Book Vs Movie Podcast

Book Vs. Movie: “How’s Moving Castle” The 1986 Diana Wynne Jones Book Vs the 2004 Studio Ghibli FilmToday we are joined by special guest co-host, Kerala Hubbard of The On Purpose Home. We discuss the many, many differences and important similarities between the 1986 novel, Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones, and the groundbreaking Studio Ghibli film adaptation from 2004.In this episode, we discuss:WWII influences on both the author and the filmmakerThe differences between the book and movie.Original voice cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro MiwaEnglish language voice cast: Christian Bale, Jean Simmons, Billy Crystal, Emily MortimerFollow us on the socials!Mother Hubbard MugsMontana Meditations Youtube ChannelThe On Purpose Home PodcastYou can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Book Vs. Movie: Ma Rainey’s Black BottomThe August Wilson Play Vs. the 2021 Movie Pittsburgh native August Wilson (1945-2005) is one of the most successful playwrights of the 20th Century; with a collection of works that came to be known as The Pittsburgh Cycle, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice in his career and was inducted into American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006. His 1984 work Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the subject of today’s episode. Gertrude Pridgett (Ma Rainey’s birth name) was dubbed the “Mother of the Blues” for her outrageous stage presence and ability to hold audiences in her trance. The Blues being one of America’s native art forms, the combination of the gospel with jazz music enticed the world with the earliest recordings featuring African American culture and is revered to this day. Rainey learned the ropes of show business through her husband “Pa Rainey” and was a mentor to a young Bessie Smith. Wilson’s 1984 play is a fictional account of Rainey attending a recording of her work at a Chicago studio in 1927. By this time in her career, her known toughness and business acumen were legendary, and when she takes center stage in the story--it's hard to take your eyes off her. The studio musicians (Levee, Toledo, Cutler, and Slow Drag) watch her handle recording executives getting rich from her talent. The older group members want to warn young Levee of the harsh realities of the early 20th-century world. The 2021 film is the final film for Chadwick Boseman, who plays Levee Green, and the Netflix production is dedicated to his memory. Viola Davis plays the role of Ma Rainey with a fierceness that emanates throughout the movie. Between the original play and the adaptation, which did we prefer? In this ep the Margos discuss:August Wilson’s careerThe significance of “The Pittsburgh Cycle.”Denzel Washington taking the work of August Wilson to HBOThe cast: Viola Davis (Ma Rainey,) Maxayn Lewis (Ma Rainey singing voice,) Chadwick Boseman (Levee Green,) Glynn Turman (Toledo,) Colman Domingo (Cutler,) Michael Potts (Slow Drag,) Johnny Coyne (Mel Sturdyvant,) Taylour Paige (Dussie Mae,) Jeremy Shamos (Irvin,) and Dusan Brown as Sylvester.Clips used:Ma needs her CokeMa Rainey’s Black Bottom trailerMa Rainey sings Black BottomLevee confronts the band“He stepped on my shoe!”Music by Ma Rainey Moonshine Blues (1923) Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynMargo www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 ten days to make it all work. In the end, he made a masterpiece that became a sensation in the early 1970s, including a 90-minute version released in Europe soon after. Dennis Weaver gives an intense performance, and the stunt work by Dale Van Sickel and Carey Loftin help make this film a “must-watch” for all fans of Spielberg and/or movie thrillersIn this ep the Margos discuss:The backstory of Speilberg’s early television careerThe outdoor shooting and stunt driving involvedThe influence Duel had on movie makingThe cast: Dennis Weaver (David Mann,) Jacqueline Scott (Mrs. Mann,) Eddie Firestone (cafe owner,) Lou Frizzel (bus driver,) Eugene Dynarski (man in cafe,) Lucille Benson as the “Lady at Snakerama.”Clips used:Dennis Weaver (talks to himself at the cafe)Duel original TV spot Dennis Weaver confronts a truckerDennis Weaver at the phonebooth sceneSteven Spielberg (behind-the-scenes interview)The truck crash scene and soundsMusic by Billy GoldenbergBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynMargo www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 one of his best. The film stars some of the best character actors of the time and earned multiple Academy Award nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay) but competed in the same year as The Bridge on the River Kwai, which swept all of the major awards in 1957. In this episode, the Margos discuss the significant differences between the teleplay and the movie and try to decide which we like better. In this ep the Margos discuss:The backstory of the original TV productionThe strict demands of filming on one setThe case being tried and how it is picked apartThe cast: Martin Balsam (Juror 1,) John Fielder (Juror 2,) Lee J Cobb (Juror 3,) E.G. Marshall (Juror 4,) Jack Klugman (Juror 5,) Edward Binne (Juror 6,) Jack Warden (Juror 7,) Henry Fonda (Juror 8,) Joseph Sweeney (Juror 9,) Ed Begley (Juror 10,) George Voskovek, (Juror 11,) and Robert Webber as Juror 12.Clips used:The first count12 Angry Men 1957 trailer The knife sceneKids these daysThese daysMusic by Kenyon HopkinsBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynMargo www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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” in Casablanca (Rick’s Cafe) and assists people looking to exile into America. His friend is a piano player who goes by the name “Rabbit,” and he gets visits from former Parisian residents like Luis Rinaldo. Lois is married to a man named Victor Lazlo, and they are fleeing from the Nazis. They have a song, As Time Goes By, and reminisce about their affair in Paris. In the end, Rick helps Lois and her husband leave Casablanca while he takes off for parts unknown with Italian buddy Luis Rinaldo. Burnett and Alison could not find a Broadway producer for the play, so they sold the rights and went on with their lives, not realizing the movie would go on to be a Hollywood classic, winning several awards and with a screenplay people quote 80 years later. Worse, their contributions would not be recognized. Eventually, they were able to put on their play in 1991. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine and Ingrid Bergman as his love interest--Ilsa Lund. The rest of the cast includes dozens of immigrants and refugees who felt passionate about the project. Casablanca is considered one of the best examples of propaganda in American film. We feel silly justifying how wonderful it is, but that is what we do at Book Vs. Movie! In this episode, the Margos discuss the significant differences between the book and the play and try to decide which we like better. (It’s not going to be close!) In this ep the Margos discuss:The backstory of the play and movieThe international cast and what the world was like during filmingThe differences between the play and the movieThe cast: Humphrey Bogart (Rick,) Ingrid Bergman (Ilsa,) Paul Henreid (Victor Lazlo,) Claude Rains (Captain Louis Renault,) Conrad Veidt (Major Heinrich Strasser,) Sydney Greenstreet (Signor Ferrari,) Dooley Wilson (Sam,) and Peter Lorre as Signor Ugarte.Clips used:Rick meets up with Ilsa in CasablancaCasablanca trailer “Everyone Comes to Rick’s,” an international castRick’s backstory by RenaultLazlo and Ilsa arrive at Rick’sIlsa asks Sam to play “her song.”Peter Lorre scenePlay it again, Sam“Die Wacht am Rhein” vs. “La Marseillaise” Rick sends Ilsa and Lazlo awayAs Time Goes By, music and lyrics by Herman Hupfeld and sung by Dooley Wilson Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 of Jewish people at the time. Mike Nichols directed the 1988 film that was a huge hit as part of a wave of 1980s films set in the military. (See Stripes, Private Benjamin, and Good Morning, Viet Nam.) In this episode, the Margos discuss the significant differences between the book and the movie and try to decide which we like better. In this ep the Margos discuss:The work of Neil Simon & the “Eugene Trilogy.”The controversy of not casting Barry MillerThe significant differences between the play and the movieThe 1985 Broadway play: Matthew Broderick (Eugene Jerome,) William Sadler (Sgt. Toomey,) Barry Miller (Arnold Epstein,) Penelope Ann Miller (Daisy,) Randall Edwards (Rowena,) Matt Mulhern (Wykowski,) Alan Ruck (Carney,) Geoffrey Sharp (Hennesey) and Brian Tarantina as Selridge.The 1988 film: Matthew Broderick (Eugene Jerome,) Christopher Walken (Sgt. Toomey,) Markus Flanagan (Selridge,) Matt Mulhern (Wykowski,) Corey Parker (Epstein,) Casey Siemaszko (Carney,) Michael Dolan (Hennesey,) Penelope Ann Miller (Daisy) and Park Overall as Rowena)Clips used:Opening ClipBarry Miller wins a TONYBiloxi Blues original 1988 trailerDetail AttentionEpstein combats Toomey’s methods.Eugene meets DaisyToomey threatens EpsteinThe “bet scene.”Biloxi Blues epilogueMusic by Pat Suzuki “How High the Moon”Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 scene with their unique partnership of love, hate, and movie-star charisma. (Their real-life love story is another whirlwind of multiple marriages, addiction, and pain.) George Segal and Sandy Dennis play Nick and Honey, and the entire cast and most of the production received Academy Award nominations. (Taylor and Dennis won) Jack Valenti of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) said this was his first controversial film under his reign. Words like “screw” and “hump” were considered scandalous and had to be deleted from the script. The story of George and Martha is one of the significant cultural landmarks of the 20th Century, with several productions over the past 60 years and several parodies, from The Carol Burnett Show to The Simpsons. In this episode, the Margos discuss the original play and the 1966 adaptation and try to decide which we like better. In this ep the Margos discuss:The work of Edward AlbeeThe legend behind the title of the playThe significant differences between the play and the movieThe 1966 cast: Elizabeth Taylor (Martha,) Richard Burton (George,) George Segal (Nick,) and Sandy Dennis as HoneyClips used:Opening ClipWho's Afraid of Virginia Wolf? 1966 trailerMartha degrades GeorgeGeorge “shoots” MarthaMartha and Nick danceNick talks about boxing“I swear if you existed, I would divorce you!”One day it snaps…Music by Alex NorthBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 loathsome characters we have ever had the displeasure of reading. (The audiobook featuring narration by actor Dylan Baker makes it slightly more palatable.)Trigger warning: This story features a character being raped who then comforts her attacker and wishes she was pregnant by him. (Seriously!) The movie by producer Irwin Allen and director Ronald Neame became an instant classic which began a slate of many disaster films in the 1970s. It would become the highest-grossing film of 1973, grossing over $125 million worldwide. It won an Academy Award for best special effects and best original song "The Morning After." Our lead actor is Gene Hackman as Reverand Frank Scott who is a renegade preacher who turns into a hero for the passengers of the S.S. Poseidon (partly filmed on the RMS Queen Mary.) at the time, he was a hot property after the success of The French Connection, and his performance is very passionate. Co-star Shelley Winters won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Belle Rosen--a middle-aged swimmer who gives her life to protect the survivors. (Spoiler!) Please listen to find out our real feelings between the book & movie, as this one will go down as one of our biggest takedowns of a horrible piece of work. In this ep the Margos discuss:The writing career of Paul GallicoHow genuinely terrible this book is and why you should not read it.The special effects of the film and how it changed disaster films of the futureThe cast: Gene Hackman (Reverand Frank Scott,) Ernest Borgnine (Mike Rogo,) Red Buttons (James Martin,) Carol Lynley (Nonnie Parry,) Roddy McDowell (Acres,) Stella Stevens (Linda Rogo,) Shelley Winters (Belle Rosen,) Jack Albertson (Manny Rosen,) Pamela Sue Martin (Susan Shelby,) Eric Shea (Robin Shelby,) and Leslie Nielsen (Captain Harrison)Clips used:The Poseidon Adventure trailerA tidal wave hits the shitThe immediate aftermath of the ship turning overStella Stevens's "panties" scene"Lindaaaaaaaaaa!!!"Reverend Scott sacrifices himself for the good of the groupThe group is rescuedClosing music, "The Morning After," written by Al Kasha & Joel Hirschorn and sung by Maureen McGovernJoin our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/ Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/

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 depression. The TV movie was on December 19, 1971, in the U.S. and was such a big hit--it was immediately turned into a TV series. Hamner narrated every episode, which ran for almost ten years, and started the phrase “goodnight John-Boy!” In this episode, the Margos talk about the author, his original novella, and the 1971 TV movie, and try to decide which we like better. Have a listen! In this ep the Margos discuss:The interesting life of Earl Hamner, Jr.The casting of Patricia Neal as Olivia Walton and why she was not hired for the seriesThe major differences between the movie and the novellaThe cast: Patricia Neal (Olivia Walton,) Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton,) Edgar Bergen (Grandpa Walton,) Dorothy Stickney (Grandma Walton, ) Cleavon Little (Hawthorne Dooley,) Andrew Duggan (Big John Walton,) and Judy Norton (Mary Ellen Walton.)Clips used:The Homecoming trailerAn early ad for The HomecomingOlivia Walton is suspicious of John-BoyEarl Hamner, Jr opening scene narrationJoin our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/ Twitter @bookversusmovie Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/

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, and she can save him from drowning. As she waits for him to wake up on the shore, a young woman from a nearby temple comes over. She is given credit for saving him, and the Little Mermaid becomes despondent. This is when we learn that mermaids can live up to 300 years undersea, and then they turn into sea foam--without a soul to go to heaven. The Little Mermaid visits a sea which tells her she will give her human legs if she trades with her beautiful voice. Mermaid makes this deal and goes to land. Unfortunately, her new legs feel like daggers as she walks, and the prince likes her well enough, but he loves the woman from the temple whom he thinks saved him from the shipwreck. The Little Mermaid is told by her sisters (who gave up their long hair to the sea witch to get the formula to bring her back underwater) if she visits the prince and his new bride on their honeymoon on a ship, she can stab him in the heart and she will become a mermaid again. Instead, she throws a knife into the water and becomes an “Air Fairy,” If she does good deeds for 300 years, she will go to heaven. The Disney version retells the tale with one of the best villains EVER--Ursula, voiced by the fabulous Pat Carroll and supposedly based partly on the late drag performer Divine. This mermaid is named Ariel, and Alan Menken's music and Howard Asman's lyrics are some of the most memorable in film history. (Try getting “Kiss the Girl” out of your head!) It made hundreds of millions at the box office, and little girls have been cosplaying Ariel for decades. She’s not exactly a feminist icon--but the film is a delightful confection and the last of the handpainted Disney films. In this episode, we get into the history of the 1989 film and the children’s fairy tale and discuss their differences. Then we choose which we each like better!This episode is sponsored by:Kensington Books and the Rebecca Zanetti novel You Can Hide. Set up against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, FBI agent Laurel Snow strives to navigate her complicated family life when her newly discovered sociopathic half-sister becomes the target of a dangerous killer. The Blacklist meets The Profiler meets Justified is how it is described as laurel believes her sister (Abigail) was behind the mysterious disappearance of their father. Abigail shows up to claim someone is out to kill her, and then dead bodies turn up in the icy Sauk River--her sister seems to be the only connection. This book has romance (in the form of Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers), action, family drama, suspense, and thrills. You can follow Rebecca Zanetti on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.In this ep the Margos discuss:Hans Christian Anderson’s interesting lifeThe significant differences between the book and the movieDisney's post-Little Mermaid success and how it changed the perception of animationThe 1989 cast: Jodi Benson (Ariel,) Christopher Daniel Barnes (Prince Eric,) Pat Carroll (Ursula,) Kenneth Mars (King Triton,) Samuel E. Wright (Sebastian,) Jason Marin (Flounder,) Buddy Hackett (Scuttle,) Paddi Edwards (Flotsam and Jetsam,) Ben Wright (Sir Grimsby,) Edie McClurg (Carlotta,) Will Ryan (Harold,) and Rene Auberjonois as Chef Louis.Clips used:Opening Clip with King TritonThe Little Mermaid original 1989 trailerAriel sees Eric for the first timeKiss the GirlAriel and UrsulaSebastian and King TritonUnder the SeaMusic by Alan Menken and Howard AshmanBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 Girl,) Peter Scolari (Billy-Lonely Boy,) and Micheal Jeter (Smokey.)Clips Featured:The Polar Express trailer“When Christmas Comes to Town” (Glen Ballard & Alan Silvestri)“Rocking on Top of the World” by Steven TylerOutro music “Believe” by Josh GrobanJoin our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/ Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/

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 Wonderful Life. It took some liberties from the book and focused more on the possible romance of Julia and “Dudley” (Cary Grant in a typically amazing performance).” The film was directed by Henry Koster and stars David Niven and Loretta Young. So, which did we prefer between the original story and the movie? This episode is sponsored by Kensington’s newest romance novel by acclaimed South African author Therese Beharrie, And They Lived Happily Ever After, about a romance novelist, Gaia Anders,  who has an active dream life. Everything she dreams she puts into her stories doubles as her love life. Gaia’s waking life can’t compare to her dreams. Her childhood was incredibly lonely, and she is very shy about romance until she meets her best friend’s brother, Jacob Scott. Jacob is a workaholic with no time for relationships, but he crushes hard for Aiden and wonders how to get her attention. Jacob has his demons to conquer as he begins to share his dreams with Gaia literally.Can they find love while uncovering personal hard truths? The story takes place in modern-day Cape Town, South Africa, and you can follow her on ThereseBeharrie.com. Follow the hashtag #OwnVoices Rom-Com to learn about Therese and other romance authors of color. In this ep the Margos discuss:The life of writer Robert Nathan and his famous relativesThe theme of religious devotion in the early 20th Century in the U.S. The main differences between the novella & film. Starring: David Niven (Bishop Henry Brougham,) Loretta Young (Julia,) Cary Grant (Dudley,) Monty Woolley (Professor Wutheridge,) James Gleason (Sylvester,) Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Agnes Hamilton,) Elsa Lanchester (Matilda,) Sarah Haden (Mrs. Duffy,) Karolyn Grimes (Debby,) and Robert J. Anderson. Clips used:Cary Grant meets DebbyThe Bishop’s Wife  trailerThe kids play snowballDudley flirts with JuliaPreacher Henry gives a sermonMusic by The Robert Mitchell Boys Choir Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 Germany which attempted to rule the world twice in the 20th Century. Snow White’s origin story is that of a little girl with a stepmother jealous of her beauty. The stepmother is an evil Queen and sends a huntsman to kill her (she is seven years old, by the way) and bring back her lungs and liver as proof. The huntsman loses his nerve and instead sets her free in the woods. She spent the next ten years taking care of seven dwarves. When the Evil Queen discovers Snow is alive, the queen (who practices black magic) schemes to kill her through a few different methods, finally having a poisoned apple as a successful weapon. The dwarves put Snow in a glass coffin and guard her. Eventually, she meets a Prince who saves her life, and they wed. Disney first saw the story as a silent film in 1915 and was determined to bring it to the big screen. The effort took hundreds of people, dozens of $5 “gags,” millions of film cells. The movie was called “Disney’s Folly” for its rumored $1.5 million budget. However, it was a smash hit from the start and is now considered one of the greatest movies of all time. So between the Fairy Tale and the 1937 film? Have a listen to find out!Kensington Books and the novel Colorado Country by Diana Palmer sponsor this episode!New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer takes readers to Christmastime in Colorado with two of her celebrated novellas in one collection featuring solitary, silent cowboys who find their restless hearts tamed by women of uncommon grace and strength. This a gift for readers who love heartwarming contemporary romance, gorgeous rugged cowboys, and fans of Carolyn Brown, Linda Lael Miller, and Delores Fossen. Meadow Dawson is struggling to manage the enormous ranch she just inherited. Too bad she’s not on speaking terms with the one man who can help her out. Cattleman Dal Blake wishes Meadow’s dog would quit digging under his fence—and that his pretty neighbor wasn’t just as good at getting under his skin. . . Widowed schoolteacher Katy is starting over with her young daughter, and she knows the perfect place—her grandmother’s Colorado ranch. A runaway Palomino brings reclusive horse wrangler Parker to her door. Parker knows all there is to know about horses, but with Katy, he’s learning about the gift of family.Diana Palmer is the author of over 100 books and was voted one of the top 10 romance writers with over 40 million books in print. She is known as the “queen of desperado quests for justice and true love” (Publisher’s Weekly) You can find her at Diana Palmer.com. In this ep the Margos discuss:Grimm Brothers and antisemitism The major differences between the book and the movieWalt Disney and his first big feature hitThe 1937 cast: Adriana Caselotti (Snow White,) Lucille La Verne (Evil Queen,) Harry Stockwell (The Prince,) Pinto Colvig (Grumpy & Sleepy,) Scotty Mattraw (Bashful,) Billy Gilbert (Sneezy,) Eddie Collins (Dopey,) Moroni Olsen (The Magic Mirror) and Stuart Buchanan as the Hunstman. Clips used:Snow White meets the dwarfsSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs 1937 original trailer with DisneyEvil Queen finds out Snow White is aliveEvil Queen offers poisoned apple“Heigh-Ho”Music by Frank Churchill, Paul J. Smith, Leigh Harline, and Larry Morey.Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 include George’s childhood and more. It is now considered a classic film, but at the time, it was a bit of a box office failure, and Capra never really had the opportunity to see how his work influenced generations of storytellers for decades now.In this show, we discuss the differences between the short story and the film. Which version did the Margos like better? Check out the link below to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss :The backstory of author Phillip Van Doren Stern and how his holiday pamphlet turned into a beloved movie.Director Frank Capra and his hard work getting the film madeThe stellar cast includes Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey,) Donna Reed (Mary Bailey,) Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter,) Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy,) Henry Travers (Clarence,) Gloria Grahame (Violet), and Beulah Bondi (Mrs. Bailey.)Clips used:It’s a Wonderful Life  trailerGeorge and Mary sing “Buffalo Gals”Mr. Gower hits young GeorgeClarence explains being “Angel Second Class”George wants to live againOutro Music: Buffalo Gals by The Pickard FamilyBook Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comBrought to you by Audible.com You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial here http://www.audible.com/?source_code=PDTGBPD060314004RMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

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, she discovers that it was her mother the whole time who caused the body switch to show Annabel that she has her best interests in mind. The 1976 film stars Jodie Foster as Annabel and Barbara Harris as her mother, Ellen, with a screenplay by Rogers. One big difference is that the movie takes place in California versus New York City. Oh, and the racism casually featured in the book. (It’s a big yikes there!) It was a huge hit that garnered several Golden Globes Awards nominations. In 1995, Shelly Long and Gaby Hoffman lead in the second adaptation. The 2003 film stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan and was a huge hit that is problematic today. So between them all--which did we like better? Have a listen to find out!Kensington Books and the novel Colorado Country by Diana Palmer sponsor this episode!New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer takes readers to Christmastime in Colorado with two of her celebrated novellas in one collection featuring solitary, silent cowboys who find their restless hearts tamed by women of uncommon grace and strength. This a gift for readers who love heartwarming contemporary romance, gorgeous rugged cowboys, and fans of Carolyn Brown, Linda Lael Miller, and Delores Fossen. Meadow Dawson is struggling to manage the enormous ranch she just inherited. Too bad she’s not on speaking terms with the one man who can help her out. Cattleman Dal Blake wishes Meadow’s dog would quit digging under his fence—and that his pretty neighbor wasn’t just as good at getting under his skin. . . Widowed schoolteacher Katy is starting over with her young daughter, and she knows the perfect place—her grandmother’s Colorado ranch. A runaway Palomino brings reclusive horse wrangler Parker to her door. Parker knows all there is to know about horses, but with Katy, he’s learning about the gift of family.Diana Palmer is the author of over 100 books and was voted one of the top 10 romance writers with over 40 million books in print. She is known as the “queen of desperado quests for justice and true love” (Publisher’s Weekly) You can find her at Diana Palmer.com. In this ep the Margos discuss:The interesting life of the author Mary RogersThe casual racism in the story and how it differs from the various adaptationWhich version do we like best?The 1976 cast Jodie Foster (Annabel,) Barbara Harris (Ellem,) John Astin (Bill,) Patsy Kelly (Mrs. Schmauss,) Dick Van Patten (Harold Jennings,) Sorrell Booke (Mr. Dilk,) and Sparky Marcus as Ben. The 2003 cast Jamie Lee Curtis (Tess Coleman,) Lindsy Lohan (Anna Coleman,) Harold Gould (Alan Coleman,) Chad Michael Murray (Jake,) Rosalind Chao (Pei Pei,) Mark Harmon (Ryan,) Stephen Tobolowsky (Mr. Elton Bates,) and Willie Garson as Evan.Clips used:“I Wish I Could Change Places with You” 1976Freaky Friday 1977 TV AdAnnabelle & Ellen switchAnnabel in the diner with her friends1976 car chase sceneFreaky Friday 2003 trailer2003 Pei Pei “Let’s Hit Her!” Tess and Anna in the car (french fries)Music “I’d Like to Be You for a Day”Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 & movie. The cast of the movie including Dan Aykroyd (Vic Frohmeyer,) M. Emmet Walsh (Walt Scheel,) Cheech Martin (Officer Salino,) Jake Busey (Officer Treen,) Felicity Huffman (Merry,) Caroline Rhea (Candi,) and Tom Poston (Father Zabriske.) Our favorite scenes from the movieClips Featured:Christmas with the Kranks trailerNora Krank gets the hamBlair Krank (Julie Gonzalo) comes home for the holidaysLuther Krank surprises neighbor for ChristmasOutro music Run DMC Christmas in HollisJoin our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/

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://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Find us in Apple Podcasts.Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama http://thechingonahomesteader.weebly.com/

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 Larchmont, NY. The Year Without a Santa Claus was first printed in Good Housekeeping magazine and was later published as a book. Boris Karloff recorded a version for Capitol Records shortly before his death in 1969. In the story, Santa has a bad cold just before the holidays and feels like he is no longer important to kids. When the world's children learn this, they gladly send him their toys to finally give him the Christmas of his dreams. Knowing he is loved sends him back to his old Santa ways.The TV special adds elves Jingle & Jangle, who, along with reindeer Vixen, look for children who still care about Santa. They are shot down (!) by competing Snow & Heat Misers who want to control the weather. In the southern part of the United States, they get into all kinds of trouble with some incredibly catchy tunes and performances by Shirley Booth, Mickey Rooney, and Dick Shawn. Does the spirit of Christmas win out? Duh! So, which did we prefer between the original story and the classic TV special? In this ep the Margos discuss:The incredible career of Phyllis McGinleyThe holiday specials of the 1960s and 1970sStop-motion used a form of animation.  Starring: Shirley Booth (Mrs. Claus,) Mickey Rooney (Santa Claus,) Dick Shawn (Snow Miser), and George S. Irving as the Heat Miser.Clips used:Boris Karloff reads The Year Without a Santa ClauseThe Year Without a Santa Clause  trailerHeat MiserCold Miser Santa rescues the elvesMusic by Maury LawsBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.comMargo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 gobsmacking London locations that will melt the biggest Scrooge into a puddle of holiday happiness. Clarke plays Kate Andrich, a Yugoslavian immigrant who is having a rotten time in life. She works as an “Elf” at a year-round Christmas shop, has no place to live permanently, and is strained from her family. Eventually, she befriends Tom, a nice man who mysteriously shows up to help her learn to grow up, be more responsible, take care of her health (Kate had a heart transplant!), give back to her community working at a shelter, and finding out that her dream man is an angel who saved her life. SWOON!Most critics don’t get it, but who cares? It’s a sweet confection! Which did we like better, the song or the movie? Listen to find out!Kensington Books and the novel Colorado Country by Diana Palmer sponsor this episode!New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer takes readers to Christmastime in Colorado with two of her celebrated novellas in one collection featuring solitary, silent cowboys who find their restless hearts tamed by women of uncommon grace and strength. This a gift for readers who love heartwarming contemporary romance, gorgeous rugged cowboys, and fans of Carolyn Brown, Linda Lael Miller, and Delores Fossen. Meadow Dawson is struggling to manage the enormous ranch she just inherited. Too bad she’s not on speaking terms with the one man who can help her out. Cattleman Dal Blake wishes Meadow’s dog would quit digging under his fence—and that his pretty neighbor wasn’t just as good at getting under his skin. . . Widowed schoolteacher Katy is starting over with her young daughter, and she knows the perfect place—her grandmother’s Colorado ranch. A runaway Palomino brings reclusive horse wrangler Parker to her door. Parker knows all there is to know about horses, but with Katy, he’s learning about the gift of family.Diana Palmer is the author of over 100 books and was voted one of the top 10 romance writers with over 40 million books in print. She is known as the “queen of desperado quests for justice and true love” (Publisher’s Weekly) You can find her at Diana Palmer.com. In this ep the Margos discuss:The life and career of George MichaelThe durability of the song and how hard it is to write a Christmas classicThe plot twist of the movieMargo D’s attempt to “sing” on the Troubled Waters podcast The cast: Emilia Clarke (Kate,) Henry Golding (Tom,) Emma Thompson (Petra Andrich,) Boris Isakovic (Ivan Andrich,) Lydia Leonard (Maria Andrich,) Michelle Yeoh (Santa,) Ritu Arya (Jenna,) Jade Anouka (Alba,) Patti Lupone (customer,) and Rob Delaney as the theater director. Clips used:Kate talks about her heart transplant to TomLast Christmas 2019 original trailerMargo D on the Troubled Waters podcastKate forgets to lock up the storeKate’s family argumentsTom drops truth bombsKate finds out about TomKate at the Christmas concertMusic by George MichaelBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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 extraordinarily beautiful people who can convey insecurity and lust. (He tried filming with Harvey Keitel and Jennifer Jason Leigh, but they both had to leave production when he took longer than they had time to commit to the project.) The shooting began officially in November 1996 in England as Kubrick (a Bronx native) moved there in the 1970s to avoid flying to any set. It finally wrapped in June 1998, becoming one of (if not THE) longest film production of all time. Kubrick was able to show his final version before his death, and from there, we get controversies about how “final” this version was. The 1925 original story is very close to the filmed adaptation about a couple who attend a masquerade ball and then confess/or deal with urges to confess infidelity. The masks, orgies, and walking around in a stressful state of being are similar to the 1999 film, as is much of the original dialogue. Which did we like better, the 1926 novella and the 1999 film? You have to listen to find out!!In this ep the Margos discuss:The films of the late Stanley Kubrick and why Eyes Wide Shut was so controversialCritic's reaction to the film (including Roger Eberts’s outburst at an Eyes Wide Shut critic’s screening) The chemistry between the leadsThe explicit sex scenes and nudityWhat is this story really about?The cast: Tom Cruise (Dr. William “Bill” Harford,) Nicole Kidman (Alice Hartford,) Sydney Pollack (Victor Ziegler,) Todd Field (Nick Nightingale,) Marie Richardson (Marion Nathanson,) Sky du Mont (Sandor Szavost,) Rade Serbedzijja (Milch,) Thomas Gibson (Carl,) Vinessa Shaw (Domino,) Fay Masterson (Sally,) Alan Cumming (Hotel Desk Clerk,) Leelee Sobieski (Milch’s daughter,) Julienne Davis (Mandy,) Madison Eginton (Helena,) Abigail Good and Gary Goba (naval officer.) Clips used:“What’s the second password?” Eyes Wide Shut original 1999 trailer.Dr. Bill and Alice, before the partyBill & Alice flirting at the partyAlice confessors her secret Danish crush Domino meets Dr. BillAlice has a bad dreamAlan Cumming!Mr. Milliach, after the partyDr. Bill and Alice at the endRoger Ebert in 2000Music by Jocelyn Pook and Chris Isaak Bad Bad Thing Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.comEmail us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.comMargo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine