MovieChat Forums > Ruthless People (1986) Discussion > idea stolen from little house on prarie

idea stolen from little house on prarie

posted 14 years ago by astraub101
5 replies | jump to latest

i am watching little house on prairie ep legend of black jack....it is almost the same idea..mr olsen was kidnapped...she wouldnt pay the 100..he thought he was worth more than just 100...then she gets kidnapped...they were bumbling kidnappers.....has anyone seen this ep from 1981? wonder if the writers admitted their script is a lot like this show...

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] agringotimo 13 years ago

I wonder if those writers admitted that THEY borrowed the idea from O Henry, in Ransom of Red Chief? The bumbling kidnapper/ no ransom payment bit may have been done before, but the way this movie adds so many other elements in is brilliant. This is one of the funniest movies ever made.

[–] leosgr8 13 years ago

Yes, Black JAKE was an excellent episode. Check out the movies of the 30's and 40's. Trust me, there are NO original stories left.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] mam13143 9 years ago

Same theme in an old o'henry story and film as well as 1940s Brit film called Too Many Crooks. I am sure it was used in a few more than those two. A natural comedy vehicle that can be tailored to different locales and comedians.