Book Vs Movie Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Valley Girl (1983) Nicolas Cage, Deborah Foreman, Martha Coolidge, and Frank & Moon Zappa Jul 09, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Valley GirlsThe Frank & Moon Zappa Song Vs. the 1983 Classic Film
We know that Frank Zappa did not authorize using the song Valley Girl (co-written with his 14-year-old daughter Moon Unit in 1982.) But we had to cover this movie because if there was ever a song that influenced the culture of the early 80s --this was it.
Moon Zappa is the oldest child of the late Frank Zappa, and after spending most of her childhood waiting for her dad to make time for her, she reached out to him with his favorite love language--snarky lyrics. Using expressions from her peers in the San Fernando Valley--the Zappas created a song that lampoons the white bread, snotty culture of “Vals.”
The fact it became a hit song (and Frank’s only Top 40 single) shocked everyone involved.
The producers of the 1983 film tried to get Frank to sign the rights but only with the overall approval of the script and music. The film, directed by Martha Coolidge and starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman, became a classic teen film that must have stung Frank, who sued the producers as Valley 9000 and lost.
So what are the main differences between the song and the film? Which version did the Margos like better? Have a listen and find out!
This episode is sponsored by Baker Publishing Group, With Every Memory by author Janine Rosche:
"At its heart, With Every Memory is the story of what happens when an already-broken family loses the one person holding them together. Lori Mendenhall returns home to a family she barely recognizes after the same car accident that killed her son stole the last eight years of memories from her. Lori’s once-loving husband is a stoic workaholic with questionable intentions, and her teenage daughter has been chewed up and spit out by the world following the loss of her twin brother. As Lori’s good and bad memories resurface, she must decide whether the family she’s returned to is beyond hope. "
In this ep the Margos discuss:

The effect Valley Girl (the song) had on teens at the time
The surprising old-fashioned love story (based lightly on Romeo & Juliet)
The outstanding soundtrack
The cast of the 1983 film: Nicolas Cage (Randy,) Deborah Foreman (Julie,) Elizabeth Daily (Loryn,) Michael Bowen (Tommy,) Cameron Dye (Fred,) Heid Holicker (Stacey,) Michelle Meyrink (Suzi,) Lee Purcell (Beth,) Richard Sanders (Driver’s Ed teacher,) Colleen Camp (Sarah Richman,) and Frederic Forrest as Steve Richman.

Clips used:

Valley Girl (Frank Zappa)
Good Morning America, September 12, 1982, Moon & Frank Zappa interview)
Nina Blackwood & Frank Zappa on MTV October 1981
Valley Girl 1983 trailer)
“I’m totally not in love with you!”
“Let’s get out of here.”
Meeting Julie’s dad
Homecoming fight scene
Music: Melt With You by Modern English

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network.
Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
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Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Rumble Fish (1983) Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane, & Nicolas Cage Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Rumble Fish
The 1975 Novel Vs. the 1983 Movie
Rusty James is a 14-year-old kid in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who lives a troubled life in 1975’s Rumble Fish, written by former teen sensation S.E. Hinton who published her first work (the YA classic The Outsiders while a freshman in college in 1967.
James spends his days getting into fights, hanging out with best friend Steve, trying to find time for his girlfriend Patty, and, most of all, idolizing his older brother, The Motorcycle Boy. The events leading up to his time in the reformatory make up for the main action, and the audience sympathizes with a kid who can’t seem to catch a break.
The 1983 film was co-written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Simultaneously, he created The Outsiders adaptation, which would become a cult classic. With some of the same cast members (including Matt Dillon and Diane Lane) and the addition of Mickey Rourke, Nicolas Cage, and Dennis Hopper--Coppola aims for a French New Wave look and feel. Filmed on video and in black and white, the movie has been a mainstay at film festivals and retrospectives for decades.
With her flair for getting into the minds of her teen subjects and realistic portrayals of angst and loneliness--Hinton is a legend in the world of YA Fiction, and her films remain popular with her fans.
So what are the main differences between the book and the film? Which version did the Margos like better? Have a listen!
In this ep the Margos discuss:

The background of S.E. Hinton and her unusual career
The changes Coppola made with the original story.
The cast of the 1983 film: Matt Dillon (Rusty James,) Mickey Rourke (The Motorcycle Boy,) Diane Lane (Patty,) Dennis Hopper (Father,) Diana Scarwid (Cassandra,) Vincent Spano (Steve,) Nicolas Cage (Smokey,) Chris Penn (BJ Jackson,) Lawrence Fishburne (“Midget,”) William Smith (Officer Patterson,) Glenn Withrow (Biff,) Tom Waits (Benny, the Bartender,) Sofia Coppola (Donna,) and S.E. Hinton in a cameo performance.

Clips used:

The Motor Cycle Boy talks about his mother in California
Rusty Jones commercial (1982)
Rumble Fish 1983 trailer
Planning a rumble
Dillon and Lane talk about an artistic choice of Coppla’s (Criterion Channel)
Rusty and Steve talk
Rusty, The Motorcycle Boy and Father
The Motorcycle Boy and Rusty at the pet shop
Music: Stewart Copeland & Stan Ridgeway's “Don’t Box Me In”

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Children's Hour (1961) & These Three (1936) Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, & Lillian Hellman Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: The Children’s Hour
The 1934 Play Vs. the 1936 ("These Three") & 1961 Adaptation
Lillian Hellman’s first play, The Children’s Hour, caused a sensation in 1934 when it debuted on Broadway with the tale of two schoolteachers accused of being lesbians when homosexuality was illegal in much of the U.S. The show was so scandalous that a Chicago run was canceled. Hellman always stated that the play's moral was about the power of lies and how they can affect an entire community.
In 1936, Hellman wrote the screenplay for its first adaptation, These Three, starring Merle Oberon, Miriam Hopkins, and Joel McRea, jettisoning the lesbian subplot. It was directed by William Wyler, who reluctantly allowed the changes due to the Hays Code but was eager to take on the material again one day.
In this episode, the Margos talk about the 1936 & 1961 adaptations with most of the original script intact, both directed by Wyler.
The story takes place in New England with two friends who run an all-girls boarding school and have a student who gossips about their relationship. While the parents are upset about having lesbians around their children, Karen and Martha fight for their careers and reputation.
What are the other differences between the original play and the film? Which version did the Margos like better? Have a listen!
In this ep the Margos discuss:

Playwright Lillian Hellman and her politics
The censoring of the original work to film
The cast of the 1961 film: Audrey Hepburn (Karen,) Shiley MacLaine (Martha,) James Garner (Joe,) Miriam Hopkins (Lily,) Fay Bainter (Amelia,) Karen Balkin (Mary,) Veronica Cartwright (Rosalie,) and Mimi Gibson as Evelyn.

Clips used:

Aunt Lily confronts Martha
These Three trailer (1936)
The Children’s Hour (1961 trailer)
BBC 1971 play
Mary and Cousin Joe talk
The coming-out scene
Karen announces her wedding day
Music: Alex North

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network.
Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, & Tennessee Williams Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The 1955 Play Vs. the 1958 Classic Film
The Margos are feeling very Southern in this episode devoted to the work of Tennessee Williams and his personal favorite work--Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The 1955 play was based on his 1952 short story “Three Plays of a Summer Game” and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama during its Broadway debut. The story of the Pollitt family in the Mississippi Delta and their personal grievances and torturous secrets was considered incredibly raw and racy for the conservative 1950s.
The 1955 play was directed by Elia Kazan and starred future Dallas star Barbara Bel Geddes as Maggie “The Cat” Pollitt and Ben Gazzara as Brick Pollitt. Burl Ives (“Big Daddy”) and Madeleine Sherwood (“Sister Woman”) would go on to star in the film adaptation in 1958. Bel Geddes and Kazan were nominated for the Tony Award in the original production, and the themes of homophobia, family bonds, and sexism excited audiences then and to this day.
The film was directed and adapted by Richard Brooks during a time known as the “Hays Code,” which meant the homosexual yearnings expressed by Brick Pollitt (played by Paul Newman in the movie) for his recently deceased best friend Skipper had to be downplayed. Also, the character of Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor in an Academy Award-winning performance) is more toned down and “likable” to ensure not to offend movie-goer sensitivities.
What are the other differences between the original play and the film? Which version did the Margos like better? Have a listen!
In this ep the Margos discuss:

Playwright Tennessee Williams and how this particular story evolved
The censoring of the original work to film
Why the play endures.
The cast of the 1958 film: Elizabeth Taylor (Maggie Pollitt,) Paul Newman (Brick Pollitt,) Burl Ives (“Big Daddy” Pollitt,) Jack Carson (Gooper Pollitt,) Judith Anderson (“Big Momma” Pollitt,) Madeleine Sherwood (“Sister Woman” Pollitt,) Larry Gates (Dr. Baugh) and Vaughn Taylor as Deacon Davis.

Clips used:

Maggie & Brick talk about Skipper
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958 trailer)
Ben Gazarra and 1955 clip Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Brick and Big Daddy
“Mendacity”
Music: Charles Wollcott

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Strangers on a Train (1952) Farley Granger, Robert Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, & Patricia Highsmith Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Strangers on a Train
The 1950 Novel Vs. the 1951 Classic Film
The Margos return to Alfred Hitchcock with his classic thriller Strangers on a Train, based on Patricia Highsmith’s debut novel. The story of two men meeting up and deciding to commit double murder in just a few hours may strain credulity--but it is a fun story ride!
In the novel, budding architect Guy Haines meets wealthy gadabout Charles Anthony Bruno (called Bruno throughout the book) on a train ride to Texas. Guy wants to divorce his cheating (and pregnant) wife, Miriam, to marry his true love, Anne Faulkner. Bruno has a father who wants him to grow up and be more responsible, while he would rather travel, drink, and spend his family’s money.
Bruno proposes they kill the person in their lives holding back their happiness. Guy agrees to escape the conversation and is shocked when Bruno strangles Miriam to death. Bruno now wants a favor in return.
Highsmith was a master of thrills and suspense with several books, including “The Talented Mr. Ripley” series. Her private life consisted of several relationships with both men and women, including a married psychologist who helped her with theories about sociopaths and psychopaths.
She was surprised to find her book sold to Alfred Hitchcock for $7500 and angry her agent did not ask for more. (Hitch was known for his secrecy.) The movie adaptation changed her setting from the South and Southwest to NYC and Washington, DC, and included a gay subtext about the relationship between the lead characters.
In an adapted script by Raymond Chandler and Czenzi Ormonde, Guy becomes a tennis pro who ultimately cannot go through with the killing of Bruno’s father. (Spoilers in this episode!)
What are the other differences between the book and the film? And which version did the Margos like better? Have a listen!
In this ep the Margos discuss:

Author Patricia Highsmith
The clever plot and how it has been used over the years.
Hitchcock’s work ethic and how it influenced the film.
The cast of the 1951 film: Farley Granger (Guy,) Robert Walker (Bruno,) Ruth Roman (Anne Morton,) Leo G. Carroll (Senator Morton,) Patricia Hitchcock (Barbara Morton,) Kasey Rogers (Miriam,) Marion Lorne (Mrs. Anthony,) Jonathan Hale (Mr. Anthony,) Howard St. John (Capt. Turley,) John Brown (Professor Collins,) Norma Varden (Mrs. Cunningham) and Robert Gist as Detective Hennessey.

Clips used:

Pitch for “the perfect murder”
Strangers on a Train (1951 trailer)
Bruno and Guy meet
Bruno at home with his mother
Miriam goes bye-bye
Guy’s alibi
Bruno touches a guest
Music: Dimitri Tiomkin

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network.
Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie
Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/
Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. @BrooklynMargo www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Last Picture Show (1971) Jeff Bridges, Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, Peter Bogdanovich & Larry McMurtry Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: The Last Picture Show
The Larry McMurtry 1966 Novel Vs. the 1971 Peter Bogdanovich Film
The Margos put on a Texas-sized episode of Book vs. Movie with The Last Picture Show--both the 1966 novel by Larry McMurtry and the 1971 film by Peter Bogdanovich. Both tell the tale of lonely people living in a forgotten Texas city with barely enough room for their hopes and dreams.
McMurtry was a native of Archer City, Texas, born in 1936. When he was young, his family did not own many books and relied on oral storytelling to pass the time. A graduate of both the University of North Texas and Rice University, he would go on to create the town of Thalia as a stand-in for his native land to become the “Thalia: A Texas Trilogy,” which includes Horseman, Pass By (adapted into the 1963 Hud,) Leaving for Cheyenne (adapted into the film Lovin’ Molly in 1974) and 1966’s The Last Picture Show.
He would go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for Lonesome Dove, and his status as a top-notch writer and collector of antique books held throughout his life.
The story of Sonny, Duane, Jacy, Ruth, Billy, and more would become a huge part of the film culture. The movie earned over $20 million at the box office on a small production budget and eight nominations for Academy Awards in 1972. It is listed in the United States National Film Registry.
At the time of production, the town of Archer City (named Anarene in the film) was scandalized by both the book and the movie. By the time the 1990 sequel Texasville was filmed in the same location and most of the original cast, the town had forgiven them all for the risque material.
So between the short story and movie--which did the Margos like better?
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The bios of McMurtry & Bogdanovich
The differences between the book and movie
Peter Bogdanovich on Dick Cavett 1971
Karina Longworth’s Polly Platt series on You Must Remember This
The cast of the 1971 film: Timothy Bottoms (Sonny,) Jeff Bridges (Duane,) Cybill Shepherd (Jacy,) Ben Johnson (Sam the Lion,) Cloris Leachman (Ruth Popper,) Ellen Burstyn (Lois,) Eileen Brennan (Genevieve,) Clu Gulager (Abilene,) Sam Bottoms (Billy,) Randy Quaid (Lester Marlow,) Gary Brockette (Bobby,) Sharon Taggart (Charlene,) and Bill Thurman as Coach Popper.

Clips used:

“Going to Mexico”
The Last Picture Show (1971 trailer)
School Fight Song
Broken Bottle Fight
“Never You Mind”
Texasville (1990 Trailer)
Music: “Cold, Cold Heart” by Hank Williams

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Blow-Up (1966) David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles, The Yardbirds, & Michelangelo Antonioni May 29, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: Blow-Up
The Julio Cortazar Short Story Vs. the Michelangelo Antonio Movie
The Margos are feeling very mod today with this particular episode. We talk about Michelangelo Antonini, one of the most revered directors of the 1960s & 1970s, with a Palm d’Or, the Golden Lion, the Golden Bread, and the Golden Leopard among his film accomplishments. 1966’s Blow-Up is his biggest English language hit, and it captured the New Wave movement in modern filmmaking.
The original story is from Julio Cortazar in a short story titled “Las Babas del Diablo,” written in 1959. The symbolism-heavy story is told with several unreliable narrators and the artist's relationship to their medium. Our protagonist is Roberto, a French-Chilean translator who loves photography and may or may not be connected to reality. He remembers watching a middle-aged woman in a park with a teenage boy. Is she procuring him for an older man? Roberto takes photographs and obsesses over the crime about to happen.
The 1966 film (Antonioni’s first English-speaking production) follows Thomas (David Hemmings,) a fashion photographer in demand who obsesses over antiques and modernism. The movie also stars Vanessa Redgrave as a woman being photographed by Thomas in a clinch with an older man. She tries to seduce the roll of film from him after following him home. But he keeps the original and discovers, after blowing up the negatives) that he might have uncovered a murder.
Thomas travels through underground London (via The Yardbirds) and the pastoral field, seeking the truth.
So between the short story and movie--which did the Margos like better?
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The bios of Antonioni & Cortazar
The mod movement of the 1960s London.
The cast of the 1966 film: David Hemmings (Thomas,) Vanessa Redgrave (Jane,) Sarah Miles (Patricia,) John Castle (Bill,) Jane Birkin (the Blonde,) Gillian Hillis (the Brunette,) Peter Bowles (Ron,) Veruschka von Lehndorff (herself,) Jimmy Page (The Yardbirds,) Jeff Beck (The Yardbirds) and Keith Relf vocalist for The Yardbirds

Clips used:

Vanessa Redgrave and David Hemmings
Blow-Up (1966 trailer)
Thomas directs models
Thomas instructs Jane to move against the beat
The Yardbirds in Blow-Up
Jane Birkin models
Music: Blow-Up soundtrack, Herbert Hancock

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

RIP Tina Turner (1939-2023) What's Love Got...I, Tina REPLAY EP MAY 2023 May 24, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs Movie: “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1993)
Tina Turner’s 1986 Autobiography “I, Tina” Vs. the Angela Bassett Film
RIP Tina! (1939-1983)
With Tina Turner finally being nominated for a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination as a solo artist--the Margos decided now was the time to take a look at her life story (up to the age of 46) with her 80s bestselling autobiography (co-written by Kurt Loder!)
“I, Tina” and compare it with the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Anna Mae Bullock of Natbush, Tennessee, began her life sticking out in her Baptist choirs as a child and grew up to be one of the biggest stars in the world. From the moment she met Ike Turner--her life went on a trajectory of fame, struggle, acclaim, and abuse to reaching the Guinness World Book Of Records for the World’s Largest Playing Audience at 180,000.
The movie based on “I, Tina,” was directed by Brian Gibson and stars Angela Bassett and Tina Turner, and Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner, focusing mainly on their marriage and career highlights. Both actors were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances, and the film was a financial and critical success at the time. So between the autobiography & movie--which did we like better? In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The life story of Tina Turner
How Hollywood changed the narrative to fit a more conventional telling of the rock biopic.
The cast: Angela Bassett (Tina Turner,) Laurence Fishburne (Ike Turner,) Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (Alline Bullock,) Sherman Augustus (Reggie,) Vanessa Bell Calloway (Jackie,) Khandi Alexander (Darlene,) Penny Johnson Jerald (Lorraine Taylor,) and Rob LaBelle (Phil Spector.)

Clips used:

What’s Love Got to Do With It trailer
Tina escapes to another hotel
“Rolling on the River”
Music by Tina Turner

Join our Patreon page to help support the show! https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/
Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargo
Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here!
Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/
Margo P’s Blog https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993) Vs. "Be Water, My Friend" Jason Scott Lee, Lauren Holly, & Shannon Lee May 20, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Dragon: The Bruce Lee StoryThe Shannon Lee Book/Memoir Vs. the 1993 Biopic
Bruce Lee is one of the biggest martial artists of all time and created the style Jeet Kune Do, which caused controversy within the martial arts community. As a Chinese-American, he wanted to spread the word to anyone eager to learn and not keep secrets. He also believed in pushing himself to the limit in everything he did, which caused friction in Hollywood and Hong Kong film communities.
Born Lee Jun-fan November 27, 1940, in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong by parents who tried to keep their smart, energetic son who would get into street fights in the 1950s. After being sent back to America to get his act together, Lee became more interested in school (mainly history and philosophy) and brought his new martial arts ideas to eager Bay Area students to Seattle.
After demonstrating his new brand of Kung Fu in a 1964 championship in Long Beach, California, Hollywood came calling for Lee. His early years as a child movie actor in Hong Kong came in handy with his series The Green Hornet, playing sidekick Kato. Though it only lasted one season, it helped gain a worldwide fan base.
Heading back to his childhood home, Lee produced, wrote, and acted in several films that are now considered Kung Fu classics, including The Big Boss & Fists of Fury. When he passed mysteriously on July 20, 1973, he was still producing what would become his biggest film, Enter the Dragon.
His death at the age of 32 by Cerebral Edema has been explored dozens of times over the last fifty years, with the latest theory being he had too much water in his system, and his kidneys could not function properly.
The irony is that we are pairing the 1993 movie Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (starring Jason Scott Lee and Lauren Holly) with Shannon Lee’s 2020 book Be Water My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee. One of his key philosophies was to “be like water” in dealing with all aspects of life.
Linda Lee wrote her account of Lee’s life in 1989’s The Bruce Lee Story, co-written with her ex-husband. (We have thoughts about his later Lee books and claims!) Shannon helped produce the excellent documentary “30 For 30: Be Water” and How Bruce Lee Changed the World.
So between the book and movie--which did the Margos like better?
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The life of Bruce Lee
Why 50 years after his death, and why is he still a superstar all this time later?
Quentin Tarantino’s use of Lee in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
The cast of the 1993 film: Jason Scott Lee (Bruce Lee,) Lauren Holly (Linda Lee,) Robert Wagner (Bill Krieger,) Luoyong Wang (Yip Man,) Michael Learned (Viven Emery,) Nancy Kawn (Gussie Yang,) Lim Kay-tong (Phillip Tan,) Ric Yong (Bruce’s father,) Sterling Macer (Jerome Sprout,) Van Williams (The Geen Hornet,) and Rob Cohen as the director.

Clips used:

“Conquer your fears”
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993 trailer)
Bruce fights sailors in Hong Kong
Bruce fights students in Seattle
Linda’s mother is not happy about this romance
Bruce defeats his demon
"Be Water My Friend"
Music: Randy Edelman

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Laura (1944) Gene Tierney, Vincent Price, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, Otto Preminger & Vera Caspary May 15, 2023

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: Laura
The 1943 Novel Vs. the 1944 Classic Film
The Margos continue with the 1940s with the film noir genre--Laura starring the gorgeous Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb, and Vincent Price. Based on the 1943 novel Ring Twice for Laura by Vera Caspary, the story of the mysterious Laura Hunt, who is found murdered (or was she?), was initially serialized in Collier's magazine in October and November 1942. It became a hit novel and was released as an Armed Services Edition to the troops in World War 2.
Narrated in the first person, “Laura” is going murdered at her apartment door with her face left unrecognizable. Detective Mark McPherson tries to find her killer and focuses on her former lover, Waldo Lydecker, and her finance Shelby Carpenter. In the middle of the investigation, Laura shows up, surprised that someone was killed in her place. So who is the real victim and killer?
The movie, directed by Otto Preminger, brings Gene Tierney as Laura, and from there, the character of Lydecker changes from an obese restauranter to a lanky writer who works in his tub. Dana Andrews plays the detective who falls in love with Laura (and who can blame him?!)
The film's production had intense disagreements between the movie studio, the actors, the directors hired, and even columnist Walter Winchell had a say in the plot. But it is now considered a movie classic.
So between the book and movie--which did the Margos like better?
In this ep the Margos discuss:

The life of writer Vera Casparay
The intriguing plot and why it is considered a mystery/romance picture
The troubled production
The cast of the 1944 film: Gene Tierney (Laura Hunt,) Dana Andrews (Mark McPherson,) Vincent Price (Shelby Carpenter,) and Judith Anderson playing Ann Treadwell.

Clips used:

“Laura” (1944) theme
Mark McPherson calls Laura a “dame.”
Christopher Cross “Laura”
Laura (1945 trailer)
Mark McPherson meets Waldo Lydecker
Laura meets Shelby
“The interrogation scene”
Music: David Raskin and Johnny Mercer

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
Join our Patreon page to help support the show!
https://www.patreon.com/bookversusmovie
Book Vs. Movie podcast https://www.facebook.com/bookversusmovie/
Twitter @bookversusmovie www.bookversusmovie.com
Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D. @BrooklynMargo www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

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