnes wasn't treated great either and she considered her time on the show a dark period of her life. They didn't say anything about this either. I am a fan of the show and I do agree it was a great comedy ensemble show headed by the funny John Ritter.
The show was funny because of him and the chemistry of the cast. Anyways, about the movie, was nice to see Joyce DeWitt again, I always liked her and the performances weren't bad, but at the beginning of the movie, they had John Ritter tripping around like his character at his audition. He doesn't walk around like that all the time. I thought the 70s period of the movie reminded me too much of Boogie Nights, but the actor playing John looked a lot like him and the actress playing Joyce was pretty good too, but the girl playing Suzanne didn't look much like her. Brian Dennehy was always good as usual. Anyways, a little below par, but still interesting to look at and an interesting slice of show business history. I just thought the movie could have been a little more thorough in details.
I thought they focused a little too much on Suzanne Somers, I have read that they producers of the show were not exactly the nicest guys in the world and they treated Jennilee Harrison badly and fazed her out of the show and that Priscilla Barnes wasn't treated great either and she considered her time on the show a dark period of her life. They didn't say anything about this either. I am a fan of the show and I do agree it was a great comedy ensemble show headed by the funny John Ritter.
The show was funny because of him and the chemistry of the cast. Anyways, about the movie, was nice to see Joyce DeWitt again, I always liked her and the performances weren't bad, but at the beginning of the movie, they had John Ritter tripping around like his character at his audition. He doesn't walk around like that all the time. I thought the 70s period of the movie reminded me too much of Boogie Nights, but the actor playing John looked a lot like him and the actress playing Joyce was pretty good too, but the girl playing Suzanne didn't look much like her. Brian Dennehy was always good as usual. Anyways, a little below par, but still interesting to look at and an interesting slice of show business history. I just thought the movie could have been a little more thorough in details.
Great mix of a story, but missed a few key ingredients
trdonovan13 May 2003
This NBC 2-hour film was quite exceptional in its reflection of the tales behind the camera of one of television's most successful comedies, `Three's Company'.
The acting ensemble was 99% uncanny to the actual people who were portrayed. Bret Anthony played an excellent "John Ritter/Jack Tripper'. His rendition of the legendary pratfalls of Ritter was right on mark. I didn't exactly buy him as a legitimate Ritter/Tripper, at first, mostly due to Anthony having a stark resemblance to the late Robert F. Kennedy. After a while-- the Jack Tripper performance was a payoff because it was believable.
Melanie Deanne Moore was an excellent actress who not only resembled "Joyce DeWitt/Janet Wood' but actually sounded very much like the actress she was playing. The producers could not have found a better actress to fill that part. On a side note, it was quite refreshing to see Moore in a dramatic role, than just her recently known `GLAD Bag' commercials. She's a true gem that shall rise to better heights!
Judy Tylor played a believable `Suzanne Somers/Chrissy Snow'. She had the semi-looks and mannerisms down pat, but her dramatics is what counted, and she played it well. The actor who played her husband/manager, Alan Hamel, was outstanding. His lesser-known popularity stems from being the focal point of Somer's departing from the show in 1981. Excellent portrayal of events from that era of the series.
Brian Dennehy took off as `Fred Silverman' the ABC executive who brought `Three's Company' to the air. His crotchety, yet bold, personality was played off with a bit of sauciness and poise-- and Dennehy deserves an Emmy nomination.
Barbara Gordon and Terence Kelley played `The Ropers/Audra Lindley & Norman Fell'. Kelley didn't really resemble Fell much at all, but he had the Stanley-isms down to a lock. Gordon was an excellent, excellent mirror image of Audra Lindley-- with a minor exception of the hair. Mrs. Roper's character, during the series run, had a reddish-brown wig, and on the NBC film, the wig was dark brown. It mildly took away for a sharp second, the believability, but she sure pulled it off without a hitch.
For me, it was no surprise, although much expected, that Gregg Brinkley (aka 'Dan the Del Taco Guy') was going to be the one to play `Ralph Furley/Don Knotts'. Brinkley has been a comedian for many years and one of his bits is a dead-on impression of Don Knotts and his many television characters we have come to know for the last fifty years. Brinkley was superb and Don Knotts himself should be rather proud. No one else could have played that part.
The main thing missing, as far as characters are concerned, is that there was no mention of, or anyone portraying `Larry Dallas/Richard Kline'. That is an obvious hole which would be the steak without potatoes. It just didn't feel right when watching the movie. It was said that DeWitt, who was co-producer of the NBC film, and narrator, was heart-broken and dissatisfied that Kline was not represented.
The film really did not pay much attention to detail to the remaking of the actual sets from `Three's Company'. In the first viewing of the living room, we are taken aback by the fact that most of the walls are a bold mustard-yellow. The kitchen was close, but the living room door is what caught the attention to most. It was a normal rectangle door, and not the oval-archway we came to know.
Overall, `Three's Company Revisited' was a great portrayal of the events from 1977-84. If you have read Chris Mann's book, `Come and Knock on Our Door-A her's and her's and his Guide to Three's Company'-you can attest that the movie was pretty much dead-on with the book, which was actually done mostly from interviews from just about every cast member and production official.
Although a great film, nothing takes away from the series itself. Nothing makes us laugh like the original series-especially Joyce DeWitt- a master of the craft!
The acting ensemble was 99% uncanny to the actual people who were portrayed. Bret Anthony played an excellent "John Ritter/Jack Tripper'. His rendition of the legendary pratfalls of Ritter was right on mark. I didn't exactly buy him as a legitimate Ritter/Tripper, at first, mostly due to Anthony having a stark resemblance to the late Robert F. Kennedy. After a while-- the Jack Tripper performance was a payoff because it was believable.
Melanie Deanne Moore was an excellent actress who not only resembled "Joyce DeWitt/Janet Wood' but actually sounded very much like the actress she was playing. The producers could not have found a better actress to fill that part. On a side note, it was quite refreshing to see Moore in a dramatic role, than just her recently known `GLAD Bag' commercials. She's a true gem that shall rise to better heights!
Judy Tylor played a believable `Suzanne Somers/Chrissy Snow'. She had the semi-looks and mannerisms down pat, but her dramatics is what counted, and she played it well. The actor who played her husband/manager, Alan Hamel, was outstanding. His lesser-known popularity stems from being the focal point of Somer's departing from the show in 1981. Excellent portrayal of events from that era of the series.
Brian Dennehy took off as `Fred Silverman' the ABC executive who brought `Three's Company' to the air. His crotchety, yet bold, personality was played off with a bit of sauciness and poise-- and Dennehy deserves an Emmy nomination.
Barbara Gordon and Terence Kelley played `The Ropers/Audra Lindley & Norman Fell'. Kelley didn't really resemble Fell much at all, but he had the Stanley-isms down to a lock. Gordon was an excellent, excellent mirror image of Audra Lindley-- with a minor exception of the hair. Mrs. Roper's character, during the series run, had a reddish-brown wig, and on the NBC film, the wig was dark brown. It mildly took away for a sharp second, the believability, but she sure pulled it off without a hitch.
For me, it was no surprise, although much expected, that Gregg Brinkley (aka 'Dan the Del Taco Guy') was going to be the one to play `Ralph Furley/Don Knotts'. Brinkley has been a comedian for many years and one of his bits is a dead-on impression of Don Knotts and his many television characters we have come to know for the last fifty years. Brinkley was superb and Don Knotts himself should be rather proud. No one else could have played that part.
The main thing missing, as far as characters are concerned, is that there was no mention of, or anyone portraying `Larry Dallas/Richard Kline'. That is an obvious hole which would be the steak without potatoes. It just didn't feel right when watching the movie. It was said that DeWitt, who was co-producer of the NBC film, and narrator, was heart-broken and dissatisfied that Kline was not represented.
The film really did not pay much attention to detail to the remaking of the actual sets from `Three's Company'. In the first viewing of the living room, we are taken aback by the fact that most of the walls are a bold mustard-yellow. The kitchen was close, but the living room door is what caught the attention to most. It was a normal rectangle door, and not the oval-archway we came to know.
Overall, `Three's Company Revisited' was a great portrayal of the events from 1977-84. If you have read Chris Mann's book, `Come and Knock on Our Door-A her's and her's and his Guide to Three's Company'-you can attest that the movie was pretty much dead-on with the book, which was actually done mostly from interviews from just about every cast member and production official.
Although a great film, nothing takes away from the series itself. Nothing makes us laugh like the original series-especially Joyce DeWitt- a master of the craft!
Comedy is not always funny.
michaelRokeefe13 July 2003
This VH1 project is a tattle tale about the classic TV sitcom THREE'S COMPANY that made stars out of John Ritter(Brett Anthony), Suzanne Somers(Judy Tylor) and Joyce DeWitt(Melanie Deanne Moore). This popular show ran on ABC from 1977 to 1984 and there was more than just giggle, wiggle and jiggle involved behind the scenes. This made-for-TV film spends most of the time dealing with Somers' inflated ego and trouble making for the network. Short shorts and sexual titilations made up for a lot of lack of talent. On the topic of stupid...the sitcom's theme song has to be one of the dumbest of all-time! Also appearing are:Brian Dennehy, Christopher Shyer and Gregg Brinkley.
Really, really good!!!
chaplins_charlie13 May 2003
I saw this 2 hour special last night on NBC and it was really good. The actors they used looked and even sounded exactly like them. It was the story, narrated by Joyce DeWitt(the original Janet)about what went on in the lives of John Ritter, Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt during the seasons of filming Three's Company. Although it was a hit show, behind the scenes there was nothing but betrayal, jealousy, anger, greed and a race for stardom. Not to mention what happened when Suzanne Somer's greed took over her and what the company went through and also the struggles which kept John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt's relationship closer then ever. All of the actors did a great job especially the one who played Janet (that lady who does all of the Glad bags commercials with the funny voice. I finally got to see her do something else than those commercials and she was great). It's a great movie especially if you're a Three's Company fan!!
Interesting
Headhunter3274612 May 2003
This was an interesting look into the background behind one of the most famous sit-coms of all time. This movie showed the ugly behind the scenes lifestyles of all the actors involved. The actors all do a good job, especially the gentleman portraying Don Knotts. You won't look at the classic episodes the same way anymore. Kinda cool.
Suzanne Somers
mistercody503 February 2006
I also caught the NBC two hour TV special on Three's Company, the untold story behind the scenes. The three actors they choose to play the characters did an amazing job. They truly took on every trait of the actors, their looks, laughs, and their personalities. I enjoyed Suzanne the best, the part where she just found out that she is being replaced and she still has to go on and make that phone call to Janet and pretend that nothing is wrong, even though she is devastated. I wish they would show this movie again as I enjoyed it so much that I would like to tape it for future viewing. Does anyone know if you can buy this Movie on DVD or VHS?, or is there a web site on Three's Company that sells it. Hope somebody will let me know.
Don Knotts portrayal
dayzfullerton9 July 2003
I thought Gregg Brinkley who played Don Knotts in the movie did a phenomenal
job! I used to see him on TV as the "Del Taco" guy whom I didn't like very much but when I saw him in the TC movie, I was blown away by his performance. Great job Gregg!
job! I used to see him on TV as the "Del Taco" guy whom I didn't like very much but when I saw him in the TC movie, I was blown away by his performance. Great job Gregg!
Very well done for a TV movie...
nunyerbiz24 May 2003
I thought this TV movie was very well done. It was well directed, well written and the actors all did a great job. The story itself was pretty straightforward and predictable, but it was executed very well.
The emphasis of the story was obviously based around Suzanne Somers' contract disputes, but the story never focused on one area for too long. It was a well-balanced and enjoyable TV movie. Well cast and well shot, it was a truly enjoyable watch.
All the actors did a great job. Bret Anthony did a good job with John Ritter, even if he does look uncannily like a Kennedy. Melanie Moore was great as DeWitt, even if the voice wasn't quite there. Judy Tylor is one fine looking Somers, but she also showed great range in her performance. Gregg Brinkley seemed a little too young to play Don Knotts but he pulled off the voice and mannerisms perfectly. Brian Dennehy was great as usual in his "I appear in everything" character-actor role.
All in all, a surprisingly solid TV movie. Definately worth a viewing during the VH1 reruns.
7/10
The only problems (minor):
Suzanne Somers didn't start promoting the Thighmaster until the late 80's, this movie has you believe she started in the early 80's.
The clothing was pretty accurate for the main characters, but the network brass all wore suits that were nowhere near in-style during the 1970's. No crazy collars, no big, wide ties, no plaid, etc...
The sets weren't all that accurate when compared to the original show.
As everyone has said, no Larry.
The emphasis of the story was obviously based around Suzanne Somers' contract disputes, but the story never focused on one area for too long. It was a well-balanced and enjoyable TV movie. Well cast and well shot, it was a truly enjoyable watch.
All the actors did a great job. Bret Anthony did a good job with John Ritter, even if he does look uncannily like a Kennedy. Melanie Moore was great as DeWitt, even if the voice wasn't quite there. Judy Tylor is one fine looking Somers, but she also showed great range in her performance. Gregg Brinkley seemed a little too young to play Don Knotts but he pulled off the voice and mannerisms perfectly. Brian Dennehy was great as usual in his "I appear in everything" character-actor role.
All in all, a surprisingly solid TV movie. Definately worth a viewing during the VH1 reruns.
7/10
The only problems (minor):
Suzanne Somers didn't start promoting the Thighmaster until the late 80's, this movie has you believe she started in the early 80's.
The clothing was pretty accurate for the main characters, but the network brass all wore suits that were nowhere near in-style during the 1970's. No crazy collars, no big, wide ties, no plaid, etc...
The sets weren't all that accurate when compared to the original show.
As everyone has said, no Larry.
This movie rocks!
Scooby-1516 May 2003
This TV movie moves like a rocket! Fun, frenzied, well acted, directed and written. Some of the lines are laugh-out-loud-funny. Not what you'd expect from a "Behind The Scenes Movie"! I hope NBC puts it out on video! It rocks!
An eye-opener on the classic TV show!
OllieSuave-00710 January 2015
This is a documentary movie on the behind-the-scenes of the classic comedy TV show, Three's Company. It stars Bret Anthony, Melanie Paxson and Jud Tylor as John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. Each of those actors did a great and convincing job in portraying Ritter, DeWitt and Somers - matching their personalities and their TV characters Jack, Janet and Chrissy.
While the documentary drama does not 100 percent portray what happened, it is still eye-opening to see how the profit-hungry producers came to hire the trio to play the leads in Three's Company and it is interesting to see how controlling and strict they were while handling the TV show. In addition, much of this movie is center toward the controversy surrounding Suzanne Somers' demands of a hefty pay raise and 10 percent profit of the show. This led to tensions between her and the producers and the cast members.
See the consequences that follow Somers' controversy and the high and lows of these popular TV show. It is dramatically depicted here and makes you not see Three's Company the same way again!
Grade B
While the documentary drama does not 100 percent portray what happened, it is still eye-opening to see how the profit-hungry producers came to hire the trio to play the leads in Three's Company and it is interesting to see how controlling and strict they were while handling the TV show. In addition, much of this movie is center toward the controversy surrounding Suzanne Somers' demands of a hefty pay raise and 10 percent profit of the show. This led to tensions between her and the producers and the cast members.
See the consequences that follow Somers' controversy and the high and lows of these popular TV show. It is dramatically depicted here and makes you not see Three's Company the same way again!
Grade B
The Days of Somers
flipp52512 May 2003
As shown in all the promo ads for this MOW, the focus of the show was on the whole Suzanne Somers debacle. The show becomes a hit, tapping into a nerve of the country post Sexual Revolution and pre-plague where the idea of a gay man is still considered relatively harmless and nancyingly funny. Everyone is happy. Then Somers' star power is doubly fueled by her greedy husband and the misshapen and ultimately fruitless desire to be the next Farrah Fawcett (note where both are today). Fights ensue on and off the set and then we are treated to the only real moment of drama in the film. When Somers arrives and is escorted to a backstage set where she tapes the infamous "phone call from sick mother's" house. I can totally remember watching those scenes as a youngster and thinking, Why is Chrissy there?
This was one of my favorite shows growing up, but watching this movie, you wouldn't understand why anyone ever watched it. We are treated to one scene of the show with one of the famous misunderstandings which were such a staple. Although, the emphasis was on Somers, I felt that there could have been more of an explanation of why this show was so popular. It was toted as a behind-the-scenes look at the show, but felt more like Somers life story 1977-1983. I was interested to learn, however, that Somers wanted to play Jack's fiancee in the spin-off. Can you imagine how interesting that would have been? That Vicki was so incredibly boring. I can remember at least one storyline from "The Ropers". "Three's a Crowd" does not ring the faintest bell.
Poor Priscilla Barnes gets no more than one minute. And where were Larry, Lana, an ever-so-small glimpse of The Regal Beagle? And did anyone else get the feeling that Jud Taylor looked almost too much like Gwyneth Paltrow? During the movie I was thinking she should play her next. But who would play Brad Pitt?
The Joyce DeWitt narration bookends were wholly unnecessary and further testament to the fact that she really did get the short end of that whole deal. I liked the woman that played her. She achieved a very fine balance between wanting to maintain the equilibrium of the show and the jealousy she must have been feeling toward Somers and, later, Ritter. The Ritter casting was remarkable. For me, he was always the real star, next to the remarkable Audra Lindley.
Overall, enjoyable, especially for fans of the show. But for a much better treatment of the subject, watch the E! True Hollywood story. It's one of their best.
7/10
This was one of my favorite shows growing up, but watching this movie, you wouldn't understand why anyone ever watched it. We are treated to one scene of the show with one of the famous misunderstandings which were such a staple. Although, the emphasis was on Somers, I felt that there could have been more of an explanation of why this show was so popular. It was toted as a behind-the-scenes look at the show, but felt more like Somers life story 1977-1983. I was interested to learn, however, that Somers wanted to play Jack's fiancee in the spin-off. Can you imagine how interesting that would have been? That Vicki was so incredibly boring. I can remember at least one storyline from "The Ropers". "Three's a Crowd" does not ring the faintest bell.
Poor Priscilla Barnes gets no more than one minute. And where were Larry, Lana, an ever-so-small glimpse of The Regal Beagle? And did anyone else get the feeling that Jud Taylor looked almost too much like Gwyneth Paltrow? During the movie I was thinking she should play her next. But who would play Brad Pitt?
The Joyce DeWitt narration bookends were wholly unnecessary and further testament to the fact that she really did get the short end of that whole deal. I liked the woman that played her. She achieved a very fine balance between wanting to maintain the equilibrium of the show and the jealousy she must have been feeling toward Somers and, later, Ritter. The Ritter casting was remarkable. For me, he was always the real star, next to the remarkable Audra Lindley.
Overall, enjoyable, especially for fans of the show. But for a much better treatment of the subject, watch the E! True Hollywood story. It's one of their best.
7/10
A Refreshing Surprise
thepark13 May 2003
I admit that I was a fan of the show as a kid and still find it funny although it is and was very silly. This flick had the smarts to hire actors who played the original starts very well. I thought the structure of the film was quickly paced. Too bad that John Ritter and Suzanne Somers did not appear at all but it was good to see Joyce DeWit. Too bad Norman Fell & Audra Lindlay have passed on. I would recommend this TV Movie for fans especially.
Threes Company
info-643916 November 2005
I really enjoyed this movie. Jud Tylor, Bret Anthony, and Melanie Moore were all amazing. I especially loved Jud Tylors performance. The whole show centered around Suzanne Somers, and Jud was Suzanne in all aspects. Showing the funny side of Crissy and the tough dramatic side of Suzanne Somers. All and all she was great. I wish the network would show this movie more often. They also could make a great t v series comeback with this cast. Hope to see a lot more of Jud Tylor in upcoming projects. Brian Dennehy is also one of my favorite actors too, his role suited him well and he did a good job. I thought the cast all complimented each other.
Judy Tylor and Brain Dennehy make it work
vchimpanzee22 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
At the beginning of the movie, an American version of the British series "Man About the House" is being pitched to the networks, without much success. Eventually, Fred Silverman, president of ABC, is willing to go against the usual formula of family-friendly shows, and he takes a chance on the show.
"Three's Company" has trouble from the start. The pilot has to be reshot several times because of the difficulty in finding someone who is right for the role of Chrissy. Eventually, Suzanne Somers is selected for the part, and the show is a big hit. Somers realizes she is the reason people are watching, and she wishes she could have everything Farrah Fawcett does. She hires Fawcett's agent, and later lets her husband Alan Hamel take over her career. That's when everything starts to go downhill.
Judy Tylor was wonderful as Somers, intelligent and likeable (when she was not being something that rhymes with witch). Brian Dennehy certainly made his presence known, with a demeanor that made people afraid to refuse what he wanted. I was a little worried about him at first, but he delivered.
Joyce DeWitt appeared several times to provide commentary, but not enough to be intrusive. Melanie Deanne Moore did a good job as DeWitt, except her voice was too high. Bret Anthony gave us good physical comedy, though I doubt John Ritter actually fell down that much when he wasn't on the show. We are so used to seeing him fall that the character was probably written that way. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him re-enact pratfalls from the show. The actor playing Don Knotts made quite an impression when he first showed up, but he didn't come with an off switch. Barney Fife and Ralph Furley were just characters, and somehow I don't think Knotts was really that way. As for the actor playing Norman Fell, I didn't think he played Mr. Roper as well as Fell did, and he didn't do Fell nearly as well as the actress portraying Audra Lindley played her part. And Alan Hamel was mostly well played as a real jerk, and a man who apparently had to run his wife's career to make a living because he didn't appear to have acting talent, based on his performance in a supermarket commercial.
"Three's Company" was one of my favorite shows, and I enjoyed this movie.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOLLOW:
In the first scene where Suzanne Somers had been banished from the regular set to film her scenes on the telephone, Tylor did some of her best work. Even though Somers was falling apart, she had to calm down and be a professional, and she delivered her lines credibly as Chrissy. The actor playing the director in charge of that scene gave another standout performance.
Hamel's last-ditch effort to save his wife's career was not one of the better moments in the actor's performance. His idea was so ridiculous no one would have listened, yet he acted quite childish when rejected.
And one of my favorite lines in the movie was the one spoken by Fred Silverman after his move to NBC, as he observed difficulties "Three's Company" was having: "Not my problem anymore".
"Three's Company" has trouble from the start. The pilot has to be reshot several times because of the difficulty in finding someone who is right for the role of Chrissy. Eventually, Suzanne Somers is selected for the part, and the show is a big hit. Somers realizes she is the reason people are watching, and she wishes she could have everything Farrah Fawcett does. She hires Fawcett's agent, and later lets her husband Alan Hamel take over her career. That's when everything starts to go downhill.
Judy Tylor was wonderful as Somers, intelligent and likeable (when she was not being something that rhymes with witch). Brian Dennehy certainly made his presence known, with a demeanor that made people afraid to refuse what he wanted. I was a little worried about him at first, but he delivered.
Joyce DeWitt appeared several times to provide commentary, but not enough to be intrusive. Melanie Deanne Moore did a good job as DeWitt, except her voice was too high. Bret Anthony gave us good physical comedy, though I doubt John Ritter actually fell down that much when he wasn't on the show. We are so used to seeing him fall that the character was probably written that way. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him re-enact pratfalls from the show. The actor playing Don Knotts made quite an impression when he first showed up, but he didn't come with an off switch. Barney Fife and Ralph Furley were just characters, and somehow I don't think Knotts was really that way. As for the actor playing Norman Fell, I didn't think he played Mr. Roper as well as Fell did, and he didn't do Fell nearly as well as the actress portraying Audra Lindley played her part. And Alan Hamel was mostly well played as a real jerk, and a man who apparently had to run his wife's career to make a living because he didn't appear to have acting talent, based on his performance in a supermarket commercial.
"Three's Company" was one of my favorite shows, and I enjoyed this movie.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOLLOW:
In the first scene where Suzanne Somers had been banished from the regular set to film her scenes on the telephone, Tylor did some of her best work. Even though Somers was falling apart, she had to calm down and be a professional, and she delivered her lines credibly as Chrissy. The actor playing the director in charge of that scene gave another standout performance.
Hamel's last-ditch effort to save his wife's career was not one of the better moments in the actor's performance. His idea was so ridiculous no one would have listened, yet he acted quite childish when rejected.
And one of my favorite lines in the movie was the one spoken by Fred Silverman after his move to NBC, as he observed difficulties "Three's Company" was having: "Not my problem anymore".
Behind the close doors
raysond21 May 2003
TV movies about the making of old TV shows have become a cottage industry in Hollywood. Producers have pulled back the curtain on several classic TV shows including "The Brady Bunch","Star Trek","Happy Days","Batman", "Gilligan's Island","The Partridge Family",and now "Three's Company".
And this goes to show that Hollywood has ran out of original ideas,but instead we get a behind the scenes movie that is based on the classic TV series of the mid-1970's and early-1980's. Isn't this enough don't you think? I really am a huge fan of the original series(which ran on ABC-TV from 1976-1984),but I believe that the producers who thought of this concept decided at the last minute to do a story based on a TV show that centers around the following elements:arrogance,greed,jealously and envy,not to mention total backstabbing and complete bitchery within the original cast members. They didn't think for a second that Suzanne Sommers was the star of the original show,but she sure was the star of the movie about the original show in which just "to see how stupid Sommers was" here since she was always typecasted as a goofy blonde. And here in this TV-movie it shows why Sommers blew it due to her alterego on the set after her success on the show,which to reasons why she left the series at the height of her fame.
I'm surprised that Suzanne Sommers herself hasn't seen this! If she did there would be a huge lawsuit against the producers who thought of this! The TV-Movie that is based on her classic 70's show.
As for the rest of it,was very good especially in the casting of the actors who played John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt,not to mention the casting of the other actors who portrayed Don Knotts,Norman Fell,and Audra Lindley. In all,it was excellent. This isn't over as of yet,there are more behind the scenes movies to come including "Laverne and Shirley", "Family Matters","Saved By The Bell","The Love Boat","Good Times", "Charlie's Angels","Gimme A Break",and another Suzanne Sommers classic "She's The Sheriff",not to mention "Step By Step",and the bickerings behind the set between her and co-star Patrick Duffy.
And this goes to show that Hollywood has ran out of original ideas,but instead we get a behind the scenes movie that is based on the classic TV series of the mid-1970's and early-1980's. Isn't this enough don't you think? I really am a huge fan of the original series(which ran on ABC-TV from 1976-1984),but I believe that the producers who thought of this concept decided at the last minute to do a story based on a TV show that centers around the following elements:arrogance,greed,jealously and envy,not to mention total backstabbing and complete bitchery within the original cast members. They didn't think for a second that Suzanne Sommers was the star of the original show,but she sure was the star of the movie about the original show in which just "to see how stupid Sommers was" here since she was always typecasted as a goofy blonde. And here in this TV-movie it shows why Sommers blew it due to her alterego on the set after her success on the show,which to reasons why she left the series at the height of her fame.
I'm surprised that Suzanne Sommers herself hasn't seen this! If she did there would be a huge lawsuit against the producers who thought of this! The TV-Movie that is based on her classic 70's show.
As for the rest of it,was very good especially in the casting of the actors who played John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt,not to mention the casting of the other actors who portrayed Don Knotts,Norman Fell,and Audra Lindley. In all,it was excellent. This isn't over as of yet,there are more behind the scenes movies to come including "Laverne and Shirley", "Family Matters","Saved By The Bell","The Love Boat","Good Times", "Charlie's Angels","Gimme A Break",and another Suzanne Sommers classic "She's The Sheriff",not to mention "Step By Step",and the bickerings behind the set between her and co-star Patrick Duffy.
See also
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