155 episodes

Book Vs. Movie is the podcast that ponders the question: "Which was better...the book or the movie?" We spoil away the details, uncover the plot points, discuss casting choices and shower with praise (or pummel with snark) as we see fit. Hosts are Margo P. (She's Nacho Mama's Blog) and Margo D. (Creator of Brooklyn Fit Chick.com) and we are not afraid to tell it like it is!

Book Vs Movie Podcast Margo Donohue

    • TV & Film
    • 4.8 • 195 Ratings

Book Vs. Movie is the podcast that ponders the question: "Which was better...the book or the movie?" We spoil away the details, uncover the plot points, discuss casting choices and shower with praise (or pummel with snark) as we see fit. Hosts are Margo P. (She's Nacho Mama's Blog) and Margo D. (Creator of Brooklyn Fit Chick.com) and we are not afraid to tell it like it is!

    The Opposite Sex (1956) & The Women (1939) June Allyson, Joan Collins, Clare Booth Luce

    The Opposite Sex (1956) & The Women (1939) June Allyson, Joan Collins, Clare Booth Luce

    Book Vs. Movie: The Opposite Sex
    The 1936 Play V. the 1939 Film Vs. the 1956 Musical

    "The Opposite Sex" is a musical comedy film released in 1956. It is a remake of the 1939 film "The Women, " directed by David Miller, based on the play of the same name by Clare Boothe Luce. The story revolves around several women's romantic and social lives, with a particular focus on Kay Hilliard (played by June Allyson). Kay discovers her husband's infidelity and must deal with the consequences within her social circle. The film explores themes of love, friendship, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of high society. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The original play and 1939 film The differences between the 1939 film and the musical adaptationThe cast of the 1956 film includes June Allyson (Kay Hilliard,) Joan Collins (Crystal Allen,) Dolores Gray (Sylvia Fowler,) Ann Sheridan (Amanda Penrose,) Ann Miller (Gloria Dell,) Leslie Neilsen (Steven Hilliard,) Jeff Richards (Buck Winston,)  Agnes Moorehead (Countess Lavaliere,) Charlotte Greenwood (Lucy,) Joan Blondell (Edith Potter,) Sam Levene (Mike Pearl,) and Dick Shawn as a singer. 
    Clips used:
    Kitchen ChaosThe Opposite Sex (1956 trailer)“The Opposite Sex Slap”“A Perfect Love”Title SequenceMusic by Nicholas Brodsky, Sammy Cahn, Ralph Freed, George Stoll, and Robert Van Eps. 
    Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
    You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
    Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
    Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
    Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com 
    Margo D. Twitter a...

    • 52 min
    Mean Girls (2024) Tina Fey, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice, Auli'i Cravalho, and Avantika

    Mean Girls (2024) Tina Fey, Renee Rapp, Angourie Rice, Auli'i Cravalho, and Avantika

    Book Vs. Movie: Mean Girls
    The 2002 Book vs. the 2004 Movie vs. the 2018 Musical vs. the 2024 Movie

    "Mean Girls" is a teen comedy film released in 2004 that follows Cady Heron, a high school student who navigates the social hierarchy and mean girls. The film stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert. "Queen Bees and Wannabes" is a book by Rosalind Wiseman that explores the dynamics of teenage girls' social cliques. The "Mean Girls" musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2018 and follows the same storyline as the film but with some changes. The 2024 film stars Renee Rapp. Angourie Rice, and Auli’l Cravalho. Tina Fey wrote the screenplays for all versions. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The origin stories of the various “Mean Girls.” The differences between the 2004 film and the musicalThe cast of the 2024 film includes Augourie Rice (Cady Heron,) Renee Rapp (Regina George,) Auli’i Cravalho (Janis,) Jaquel Spivey (Damian Hubbard,) Avantki (Karen,) Bebe Wood (Gretchen Wieners,) Christopher Briney (Aaron Samuels,) Jenna Fischer (Ms. Heron,) Busy Phillips (Mrs. George,) Tina Fey (Ms. Norbury) and Tim Meadows as Mr. Duvall. 
    Clips used:
    Cady joins the “Plastics”Mean Girls (2024 trailer) “Someone Gets Hurt”“Cool Mom”“Regina gets run over”The Holiday Pagent. Music by Jeff Richmond and Lyrics by Nell Benjamin. 
    Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts. Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
    You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
    Follow us on a...

    • 46 min
    TOMMY (1975) The Who, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Tina Turner, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Pete Townshend and Ken Russell

    TOMMY (1975) The Who, Ann-Margret, Roger Daltrey, Tina Turner, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Pete Townshend and Ken Russell

    Book Vs. Movie:
    Tommy
    The 1969 Rock Opera Vs. The 1975 Movie“Musicals in March”


    "The Who's Tommy" is a rock opera written by Pete Townshend and performed by the English rock band The Who. It was first released as a double album in 1969 and later adapted into various stage productions, including a highly successful Broadway musical. The story revolves around a young boy named Tommy Walker who becomes deaf, dumb, and blind after witnessing a traumatic event. Despite his sensory impairments, Tommy discovers an extraordinary talent for playing pinball and becomes a messianic figure for his followers. The rock opera has been adapted into various forms over the years, including a 1975 film directed by Ken Russell and a Broadway musical that premiered in 1992. Which did we (the Margos) prefer, the original album or the 1975 movie adaptation?

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The Who and their place in rock historyRobert Stigwood & Ken RussellThe.The cast of the 1975 film includes Roger Daltrey (Tommy,) Ann-Margret (Nora,) Oliver Reed (Frank,) Elton John (Pinball Wizard,) John Entwistle (bass player,) Keith Moon (drummer and Uncle Ernie,) Paul Nicholas (Cousin Kevin,) Jack Nicholson (The Specialist,) Pete Townshend (guitarist,) and Tina Turner as the Acid Queen.
    Clips used:
    The Acid QueenTommy (original 1975 movie trailer)ChampagneSmash the MirrorThe Pinball WizardThere’s a DoctorWe’re Not Gonna Take ItMusic by Pete Townshend.
    Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
    Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
    You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
    Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
    Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
    Email us at...

    • 54 min
    The Color Purple (2023) Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, & Danielle Brooks

    The Color Purple (2023) Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, & Danielle Brooks

    Book Vs. Movie: The Color Purple
    The 1982 novel Vs. the 2023 movie musical


    "The Color Purple" is a novel by Alice Walker that tells the story of Celie, a young African American girl in the early 20th century. Celie writes letters to God, sharing her struggles with abuse from her father and later from her husband, referred to as "Mr."The novel tackles racism, sexism, and the societal challenges of the time. Characters undergo personal growth, and the story emphasizes empowerment, self-discovery, and breaking free from societal constraints. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award, and Steven Spielberg directed the 1985 film adaptation.

    It was adapted into a musical with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 and has since been staged in various productions worldwide. One notable aspect of "The Color Purple" musical is its powerful and soulful score, incorporating jazz, gospel, and blues elements. Between the original novel and the latest adaptation--which did we prefer?

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The life and work of the complicated/controversial Alice Walker.The plot of the story and changes in various adaptationsThe music that was created for the theatre.The cast of the 2023 film includes Fantasia Barrino (Celie,) Taraji P. Henson (Shug Avery,) Danielle Brooks (Sofia,) Colman Domingo (Mister/Albert,) Corey Hawkins (Harpo,) Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Young Celie,) Ciara (Nettie,) H.E.R. (Squeak,) David Alan Grier (Reverand,) Deon Cole (Alfonso,) Jon Batiste (Grady,) Louis Gossett Jr. (Ol’ Mister,) Tamela J. Mann (First Lady,) Aunjaune Ellis-Taylor (Mama,) Elizabeth Marvel (Miss Millie,)...

    • 1 hr 10 min
    The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) Cicely Tyson, Richard Dysart, Rod Perry, & Ernest J. Gaines

    The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) Cicely Tyson, Richard Dysart, Rod Perry, & Ernest J. Gaines

    Book Vs. Movie: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
    The 1971 play Vs. the 1974 movie


    For Black History Month, the Margos visit "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." Ernest J. Gaines wrote this novel, which was first published in 1971. The book is a fictional autobiography that spans over 100 years of American history, narrated by Miss Jane Pittman, an African American woman born into slavery and lived through the Civil Rights Movement. The narrative provides a powerful and poignant perspective on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States. Miss Jane Pittman's life story serves as a lens through which readers can explore the complex issues of race, identity, and social justice.

    "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" was adapted into a television movie in 1974 and was directed by John Korty—Cicely Tyson in the titular role of Miss Jane Pittman. Cicely Tyson's performance in the role received widespread acclaim, and the movie itself was well-received for its powerful storytelling and exploration of the African American experience throughout different periods of American history.

    The TV movie won several awards, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie for Cicely Tyson and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Special for Tracy Keenan Wynn, who adapted the screenplay from Ernest J. Gaines' novel.

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The life and work of Ernest J. Gaines.The plot of the story & the special effects for makeupThe differences between the original novel and the adaptation.The cast of the 1974 film: Cicely Tyson (Jane Pittman,) Valerie Odell (young Jane Pittman,) Richard Dysart (Master Bryant,) Odetta (Big Laura,) Michael Murphy (Quentin Lerner,) Rod Perry (Joe Pittman,) Arnold Wilkerson (Jimmy,) Will Hare (Albert Cluveau,) Katherine Helmond (Lady at House,) Thalmus Rasulala (Ned Douglas,) and Barbara Chaney as Amma Dean.
    Clips used:
    Jimmy returns to the churchTCM intro for “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”Jane gets her nameJoe and Jane meetA fortune teller predicts Joe’s deathJane goes to Bayonne.Theme by Fred Karlin
    Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
    Join our Patreon page...

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Fences(2016) Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, & August Wilson

    Fences(2016) Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, & August Wilson

    Book Vs. Movie: Fences
    The 1987 play Vs. the 2016 movie

    For Black History Month, the Margos revisit playwright August Wilson (we covered Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom last year.) Fences premiered on Broadway in 1987 and is a part of Wilson's acclaimed Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as the Century Cycle, a series of ten plays that chronicle the African American experience in the United States throughout each decade of the 20th century.

    This is a play about Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the story explores themes of race, family, generational trauma, and unfulfilled dreams. Troy's desire to build a fence around his yard symbolizes his need to protect his family and his sense of confinement.


    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The work of August Wilson.The plot of the storyThe differences between the play and the adaptation.The cast of the 2016 film: Denzel Washington ((Troy Maxson,) Viola Davis (Rose Lee Maxson,) Stephen McKinley Henderson (Jim Bono,) Russell Hornsby (Lyons Maxson,) Mykelti Williamson (Gabriel Maxson,) and Saniyya Sidney as Raynel Maxson.
    Clips used:
    Fences 2016 trailer“Why don’t you like me?” (1987 James Earl Jones & Courtney Vance TONY Awards)“The same spot as you.”“I’m not going to Tray Maxson’s funeral.”Music by Marcelo Zarvos.
    Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
    Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
    You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
    Follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie
    Instagram: Book Versus Movie https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/
    Email us at bookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com
    Margo D. Twitter @BrooklynMargoa href="http://www.brooklynfitchick.com/" target="_blank"...

    • 1 hr 4 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
195 Ratings

195 Ratings

Prettylittleliarsisthebest ,

LOVE this podcast!

The Margos are great at summarizing and analyzing books, movies, and everything in between. Hilarious hosts and I learn something new every episode!

-Ama

Deadite32 ,

Excellent podcast!

Such a great idea for a podcast! I’m really enjoying looking through their archives and finding movies I've seen but have never had the chance to read the source material (there’s quite a few!). For far my favorite episodes have been Don’t Look Now, Misery, Vacation, It’s A Wonderful Life and I hope that one day they continue to compare different film and TV adaptations of A Christmas Carol.

SantaClausIndiana ,

Excellent content

Wonderful podcast - thank you for bringing attention to banned books!

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