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 Tale of Despereaux (2008)
6.1/10
Director: Sam Fell, Robert Stevenhagen
Starring: Voices Of, Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman, Kevin...
Adapted from Kate DiCamillo's award-winning children's book, about a kingdom that lost all its magic and laughter, and the little mouse who made a big... Read more
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
7.4/10
Director: Anthony Minghella
Starring: Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman
A lush, involving thriller based on Patricia Highsmith's novel starring Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a young New Yorker hired by a tycoon to persuade was... Read more
The Tarnished Angels (1957)
7.3/10
Director: Douglas Sirk
Starring: Rock Hudson, Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Jack Carson
Based on the celebrated novel by author William Faulkner and set during the early 1930s this classic romance stars Robert Stack as Roger Schumann, a d... Read more
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996)
7.4/10
Director: Mike Barker
Starring: Tara Fitzgerald, Rupert Graves, Toby Stephens, James Purefoy, Pam Ferris, Kennet...
When Helen Graham becomes the new tenant of the dark, decaying Wildfell Hall, her independent spirit and radical views set her apart from the staid ru... Read more
The Texas Rangers (1936)
6.7/10
Director: King Vidor
Starring: Fred MacMurray, Jack Oakie, Jean Parker, Lloyd Nolan
When three outlaws barely escape after committing a stagecoach robbery, they saddle up their horses and head south to Texas, where two of them go unde... Read more
The Thief Lord (2006)
6/10
Director: Richard Claus
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Jasper Harris, Rollo Weeks, Alice Connor, George MacKay, Lathanie...
Prosper (Aaron Johnson) and Bo (Jasper Harris) are orphan brothers, separated when a wicked aunt and uncle take Bo but leave the older brother in an o... Read more
The Thin Man (1934)
8.1/10
Director: W S Van Dyke
Starring: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan
This madcap blend of screwball comedy and murder mystery marked the first pairing of what was to become one of the movies great romantic teams, Willia... Read more
The Thin Red Line (1998)
7.6/10
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, Elias Koteas, Woody Harrelson, John Cusack
Returning to the screen after a 20-year absence, writer/director Terence Malick adapts James Jones' semi-autobiographical novel about the pivotal WWII... Read more
The Thin Red Line (Blu-Ray) (1998)
7.6/10
Director: Terrence Malick
Starring: Ben Chaplin, Elias Koteas, George Clooney, Jared Leto, Jim Caviezel, John C Reil...
In 1942, Private Witt (Jim Caviezel) is a U.S. Army absconder living peacefully with the locals of a small South Pacific island. Discovered by his com... Read more
The Thirty-Nine Steps ( The 39 Steps ) (1978)
6.6/10
Director: Don Sharp
Starring: Robert Powell, David Warner, Eric Porter, Karen Dotrice, John Mills
This suspenseful thriller is much closer to John Buchan's original novel than has been filmed before. With a fine cast of British character actors inc... Read more