Customer Reviews

Books Into Film: The Stuff That Dreams Are Made of

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This was written by the editor of FIRSTS magazine, the publication for those who collect or are simply interested in first editions and other collectable books.

Each essay in the book features a picture of the dustjacket of the first edition discussed, along with the story of the book and the film made from the book, the side story of how the film was adapted, the players involved, and sometimes a plot analysis.

This book has led me to discover, or rediscover, many of the classics I had previously passed over. James Hilton's FAR HORIZON, for instance, which differs from the movies made from it, although the movies have their special value too. William Faulkner's INTRUDER IN THE DUST, Harper Lee's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, B. Traven's THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, John Le Carre's THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, Erskine Caldwell's TOBACCO ROAD, James Jones's FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, Walter Van Tilburg Clark's THE OX-BOW INCIDENT, and many, many others.

Some of the selections are well known classics; others are little known gems, ripe for rediscovery. Each book/film essay runs three or four pages, and the author shares his own favorites and insights. It is a handsome volume in hardcover, with the Maltese Falcon on the dustjacket, with about 275 pages and an easy-to-read print. It is full of delights.

For instance: Of Jessamyn West's THE FRIENDLY PERSUASION, the author says his favorite episode is when Jess, the father in the family played by Gary Cooper in the movie, becomes "morbidly interested in a "wen"--a small growth--on his neck. He is convinced the wen is a sign of some fatal disease and that he is going to die. He plans to visit his parents' church as a farewell to life. Jess packs up his new nursery stock and sets out to visit his customers."

"On the trip, he finds that one customer after another has real trouble. Jess's obsession with the wen fades as he is confronted with others' genuine afflictions. His last stop is the most disturbing. A young woman is desperately ill; her weak husband, perceiving trouble, has left her alone to die. Jess spends the evening comforting her and listening to her talk. When he returns home, the ordinary wen has returned to its proper perspective: a small, harmless bump on his neck."

I'd seen the movie and read the book long ago, but I could not recall that incident--until I read of it again in here. Now I see it afresh, in context with the making of the book and the making of the movie from the book.

If you are looking for a gift for the film buff or the first edition collector, you cannot go wrong here, as this one brims with such delightful items.

Highly recommended.