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'.
Sharpe Vol. 3: Sharpe's Gold / Sharpe's Battle / Sharpe's Sword (1995)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Darragh O'Malley, James Purefoy, Emily Mortimer, Ian McNeice
'Sharpe's Gold' - Spain 1813, Major Richard Sharpe is assigned the task of trading guns for English deserters. He must pit his wits against El Casco.... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 4: Sharpe's Regiment / Sharpe's Siege / Sharpe's Mission (1996)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Abigail Cruttenden, Nicholas Farrell, Darragh O'Malley, Hugh Fraser,...
'Sharpe's Regiment' - England 1813, Sharpe and Harper uncover corruption and wrong-doing galore whilst investigating the recruit shortages in the Brit... Read more
Sharpe Vol. 5: Sharpe's Revenge / Sharpe's Justice / Sharpe's Waterloo (1997)
Director: Tom Clegg
Starring: Sean Bean, Darragh O'Malley, Abigail Cruttenden, Hugh Fraser, Brian Cox, Elizabe...
The final three episodes in this series. In 'Sharpe's Revenge' having been accused of stealing Naploeon's treasure, abandoned by his wife and sought... Read more
Shattered (1991)
6.5/10
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Starring: Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, Greta Scacchi, Corbin Bernsen, Joanne Whalley
Based on Richard Neely's novel this intricate spy/thriller stars Tom Berenger who begins to think the car accident that caused his memory loss may not... Read more
She (1965)
5.8/10
Director: Robert Day
Starring: Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Ursula Andress
Ursula Andress is the beautiful Ayesha - 'She who must be obeyed' - in H Rider Haggard's fantasy of the love-starved eternal queen, seeking the reinca... Read more
She (1935)
6.6/10
Director: Irving Pichel, Lansing C Holden
Starring: Helen Gahagan, Randolph Scott, Helen Mack, Nigel Bruce
A rollicking adaptation of H Rider Haggard's novel about a party of adventurers searching for a mystical element hidden in the Arctic that can provide... Read more
She-Devil (1989)
5.5/10
Director: Susan Seidelman
Starring: Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr, Ed Begley Jr
Revenge was never sweeter than when spurned housefrau Roseanne Barr launches a vendetta against husband-stealing romance novelist Meryl Streep and way... Read more
Sherlock Holmes Collection: The Secret Weapon / Dressed to Kill / Pursuit to Algiers / The Woman in Green / Terror By Night (1942)
Director: Roy William Neill
Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill, Patricia Morison
Based on the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories and packed with mystery and suspense, this 5 disc collection stars Basil Rathbone as the legendar... Read more
Sherlock Holmes in Washington / Sherlock Holmes Faces Death (1942)
Director: Roy William Neill
Starring: Basil Rathbone, Hillary Brooke, Milburn Stone, Nigel Bruce, Halliwell Hobbes, Ma...
'Sherlock Holmes in Washington' (1942) - When a British secret agent carrying vital documents is kidnapped on his way to Washington, the ministry call... Read more
Sherlock Holmes: A Scandal in Bohemia / The Dancing Men (1984)
7.6/10
Director: Paul Annett, John Bruce
Starring: Jeremy Brett, David Burke, Rosalie Williams
Sherlock Holmes is again on the case with Jeremy Brett in the role of the clever sleuth and David Burke as his trusty friend and assistant Dr Watson.... Read more