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 Picture Of Dorian Gray (1945)
7.6/10
Director: Albert Lewin
Starring: Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Peter Lawford
Oscar Wilde's bitingly satirical novel, first published in 1891, was faithfully adapted to the big screen with Hurd Hatfiled as the conceited Dorian a... Read more
The Polar Express (2004)
6.6/10
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Voices Of, Michael Jeter, Tom Hanks
Despite his family's insistence that Santa is a myth, Billy longs to believe in him - and when a mysterious train stops at his house on Christmas Eve... Read more
The Polar Express ( Blu-ray ) (2004)
6.6/10
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks
Despite his family's insistence that Santa is a myth, Billy longs to believe in him - and when a mysterious train stops at his house on Christmas Eve,... Read more
The Portrait of a Lady (1996)
6.3/10
Director: Jane Campion
Starring: Nicole Kidman, John Malkovich, Barbara Hershey
With the help of a supportive cousin (Martin Donovan), one of the few headstrong, independent American women of the late 19th century (Nicole Kidman)... Read more
The Poseidon Adventure (2005)
4.3/10
Director: John Putch
Starring: Adam Baldwin, Bryan Brown, Steve Guttenberg, Rutger Hauer, C Thomas Howell, Pete...
Like its predecessor from 1972, this made-for-TV version is based on Paul Gallico's novel, though perhaps more loosely, for example exchanging terrori... Read more
The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
7.1/10
Director: Ronald Neame
Starring: Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Gene Hackman, Roddy McDowall, Shelley Winters, Car...
A massive ocean liner is at sea on New Year's Eve when just after midnight a freak wave smacks into her side, flipping her upside down in the freezing... Read more
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
7.5/10
Director: Tay Garnett
Starring: Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway
Lana Turner and John Garfield are the illicit lovers in this James M Cain thriller, who plot to murder the husband who is standing in the way of a rea... Read more
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
6.6/10
Director: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Jessica Lange, John Colicos
Jessica Lange and Jack Nicholson are the people involved in a torrid love affair that leads to a murder plot. Intense, erotic reworking of the John Ga... Read more
The Power of One (1992)
7.2/10
Director: John G Avildsen
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Morgan Freeman, John Gielgud
It's the 1930s, and as the people he cares for die or leave his village, young South African P.K. bonds with much older Doc (Armin Mueller-Stahl). A f... Read more
The Premature Burial (1961)
Director: Roger Corman
Starring: Hazel Court, Heather Angel, Ray Milland, Richard Ney
Talk about a tortured artist! Oscar-winner Ray Milland is Guy, a medical student and painter whose obsessive fear of being buried alive compels him to... Read more