Book Vs Movie Podcast

Book Vs. Movie: The Opposite SexThe 1936 Play V. the 1939 Film Vs. the 1956 Musical"The Opposite Sex" is a musical comedy film released in 1956. It is a remake of the 1939 film "The Women, " directed by David Miller, based on the play of the same name by Clare Boothe Luce. The story revolves around several women's romantic and social lives, with a particular focus on Kay Hilliard (played by June Allyson). Kay discovers her husband's infidelity and must deal with the consequences within her social circle. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of high society. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?In this ep, the Margos discuss:The original play and 1939 film The differences between the 1939 film and the musical adaptationThe cast of the 1956 film includes June Allyson (Kay Hilliard,) Joan Collins (Crystal Allen,) Dolores Gray (Sylvia Fowler,) Ann Sheridan (Amanda Penrose,) Ann Miller (Gloria Dell,) Leslie Neilsen (Steven Hilliard,) Jeff Ri

Book Vs. Movie: Mean GirlsThe 2002 Book vs. the 2004 Movie vs. the 2018 Musical vs. the 2024 Movie"Mean Girls" is a teen comedy film released in 2004 that follows Cady Heron, a high school student who navigates the social hierarchy and mean girls. The film stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert. "Queen Bees and Wannabes" is a book by Rosalind Wiseman that explores the dynamics of teenage girls' social cliques. The "Mean Girls" musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2018 and follows the same storyline as the film but with some changes. The 2024 film stars Renee Rapp. Angourie Rice, and Auli’l Cravalho. Tina Fey wrote the screenplays for all versions. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?In this ep, the Margos discuss:The origin stories of the various “Mean Girls.” The differences between the 2004 film and the musicalThe cast of the 2024 film includes Augourie Rice (Cady Heron,) Renee Rapp (Regina George,) Auli’i Cravalho (Janis,) Jaquel Spivey (Damian

Book Vs. Movie: TommyThe 1969 Rock Opera Vs. The 1975 Movie“Musicals in March”"The Who's Tommy" is a rock opera written by Pete Townshend and performed by the English rock band The Who. It was first released as a double album in 1969 and later adapted into various stage productions, including a highly successful Broadway musical. The story revolves around a young boy named Tommy Walker who becomes deaf, dumb, and blind after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his sensory impairments, Tommy discovers an extraordinary talent for playing pinball and becomes a messianic figure for his followers. The rock opera has been adapted into various forms over the years, including a 1975 film directed by Ken Russell and a Broadway musical that premiered in 1992. Which did we (the Margos) prefer, the original album or the 1975 movie adaptation?In this ep, the Margos discuss:The Who and their place in rock historyRobert Stigwood & Ken RussellThe.The cast of the 1975 film includes Roger Daltrey (Tommy,) Ann-Margret (No

Book Vs. Movie: The Color PurpleThe 1982 novel Vs. the 2023 movie musical"The Color Purple" is a novel by Alice Walker that tells the story of Celie, a young African American girl in the early 20th century. Celie writes letters to God, sharing her struggles with abuse from her father and later from her husband, referred to as "Mr."The novel tackles racism, sexism, and the societal challenges of the time. Characters undergo personal growth, and the story emphasizes empowerment, self-discovery, and breaking free from societal constraints. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, and Steven Spielberg directed the 1985 film adaptation.It was adapted into a musical with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and has since been staged in various productions worldwide. One notable aspect of "The Color Purple" musical is its powerful and soulful score, incorporating jazz, gospel, and blues elem

Book Vs. Movie: The Autobiography of Miss Jane PittmanThe 1971 play Vs. the 1974 movieFor Black History Month, the Margos visit "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." Ernest J. Gaines wrote this novel, which was first published in 1971. The book is a fictional autobiography that spans over 100 years of American history, narrated by Miss Jane Pittman, an African American woman born into slavery and lived through the Civil Rights Movement. The narrative provides a powerful and poignant perspective on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States. Miss Jane Pittman's life story serves as a lens through which readers can explore the complex issues of race, identity, and social justice. "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" was adapted into a television movie in 1974 and was directed by John Korty—Cicely Tyson in the titular role of Miss Jane Pittman. Cicely Tyson's performance in the role received widespread acclaim, and the movie itself was well-received for its powerful storytelling

Book Vs. Movie: FencesThe 1987 play Vs. the 2016 movieFor Black History Month, the Margos revisit playwright August Wilson (we covered Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom last year.) Fences premiered on Broadway in 1987 and is a part of Wilson's acclaimed Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as the Century Cycle, a series of ten plays that chronicle the African American experience in the United States throughout each decade of the 20th century. This is a play about Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the story explores themes of race, family, generational trauma, and unfulfilled dreams. Troy's desire to build a fence around his yard symbolizes his need to protect his family and his sense of confinement.In this ep, the Margos discuss:The work of August Wilson.The plot of the storyThe differences between the play and the adaptation.The cast of the 2016 film: Denzel Washington ((Troy Maxson,) Viola Davis (Rose Lee Maxson,) Stephen McKinley Henderson (Jim

Book Vs. Movie: Ethan FromeThe 1911 book Vs. the 1993 movieThe Margos have decided to cover a proper novel-to-movie adaptation after a few weeks of pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a "book" on their show. Edith Wharton's 1911 novel Ethan Frome tells the story of a sickly man who lives in Starkfield, Massachusetts, with his wife and her cousin. The novel explores how they ended up in this situation. It tells the story of Ethan, trapped in a loveless marriage until the arrival of Zeena's cousin, Mattie, who brings hope and passion to his life. The novel highlights how societal norms and personal choices can lead to tragic outcomes and serves as a commentary on the constraints of rural life and the consequences of unfulfilled desires.In this ep, the Margos discuss:The career of Edith Wharton.The plot of the storyThe differences between the book and the adaptation.The cast of the 1993 film: Liam Neeson (Ethan Frome,) Patricia Arquette (Mattie Silver,) Joan Allen (Zeena,) Tate Donovan (Reverand Smith,) S

Book Vs. Movie: Gone GirlThe 2012 book Vs. the 2014 movie(From the Book Vs. Movie Vaults!)The Margos take an oldie but a goodie out of the vaults this week!!Gone Girl is a thriller by Gillian Flynn. The story follows the disappearance of Amy Dunne, a woman who goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, the story becomes more and more complex, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The novel was so successful that it was later adapted into a movie directed by the renowned filmmaker David Fincher. While the movie stays true to the book in many ways, there are some notable differences between the two. Which did the Margos like better? In this ep, the Margos discuss:The career of Gillian FlynnThe twists and turns of the plot. The differences between the book and the adaptation. The cast of the 2014 film: Ben Affleck (Nick Dunne,) Rosamund Pike (Amy Dunne,) Neil Patrick Harris (Desi,) Tyler Perry (Tanner Bolt,) Carrie Coon (Margo,) Kim Dickens Det. Rhonda,) Patrick Fugit

Book Vs. Movie: JawsThe 1974 book Vs. the 1975 movie(From the Book Vs. Movie Vaults!)The Margos take an oldie but a goodie out of the vaults this week!!"Jaws" is a classic thriller that originated from Peter Benchley's novel and was later transformed into a blockbuster film directed by Steven Spielberg. The novel was published in 1974, and unfortunately, it is not very good. You will soon find out the reasons why! However, Spielberg's adaptation, which was released in 1975, focuses more on the suspense and thrill of the shark attacks, emphasizing the horror elements.In this ep, the Margos discuss:The career of Peter BenchleyThe plot of this awful book.The differences between the book and the adaptation.The cast of the 1975 film: Roy Scheider (Brody,) Robert Shaw (Quint,) Richard Dreyfus (Hooper,) Lorraine Gary (Ellen,) Murray Hamilton (Vaughn) and Lee Fierro as Mrs. Kintner)Clips used:Original Jaws 1975 teaser clipAudio from the original book.Original Jaws trailerYou’re gonna need a bigger boatThe USS Indiana

Book Vs. Movie: Priscilla The 1985 Memoir Elvis & Me Vs. the 2023 Sofia Coppola Adaptation The Margos covered Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, pairing it with the 1988 TV movie starring Susan Walters and Dale Midkiff. We loved the fact that she was able to share her truth despite the long-standing canonization of her ex-husband, who died in August 1977. Elvis's pill-popping and extracurricular activities with other women were brought up, as well as how they met when she was just 14 years old and he was 24. This was her chance to give her side. Since the “Me Too” era, many stories of beloved men with off boundaries in their relations with much younger women are now looked upon as “grooming,” Sofia Coppola gives an adaptation solely focused on Prisicilla’s point of view. In this ep, the Margos discuss:The backstory of Elvis and Priscilla.The various actors who have played these partsThe are of the memoir and how women are attacked for talking about “genius” men.The cast of the 1951 film: Cailee

Book Vs. Movie: An American in ParisThe 1928 “Symphonic Poem” Vs. the 1951 Classic Movie The Margos are starting the New Year with a symphonic poem by George Gershwin that evokes France during the Annees Folles (the 1920s era). The piece was also inspired by Maurice Ravel's "unusual chords." After visiting Paris in 1926, Gershwin sought out teachers, but they all told him that there was no one better than Gershwin himself. He told a reporter that this work was an American's first time in Paris. It premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 13, 1948.The movie "An American in Paris," which opened on October 4, 1951, stars Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, and Nina Foch. It includes lyrics by Ira Gershwin and was directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film is one of the most honored musicals in film history.In this ep, the Margos discuss:The importance of the work of George & Ira Gershwin in music history.The challenges of filming dance sequences in filmThe jazz era of the 1920s.The cast of th

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