The TV Land cable network unveiled the newest in its series of sitcom statues on Wednesday, June 15, when crowds gathered to see the bronze portrayal of Elizabeth Montgomery as the beloved Bewitched character Samantha Stephens.
The large statue was placed in Lappin Park in Salem, Massachusetts, and depicts Montgomery riding a broomstick over a crescent moon. Salem officials welcomed the statue as a bit of whimsical fun, and they hope that it will draw a few more tourists to the famed home of the 1692 witch trials.
Not all Salem residents agree, however, and several protesters gathered with picket signs at the unveiling ceremony. To these people, the statue is simply a three-dimensional ad for the Bewitched movie, which stars Nicole Kidman and hits theaters June 24. They believe that it makes light of the trials, after which 20 people were brutally put to death for suspected witchery.
John Carr, a lifelong resident of Salem, says the statue is "in horribly bad taste" and that it is "trivializing that aspect of Salem's history."
Supporters claim that Salem has long paid its bills by exploiting the trials for tourist dollars, and TV Land's senior vice president said that he has visited the city and believes that it has "embraced the pop culture side" of its dark past.
For those who are trying to take the fun out of the tourist town of Salem, MA - they can all go to Hell - Hell, Michigan, that is!! ;-)Hell is another little town that makes a big deal out of its name, but it's just a little devilish fun - they think it's Halloween there all year 'round, but it's not about costumes, though.http://www.hell2u.com - Hell's official website - see you there Father's Day weekend with the Vista Cruise to Hell and Back!Bill Stephens - grandson of Samuel Stephens (SPELLed the correct way!!) ;-)near Philly
interesting
I seem to recall that Salem, Mass., had no objections when they allowed Liz, William Asher & 'company' to film on-location footage for the "Salem" storyline of "BEWITCHED" in the summer of 1970. Why should they object to a statue of "Samantha" NOW?
Ok I can sum it up very quick like for everyone.<br />
People are not happy unless they have something to complain about. The End! End of Story! Those people were not even thought of yet they think everyone is out to get them OOOOooooo. If you don't like it don't look at it simple as that. Personally I think there are way more important things to worry about then a statue.
The protesters need to find something more worthwhile to protest about.
It was not neccinary
I am in Mass right now, so I will go check it out and upload a picture for you guys.
What's the harm in a statue of Elzabeth Montgomery's famous character? In fact there was made mention of Samantha going there for Witch related stuff on the show. ;-)
Burn the witch! No, I'm totally kidding. These guys are whack.
How silly to protest a statue? It is a tribute to a wonderful actress and a tv show that was meant for entertainment.
This is stupid. everyone goes there because of the trials so why is this a problem?
I wish that these Damn PC<br />
<br />
Bellyacres would leave the<br />
<br />
statue were it is and Shut<br />
<br />
The Hell Up!<br />
<br />
This statue of Ms.Montgonery's<br />
<br />
character from "The Bewitched Tv<br />
<br />
Show"is not making a mockery of<br />
<br />
the actrocities of what had happened<br />
<br />
at the Salem witch trials.<br />
<br />
It is a tribute to a tv series<br />
<br />
that was a fun,gentle and meaningful<br />
<br />
fantasy.<br />
<br />
That poked fun at biased towards<br />
<br />
witches and mortals falling in love<br />
<br />
and getting married.<br />
<br />
And How one witch"Sam Stevens"<br />
<br />
(Played by Ms.Montgomery)could solve<br />
<br />
problems and show the world it's flaws<br />
<br />
and how to get along with each other.<br />
<br />
Since comedy on tv today is no <br />
<br />
longer family appropriate?<br />
<br />
And we all need some symbol of<br />
<br />
something that stood for some sem<br />
<br />
belence of family values and good,<br />
<br />
decent laughs?<br />
<br />
Please leave the stature of this<br />
<br />
tv icon alone.<br />
<br />
Even though she wasn't too crazy<br />
<br />
about playing"Sam Stevens"..<br />
<br />
Montgomery would probably agree.<br />
<br />
Kevin S.Butler At Stanbabe@Bellsouth.<br />
<br />
Net.moreless
Come on now, when I went to Salem I picked up a Bewitched mug for a friend of mine. Sure, the trials were terrible and whatnot, but that whole damn town is for tourists. That aspect of Salem's history has already been trivialized by wax musuems, fake tours, and crappy merchandise. IF they can capatalize on the events by selling stuffed cats in pointy hats and "witches brew root beer" they should have no problem with this.
Wow, I dont know much about the salem witch trials, but from what I've heard, it sounds scary. Putting people to death because they are supposedly witches? ::shrug:: Someone enlighten me!
Bad taste huh? Trivializing Salem's history? Doesn't their tourism industry take care of that already?
I don't know 'witch' way I feel about the whole thing!