The Ohio Center for the Book is dedicated to promoting and celebrating books, reading, literacy, and libraries to Ohio’s citizens and the book community at large. So, when it comes to books made into films, the book is always better… Right? Well, we’ve decided to put that to the test!
Literary Frolic Fridays held during the fourth Friday of May, June, July, and August will be looking directly at that maxim and if it holds up. At Cleveland Public Library, Tim Phillips will be hosting a group critique and analysis of iconic works of literature followed by screenings of cinematic or made-for-TV adaptations. A discussion about the movies and their faithfulness (or not) to the books will follow each as well. On the docket are:
- May 24, 2019
- John Steinbeck’s The Red Pony vs Robert Totten’s 1973 Emmy-awarding made-for-TV adaptation (NR /101 minutes) (Note: If you can’t make it Cleveland for the discussion, you can also view the 1949 Republic Pictures version starring Robert Mitchum and Myrna Loy).
- June 28, 2019
- John Steinbeck’s East of Eden vs Elia Kazan’s 1955 Warner Brothers’ Oscar-winning adaptation
- July 26, 2019
- Daniel Keyes’ novel Flowers for Algernon vs Ralph Nelson’s 1968 Oscar-winning film adaptation Charly (Bluray) (Rated PG/2 hrs)
- August 23, 2019
- Alan Le May’s novel The Searchers vs John Ford’s 1956 Warner Brothers Golden-Globe-winning adaptation (NR/2 hours)
Since we know not everyone can make it to Cleveland, check out WorldCat to search for an edition of the book and DVD or Bluray of the movie to find these at your local library. We’re encouraging readers and viewers around Ohio and beyond to chime in with their thoughts on these match-ups. Feel free to post your comments here!
For additional details on the series, check out our original Literary Frolic Fridays posting.