PRECIOUS Director Lee Daniels Bringing VALLEY OF THE DOLLS Series to NBC

The classic 1966 novel from Jacqueline Susann has already seen several adaptations in the form of a 1967 film, a mini-series in 1981 and even a late-night soap opera in 1994. But now The Valley of the Dolls is getting a full fledged TV series treatment as Deadline reports Oscar-nominated Precious director Lee Daniels will write and direct a series adaptation of the novel and will also executive produce the project. The story chronicles the lives, career highs and ultimate self-destruction of three female best friends over the span of 20 years. One works at a Broadway talent agency, another is a vaudeville star, and the other is a showgirl.

This is yet another period drama series for NBC who debuted The Playboy Club just last week. It remains to be seen if it will last a whole season though. As for Daniels, this is his first TV endeavor and I’m just hoping this project at least delays Daniels’ desire to remake Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria. As a film director, Daniels told a powerful story, but with little style, so I’m hoping to see some more definitive characteristics shine through in his future projects.