Marianne Arkins and I were talking about My Fair Lady the other day (we both love the movie!) so I decided to do today's Saturday Seven about books that are turned into musicals. If you are interested in reading the books and checking them out for yourself, just click on the book cover!
. So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorites:
1)
You might not know that Pygmalian by George Bernard Shaw is the source material for My Fair Lady. I much prefer the ending the movie has to that of the book.
2)
This is another one where I prefer the ending on the movie--much happier and I'm all about the HEA!
3)
Before the late, great Robin Williams lent his voice to the genie, "Aladdin" was one of the tales in The Book of One Thousand and One Nights.
4)
I would have loved to have seen Audrey Hepburn in the musical version (even though I love Leslie Caron as well!). Collette had actually chosen Audrey Hepburn to play the title role in the stage version (her first major role).
5)
I absolutely adore Roald Dahl's work and, especially, his children's books. This book was the inspiration of two very different musicals (and I love them both depending on the mood I'm in!). Willy Wonka has a special place in my heart and memory - it came out when I was in high school and stars the wonderful late Gene Wilder.
The Tim Burton version is closer to the original... imho, the music's not quite as good, but still worth checking out! I did enjoy it.
6)
I have to admit that in this particular case, I knew the musical (and loved all the music!) before I read the books. I'm so glad I had the chance to read the collection by P.L. Travers, though. And... as a side note, if you've not seen the story of Travers and Walt Disney, Saving Mr. Bank, give it a shot... I think you'll be glad you did.
7)
Finally, but certainly not least, is The Wizard of Oz. I don't remember ever not knowing the movie...I do remember being young enough that the flying monkeys scared me! I love the books AND the movie though. There was something magical about seeing the scene change from b&w to color!
And, there you have it! Hope you have enjoyed my walk down memory lane-- what is YOUR favorite book turned movie? (not necessarily musical) Check out the other Saturday Seven posts for today here.
I actually prefer the movie "Mary Poppins" to the books -- in the books the sweeter side of her stern, sour personality never really showed up. I didn't LIKE the Mary Poppins in the book, but I loved her in the movie. I'm a bit worried about the upcoming movie sequel...
I think a lot of older classics translate well into movies when done right, because some of the books can be tough to read. Dickens, for instance. His stories are amazing, but his writing can be difficult to get through. But the movies they've done (I saw David Copperfield in school--it was a mini-series done by the BBC, I believe) really managed to hold to the truths in his story, but get through the boring stuff.
Here is my Saturday Seven if you'd like to visit: http://www.mariannearkins.com/saturday-seven-seven-books-i-loved-as-a-kid/ Thanks!
My first experience reading The Little Mermaid was actually the original story that had a very sad ending. I was quite surprised by the Disney ending once I saw the animated version, but I was also glad to see Ariel get her happy ending.
I had no idea this story had been made into a musical, though. How neat!
Here is my Seven Saturday post: http://lydiaschoch.com/saturday-seven-cold-weather-reads :)
I'm such a neanderthal. I've never read ANY of the books the movies were made from. I love the songs from the original Willy Wonka - they were so fun, well, except for that weird boat ride. lol And the Little Mermaid movie? It's rewatchable and I love the music so hard! I'm glad it made it on your list.
Thanks for the movie memories! :)
Here's my Saturday Seven: https://msfavsthgz.blogspot.com/2018/01/7-authors-who-make-me-so.html
I actually prefer the movie "Mary Poppins" to the books -- in the books the sweeter side of her stern, sour personality never really showed up. I didn't LIKE the Mary Poppins in the book, but I loved her in the movie. I'm a bit worried about the upcoming movie sequel...
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of older classics translate well into movies when done right, because some of the books can be tough to read. Dickens, for instance. His stories are amazing, but his writing can be difficult to get through. But the movies they've done (I saw David Copperfield in school--it was a mini-series done by the BBC, I believe) really managed to hold to the truths in his story, but get through the boring stuff.
Here is my Saturday Seven if you'd like to visit: http://www.mariannearkins.com/saturday-seven-seven-books-i-loved-as-a-kid/ Thanks!
My first experience reading The Little Mermaid was actually the original story that had a very sad ending. I was quite surprised by the Disney ending once I saw the animated version, but I was also glad to see Ariel get her happy ending.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea this story had been made into a musical, though. How neat!
Here is my Seven Saturday post: http://lydiaschoch.com/saturday-seven-cold-weather-reads :)
Oh, these are fantastic. Thanks for getting my Saturday started with songs!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! And the original Willy Wonka will always be my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI'm such a neanderthal. I've never read ANY of the books the movies were made from. I love the songs from the original Willy Wonka - they were so fun, well, except for that weird boat ride. lol
ReplyDeleteAnd the Little Mermaid movie? It's rewatchable and I love the music so hard! I'm glad it made it on your list.
Thanks for the movie memories! :)
Here's my Saturday Seven: https://msfavsthgz.blogspot.com/2018/01/7-authors-who-make-me-so.html