Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
The Man in the Iron Mask (1977)
6.8/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Ian Holm, Jenny Agutter, Patrick McGoohan, Ralph Richardson, Richard Chamberlain
The man trapped by his brother, King Louis XIV of France, in a brutal iron mask is Philippe (Richard Chamberlain). He is the assumed dead twin to the... Read more
The Man Who Never Was (1956)
7.4/10
Director: Ronald Neame
Starring: Gloria Grahame, Clifton Webb, Robert Flemying, Josephine Griffin
Cinematographer turned director Ronald Neame brings to life the fascinating true story of a daring operation that foiled Hitler's invasion of Sicily.... Read more
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
8/10
Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Angela Lansbury, Frank Sinatra, Henry Silva, Janet Leigh, Laurence Harvey
One of the finest political thrillers ever made. John Frankenheimer's blend of Cold War paranoia and sly satire stars Laurence Harvey as a former Kore... Read more
The Manchurian Candidate (Blu-ray) (1962)
7.9/10
Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Angela Lansbury, Frank Sinatra, Henry Silva, Janet Leigh, Laurence Harvey
One of the finest political thrillers ever made. John Frankenheimer's blend of Cold War paranoia and sly satire stars Laurence Harvey as a former Kore... Read more
The Mark of Zorro (1940)
7.6/10
Director: Rouben Mamoulian
Starring: Tyrone Power, Basil Rathbone, Linda Darnell
This classic romantic swashbuckler stars dashing Tyrone Power as the son of a powerful nobleman in 1820s California who returns home from Europe to fi... Read more
The Martian Chronicles (1979)
6.7/10
Director: Michael Anderson
Starring: Bernadette Peters, Bernie Casey, Darren McGavin, Fritz Weaver, Maria Schell, Roc...
Epic mini-series adaptation of Ray Bradbury's look at mankind's first contact with the red planet and the mysterious Martian civilization. An all-star... Read more
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
6.7/10
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Stuart Wilson, Catherine Zeta-Jones
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by New Zealander Martin Campbell, this expertly crafted tale tells of an aged California folk hero... Read more
The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978)
8.4/10
Director: David Giles
Starring: Alan Bates, Anna Massey, Anne Stallybrass
Alan Bates stars in this powerful BBC production of Thomas Hardy's tragic tale, dramatised by Dennis Potter. Set in the 1840s, this is the vivid and r... Read more
The Mayor of Casterbridge (2003)
7.9/10
Director: David Thacker
Starring: Ciaran Hinds, Jodhi May, Juliet Aubrey, Polly Walker, James Purefoy
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy. Ciaran Hinds stars as Michael Henchman, a 19th-century English merchant and well-respected townsman, who r... Read more
The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
6.1/10
Director: Ryuhei Kitamura
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Leslie Bibb, Brooke Shields, Vinnie Jones, Roger Bart, Tony Curr...
Clive Barker's harrowing short story has been a long time coming to the silver screen; fans should not be disappointed. Photographer Leon Kauffman (Br... Read more