The General Lee’s signature “Dixie” horn wasn’t initially part of the show’s concept. While filming in Atlanta, producers overheard a passing car blasting the tune. Captivated, they pursued the driver, negotiated a purchase, and paid a substantial amount. Ironically, the horn was later added in post-production after filming moved to the Warner Brothers lot, rendering the initial purchase unnecessary.
John Schneider, who portrayed Bo Duke, was only 18 during auditions but claimed to be 24. Enhancing his ruse, he donned a casual t-shirt and jeans, carried a six-pack of beer, and adopted a Southern accent, despite his New York City roots. This playful deception secured him the role and became a cherished story among fans.
The iconic move of sliding over the General Lee’s hood was born out of an accident. Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke, unintentionally performed the stunt during filming. The directors were so enamored with the move that they made it a recurring feature throughout the series.
In the episode “State of the Country,” there’s a subtle blooper where Rosco P. Coltrane refers to Daisy Duke as “Cathy.” This fleeting moment showcases the endearing imperfections that fans have come to love about the show.
The series concluded in 1985 with the episode “Opening Night at the Boar’s Nest.” However, the actual last scene filmed—a heartfelt moment between Bo and Luke Duke in the General Lee—was never aired or released. John Schneider, who played Bo, recalled the emotional farewell, highlighting the deep bond among the cast.
Waylon Jennings, who narrated the series and performed its theme song “Good Ol’ Boys,” was never visually featured in the opening credits. His only on-screen appearance was a brief shot of his hands playing the guitar. This led him to humorously address his mother’s confusion in the full version of the theme song, noting, “They keep a-showing my hands, and not my face on TV!”
The General Lee, the iconic orange Dodge Charger, was central to the series. Due to the extensive stunts, between 256 and 321 General Lees were used throughout the show’s run. Producers often scoured streets, stopping owners of Chargers to purchase their cars on the spot to maintain the fleet.
Catherine Bach’s portrayal of Daisy Duke popularized the “Daisy Dukes” shorts. Initially, network executives hesitated, deeming the shorts too revealing. After negotiations, they allowed Catherine to wear them with pantyhose underneath, inadvertently accentuating her legs and cementing the fashion trend.
John Schneider convinced producers he was a graduate of the “Georgia School of High Performance Driving.” This fictional institution added to his Southern persona. Despite the ruse, his natural driving skills behind the General Lee were undeniable.
Rosco’s basset hound, Flash, became a fan favorite. On set, trainer James Best used pieces of hot dog to direct Flash’s attention toward the camera, ensuring the lovable dog’s antics delighted viewers in each appearance.
These anecdotes and bloopers offer a delightful glimpse into the making of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” highlighting the charm, creativity, and camaraderie that defined the series both on and off the screen.
