Book Vs Movie Podcast

Book Vs. Movie: DuelThe Richard Matheson Short Story Vs. the Steven Spielberg TV Movie In 1971, a 24-year-old budding director named Steven Spielberg was given a story by his assistant. This fiction story appeared in a recent issue of Playboy magazine, written by one of his favorite Twilight Zone writers, Richard Matheson. The story Duel was about a man driving through the California desert being chased by an evil trucker with a big rig with murder on its mind. Matheson based it on an incident on November 22, 1963, when he was tailgated by a truck on his way home from a gold game. For years he tried to sell the story to TV but was turned down everywhere he pitched. To prepare for the short story, he drove from Los Angeles to Ventura, California, and recorded everything he saw. Our protagonist is never named in the story, and we have no idea why the driver is chasing him. Spielberg was looking to direct TV movies that were giant rating machines then and managed to get the gig with a $450,000 budget and only te

Book Vs. Movie: 12 Angry MenThe 1954 Teleplay Vs. the 1957 Classic FilmThe Margos close out a month of theatre vs. films with 12 Angry Men, which began as a teleplay in 1954 and was adapted to film by Sidney Lumet, with Henry Fonda serving as the lead actor and producer of the 1957 movie. The story centers on a young man who is accused of stabbing his father to death, and a group of 12 jurors must decide if he is guilty of premeditated murder, which carries a death sentence. Writer Reginald Rose came up with the idea while serving jury duty in New York City and found the process “solemn” and “impressive.” The first airing on Studio One was September 20, 1954, with stars Robert Cummings, Franchot Tone, George Veskovec, Joseph Sweeney, and Norman Fell. Rose won an Emmy Award for his screenplay. Henry Fonda produced the wok in 1957 with Sidney Lumet, and the low-budget affair failed to make a profit. Until he died in 1982, Fonda never received any money for his work or performance. But he rightly considered it o

Book Vs. Movie: CasablancaThe 1940 Play Vs. the 1942 Classic FilmThis January, we are saluting plays that were turned into films, and this episode covers one of the most beloved and celebrated films of all time--Casablanca. Yes, it was a play first by playwrights Murray Burnett and Joan Allison, who was offered $20,000 in 1940 (over $300,000 in today’s costs) for their story about a cafe in Africa helping refugees seek asylum in America during WW2. The timing between the movie’s release in 1942, as the war effort in Northern Africa, was gaining and America was no longer playing neutral in the international crisis with Germany and Japan, was not a coincidence. The film was rushed into production to promote America’s armed forces and the people fleeing Europe from the Nazis. Everybody Comes to Rick’s has the basics of the film’s plot, with two former lovers meeting again at Rick’s cafe. Rick and Lois met in Paris before the Germans invaded France and became illicit lovers. Two years later, Rick has a “gin joint

Book Vs. Movie: Biloxi BluesThe 1984 Neil Simon Play Vs. the 1988 Mike Nichols FilmThe Margos continue their month of plays in January (we have “Musicals in March”) with Neil Simon’s middle offer of the “Eugene Chronicles” with 1984’s Biloxi Blues. The story is a fictionalized version of the life of Simon about Eugene Morris Jerome of Brooklyn, NY, and his time as an enlisted soldier in Biloxi, Mississippi. Starring Matthew Broderick (who played the role of Eugene in every chapter), the play was an instant hit earning Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Featured Player to Barry Miller (Arnold Epstein.) Broderick was awarded his first Tony Award as Eugene Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs in 1983. Miller also won the Theatre World Award and the Drama Desk Award in 1985 for Biloxi Blues, which may be why he was NOT invited to the movie. Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert would later pan the film for not hiring Miller. The critics loved the comedy and performances, as well as Simon’s outward discussion of the treatment o

Book Vs. Movie: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf The Edward Albee 1962 Play Vs. the 1966 Mike Nichols FilmThe three-hour anger fest that is Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf is one of the most celebrated and controversial of the 1960s. Edward Albee’s 1961 play is about middle-aged couple George & Martha, who have been drinking and battling for years, and one unfortunate evening they have with new friends Nick & Honey. It caused a stir at the time for its “racy” language, the three-hour runtime, and its intense performances by Uta Hagen, Arthur Hill, Ben Piazza, and Melinda Dillon. The play was a sensation and broke box office records. So much, so that afternoon performances were added to meet the demand. It won the Tony Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle in 1963. The same year, it was up for a Pultizer Prize for Drama but lost due to its “profanity and sexual themes.” (There was no prize given that year.)Mike Nichols directed the 1966 film with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who ate up each sc

Book Vs. Movie: "The Poseidon Adventure" (1971)The differences between the super gross book and the entertaining movie (We are not going to hide our bias here!)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 Poseiden Adventure to little fanfare. The tale of a wayward ship sunk while traveling to Africa features some of the most loa

Book Vs Movie: “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story” (1971)The Basis of the Waltons TV Series Started as a TV Movie!The Margos decided to get into the Depression-era holiday spirit with a look at “The Homecoming: A Christmas Story,” which was written by author & creator of The Waltons TV series--Earl Hamner, Jr. Hamner has a fascinating career as a writer with several scripts of “The Twilight Zone” including the famous The Bewitchin’ Pool, (the very last episode of the original American series.) He also created the 80s TV nighttime soap Falcon Crest!) In between, he wrote the 1961 novel Spencer’s Mountain, which became a movie starring Henry Fonda and Maureen O’Hara as Clay and Olivia Spencer. They play a couple living in the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming, and their eldest son “Clay-Boy” is set to become the first in his family to go to college. Ten years later, he wrote “The Homecoming,” which told a similar story with a twist--the Walton family was based in the Blue Ridge mountains during the depress

Book Vs. Movie: The Little MermaidThe Hans Christian Anderson Story Vs. the 1989 Disney ClassicThe Margos continue “Disney in December” with the all-time classic 1989 animated feature The Little Mermaid, which began as a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson in 1837. The film was responsible for bringing Disney studios back into animation leaders after decades of so-so films and losing top artists to rival companies. The original story is about a mermaid who lives in an underwater kingdom with her sisters, her father (a Mer-King), and her grandmother, who instructs her that when she is 15 years old, she can swim to the surface to see the world above. Her sisters (who are all older than her) can visit the land for only one day per year. The mermaid (who is never given a name) longs to visit more often and is obsessed with a statue of a human man on the ocean floor. When she finally rises, the Mermaid can see a man (a prince!) on shore, and she falls in love. As luck would have it, his ship wreaks

Book Vs. Movie (2019 Replay) The Polar ExpressThe Margos take a wild ride into the classic 1985 children’s book and compare it to the 2004 Robert Zemeckis Film. It’s our last new episode of the year, and we had to celebrate with one of our most requested titles ever--The Polar Express from author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg. The book has sold millions of copies since its 1985 release (one million by 1989 alone!), and it's only 32 pages, so we only have a few beautiful things to say about it. But what about the 2004 film starring Mr. Tom Hanks? We have feelings about this movie, kids--and we want to know what YOU think in the comments below. So between the book & movie--which did we like better? Have a listen to find out! In this ep the Margos discuss:Chris Van Allsburg's amazing careerThe basic differences between the book & movieThe cast of the movie Tom Hanks ( Hero Boy, Father, Santa Claus, Conductor, and Hobo,) Leslie Zemeckis (Mother, Sister Sarah,) Eddie Deezan (Know-It-All,) Nona Gaye (Hero

Book Vs. Movie: The Bishop’s WifeThe 1928 novel by Robert Nathan Vs. the 1947 Classic Cary Grant FilmIt’s December at Book Vs. Movie, and we are excited about covering holiday-themed films, including this selection--The Bishop’s Wife. The original novella was written by Robert Nathan in 1928 and is the story of a preacher, Henry Boughman, who dreams of building a huge cathedral at the expense of his relationship with his wife, Julia. An angel, Michael, appears to help Henry and his family learn that family & love is more important than status. In the meantime, Michael Falls in love with Julia and is distraught to hear they can never have a “mortal love.” Julia decides to try for another baby to fulfill her needs. The book is an exploration of faith with vivid conversations between the preacher and a Jewish businessman and Professor Wutheridge, who both wish to find out the source of why he is so single-focused on religious expression. The movie features child actors from the recently released It’s a Wonde

Book Vs. Movie: Snow WhiteThe Grimms Fairy Tales Version Vs. the 1937 Disney ClassicIn December, we cover Disney and what better adaptation to discuss than one of the greatest feature-length animated films of all time? 1937’s Snow White is considered a masterpiece of storytelling by Walt Disney, who believed in the future of animation and created a studio empire with the popularity of the film’s release. The original story starts with Grimm’s Fairy Tales, a collection of 1800s and earlier stories that were passed down from generation to and were often violent and today might be labeled “too scary” for kids. The Brothers Grimm (Jacob & Willhelm) Their first collection was published in 1812, and the brothers fought for decades to teach and discuss German history and folklore and unified the German language. Their active years were from 1812-1858. For context, France invaded Germany at the time, and the brothers wanted to save their culture and traditions. Later, they were seen as a building block for German

Book Vs. Movie“It’s a Wonderful Life”(2018 replay ep) The Margos get out their hankies and talk about another holiday classic“No man is a failure who has friends.” The Margos wanted to fit in one more holiday movie this year, and what better way to celebrate than with the number one weepie of all time--It’s a Wonderful Life? (Yes, it was based on a short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern and you can read it for yourself in under 15 minutes.)The Greatest Gift is the story of a man named George Bailey who wants to commit suicide. An unnamed stranger gives George his wish to see what life would be like if he had never been born. In the end, he chooses life. Van Doren Stern wrote this short story (which took him several years to finish) in 1944; at first, he could not find anyone willing to publish it. Eventually, he self-published 200 pamphlets and sent them as Christmas cards to family and friends.Director Frank Capra eventually landed the property and decided to completely revamp the story to i

Book Vs. Movie: Freaky FridayThe Mary Rogers Children’s Classic Vs. the 1976 & 2003 Disney AdaptationsIn December (because we have covered just about every holiday-themed Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, and Hannukah film we can find)! The Margos turn our attention to all things Disney, and this year we begin with the classic Freaky Friday by Mary Rogers, which has been adapted a few times since its 1972 publication. Rogers, whose father was composer Richard Rogers, had a full career as a composer, screenwriter, and children’s novelist with successes on stage like Once Upon a Mattress which ran on Broadway in 1959 and later toured the world. In 1972 she contributed to the Marlo Thomas album Free to Be You and Me (William’s Doll) before completing Freaky Friday. The story of 13-year-old Annabel Andrews, who switches bodies with her mother only to discover being a parent is much harder than it looks. Annabell finds out her father is sexist and runs her mother ragged with demands on home life. Ultimately,

Book Vs. Movie Christmas With the KranksYes, the 2004 movie is based on a book!The Margos have more holiday spirit than Luther & Nora Krank, the main characters of the John Grisham novel Skipping Christmas. Luther & Nora normally go all out during the holidays in equal zeal with their neighbors, who seem to think Christmas celebrations are THE most important thing in the world. (One Margo liked the movie more than the other!)But with their daughter spending the holidays in Peru for the Peace Corps, they decide to forgo decadent spending and take a vacation on a cruise instead. Mayhem ensues. The movie (titled Christmas With the Kranks) stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as Luther & Nora Krankd and even though the film has been out for 15 years now--neither Margo has seen it before! So between the book & movie--which did we like better? Have a listen to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss:John Grisham’s incredible life story and success in publishingThe basic differences between the book &

Book Vs. Movie Podcast"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickensthe 2009 Jim Carey Animated MoviePlus, the Margos Pick Their "Top 5 Scrooge Performances"The Margos continue their holiday celebrations with the all-time classic "A Christmas Carol"  by Charles Dickens. There have been hundreds of adaptations on the theme of Scrooge and his ultimate salvation, but only one features stop-motion animation and Jim Carey so we pair the discussion with Disney's A Christmas Carol, directed by Book Vs. Movie favorite Robert Zemeckis.We had SO much fun recording this episode!  Topics we cover here:The Margos each pick our favorite "Scrooge" adaptationThe incredible life story of Charles Dickens and the reasons he wrote A Christmas CarolHow England changed how they celebrate Christmas after the publicationOur favorite adaptations of the workJim Carey’s frenetic performanceClips used:Sir Patrick Stewart readingJim Carey as the Ghost of Christmas past & ScroogeVanessa Williams's “Sleigh Ride”Book Vs. Movie podcast https://w

Book Vs. Movie: The Year Without a Santa ClausThe Rankin/Bass 1974 Classic Special Based on a Light Verse Book For many 70s kids, the Rankin/Bass specials with their catchy music and stop motion animation, were high art. From Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to Santa Claus is Coming to Town, their specials garnered big ratings and helped popularize holiday music. One of their most iconic specials was based on a 1956 Phillis McGinley book, The Year Without a Santa Clause which told the story of a burnt-out Kris Kringle who wanted to take leave for one Christmas. McGinley (1905-1978) was a master of the “light verse” and used humor to describe everyday life. Throughout her writing career (as a poet and children’s author) she loved to talk about humility and living a simple, suburban life. She was not aligned with Sylvia Plath or Betty Friedan who questioned the purpose of being a woman in the 20th Century. McGinley was a lonely child who married at 32 (late for the time) and lived a Mad Men kind of life in Larchm

Book Vs. Movie: Last ChristmasThe George Michael Classic Song Vs. the 2019 Holiday FilmHappy Holidays!The Margos have covered so many Christmas-themed episodes in the past that we had to reach out and use a classic holiday song, Last Christmas, written and produced by the late great George Michael, and talk about the adorable 2019 film adaptation written by the revered Emma Thompson.The song is one of those “earworm” ditties that you either hate or love (similar to Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmas Time) that several major artists have sung since its debut in 1984. It’s a holiday story about love and longing that anyone can relate to, and if you hate it, you might as well skip this episode!Before he passed away on Christmas day in 2016 (the irony!), Michael said he would only accept Thompson as the screenwriter if it were ever made into a film. The result is a delightful mixture of wonderful acting (Emilia Clark, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh,) direction by Paul Feig, a bevy of Michael’s best tunes, and

Book Vs. Movie: Eyes Wide ShutThe 1999 Classic Stanley Kubrick Film Vs. The 1926 Short Story by Arthur Schnitzler Do you know the password? The inside password? The Margos look at the 1999 Stanely Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut, which was released after the director’s death in March and at the SAME time as The Blair Witch Project and is one of the most debated of his works. A sex drama about an impossibly beautiful couple (then married Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman), the film explores the themes of marriage, fidelity, identity, consequences, and …masks? This is either one of the best films of Kubrick’s career or the dullest. Let’s get ready to discuss! Having bought the rights to the German author Arthur Schnitzler’s novella Traumnovelle/Rhapsody: A Dream novel in 1968, Kubrick wanted to create a masterpiece about love, sex, and identity but often felt he was not ready to film the version in his mind. When he met Cruise and Kidman in 1996, he finally met his essential “Bill and Alice Hartford,” two extraordinari

Book Vs. Movie: Searching for Bobby FischerThe true story of a chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, his father’s New York Times article, and the 1993 film The Margos gently enter into the world of chess (a game neither of us knows very well so, please be patient!) with Searching for Bobby Fischer. Josh Waitzkin was considered a chess prodigy when he played in tournaments around thew country as a young child. In 1985 his father, Fred Waitzkin, wrote an article for The New York Times “Fathering a Chess Prodigy” about the struggle to raise a son who is gifted in a sport/game. Fred wants his son to achieve his dreams, but he is fearful Josh won’t be a normal kid (Josh eventually became an International Chess Master at 16.) The book Searching for Bobby Fischer came out in 1988 and the 1993 film was directed by Steven Zaillian and earned praise for its cinematography and performances. Bobby Fischer led a very complicated (and frankly, sad) childhood as a chess champion which later turned him into a hermit. Did the chess b

Book Vs. Movie: PersepolisMarjane Satrapi's Comic Autobiography Vs. the Animated Feature The Margos this week delve into the complicated history of Iran via the life story of artist and writer Marjane Satrapi who wrote several comics under the banner of Persepolis from her early childhood to her later years as an activist. The original work was published in French as Satrapi is part French and Iranian and spent much of her adult life in France. She had a first-hand look at the Islamic Revolution in 1979 when her family members were jailed for being activists. Satrapi vividly recalls being forced to wear a veil, how women’s rights were taken away quickly during this time, and how this affected her education, her family situation, and the eventual war with Iraq. The 2007 film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 80th Academy Awards. Between the 2000 novel and the film--which did we like better? You have to listen to find out!!In this ep the Margos discuss:The life story of Marjane SatrapiWhat the Marg