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'.
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Piccadilly Jim (2004)
6.1/10
Director: John McKay
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Frances O'Connor, Tom Wilkinson, Brenda Blethyn, Allison Janney, A...
Based on the novel by P.G. Wodehouse, Sam Rockwell is American ne'er-do-well Jim Crocker, living in London with his social-climbing mother (Allison Ja... Read more
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
7.6/10
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse
A spellbinding mystery set in 1900 and filmed with stunning beauty, about a group of schoolgirls, some of whom mysteriously disappear on a St. Valenti... Read more
Pinky (1949)
7.2/10
Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Jeanne Crain, Ethel Barrymore, Ethel Waters, William Lundigan
Pinky (Jeanne Crain) is a black woman so fair-skinned she was able to pose as white throughout nursing school. Newly graduated, she flees south to vis... Read more
Pinocchio (2008)
5.8/10
Director: Alberto Sironi
Starring: Robbie Kay, Alessandro Gassman, Violante Placido, Margherita Buy, Thomas Sangste...
A mini-series adaptation of Carlo Collodi's beloved children's story about a little wooden toy who became a real boy. Pinocchio is lovingly crafted by... Read more
Pippi Longstocking (1968)
7/10
Director: Olle Hellbom
Starring: Inger Nilsson
Made by Swedish and German companies for broadcast on European television, this charming series was later edited, and dubbed, to make the popular feat... Read more
Planet of the Apes (1967)
5.7/10
Director: Franklin J Schaffner
Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, Jame...
The original, classic sci-fi film based on Pierre Boulle's novel "Monkey Planet" stars Charlton Heston as Taylor, an astronaut who ends up stranded on... Read more
Planet of the Apes: 5 Movie Collector's Edition (Blu-ray) (1967)
5.7/10
Director: Franklin J Schaffner, Ted Post, Don Taylor, J Lee Thompson
Starring: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, Jame...
Multiple-disc box set includes: Planet of the Apes Beneath the Planet of the Apes Escape From the Planet of the Apes Conquest of the Planet of the Ape... Read more
Plein Soleil ( Purple Noon ) (1960)
7.8/10
Director: Rene Clement
Starring: Alain Delon, Marie Laforet, Maurice Ronet
Based on the critically acclaimed novel 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith, this is a susenseful edge-of-your-seat thriller! A handsome,... Read more
Plein Soleil ( Purple Noon ) (Blu-ray) (1960)
7.6/10
Director: Rene Clement
Starring: Alain Delon, Marie Laforet, Maurice Ronet
Based on the critically acclaimed novel 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith, this is a susenseful edge-of-your-seat thriller! A handsome,... Read more
Poirot: After the Funeral (2005)
8.6/10
Director: Maurice Phillips
Starring: David Suchet, Robert Bathurst, Kevin Doyle
The eminently mustachioed Poirot becomes embroiled in a familial murder in this Agatha Christie instalment. Called in to investigate by family solicit... Read more