Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday, brought to you by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is, admittedly, not one of my strengths: a Page to Screen Freebie. If given the choice between watching a movie or reading a book, the book will win out almost every time. As a result, I have a woeful knowledge of movies compared to your average man (or woman) in the street.
Nevertheless, I have managed to put together a list of some of my favourite book to movie adaptations. I think it’s particularly telling that only two of these were made in a year beginning with a 2, and one of those only just qualified!
PRIDE & PREJUDICE (BBC, 1995)
Do not even speak to me of Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. I have loved this version ever since it first aired, and I would be seriously hesitant to watch any future adaptations that come out. The bar has been set VERY high!
NORTH & SOUTH (BBC, 2004)
I’m embarrased to say how long it took me to get around to watching this—because I loved the book so much and I heard they’d changed the end a bit. Someone remind me not to be such a book snob next time, because I ADORE this adaptation. Richard Armitage is EVERYTHING. And I heartily endorse that change they made at the end. 😉
THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)
This was one of those rare occasions where I saw the movie before I read the book—and it’s actually quite different to the book in some respects. But it’s also one of the most quotable movies ever, and one I have watched over and over.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Kenneth Branagh, 1993)
Probably my favourite Shakespeare adaptation, and a movie I can quote at great length. And that scene in the garden with the deck chair… Comic genius!
ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD (1990)
This quirky play by Tom Stoppard is based on two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Tom Stoppard also directed this movie version, which is very funny in an intellectual kind of way. I love the pseudo-philosophical conversations these two have, and the movie version is full of deliberate surrealism, including a running gag with scientific anachronisms. It’s just brilliant.
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Anthony Andrews, 1982)
I love Anthony Andrews as the Scarlet Pimpernel, although, to be fair, I haven’t seen the Richard E. Grant version. But that’s partly because I love Anthony Andrews as the Scarlet Pimpernel, so that’s kind of a catch 22. Lol! The book is also a fun read. I just love the way he delivers that poem: They seek him here, they seek him there…
THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Kiefer Sutherland et. al. 1993)
To be honest, the book version of this is a bit long-winded, but I love this version with its quotable quotes and its humour. It doesn’t take itself too seriously!
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (BBC, 1988-1990)
Anyone else grow up watching this BBC TV series? Maybe it’s just because I grew up in Australia. We tend to get a lot of BBC stuff here, but maybe it’s not so prevalent in the US. Even just hearing the theme music transports me instantly to Narnia.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Sullivan Entertainment, 1985)
*sigh* I can’t go past including this one. I’m SUCH an Anne of Green Gables fan, and this version is pretty impossible to match, let alone surpass. Megan Follows IS Anne, as far as I’m concerned, and Jonathan Crombie is the only Gilbert Blythe for me.
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN (2000)
I only mentioned this one recently, since my own children have been dubbed The Railway Children, but this story is a sweet one and the movie is a lovely adaptation, so it’s made it into another list. #sorrynotsorry
You have excellent taste in movies!
Thanks! I always thought so ☺️😜
The Princess Bride is such a classic. And I agree with bellesmoma16. You have excellent taste in movies.
My TTT.
Thank you!
What excellent choices. North and South is probably my favorite series adaptation ever! I’ve also been a big fan of The Scarlet Pimpernel ever since watching it in a school history class. I also like the earlier version with Leslie Howard. Much Ado About Nothing convinced me that Shakespeare needs to be performed to be understood. I love the comedy of it.
Sounds like we have some very similar tastes!
What have you been busy doing, Katie?! Raising and educating children?! I’m with you though, #ratherbereading forever! Wasn’t this topic fun?! My TTT is a date night wish list!
Yeah, who knows what I do all day? 😉
I need to watch Anne of Green Gables with my daughter. I LOVE The Princess Bride!
The Princess Bride should be compulsory viewing ☺️