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'.
Mrs Miniver (1942)
7.6/10
Director: William Wyler
Starring: Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Dame May Whitty, Reginald Owen, Teresa Wright
The winner of seven Oscars in 1942 was an effective morale boost for all the folks on the home front. Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon head a middle-cl... Read more
Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont (2005)
7.6/10
Director: Dan Ireland
Starring: Rupert Friend, Robert Lang, Anna Massey, Joan Plowright, Zoe Tapper, Marcia Warr...
Mrs Palfrey (Joan Plowright) has been uneasy since her husband passed away, and decides to move from her home in Scotland to London, to be nearer her... Read more
Murder Most English: The Flaxborough Chronicles (1977)
7.1/10
Director: Various
Starring: Anton Rogers, Christopher Timothy
Four terrific tales of British sleuthing based on the novels of Colin Watson, featuring the stiff-upper-lip, pipe-smoking detectives Purbright (Anton... Read more
Murder on Pleasant Drive (2006)
5.9/10
Director: Michael Scott
Starring: Adam Arkin, Kelli Williams, Amy Madigan
When the bubbly young Fran Smith mysteriously disappears after a whirlwind romance and marriage with the seemingly mild-mannered John (Adam Arkin), he... Read more
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
6.5/10
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penel...
A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dea... Read more
Murder on the Orient Express (Blu-Ray) (2017)
6.5/10
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penel...
A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dea... Read more
Must Love Dogs (2005)
5.9/10
Director: Gary David Goldberg
Starring: John Cusack, Diane Lane, Elizabeth Perkins, Dermot Mulroney, Christopher Plummer...
Based on the best-selling novel, Sarah (Diane Lane) is still in a post-divorce funk when her sisters start thinking she needs to get back in the game... Read more
My Brother is an Only Child (2007)
7.1/10
Director: Daniele Luchetti
Starring: Elio Germano, Riccardo Scamarcio, Angela Finocchiaro, Massimo Popolizio
Growing up in small-town Italy during the '60s and '70s, brothers Accio and Manrico embody and celebrate opposing political stances, but share an impa... Read more
My Family and Other Animals (2005)
7.5/10
Director: Sheree Folkson
Starring: Imelda Staunton, Tom Goodman-Hill, Matthew Goode, Omid Djalili, Russell Tovey, C...
Adapted by Simon Nye ('Men Behaving Badly') from Gerald Durrell's beloved book, this BBC made-for-tv production follows the eccentric Durrell family a... Read more
My Friends My Loves (2008)
Director: Lorraine Levy
Starring: Vincent Lindon, Pascal Elbe, Virginie Ledoyen, Florence Foresti, Bernadette Lafo...
French romantic-comedy escapism with an 'Odd Couple' set-up. It is set, and filmed, in South Kensington, in a small French enclave known as, of course... Read more