Book Vs Movie Podcast
Book Vs. Movie is the podcast that ponders the question: "Which was better...the book or the movie?" We spoil away the details, uncover the plot points, discuss casting choices and shower with praise (or pummel with snark) as we see fit. Hosts are Margo P. (She's Nacho Mama's Blog) and Margo D. (Creator of Brooklyn Fit Chick.com) and we are not afraid to tell it like it is!
"Breakfast with Scot" (2007) Michael Downing, Tom Cavanagh, Ben Shenkman, & Noah Bernett
Book Vs. Movie:
Breakfast with Scot
The 1999 Novel Vs the 2007 Movie
Michael Downing’s 1999 novel Breakfast with Scot and the 2007 film adaptation of the same name both follow the story of a gay couple who unexpectedly become the guardians of a precocious and flamboyant eleven-year-old boy named Scot. But while they share a common setup, the tone, themes, and emotional arcs of the two versions diverge significantly, offering very different takes on gender identity, gay masculinity, and parenting.
Between the original novel and the film, which did...
The Mirror Crack'd (1980) Agatha Christie, Miss Marple, Angela Lansbury, Elizabeth Taylor & Rock Hudson
Book Vs. Movie: The Mirror Crack’d
The 1962 Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 1980 Movie
When Agatha Christie published The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side in 1962, it was a haunting tale of guilt, glamour, and murder set in the seemingly quiet village of St. Mary Mead. Nearly two decades later, Hollywood brought the story to life with an all-star cast in the 1980 film adaptation simply titled The Mirror Crack’d.Â
Heather Badcock at a charity fĂŞte hosted by the famous film actress Marina Gregg. The drink was meant for...
"See How They Run" (2002) Agatha Christie, "The Mousetrap", Sam Rockwell & Saoirse Ronan
Book Vs. Movie: See How They Run
The 1947 Agatha Christie Play (Three Blind Mice) Vs the 2022 Sam Rockwell Film
Agatha Christie’s radio play Three Blind Mice was introduced in 1947 and was the basis for 1952’s The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in theater history.Â
See How They Run (2022) is a clever, stylish murder mystery set in 1950s London. It blends classic whodunit tropes with a witty, self-referential twist. Directed by Tom George, the film follows world-weary Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and eager rookie Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) as they investigate the backs...
Harper Valley PTA (1978) Barbara Eden, Ronny Cox, Nanette Fabray, Tom T. Hall & Jeannie C. Riley
Book Vs Movie: “Harper Valley PTA"
The 1968 Song Vs the 1978 Movie (really!)
(It's one of our favorite episodes from the past!) The song was written by Tom T. Hall and performed by country singer Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. The story about a “widowed bride” who is slut-shamed by her daughter’s junior high school PTA (Parents Teachers Advisory) and gives a takedown at a meeting that is spectacular in its shade and incisiveness was one of the first feminist anthems and managed to become a number one hit in the U.S. on both the...
Death on the Nile (2022) Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Tom Bateman, and Agatha Christie
Book Vs. Movie: Death on the Nile
The 1937 Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 2022 Kenneth Branagh film. Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile has long been a fan favorite, combining romance, betrayal, and murder aboard a glamorous steamer cruising the Nile River. In 2022, director Kenneth Branagh brought the classic mystery back to the big screen with an all-star cast and a modern flair. But how faithful is this adaptation to the original 1937 novel?
Branagh (who returns as Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot) updates the cast of characters from the source material and discusses the r...
Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun" (1981) Maggie Smith, Peter Ustinov, Diana Rigg & Roddy McDowall
Book Vs. Movie: Evil Under the Sun
The Agatha Christie Novel Vs the 1982 Film
Agatha Christie's Evil Under the Sun (1941) is a masterclass in misdirection and suspense. The 1982 film adaptation, directed by Guy Hamilton and featuring Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot, transforms the story into a glamorous whodunit set in a sun-soaked Mediterranean locale.  Both versions center around the murder of actress Arlena Stuart at a resort, with Poirot reluctantly drawn into the investigation, uncovering secrets among the guests, each with a motive. While the book is set on a secluded Devo...
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) Kim Richards, Ike Eisenmann, Ray Milland, Eddie Albert, & Alexander H. Key
Book Vs. Movie: Escape to Witch Mountain
The 1968 Children’s Sci-Fi Novel Vs the 1975 Disney Classic
If you grew up watching Disney movies or browsing old-school sci-fi paperbacks, chances are Escape to Witch Mountain is somewhere in your memory. But did you know the 1975 Disney movie is very different from the 1968 novel it’s based on? Let’s take a look at how Alexander Key’s book compares to its big-screen adaptation. Alexander Key’s Escape to Witch Mountain is a surprisingly serious story for a children's book. It follows orphaned siblings To...
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) William Shakespeare, Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, & Letters to Cleo!
Book Vs. Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
The Taming of the Shrew & the 1999 Heath Ledger Film
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, reimagining the story in a high school setting. In both works, the plot revolves around two sisters—one desirable and another perceived as problematic. In The Taming of the Shrew, the younger, more attractive Bianca cannot marry until her older, strong-willed sister, Katherina, finds a husband. Similarly, in 10 Things I Hate About You, Bianca Stratford can only...
The Asphalt Jungle (1950) WR Burnett, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, James Whitmore, & Marilyn Monroe
Book Vs. Movie: The Asphalt Jungle
The W.R. Burnett Novel & the 1950 John Huston Film
W.R. Burnett’s 1949 novel The Asphalt Jungle is a compelling crime story that explores the minds, motivations, and downfalls of professional criminals. Set in a Midwestern city, it offers a multi-perspective narrative that vividly portrays the underworld. John Huston’s 1950 film adaptation remains faithful to the book while enhancing the story with striking cinematography and strong performances. However, it shifts the setting to an unnamed urban landscape and introduces Marilyn Monroe's expanded role as a corrupt lawyer's mistr...
Mamma Mia (2008) ABBA, Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, Amanda Seyfried, & Julie Walters
Book Vs. Movie: Mamma Mia
ABBA Gold Vs. Mamma Mia Â
“Musicals in March!”
Mamma Mia! is a jukebox musical that features the songs of ABBA, the Swedish pop group composed of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The musical was created by British playwright Catherine Johnson, with music by Andersson and Ulvaeus, and premiered in London's West End in 1999. The show was a massive success, leading to multiple international productions, including a Broadway run from 2001 to 2015.
Set on a fic...
Billy Elliot (2000) Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, & the 2014 Musical Elton John & Lee Hall
Book Vs. Movie:
Billy Elliot
The 2000 Film Vs the 2014 Musical Live
“Musicals in March!”
The Margos continue “Musicals in March” with the film & stage show of Billy Elliot. Both tell the inspiring story of a working-class boy in 1980s northern England who discovers a passion for ballet during the UK miners' strike, but they differ in tone and presentation.
The film, directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Lee Hall (based on his play Dancer), is a gritty drama starring Jamie Bell, featuring a rock and p...
Gypsy (1962) Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, Ethel Merman, Natalie Wood, & Rosalind Russell
Book Vs. Movie:
Gypsy
The 1957 Memoir Vs. the 1962 Movie
“Musicals in March!”
The Margos celebrate another “Musicals in March” episode with Gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee’s 1957 memoir tells her real-life story of growing up in vaudeville and burlesque under the domineering influence of her mother, Rose Hovick. It paints a detailed picture of her childhood alongside her more naturally talented younger sister, June (later June Havoc), and how Gypsy (born Louise Hovick) eventually became the most famous burlesque performer of her time. The book is witty and self-deprec...
Wicked (2024) Gregory Maguire, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, & Michelle Yeoh
Book Vs. Movie:
Wicked
The 2004 Musical Vs. the 2024 Movie
"Musicals in March"
The "Wicked" movie is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West; the book (for the play) was written by Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show had its initial tryout in San Francisco in 2003 before moving to Broadway, where it has enjoyed a successful two-decade run despite receiving mixed reviews.
This success is primarily attributed to it...
The Piano Lesson (2024) August Wilson, Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, & John David Washington
Book Vs. Movie:
The Piano Lesson
The 1987 August Wilson Play Vs. the 2024
Netflix AdaptationAugust Wilson's *The Piano Lesson*, first staged in 1987 and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990, centers on siblings Berniece and Boy Willie as they clash over a family heirloom—the intricately carved piano symbolizing their ancestors' struggles. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the play explores themes of heritage, trauma, and the tension between honoring the past and moving forward. The 2024 film adaptation, directed by Malcolm Washington and produced by Denzel Washington, stars John David Washington as Boy...
The Hate U Give (2018) Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, & Anthony Mackie
Book Vs. Movie: The Hate U Give
The 2017 Book by Angie Thomas & the 2018 Film
The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas and adapted into a 2018 film directed by George Tillman Jr., presents a powerful narrative about race, identity, and activism. While the book and the movie follow the same core story—Starr Carter witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil and navigating the aftermath—they differ in several ways. The Margos take a look at both in this episode. Which did we prefer—the book or the mo...
The Warriors (1979) with special guest Baseball Fury Rob Ryder
Book Vs. Movie: The Warriors
Special Interview With Screenwriter & Author Rob Ryder
Plus, a Replay of our 2020 ep!
The Margos revisit a special episode dedicated to the cult classic film *The Warriors*, based on Sol Yurick's book. Directed by Walter Hill and released in 1979, the movie was a hit but faced backlash due to real-life gang violence, leading studios to halt its promotion. It became a staple of 1980s television and is now considered a modern classic for its comic book sensibility in depicting urban decay. Yurick wrote...
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985) Cyndi Lauper, Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt & Robert Hazard!
Book Vs. Movie: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Cyndi Lauper Hit Vs. the Sarah Jessica Parker Movie
The 1985 film *Girls Just Want to Have Fun* is a beloved teen dance comedy inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song. The story follows Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker), a dance-loving teen who moves to Chicago with her strict military father. Encouraged by her quirky friend Lynne (Helen Hunt), Janey auditions for the TV show *Dance TV* and teams up with working-class Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) to pursue their dance dreams, facing rivals and ro...
"Meet John Doe" (1941) Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Frank Capra & Richard Connell
Book Vs. Movie: Meet John Doe
The 1922 Short Story Vs. the 1941 Film
Frank Capra’s 1941 film *Meet John Doe* is often described as “based on a story by Richard Connell and Robert Presnell.” Unlike Connell’s famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” the source material for *Meet John Doe* was based on a short story, “A Reputation,” which appeared in 1922 in Century Magazine.  The original work and the final film critique how newspapers—and media moguls—shape public sentiment for their own purposes. Starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, the film was a significant box offi...
The Odd Couple (1968) Neil Simon, Walter Matthau, and Jack Lemon
Book Vs. Movie: The Odd Couple
The 1965 Play Vs. the 1968 Film
The Margos are feeling very neighborly in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, which began as a stage play, premiering on Broadway in 1965, and it quickly became one of Simon’s most famous works. The 1968 film adaptation, directed by Gene Saks and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, brought the story to an even wider audience. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:The 1965 play by Neil SimonThe diff...
84 Charing Cross Road (1987) Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, & Helene Hanff
Book Vs. Movie: 84 Charing Cross Road
The 1970 Book Vs. the 1987 Film
"84, Charing Cross Road" began as a slim epistolary book by American author Helene Hanff, first published in 1970. The book documents a warm, real-life correspondence between Hanff, an avid reader in New York City, and the antiquarian bookshop Marks & Co. staff at 84 Charing Cross Road in London. It was later adapted into a film in 1987, directed by David Hugh Jones and starring Anne Bancroft as Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins as Frank Doel, her primary correspondent at the bookshop. Which did the Margos...
Scrooged (1988) Charles Dickens, Bill Murray, Bobcat Goldthwait, & the Solid Gold Dancers!
Book Vs. Movie:Â
Scrooged
The Charles Dickens Classic Vs. the 1988 Film
After ten years of producing special holiday episodes in December, the Margos discovered that there are numerous versions of Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*. Everyone from the Fonz to Susan Lucci to Sir Patrick Stewart has portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in some adaptation. So, why not select one version each season to explore and celebrate? This week, we're focusing on the 1988 film *Scrooged*, featuring Bill Murray and Robert Donner. This version is a complex classic, notable for its high levels o...
The Lion in Winter (1968) Katharine Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins & Timothy Dalton
Book Vs. Movie: The Lion in Winter
The 1966 Play Vs. the 1968 Film
Few stories transcend mediums as powerfully as James Goldman’s *The Lion in Winter*. Whether presented on stage or on screen, this tale of royal power struggles and familial manipulation in 12th-century England captivates audiences with its sharp dialogue, rich character dynamics, and timeless themes. But how do the 1966 play and its 1968 film adaptation compare? Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two iconic versions.
Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977) Jim Henson, Paul Williams, Frank Oz, & Russell Hoban
Book Vs. Movie:
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band ChristmasÂ
1971 Children’s Book Vs. the 1977 TV Special
Last year, the Margos adapted O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," so it felt appropriate to revisit the themes of selflessness and family during the holidays by exploring Russell Hoban's "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas." This 1971 book inspired the beloved Jim Henson-directed TV special from 1977, which has become a classic for generations. So, between the book and the film, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
 In this ep, the Ma...
Holiday (1938) Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, George Cukor, & Philp Barry
Book Vs. Movie: Holiday
The 1928 Play Vs. the 1938 Film
The Margos celebrate the holiday season with the classic 1938 film "Holiday," directed by George Cukor and starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Based on the 1928 play by Philip Barry, the story follows an adventure-seeking playboy (played by Grant) who engages in a battle of wits with his fiancée’s sister (played by Hepburn) during the New Year’s holiday in upper-class New York City. So, between the play and the film, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
Convoy (1978) CW McCall, Sam Peckinpah, Kris Kristofferson, Ali McGraw, & Burt Young
Book Vs. Movie: Convoy
The CW McCall Novelty Song Vs. the Sam Peckinpah (!) Film
In the mid-1970s, a unique country song about truckers, CB radios, and the open road captured the imagination of America. It was called "Convoy," and it not only topped the charts but also inspired a Hollywood movie, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Initially a novelty tune, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The song was written and performed by C.W. McCall, the alter ego of ad man Bill Fries, in collaboration with musician...
The Wizard of Oz (1939) L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, and Bert Lahr.
Book Vs. Movie: The Wizard of Oz
(Replay in honor of Wicked!)Â
The Margos celebrate the new Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande with a replay of our beloved episode devoted to L. Frank Baum and The Wizard of Oz. The book presents a vast, detailed Oz with darker undertones, while the movie streamlines the story, focusing on Dorothy’s emotional journey. Baum’s Dorothy is resourceful and independent, whereas Judy Garland’s portrayal adds warmth and vulnerability, emphasizing her longing for home.Between the technicolor 1939 classic and the original...
The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse (2022) Charlie Mackesy, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba & Gabriel Byrne
Book Vs. Movie: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
The Charlie Mackesy Children’s Book Vs. the 2022 Apple+ Film
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a beautifully illustrated book that explores themes of kindness, resilience, and self-acceptance through the adventures of four unlikely friends. Each character offers unique insights: the curious Boy, the cake-loving Mole, the cautious Fox, and the wise Horse. Through gentle dialogue and expressive artwork, the story reflects on friendship, hope, and the journey to find peace within one...
Travels with My Aunt (1972) Maggie Smith, George Cukor, Louis Gossett Jr, and George Cukor
Book Vs. Movie: Travels with My Aunt
The 1969 Graham Greene Novel Vs. the 1972 Maggie Smith Film
The Margos pack their suitcases for Graham Greene’s Travels with My Aunt and its 1972 film adaptation. The story of Henry Pulling, a reserved Englishman, whose life changes when his eccentric Aunt Augusta leads him on an adventurous journey across Europe. Greene explores the novel's themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and unconventional relationships with his signature dark humor. Augusta’s vibrant, morally ambiguous character makes Henry question his life choices. The film, directed by George Cukor and s...
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Dick Van Dyke, Sally Ann Howes, Benny Hill, & Ian Fleming
Book Vs. Movie: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (replay)
The 1964 Ian Fleming Novel Vs. the 1968 Classic Movie
Book vs. Movie: Chitty Chitty Bang BangThe Margos explore Ian Fleming's only children's story, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," published in October 1964, shortly after his death at 56. Written for his son Caspar, the story features characters inspired by Fleming's children and their friends, set against the backdrop of 1920s aero-engine racing carts. The tale follows Commander Caractacus Pott and his magical car, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," named for the sound it makes. The car embarks on v...
The Night of the Hunter (1955) Charles Laughton, Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish, & Davis Grubb
Book Vs. Movie: The Night of the Hunter
The 1953 Novel Vs. the 1955 Classic Movie
Davis Grubb’s 1953 novel *The Night of the Hunter* and its 1955 film adaptation by Charles Laughton offer haunting interpretations of a sinister preacher, Harry Powell, and two children fleeing him. The novel delves deeper into Powell's twisted morality and religious fanaticism. At the same time, the film, featuring Robert Mitchum, presents him as a symbolic figure of evil with striking visual elements, including his "LOVE" and "HATE" tattoos. The book maintains a grounded, psychological tone, while the mov...
The Fly (1986) Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis, & David Cronenberg (Special Guest: Patrick Bromley "F This Movie" podcast
Book Vs. Movie: The Fly
The 1957 Short Story Vs. the 1986 Movie
The Margos feature The Fly this month with special guest Patrick Bromley, who hosts the excellent F This Movie podcast. The 1957 short story and the 1986 film share the core premise of a scientist merging with a fly during a teleportation experiment, but they have different approaches. George Langelaan's story focuses on the emotional and ethical fallout, depicting science as perilous when unchecked. David Cronenberg's adaptation emphasizes the grotesque consequences of scientific overreach, blending body horror with a profound sense of l...
Dolores Claiborne (1995) Stephen King, Kathy Bates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Plummer & Judy Parfitt
Book Vs. Movie: Dolores Claiborne
1992 Novel Vs. the 1995 Movie
The Margos delve back to the Stephen King well (pun intended!) with Dolores Claiborne, a gripping narrative of survival, domestic abuse, and hidden truths. Originally penned in 1992 and later brought to life on the silver screen in 1995, this story has held audiences spellbound in its literary and cinematic forms. Yet, as with many adaptations, the movie takes its path, offering a fresh perspective on the tale. The differences between the two versions in narrative style, character focus, and themes create distinct and...
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) Patricia Neal, Michael Rennie, Hugh Marlowe, & Harry Bates Short Story
Book Vs. Movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still
The 1940 Short Story Vs. the 1951 Adaptation
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic sci-fi story. The iconic 1951 film was based on Harry Bates’ short story "Farewell to the Master." Both versions share a similar premise—an alien visitor and his robot arrive on Earth, but they diverge significantly in tone and message. In Bates' 1940 story, Klaatu and his robot Gnut arrive on Earth, but Klaatu is quickly killed. The focus then shifts to Gnut, who, in a twist ending, is revealed to be th...
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) Erich Maria Remarque, Edward Berger, & Felix Kammerer
Book Vs. Movie: All Quiet On the Western Front
The 1928 German Classic Novel Vs. the 2024 Netflix Adaptation
The Margos conclude "Banned Books Month" with Erich Maria Remarque’s 1928 novel "All Quiet on the Western Front," a profound anti-war masterpiece that captures the emotional and psychological devastation of World War I from the perspective of young German soldiers. The 2022 film adaptation, directed by Edward Berger, reimagines the story for modern audiences, using intense visuals and dramatic storytelling to convey the horrors of war.
While the novel and the film share a common an...
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Replay ep. RIP Maggie Smith! 1934-2024)
Book Vs. Movie: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
(Replay ep for Dame Maggie Smith 1934-2024)
The Margos celebrate September with a series of “Back to School” episodes, starting with the 1961 classic  The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark. Brodie is a popular teacher at a girls' school in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1931.
Each year she picks a group of students to be an elite part of the “Brodie set”--under her tutelage learning mostly about the arts & beauty (and not science!)Brodie is single and considers herself at her “prime,” with two gentlemen vying for her a...
Where the Wild Things Are (2009) Maurice Sendak, Spike Jonze, James Gandolfini, & Max Roberts
Book Vs. Movie: Where the Wild Things Are
The 1963 Classic Children’s Book Vs. the 2009 Adaptation
Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are has captured readers' hearts for decades, telling a timeless story of childhood, imagination, and emotional growth. When director Spike Jonze adapted it into a full-length film in 2009, audiences were treated to a visually stunning and emotionally complex retelling of the classic. Despite its beloved status, the book is often banned, prompting questions about the reasons behind these challenges.
In this episode, the Margos explore the critical diff...
1984 (1984) George Orwell, Richard Burton, John Hurt, and Suzanna Hamilton.
Book Vs. Movie: 1984
The 1949 Classic Novel Vs. the 1984 Adaptation
The Margos continue their look at “Banned Books’ in September with the novel 1984, which is set in a dystopian world dominated by a totalitarian regime that enforces complete obedience and constant surveillance. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the Ministry of Truth, altering historical records to fit the Party's narrative. He questions the Party's authority despite outward compliance and secretly documents his dissent. The story culminates in Winston's imprisonment and torture, leading to his ultimate betrayal and psychological manipulation. The 1984 film adaptation, directed by Micha...
Peyton Place (1957) Grace Metalious, Lana Turner, Hope Lange, Diane Varsi, and Russ Tamblyn
Book Vs. Movie: Peyton Place
The 1956 Novel Vs. the 1957 Movie
Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, published in 1956, became one of the most controversial books of its time due to its exploration of taboo topics like adultery, incest, and moral hypocrisy in a small New England town. The explicit content led to the book being banned in several cities and states across the U.S. Despite the controversy, the novel became a bestseller. It inspired a successful 1957 film and a long-running TV series from 1964 to 1969, cementing its place in American...
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Harper Lee, Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Robert DuVall, & Brock Peters
Book Vs. Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird
The 1960 Novel Vs. the 1962 Movie
The 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, directed by Robert Mulligan, is a powerful retelling of Harper Lee's classic novel. The story follows Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck in an Oscar-winning performance, as he defends Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama.
The film is seen through the eyes of Atticus's young daughter, Scout (Mary Badham), and her brother Jem (Phillip Alford), who grapple with...
Now Voyager (1942) Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Gladys Cooper, & Olive Higgins Prouty
Book Vs. Movie: Now, Voyager
The 1941 Novel Vs. the 1942 Movie
Olive Higgins Prouty's 1941 novel Now, Voyager was later adapted into a 1942 film starring Bette Davis. This powerful story follows Charlotte Vale, a repressed woman controlled by her domineering mother. After a breakdown, Charlotte undergoes a transformative journey, finding independence and love with a married man, Jerry Durrance. Bette Davis delivers a memorable performance in the film, capturing Charlotte’s transformation. The iconic scene where Jerry lights two cigarettes and hands one to Charlotte symbolizes their deep connection. Now, Voyager remains a cl...
