Tom Swift

It took more than 100 years for the Tom Swift character to make it the screen; there are more than 100 novels but almost all efforts to adapt them into film or television have failed. The first effort was in 1914, followed by failed film projects in the 1930s through 1960s. A television pilot was made in 1958, but didn't make it to air and is now considered lost. In the 1970s, Glen A. Larson, who had science fiction success with Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and Knight Rider, attempted a television series to be part of a wheel format; alternating episodes with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Only the latter two were developed into a series. In 1983, a one-off special starring Willie Aames was produced, but poor ratings prevented it from being developed further.

Referenced in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Powerpuff Pilot Problem (2021)