Book Vs Movie Podcast

Book Vs. Movie: "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972)(The Margos are taking this week off for the holidays. Please enjoy this 2019 replay!)At Book Vs. Movie, whenever people say, "Duh--the book is always better than the movie!" the Margos would say, "Yeah--have you ever read Jaws?" Well, now we have another book-to-movie adaptation that features a horrible, racist, sexist, homophobic, and misogynistic novel that became a fun hit film. Sportswriter Paul Gallico helped many stories become excellent films, including Pride of the Yankees, The Snow Goose, and the Musical Stage Carnival! He wrote over 40 books, numerous short stories, and dozens of T.V. and movie scripts. He began his career working for the New York Daily News sports desk and later became a prolific travel writer, spending 10,000 miles on the road in the U.S. for Reader's Digest. In 1969, he published The Poseidon Adventure to little fanfare. The tale of a wayward ship sunk while traveling to Africa features some of the most loathsome characters we have

Book Vs. Movie: The Gift of the Magi and The Gift of LoveThe Original O’Henry Shorty Story Vs. the 1978 TV Movie O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi is a timeless short story that teaches us the true meaning of love during the holidays. The story follows Della Dillingham, who has only $1.87 to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, James. She decides to sell her beautiful hair to buy him a chain for his watch. However, James has sold his watch to buy her a fancy hair comb. The story shows that true love has no price and that her hair will grow back one day.In 1978, a movie adaptation titled The Gift of Love was released, starring Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms. Osmond plays Beth, who is engaged to Alfred (James Woods) but is secretly in love with Rudi Miller (Bottoms), who is not wealthy. The movie follows the couple as they spend their first Christmas together and explores their challenges.This episode is sponsored by Bethany House All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon. Two workplace rivals. One fest

Book Vs. Movie:Miracle on 34th StreetValentine Davies’s Story Vs. the 1947 Classic Film "Can you say classic?" In the almost ten years that we have been putting on this show, we somehow missed "Miracle on 34th Street" as one of the most famous adaptations of holiday films. With a story by beloved writer Valentine Davies and direction by his friend George Seaton, the film (released in May of 1947 for some baffling reason!) became a massive hit with filmgoers. Starring Maureen O'Hara as a frazzled Macy's executive, Natalie Wood as her skeptical daughter Susan, and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, the film has everything you could want in a Christmas movie. You have the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, a love story, and a court scene that settles whether the State of New York Recognizes Santa Claus once and for all. What else do you need?This episode is sponsored by Bethany House’s You Made It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh. It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.As if going home f

Book Vs. Movie: Christmas on the SquareDolly Parton’s 2014 song Vs. the 2020 Netflix Movie "Christmas on the Square" is a 2020 movie based partly on Dolly Parton’s 2020 “Blue Smoke” album with the track “Try.” Directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen. The story revolves around a “Scrooge” character, played by icon Christine Baranski, who seeks to evict everyone in her hometown and sell off to Corporate Mall Overlords. Parton plays the angel prepped to save her and be a source of inspiration to everyone else. It won the 73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. You need to know anything else! Just listen to our take and enjoy the ride!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The work of Dolly Parton and her Christmas filmsThe songs used in this film and the overall production.The cast of the 2020 film: Dolly Parton (Angel,) Christine Baranski (Regina Fuller,) Jenifer Lewis (Margeline,) Josh Segarra (Pastor Christian,) Jeanine Mason (Felicity Sorenson,) Mary Lane Haskell (Jenna Hathaway,) Treat

Book Vs. Movie: Bell Book and CandleThe Original 1950 Play & the 1958 Film"Bell, Book, and Candle," released in 1958 and directed by Richard Quine, is a romantic comedy that intertwines the ordinary and the supernatural. The movie revolves around Gillian Holroyd, a beautiful and free-spirited witch who resides in Greenwich Village, New York. Her magical world turns unexpectedly when she develops feelings for her neighbor, Shepherd Henderson. This story takes place on Christmas Eve, making it a unique holiday classic. The film is based on the 1950 play by John Van Druten and stars James Stewart and Kim Novak (who had also filmed Vertigo the same year). It showcases the hip world of the late 1950s with an unusual romance full of flights of fancy and, of course, cats!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The work of John Van Druten.The use of witchcraft as a theme in mid-20th Century America.The cast of the 1958 film: James Stewart (Shep Henderson,) Kim Novak (Gil Holroyd,) Jack Lemmon (Nicky Holroyd,) Ernie Kovacs

Book Vs. Movie: Home for the HolidaysThe Short Story by Chris Radant & the 1995 Jodie Foster FilmThe Margos are getting into the holiday spirit with the cult classic Home for the Holidays, based on a 1991 short story by Chris Radant, directed by Jodie Foster. Radant’s short story appeared in the now-defunct Boston Phoenix and is based on her experience dealing with family issues during the holiday season. (You can listen to it at this clip from the storyteller Kelley Hazen: https://soundcloud.com/bruce-kelley-3/home-for-the-holidays-by-chris-radant-narrated-by-kelley-hazenThe 1995 film stars a cast of acting superstars from Robert Downey Jr to Anne Bancroft. At the time, it had middling reviews but is considered a must-watch for its fans every Thanksgiving. Adapted by W.D. Richter and includes a killer soundtrack. So which did we like better?In this ep, the Margos discuss:The short story that inspires the film.Jodie Foster’s career as an actor and director.The cast of the 1995 film: Holly Hunter (Claudia

Book Vs. Movie: The Old Man and the SeaThe 1952 Short Story by “Papa” & the 1958 Spencer Tracy FilmIn this episode, the Margos review Ernest Hemingway's 1952 novella "The Old Man and the Sea" and its 1958 film adaptation featuring Spencer Tracy. The story revolves around an aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago, who embarks on a challenging battle with a massive marlin in the Gulf Stream. The novella has been adapted into several films, the most notable being the 1958 movie directed by John Sturges. If you want to know which version the Margos preferred, tune in to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The lives of both Hemingway and TracyThe SYMBOLISM!!!!!The differences between the short story and the film.The cast of the 1958 film: Spencer Tracy (Santiago,) Felipe Pazos Jr. (Manolin,) Harry Bellavar (Martin,) Don Diamond (cafe proprietor,) Don Blackman (Arm wrestler,) and Joey Ray as a gambler.Clips used:Charlton Heston reading “The Old Man and the Sea”The Old Man and the Sea (1958 trailer)Sontiao fights t

Book Vs. Movie: Sweet Smell of Success Ernest Lehman was an accomplished writer and adapter of material for the screen, known for his work on movies such as Hello Dolly!, The King and I, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? In 1950, he wrote an original short story, "Tell Me About It Tomorrow,” published in Cosmopolitan magazine. This story became the basis of Clifford Odet’s screenplay for the 1957 classic film Sweet Smell of Success, starring Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis and directed by Alexander Mackendrick. The film is a gripping portrayal of media manipulation, gossip, backstabbing, and strange family relationships set in the world of New York City newspapers and the desire for fame. If you're wondering which version the Margos liked better, listen in to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The career of Ernest LehmanGossip columnists and their power to change narratives.The differences between the short story and the film.The cast of the 1957 film: Burt Lancaster (J.J. Hunsecker,) Tony Curtis (Sidne

Book Vs. Movie: The GamblerThe 1978 Song & Kenny Rogers as The Gambler TV MovieYee ha!The Margos' latest episode is all about the Kenny Rogers classic "The Gambler." The song was written in 1976 by Don Schlitz, who was only 26 years old at the time. It took two years before Rogers made it a number 1 hit. The song's lyrics tell the story of a chance encounter on a train between the narrator and a seasoned gambler. The gambler imparts his wisdom about life and gambling to the narrator, offering advice including the famous lines: "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table; there'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done."The song was so popular that it became the basis for several top-rated TV movies. The first one, "The Gambler" (1980), introduced the character of Brady Hawkes. In this film, Brady meets a young orphan named Billy Montana and takes him under his wing as they

Book Vs. Movie: MiseryThe 1987 Stephen King Novel Vs. the 1990 Classic Movie The Margos and special guest Alex Steed of the You Are Good film podcast discuss one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever--1990’s Misery. In both the novel and the film, the characters of Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes are central to the story. However, there are notable differences in their portrayals. In the book, readers get a more in-depth look at the internal struggles of Sheldon, whereas the film focuses more on external conflicts. The basic story is Sheldon is en route to deliver his manuscript to finally leave the romance literary world behind and start on a new path as a “serious writer.” When his car overturns in the Colorado snowbanks, he is seemingly “rescued’ by former nurse Wilkes, his “biggest fan.” Trouble ensues when she finds out Paul killed off his creation (and her favorite character), Misery Chastain, and she forces him to burn his new work and create a whole new literary revival of the Misery series. Wilkes

Book Vs. Movie: I Know What You Did Last SummerThe 1973 Lois Duncan YA Novel Vs. the 1997 Movie "I Know What You Did Last Summer" revolves around a group of friends, Julie, Helen, Ray, and Barry, who accidentally hit a stranger with their car on a dark, lonely road. In a panic, they make a harrowing decision to hide the accident, believing they can escape the consequences. However, one year later, their lives unravel as they receive ominous messages from a mysterious figure who knows their deadly secret.Lois Duncan's novel, published in 1973, unfolds in the 1970s. The film, directed by Jim Gillespie, modernized the story to the late 1990s. This update significantly alters the atmosphere and dynamics, replacing the retro feel of the book with a more contemporary vibe.Between the book & movie, which did we like more? Have a listen and find out! In this ep, the Margos discuss:YA Horror novels of the 1970sAuthor Lois DuncanThe differences between the 1973 (and the updated) version of the story and the movieTh

In honor of the recent passing of Piper Laurie, we are replaying our 2018 episode that revisits a classic Stephen King tale--Carrie, which we originally covered in 2014 (using the old, old way we recorded back in the early days.) This is not only King's first movie adaptation but also based on his first published novel. There are so many changes between book & movie that we wanted to give it a modern treatment (meaning better sound and lots of clips!)Just how different is the original novel versus the Brian DePalma masterpiece of horror? Whoo boy---there were some major changes made (and for very good reason, in many instances.)So which did the Margos like better? Book or Movie? Check out the link below to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss :The backstory behind Stephen King’s first novel (and why his wife Tabitha is a hero to King fans everywhere!)The major differences between the book and the 1976 movieHow "Carrie" became a famous “musical flop” in the 80s and is now considered a camp classicThe cas

Book Vs. Movie: House of UsherThe Edgar Allen Poe Short Story Vs. the 1960 Vincent Price Movie The Margos continue our month of scary movies with the 1839 short story, The Fall of House of Usher, by Edgar Allen Poe, and how it was adapted by Roger Corman in 1960 for the Vincent Price classic House of Usher. The story of the Roderick family, consisting of siblings Roderick and Madeline, is a gothic tale about their shared traumatic experiences that haunt them in their home. The narrator, who remains unnamed, witnesses supernatural occurrences and discovers that Madeline, supposedly dead and buried in the house, is alive. This revelation terrifies her brother, and Madeline uses it to seek revenge against him.The movie, which Corman directed, is a classic adaptation that stands out for its interpretation of the story and the exceptional acting of Vincent Price. The film was listed in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2005 for its artistic merit. This begs the question: which version do we prefer, the short stor

Book Vs. Movie: Wait Until DarkThe 1966 Richard Knott Play Vs. the 1967 Audrey Hepburn Film The Margos kick off "Scary Movie Month" by discussing Wait Until Dark, both the play by Frederick Knott and the 1967 Audrey Hepburn film. The movie features one of the best jump scares in cinema history. The original production starred Lee Remick and Robert Duvall as Susy and Roat, respectively. The story revolves around Susy, a blind woman who lives alone in her Greenwich Village apartment, and Roat, a creepy intruder who wants to find a doll filled with heroin that her husband accidentally brought home. Roat and his two cronies play games with Susy, but she ultimately prevails with a bit of courage and some help from her young neighbor, Gloria. Remick's performance earned her a Tony Award nomination, and the play was quickly adapted into a feature film by producer Mel Ferrar (who was also Hepburn's husband at the time). The movie is consistently ranked as one of the most influential thrillers of all time. So, which d

Book Vs. Movie: Ghost WorldThe 1997 Daniel Clowes Graphic Novel vs. the Terry Zwigoff 2001 Film The Margos are feeling very moody and isolated, discussing the 2001 film Ghost World starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson as best friends Enid and Rebecca, who are perfect early 00’s angsty and unimpressed with the world and was catnip for audiences and critics alike. Based on chapter five’s “Hubba Hubba” by Daniel Clowes, the original 1997 graphic novel series Eightball, the story of two lonely misfits who interact with other lost souls, made for an unusual adaptation that earned an Academy Award nomination for Clowes and directed by Terry Zwigoff (Crumb, Bad Santa.) We read the source material (which you can find as a compilation of short stories in Adaptations: From Short Story to Big Screen by Stephanie Harrison), watched the film (has it aged well?), and tried to decide which we liked better--the book or the movie?In this ep, the Margos discuss:Daniel Clowes’s workThe state of graphic novels and indepen

Book Vs. Movie: The LoraxThe Dr. Seuss 1971 Children’s Book Vs. the 2012 AdaptationThe Margos close out “Banned Books Month” with a visit with Dr. Seuss and The Lorax, a tale of environmental conservation and the dangers of rampant deforestation. Theodore Seuss Geisel was known for his colorful characters, accusations of racism, and having some of his books pulled for outdated notions or controversial take on capitalism. The Lorax (first published in 1971) was written after a recent trip to Africa where Geisel and his wife were concerned about the environment and wildlife in danger of extinction. The Lorax wants “The Onceler” to stop the destruction of the environment. Over the years, many logging companies tried to get the book banned for being “mean” to their industry. So much so that in 1995, two different forest/wood flooring industries raised funds to create their own version called Truax, which supported the logging industry. (Seriously)There was a 1972 faithful adaptation starring Eddie Albert, but in

Book Vs. Movie: The Bridge to TeribithiaThe 1977 Classic YA Novel Vs. the 2007 AdaptationBring out your tissues! The Margos continue Banned Books Month with the 1977 classic by Katherine Paterson--Bridge to Teribithia. The story of Jess Aarons, a fifth-grade kid who grows up lonely and poor but with an artistic temperament that helps him imagine other places and realities. His life changes when he becomes friends with a new kid, Leslie Burke, a fellow dreamer and misfit who encourages his art and helps him find magic in the woods. Together, they create a world called Teribithia in the forest to help them deal with feeling alienated from peers and, in Jess’s case--his sad, abusive home. A tragedy befalls them that causes a permanent change in Jess. (Trust us, this will break your heart!)The 2007 film was co-written and co-produced by David L. Paterson (son of the author who, in real life, lost a friend when he was a child.) The director is Gabor Csupo, and produced by Disney Studios. Between the book and movie

Book Vs. Movie: Fahrenheit 451The Ray Bradbury 1953 Classic Novel Vs. the 2018 HBO AdaptationThe Margos turn up the heat (get it?) with a look at the 1953 literary classic Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury--a banned book for decades. Inspired by the Cold War and the House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigating actors, artists, and writers claiming communism, Bradbury’s work has been controversial since its publication over its depiction of an America that embraces book burning and a total lack of individualism. The story centers around a “fireman,” Guy Montag, an American in the not-so-distant future whose job is to burn all deemed objectionable books. He seems to live an ordinary life, not questioning his line of work along with his wife Mildred, who is endlessly watching TV screens (“parlor walls”) that contain her “real family.” One day, he meets teenage neighbor Clarisse, who lives a life built on free thinking, which is odd to Guy. When Clarisse goes missing, and Guy’s wife believes he is

Book Vs. Movie: Are You There, God? It’s Me, MargaretJUDY BLUME Y’ALL!!!!! The Margos begin our annual “Banned Books Month” as always, loving the books and hating why we must feature them. Judy Blume is one of the most successful authors of all time, and her books, some of the most requested to be removed from libraries, make our hearts hurt and fill us with rage! Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret is a story about an 11-year-old girl, Margaret Simon, who is dealing with issues many of us readers can relate to--feeling anxious, wanting to fit in, unsure of your place in the world, etc. It’s been a classic in YA literature since 1970, and Blume was very particular about its adaptation. The film is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig for Lionsgate films. Join us in this discussion! In this ep, the Margos discuss:The life and work of her majesty--Judy Blume!Why this book is considered too controversial for kidsThe differences between the book and movieThe book Periods, Period. By Alisha Gaddis & Ste

Book Vs. Movie: Smoke SignalsThe Sherman Alexie Short Story Vs. the 1998 Movie In this episode, the Margos delve into the acclaimed indie film Smoke Signals, released in 1998. This film was based on a series of short stories by Sherman Alexie in 1993, titled The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. The story follows two young men, Victor Joseph and Tom Builds-the-Fire, who grew up on a Spokane Indian Reservation. It explores the interconnectedness of their families, the perception of Native Americans in mainstream media, and the truth behind Tom's father's death. Smoke Signals was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was showcased at various film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival, the Gotham Awards, and the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2018, it was even added to the National Film Registry. Chris Eyre directed the movie, which was based on Alexie's screenplay. We'll also be discussing our personal preferences between the two. Come and join this discussion. Calm History:If you want