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'.
Haven (2001)
6.3/10
Director: John Gray
Starring: Natasha Richardson, Colm Feore, Henry Czerny, Sheila McCarthy, Sebastian Roche,...
The stirring true story of Ruth Gruber (Natasha Richardson), an American journalist who volunteered for a treacherous wartime mission - escorting near... Read more
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
6.4/10
Director: Ken Kwapis
Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly...
An all-star cast lined up for this filming of the wildly popular (as seen on 'Oprah') self-help book, here adapted by writers of 'Sex and the City'. T... Read more
Heathcliff (1997)
8.2/10
Director: Frank Dunlop
Starring: Cliff Richard
The scene is set when a ragged gypsy bundle, the child Heathcliff, is brought to Wuthering Heights. As the passionate boy grows into the brooding man,... Read more
Heidi (Temple) (1937)
7.3/10
Director: Allan Dwan
Starring: Jean Hersholt, Shirley Temple, Helen Westley
Shirley Temple seems custom-made for the little Swiss orphan girl who reaches the heart of her gruff grandfather and teaches a crippled girlfriend to... Read more
Heidi / Swiss Family Robinson (1958)
Director: Ken Annakin, Michael Ray Rhodes
Starring: James MacArthur, Dorothy McGuire, John Mills, Jason Robards, Jane Seymour, Patri...
'Heidi' - An orphaned girl is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps and wins the bitter old man over with her bright spirit,... Read more
Heidi: Part One (1978)
7.3/10
Director: Tony Flaadt
The 1970s TV series complete with endearingly dodgy dubbing. Re-live the adventures of cute orphan Heidi who goes to live with her grumpy grandfather... Read more
Henry and June (1990)
Director: Philip Kaufman
Starring: Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, Maria de Medeiros, Richard E Grant, Kevin Spacey
The life and times of America's most controversial writer, Henry Miller, and especially his stormy relationship with June Smith, a dance hall hostess... Read more
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates: Series 1 (1996)
7.6/10
Director: John Glenister, Robert Tronson
Starring: Patricia Routledge, Dominic Monaghan, Derek Benfield
Hetty Wainthrop (Patricia Routledge from the beloved 'Keeping Up Appearances') has just had her 60th birthday, and being the forceful and naturally in... Read more
Hogfather (2006)
7.6/10
Director: Vadim Jean
Starring: David Jason, Marc Warren, David Warner, Michelle Dockery, Joss Ackland, Tony Rob...
For the first time, a live-action adaptation of one of Terry Pratchett's phenomenally successful Discworld novels makes it to the small screen. It's... Read more
Holes (2003)
7/10
Director: Andrew Davis
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, Tim Blake Nelson, Shia LaBeouf
Delightful screen adaptation of Louis Sachar's immensely popular novel stars Shia LaBeouf as Stanley Yelnats, a young boy wrongly accused of theft who... Read more