Book Vs Movie Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Gypsy (1962) Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, Ethel Merman, Natalie Wood, & Rosalind Russell Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Gypsy
The 1957 Memoir Vs. the 1962 Movie
“Musicals in March!”
The Margos celebrate another “Musicals in March” episode with Gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee’s 1957 memoir tells her real-life story of growing up in vaudeville and burlesque under the domineering influence of her mother, Rose Hovick. It paints a detailed picture of her childhood alongside her more naturally talented younger sister, June (later June Havoc), and how Gypsy (born Louise Hovick) eventually became the most famous burlesque performer of her time. The book is witty and self-deprecating and offers an unvarnished yet entertaining look at her complex relationship with her mother.
The movie Gypsy is based on the successful 1959 Broadway musical by Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents, rather than directly on the memoir. It follows the same structure as the stage show, focusing on Rose Hovick’s relentless push to make her daughters stars, culminating in Gypsy’s rise to fame. However, because it was a Hollywood film, it softened some of the grittier aspects of Gypsy’s story.
So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

A look at the career of Gypsy Rose Lee
The different Broadway productions over the years
The cast includes Rosalind Russell (Rose Hovick,) Natalie Wood (Louise Hovick/Gypsy Rose Lee,) Karl Malden (Herbie Sommers,) Paul Wallace (Tulsa,) Ann Jillian (Dainty June,) Morgan Brittany (Baby June,) Parley Bear (Mr. Kringelein,) Harry Shannon (Grandpa,) Betty Bruce (Tessie Tura,) Faith Dane (Mazeppa,) Roxanne Arlen (Electra,) and Jean Willes as Betty Cratchitt.

Clips Featured:

“Natalie Wood as Gypsy”
Ethel Merman on the Perry Como show in 1960
Gypsy (1962 trailer)
“Dainty June & Her Boys”
“Everything is Coming Up Roses” (Rosalind Russell)
“Little Lamb”
“Let Me Entertain You”
Music by Jule Styne & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Wicked (2024) Gregory Maguire, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, & Michelle Yeoh Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Wicked
The 2004 Musical Vs. the 2024 Movie
"Musicals in March"
The "Wicked" movie is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West; the book (for the play) was written by Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show had its initial tryout in San Francisco in 2003 before moving to Broadway, where it has enjoyed a successful two-decade run despite receiving mixed reviews.
This success is primarily attributed to its loyal fan base. Part One concludes with the iconic song "Defying Gravity," setting the stage for Part Two, which explores the consequences of Elphaba’s rebellion. The film utilizes CGI and elaborate sets to vividly portray the magical world of Oz in ways that the stage cannot replicate.
So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

A brief look at the 1995 novel
The path to Broadway to the Jon M. Chu film
The cast includes Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba,) Ariana Grande (Glinda,) Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero,) Ethan Slater (Boq Woodsman,) Bowen Yang (Pfanne,) Peter Dinklage (Dr. Dillamond,) Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible,) Jeff Goldblum (Wizard of Oz,) Marissa Bode (Nessarose,) Bronwyn James (Shenshen) and Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp.

Clips Featured:

“Glinda makes a ball gown”
"Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda at the 2004 Tony Awards"
"Indina Menzel as Elphaba at the 2004 Tony Awards"
Wicked (Part 1 2024 trailer)
“What is this feeling?”
“Defying gravity”
Music by John Powell and Stephen Schwartz

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Piano Lesson (2024) August Wilson, Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, & John David Washington Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
The Piano Lesson
The 1987 August Wilson Play Vs. the 2024
Netflix AdaptationAugust Wilson's *The Piano Lesson*, first staged in 1987 and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990, centers on siblings Berniece and Boy Willie as they clash over a family heirloom—the intricately carved piano symbolizing their ancestors' struggles. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the play explores themes of heritage, trauma, and the tension between honoring the past and moving forward. The 2024 film adaptation, directed by Malcolm Washington and produced by Denzel Washington, stars John David Washington as Boy Willie, Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece, and Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker. This version promises a fresh retelling with a broader setting and enhanced visuals, including supernatural elements like Sutter's ghost.
So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out in this ep; the Margos discuss:

August Wilson’s life and work.
The multiple changes between the play and the 2024 film
The cast includes Samuel L. Jackson (Doaker,) John David Washington (Boy Willie,) Danielle Deadwyler (Berniece,) Ray Fisher (Lymon,) Corey Hawkins (Avery,) Michael Potts (Winning Boy,) Skylar Aleece Smith (Maretha,) Stephen James (Boy Charles,) Erykah Badu (Lucille,) and Malik J. Lai as Wili Boy

Clips Featured:

“Oh Lord, Berta”
The Paino Player (2024 trailer)
“Berneice and Avery”
“Berneice and Boy Willie”
“1995 Oh Lord, Berta scene.”
“Berneice and Lymon”
The end scene
Soundtrack for The Piano Lesson (2024)

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Hate U Give (2018) Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, & Anthony Mackie Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: The Hate U Give
The 2017 Book by Angie Thomas & the 2018 Film
The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas and adapted into a 2018 film directed by George Tillman Jr., presents a powerful narrative about race, identity, and activism. While the book and the movie follow the same core story—Starr Carter witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil and navigating the aftermath—they differ in several ways. The Margos take a look at both in this episode. Which did we prefer—the book or the movie?
Click on the link below to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

Author Angie Thomas and the book’s unusual path to adaptation.
The true-life murders that inspired the story
The cast includes Amandla Sternberg (Starr Carter), Regina Hall (Lisa Carter), Russell Hornsby (Maverick Carter), Algee Smith (Khalil Harris), Lamar Johnson (Seven Carter), Issa Rae (April), KJ Apa (Chris Bryant), Common (Carlos), Anthony Mackie (King), Sabrina Carpenter (Hailey Grant), and Drew Starkey as Brian McIntosh Jr.

Clips Featured:

“Starr Codeswitching at School”
The Hate U Give trailer
“Opening scene with instructions on how to act in case of police interference.”
“THUG Opening scene”
“Chris and Starr”
“Sabrina (Hailey) gets wailed upon and deserves it’
“Seven Point Scene”
“Sekani gun scene.”
Music by Dustin O’Halloran
The closing song by Arlissa, “We Won’t Move.”

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Warriors (1979) with special guest Baseball Fury Rob Ryder Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: The Warriors
Special Interview With Screenwriter & Author Rob Ryder
Plus, a Replay of our 2020 ep!
The Margos revisit a special episode dedicated to the cult classic film *The Warriors*, based on Sol Yurick's book. Directed by Walter Hill and released in 1979, the movie was a hit but faced backlash due to real-life gang violence, leading studios to halt its promotion. It became a staple of 1980s television and is now considered a modern classic for its comic book sensibility in depicting urban decay. Yurick wrote the original story in 1965, inspired by his experiences with teenagers while working for New York City's welfare department after college.
This episode includes an interview with screenwriter and author Rob Ryder, who contributed to the film and wrote *Purple Fury: Rumbling With the Warriors*. So, which did we prefer—the book or the movie? Click on the link below to find out!
In this ep the Margos discuss:

The life story of Sol Yurick
New York City in the 1960s and 1970s
Trivia about the shooting of the film
The cast which includes: Michael Beck (Swan,) James Remar (Ajax,) Dorsey Wright (Cleon,) Brian Tyler (Snow,) David Harris (Cochise,) Tom McKitterick (Cowboy,) Marcelino Sanchez (Rembrandt,) Terry Michos (Vermin,) Deborah Van Valkenburgh (Mercy,) Roger Hill (Cyrus,) David Patrick Kelly (Luther,) Lynne Thigpen (D.J.,) and Mercedes Ruehl (policewoman.)

Clips Featured:

The Warriors trailer
“Warriors, come out to play!” (David Patrick Kelly)
Luther “Can you dig it?” (Roger Hill)
The D.J. warns The Warriors (Lynne Thigpen)
Outro music: Composer Barry DeVorzon

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985) Cyndi Lauper, Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt & Robert Hazard! Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Cyndi Lauper Hit Vs. the Sarah Jessica Parker Movie
The 1985 film *Girls Just Want to Have Fun* is a beloved teen dance comedy inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song. The story follows Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker), a dance-loving teen who moves to Chicago with her strict military father. Encouraged by her quirky friend Lynne (Helen Hunt), Janey auditions for the TV show *Dance TV* and teams up with working-class Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) to pursue their dance dreams, facing rivals and romance. The film also features Shannen Doherty as Jeff’s sister and Jonathan Silverman as his goofy best friend.
So which did the Margos prefer? The original song by Robert Hazard or the 1985 film? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The careers of Cyndi Lauper and Robert Hazard in the early 1980s
How the film was adapted from the song
The Movie Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Janey Glenn,) Helen Hunt (Lynn Stone,) Lee Montgomery (Jeff Malene,) Jonathan Silverman (Drew Boreman,) and Shannon Doherty as Maggie Malene.

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:

“Girls” remake song and early scene
Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985 trailer)
Roger Ebert’s 1985 review of Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Audition scene
“Dance TV”
“Party invasion scene”
Music by Deborah Galli with Tami

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

"Meet John Doe" (1941) Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Frank Capra & Richard Connell Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: Meet John Doe
The 1922 Short Story Vs. the 1941 Film
Frank Capra’s 1941 film *Meet John Doe* is often described as “based on a story by Richard Connell and Robert Presnell.” Unlike Connell’s famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” the source material for *Meet John Doe* was based on a short story, “A Reputation,” which appeared in 1922 in Century Magazine. The original work and the final film critique how newspapers—and media moguls—shape public sentiment for their own purposes. Starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, the film was a significant box office success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Story, with Capra opting for a more hopeful ending than the original.
So which did we prefer? The original short story of the Capra movie? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The works of both Richard Connell and Frank Capra
The differences between the short story & 1941 film
The Movie Cast: Gary Cooper (John Doe,) Barbara Stanwyck (Ann Mitchell,) Edward Arnold (D.B. Norton,) Walter Brennan (The Colonel,) Spring Byington (Mrs. Mitchell,) James Gleason (Henry Connell,) and Gene Lockhart as Mayor Lovett.

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:

Gary Cooper as “John Doe”
Meet John Doe (1941 trailer)
“Love thy neighbor.”
“John Doe’s speech”
“John at the bridge”
“Last scene”
Music by Dimitri Tiomkin

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

The Odd Couple (1968) Neil Simon, Walter Matthau, and Jack Lemon Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: The Odd Couple
The 1965 Play Vs. the 1968 Film
The Margos are feeling very neighborly in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, which began as a stage play, premiering on Broadway in 1965, and it quickly became one of Simon’s most famous works. The 1968 film adaptation, directed by Gene Saks and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, brought the story to an even wider audience. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The 1965 play by Neil Simon
The differences between the book & 1968 film
The Movie Cast: Jack Lemmon (Felix Unger,) Walter Matthau (Oscar Madison,) Herb Edelman (Murray,) John Fielder (Vinnie,) David Sheiner (Roy,) Larry Haines (Speed,) Monica Evans (Cecily Pigeon,) Carole Shelley (Gwendolyn Pigeon,) Billie Bird (Chambermaid,) and Iris Adrian as the Waitress.

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:

“Throw the Mug”
The Odd Couple (1968 trailer)
“Poker Game”
“The Pigeon Sisters”
“Cleaning the Apartment”
Music by Neal Hefti

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

84 Charing Cross Road (1987) Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, & Helene Hanff Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie: 84 Charing Cross Road
The 1970 Book Vs. the 1987 Film
"84, Charing Cross Road" began as a slim epistolary book by American author Helene Hanff, first published in 1970. The book documents a warm, real-life correspondence between Hanff, an avid reader in New York City, and the antiquarian bookshop Marks & Co. staff at 84 Charing Cross Road in London. It was later adapted into a film in 1987, directed by David Hugh Jones and starring Anne Bancroft as Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins as Frank Doel, her primary correspondent at the bookshop. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out !
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

The story behind the 1970 memoir
The differences between the book & 1987 film
The Movie Cast: Anne Bancroft (Helene Hanff,) Anthony Hopkins (Frank Doel,) Judi Dench (Nora Doel,) Maurice Deanham (George Martin,) Mercedes Ruehl (Kay,) Daniel Gerroll (Brain,) Wendy Morgan (Megan Wells,) and Ian McNiece (Bill Humphries.).

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:

“Frank almost meets Helene at the bookshop.”
84 Charing Cross Road (1987 trailer)
“Frank writes to Helene”
“Frank and Helene talk to the camera.”
Music by George Fenton

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Scrooged (1988) Charles Dickens, Bill Murray, Bobcat Goldthwait, & the Solid Gold Dancers! Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Book Vs. Movie:
Scrooged
The Charles Dickens Classic Vs. the 1988 Film
After ten years of producing special holiday episodes in December, the Margos discovered that there are numerous versions of Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*. Everyone from the Fonz to Susan Lucci to Sir Patrick Stewart has portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in some adaptation. So, why not select one version each season to explore and celebrate? This week, we're focusing on the 1988 film *Scrooged*, featuring Bill Murray and Robert Donner. This version is a complex classic, notable for its high levels of cynicism but it still makes us laugh! Which version did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

How Charles Dickens “Saved” Christmas
The backstory of the movie
The Movie Cast: Bill Murray (Frank Cross,) Karen Allen (Claire,) John Forsythe (Lew,) John Glover (Brice Cummings,) Bobcat Goldthwait, David Johansen (Ghost of Christmas Past,) Carol Kane (Ghost of Christmas Present,) Robert Mitchum (Preston Rhinelander,) Nicholas Phillips (Calvin,) Alfre Woodard (Grace,) and Mabel King as Grandma.

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!)
Clips used:

Frank meets his first ghost
Scrooged (1988 trailer)
Lester Wilson and the Solid Gold Dancers
Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present
Bill Murray’s last speech in the film
Scrooged music by Danny Elfman

Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
Margo D’s TikTok
Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected