Lee Daniels Takes His Talents to TV

Director to adapt 'Valley of the Dolls' for NBC

Deadline reports that Oscar-nominated Lee Daniels will adapt Jacqueline Susann’s 1966 novel Valley of the Dolls for NBC. Not only will he direct, Daniels is also set to write the television series.

Valley of the Dolls, a bestseller that has sold more than 30 million copies, follows the lives and careers of three best-friends Anne Welles, who works at a Broadway talent agency, Neely O’Hara, a vaudeville star and Jennifer North, a showgirl. "The title of the book refers to a slang for sleeping pills that the three women eventually become dependent on," says Deadline.

Susann’s novel was previously adapted into a movie in 1967 thanks to 20th Century Fox. It was also a mini-series in 1981 and as a late-night soap opera in 1994.

Perhaps NBC is trying to remain competitive by producing another period piece for their network. ABC’s Pan Am, set in the 1960s, premiered to a strong viewing last night and The Playboy Club, premiered to decent ratings last week.