156 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!

    Death on the Nile (1978) Agatha Christie, Poirot, Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Bette Davis & Maggie Smith

    Death on the Nile (1978) Agatha Christie, Poirot, Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Bette Davis & Maggie Smith

    Book Vs. Movie: Death on the Nile
    The1937 Novel Vs. the 1978 Movie

    For “Mysteries in May,” the Margos start with the queen of the genre, Agatha Christie, and her 1937 novel Death on the Nile, which was adapted into a film in 1978. It features her famous detective, Hercule Poirot, and is set aboard a luxurious Nile steamer. The plot revolves around the Belgian detective embroiled in a murder mystery while on a luxurious cruise down the Nile River. The story begins with a group of wealthy passengers embarking on a steamer called the Karnak for a leisurely cruise in Egypt. Among them are Linnet Ridgeway, a wealthy heiress who recently married Simon Doyle, her former friend Jacqueline de Bellefort, and several other intriguing characters.
    As tensions simmer among the passengers, a murder occurs on board. Linnet Ridgeway is found shot dead in her cabin. Suspicion falls on Simon Doyle, as it is revealed that he was previously engaged to Jacqueline before breaking it off to marry Linnet. However, Simon claims innocence, and Hercule Poirot is called upon to investigate. Which did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out.

    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The life of author Agatha Christie. The biggest differences between the book and the movie.The cast of the 1978  film includes Peter Ustinov (Hercule Poirot,) Lois Chiles (de Linnet,) Mia Farrow (Jacqueline del Bellefort,) Simon MacCorkindale (Simon Doyle,) David Niven (Colonel Race,) Bette Davis (Marie Van Schuyler,) Maggie Smith (Miss Bowers,) Angela Lansbury (Salome Otterbourne,) Olivia Hussey (Rosalie Otterbourne,) Jon Finch (James Ferguson,) Jack Warden (Dr. Ludwig Bessner,) Jane Birkin (Louise Bourget,) George Kennedy (Andrew Pennington,) and Sam Wanamaker as Rockford. 
    Clips used:
    “Such a Briiliant Lack of Complication”Death on the Nile (1978 trailer)“Bette & Maggie” “Bette & Maggie 2”Mia FarrowPoirot deducesMusic by Nino RotaBook Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more...

    • 1 hr 15 min
    The Natural (1984) Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, & Kim Basinger

    The Natural (1984) Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, & Kim Basinger

    Book Vs. Movie: The Natural
    The 1952 Novel Vs. the 1984 Movie

    "The Natural" by Bernard Malamud and its 1984 movie adaptation directed by Barry Levinson offers different experiences despite sharing the same storyline. The book delves deeper into the psychological aspects of the protagonist and explores themes of fate, ambition, and the corrupting influence of success. The film focuses more on the romantic and mythic elements of the narrative and simplifies certain plotlines and characters. However, it's visually stunning with a powerful score that enhances the story's emotional impact. 

    Which did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out.
    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    Author Bernard Malamud and the character of Roy Hobbs. The biggest differences between the book and the movie.The genre of “baseball movies.” The cast of the 1984  film includes Robert Redford (Roy Hobbs,) Robert Duvall (Max Mercy,) Glenn Close (Iris Gaines,) Kim Basinger (Memo Paris,) Wilford Brimley (Pop Fisher,) Barbara Hershey (Harriet Bird,) Robert Prosky (The Judge,) Richard Farnsworth (Red Blow,) Joe Don Baker (The Whammer,) Darren McGavin (Gus Sands,) Michael Madsen (Bump Bailey) and John Finnegan as Sam Simpson.   
    Clips used:
    “Batting practice with Wonderboy”The Natural (1984 trailer)“New Right Fielder” “Striking Out the Whammer”“The Lady in White”“Final homerun”Music by Randy Newman
    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 a href="https://www.instagram.com/bookversusmovie/" target="_blank"...

    • 1 hr 8 min
    The Philadelphia Story (1940) Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart & George Cukor

    The Philadelphia Story (1940) Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart & George Cukor

    Book Vs. Movie: The Philadelphia Story
    The 1939 Play Vs. the 1940 Movie

    "The Philadelphia Story" is a romantic comedy play by Philip Barry that became a successful film. Directed by George Cukor,  it follows Tracy Lord (played to perfection by Katherine Hepburn,) a wealthy socialite about to marry for the second time. Her ex-husband, Dexter (Cary Grant,) tries to win her back while a magazine sends a reporter (Jimmy Stewart) and photographer (Ruth Hussey) to cover her wedding. As Tracy navigates her complicated relationships, she questions her feelings and choices. This one is a classic for a reason! 
    Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?
    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    Playwright Philip BarryKatherine Hepburn being labeled “box office poison.”The differences between the play and the movie. The cast of the 1940  film includes Cary Grant (C.K. Dexter Haven,) Katherine Hepburn (Tracy Lord,) James Stewart (Mike Connor,) Ruth Hussey (LIz,) John Howard (George,) Roland Young (Uncle Willie,) John Halliday (Seth Lord,) Mary Nash (Margaret Lord,) Virginia Weidler (Dinah Lord,) Henry Daniell (Sidney Kidd, ) and Lionel Pape as Edward the footman.  
    Clips used:
    “You’re lit from within.”The Philadelphia Story (1940 trailer)CK and Mike drinkDinah sings“Generous to a fault.”Music by Franz Waxman
    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/
    a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank"...

    • 53 min
    Paddington (2014) Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, and Julie Walters

    Paddington (2014) Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, and Julie Walters

    Book Vs. Movie: Paddington
    The 1958 Children’s Book Vs. the 2014 Movie

    The Margos are feeling very British in this episode! English author Michael Bond created Paddington Bear, who first appeared in Bond's 1958 book A Bear Called Paddington and has since become a beloved character in numerous books, television series, and films. Paddington is a polite and curious bear from Peru who wears a duffle coat and a floppy hat. He often carries a suitcase with a label that reads, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." He was named after the London train station where the Brown family found him. The  2014 "Paddington" movie focuses on Paddington's journey to find a home and the bonds he forms with the Brown family. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?
    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    Author Michael Bond and his character of Paddington How the 2014 film adapted the much-beloved work. The cast of the 2014 film includes Ben Winshaw (voice of Paddington,) Hugh Bonneville (Henry Brown,) Sally Hawkins (Mary Brown,) Madeleine Harris (Judy Brown,) Samuel Joslin (Jonathan Brown,) Julie Walters (Mrs. Bird,) Nicole Kidman (Millicent,) Peter Capaldi (Mr. Curry,) Jim Broadbent (Samuel Gruber,) Imelda Staunton (Aunt Lucy,) Michael Gambon (Uncle Pastuzo,) and Tim Downie as Montogomery Clyde. 
    Clips used:
    “Paddington Meets the Browns”Paddington (2014 trailer)“Subway Silliness”““Mr. Brown Joins Paddington for Tea”“Millicent brings Paddington ‘home”” Buckingham Palace and PaddingtonMusic and Lyrics by Nick Urata
    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...

    • 41 min
    Mean Girls 20th Anniversary Celebration (From the Vaults of Book Vs Movie!) Lindsay Lohan

    Mean Girls 20th Anniversary Celebration (From the Vaults of Book Vs Movie!) Lindsay Lohan

    Book Vs. Movie: Mean Girls
    The 2002 Book vs. the 2004 Movie (20th Anniversary Replay Celebration!)

    "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. In this episode, we replay our 2018 discussion about the original book and the now (classic) film. (Tina Fey’s script is as delicious as ever!)
    Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?

    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 @BrooklynMargo 
    Margo D’s Blog www.brooklynfitchick.com 
    Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
    Margo D’s TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@margodonohue
    brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
    You can buy your copy of Filmed in Brooklyn here! 
    Margo P. Twitter @ShesNachoMama
    Margo P’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shesnachomama/

    Margo P’s Blog  https://coloniabook.weebly.com/ 
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    • 1 hr
    RENT (2005) Jonathan Larson, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs & Puccini's La Boheme

    RENT (2005) Jonathan Larson, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs & Puccini's La Boheme

    Book Vs. Movie: Rent
    The 1896 Opera Vs. the 2005 Movie (Based on the 1996 Play)

    "Rent" is a modern adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Bohème." It tells the story of a group of struggling artists living in New York City's East Village during the late 1980s and early 1990s, dealing with poverty, love, and the AIDS epidemic. The late Jonathan Larson wrote the book, music & lyrics for the show and tragically died a few months before its Broadway debut on January 26, 1996. 
    The plot revolves around a diverse group of characters:
    Mark Cohen is an aspiring filmmaker and the narrator of the story. He is grappling with his identity and relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Maureen.Roger Davis: A former rock musician who is HIV positive. He is struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis and find inspiration for his music.Mimi Marquez: An exotic dancer who is also HIV positive. She falls in love with Roger, but their shared illness complicates their relationship.Tom Collins: A philosophy professor who is also HIV positive. He falls in love with Angel.Angel Dumott Schunard: A drag queen and street percussionist who becomes Tom's love interest.Maureen Johnson: A performance artist and Mark's ex-girlfriend. She is involved with Joanne.Joanne Jefferson: A lawyer and Maureen's current girlfriend.The story explores their relationships, struggles with poverty, creative pursuits, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives and the broader community. Themes of friendship, love, loss, and the pursuit of artistic expression are central to the narrative. As in "La Bohème," the characters face challenges related to their financial circumstances, illness, and the complexities of love and friendship. The story ultimately celebrates their resilience, creativity, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. Which did we (the Margos) prefer of all of the adaptations?
    In this ep, the Margos discuss:
    The original novel, the Pucini opera, and the 1996 musical The life of Jonathan Larson and the sheer magnitude of the show’s influence on pop culture. The cast of the 2022 film includes Taye Diggs (Benjamin Coffin,) Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Angel,) Rosario Dawson (Mimi,) Anthony Rapp (Mark Cohen,) Adam Pascal (Roger Davis,) Jesse L. Martin (Tom Collins,) Idina Menzel (Maureen Johnson,) Tracie Thoms (Joanne,) and Julia Roth as a rent tenant. 
    Clips used:
    “La Vie Boheme”a...

    • 1 hr 2 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
195 Ratings

195 Ratings

BrooklynListener ,

The ultimate show for lovers of books turned into movies

They recap clearly, compare fairly, and bring insight and laughter to every episode.

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.

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