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Book Vs Movie Podcastinactive
- Publisher |
- Margo Donohue
- Media Type |
- audio
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!
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Submit Review367 Available Episodes (371 Total) / Average duration: 00:55:20
Apr 23, 2023
The Little Foxes (1941) Bette Davis, William Wyler, Herbert Marshall, & Lillian Hellman
Book Vs. Movie:The Little FoxesThe Lillian Hellman 1939 Play Vs. the 1941 Bette Davis FilmPlaywright Lillian Hellman is one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th Century who had a complicated life filled with love affairs and massive success and was the toast of Broadway for works such as The Little Foxes, The Children’s Hour and Watch on the Rhine. She was also a House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) pariah and was called a liar by author Mary McCarthy on The Dick Cavett Show in 1979. Between controversies and celebrations, she had a 30-year relationship with fellow writer Dashiell Hammett and had many of her works adapted into film. The New Orleans native lived HARD in her 79 years before passing in 1984. The Little Foxes is a semi-autobiographical tale of a 1900 Southern family scheming to gain wealth by any means possible. Regina Hubbard Giddens (played by the legendary Talulah Bankhead on Broadway) is a woman who is married to a man she despises (Horace) and has two brothers (Benjamin and Oscar) who have family money that she wants to get her hands on. His many health problems interfere with her good time. The title comes from the Song of Solomon of the King James Bible: “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.” William Wyler directed the 1941 movie and followed closely with the original material (save for a few fewer racial slurs!) Wyler and MGM head Samuel Goldwyn loved the original production but felt that Bankhead would not draw in an audience like Bette Davis (who was extremely reluctant to take the part.) Much of the original Broadway cast did make it to the film, including Dan Duryea and Patricia Collinge. Wyler and Davis (former lovers) fought throughout the production, with Davis insisting on her changes to the story and wearing heavy makeup to look older. Forty years later, she put up with having a difficult reputation with widely known easygoing journalist Mike Wallace in 1980 for 60 Minutes. The film would go on to be a hit and would earn 9 Academy Award nominations. So between the play and movie--which did the Margos like better? In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The life of Lillian Hellman and her cantankerous spirit
- The story of The Little Foxes and the changes between the play and film
- How the HUAC changed Hollywood and Broadway
- Greer Garson in The Little Foxes 1956 Hallmark Hall of Fame
- The cast of the 1941 film: Bette Davis (Regina Giddens,) Herbert Marshall (Horace Giddens,) Teresa Wright (Alenadra “Zannie” Giddens,) Richard Carlson (David Hewitt,) Dan Duryea (Leo Hubbard,) Patricia Collinge (Birdie Hubbard,) Charles Dingle (Ben Hubbard,) Jessica “Jessie” Grayson (Addie,) and John Marriott as Cal.
- “I hope you die”
- Cynthia Nixon as Birdie (2017)
- Laura Linney as Birdie (2017)
- Bette Davis talks about meeting with Tallulah Bankhead
- The Little Foxes (1941) trailer
- Richard Carlson teases Teresa Wright
- “When we’re very rich.”
- Regina watches Horace keel over
- Music: Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
Apr 15, 2023
Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Ian Fleming, Louis Jordan, & Steven Berkoff
Book Vs. Movie:OctopussyThe Ian Fleming Short Story Vs. the 1983 Roger Moore BondThe Margos are feeling very Bond--James Bond that is with 1983’s Octopussy based on a short story by Ian Fleming in the posthumously released Octopussy and The Living Daylights. Fleming, a former British Agent and the creator of Bond, passed away in 1964; he had left several short stories and novels that helped to continue the brand, including comic strips printed in newspapers worldwide. (We can’t promise not to giggle about the title throughout the episode!)Major Dexter Smythe was a hero in the Second World War and was implicated in a murder scheme and a cache of Nazi gold. In the original story, Bond is a secondary character, and we learn about the tragic life of Smythe. He is a man of only 56 but acts like 96 with loss and alcoholism chasing him through life. Smythe killed a man and let him rot for 15 years under a glacier, so there is that. His pet is an octopus, and Bond allows him the opportunity to either turn himself in or take his own life. While looking for a scorpion fish to feed Octopussy, he stung to death and dragged into the water. All to be eaten by his beloved pet. Bond declares it is an accidental death and moves on. This film brings Roger Moore back into the part of Agent 007 as he fights Russians, Maud Adam as Octopussy--a “wealthy businesswoman and smuggler” in Udaipur, India. The rest is two hours of jaw-dropping stunts, exotic locations, and fewer puns than expected. So between the short story and movie--which did the Margos like better? In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The life of Ian Fleming and the many variations of Bond over the last 60+ years
- The “plot” of this story
- The cast of the 1983 film: Roger Moore (James Bond,) Maud Adams (Octopussy,) Louis Jordan (Kamal Khan,) Kristina Wayborn (Magda,) Kabir Bedi (Gobinda,) Steven Berkoff (General Orlov,) Vijay Amritaj (Vijay,) Lois Maxwell (Moneypenny,) and Desmond Llewelyn as Q.
- Bond meets Octopussy
- Octopussy 1983 trailer
- Bond meets (and beats!) Kamal Khan
- Octopussy and her girl gang
- Music: All Time High by Rita Coolidge and Tim Rice
Apr 10, 2023
Rear Window (1954) Alfred Hitchcock, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, & Cornell Woolrich
Book Vs. Movie: Rear WindowThe 1942 Short Story Vs. the 1954 Classic FilmThe Margos are swooning throughout this episode for one of the greatest movies of all time, adapted from a short story by a very interesting (and prolific) author. Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window is one of his finest works based on the short story; It Had to be Murder by Cornell Woolrich. Woolrich is considered one of his generation's best mystery/suspense writers, with dozens of titles making it to movie adaptations, including The Bride Wore Black, Night Had a Thousand Eyes, Mrs. Winterbourne, and Original Sun. He was so proficient as a writer of novels, screenplays, and short stories he had two noms de plumes--William Irish & George Hopley. A lonely man (he once dedicated a book to his hotel room), when he passed in 1968, he left his work to his alma mater Columbia University which eventually helped change the copyright laws. (See Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, 1998.)The story's bones are the same as the film: an injured man stuck in his apartment becomes a “peeping tom,” spying on his neighbors and being grumpy to “Sam,” who is paid to help him. Our protagonist believes he has witnessed a murder across the street and is trying to get the police to take him seriously. The 1954 adaptation was shot on the Paramount Studio lot with a full-sized apartment building courtyard to mimic the real thing in Greenwich Village. James Stewart plays LB “Jeff” Jeffries, a photojournalist who is home recovering from a broken leg. Jeff must wear a cast for one more week before returning to his adventurous life. He passes the time by snooping on his neighbors across the courtyard. Grace Kelly plays his impossible beautiful girlfriend from the upper crust society who is trying to get a commitment from Jeff. (He negs her constantly, which makes ZERO sense!) Jeff wants to see Lisa be more adventurous when he thinks he witnesses a murder across the courtyard. Thelma Ritter plays his nurse Stella, and the trio becomes detectives trying to figure out a sweaty salesman played by Raymond Burr (pre-Perry Mason) who may have made his wife disappear--permanently. This film lost out to many major awards to On the Waterfront (it was a contender!) However, time has turned it into a masterclass of direction, sound, editing, acting, and writing. The Margos debate between the original short story and the classic film--which did we like more?In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of writer Cornell Woolrich
- The work of Alfred Hitchcock
- The cast of the 1954 film: James Stewart (LB “Jeff” Jefferies,) Grace Kelly (Lisa Carol Tremont,) Wendell Corey (Tom Doyle,) Thelma Ritter (Stella,) Raymond Burr (Lars Thorwald,) Judith Evelyn (Miss Lonelyhearts,) Ross Bagdarasian (the songwriter,) Miss Torso (Georgine Darcy,) and Irene Winston as Mrs. Thorwald.
- Stella talks with LB Jeffries
- Rear Window Original 1954 trailer
- James Stewart gets the binoculars
- Lisa shows up
- Lisa gets caught snooping.
- Raymond Burr tosses Jimmy Stewart out the window
- Music: Franz Waxman
Apr 05, 2023
Touch of Evil (1958) The Film Noir classic directed by Orson Welles starring Charlton Heston & Janet Leigh
Book Vs. Movie: Touch of Evil The 1956 novel Badge of Evil Vs. the 1958 Film Noir ClassicThe Margos dive right back into one of our favorite genres--film noir! The 1958 Orson Welles’s directed film Touch of Evil is based on a 1956 novel by Whit Masteron titled Badge of Evil. The book sold reasonably well at the time, but at the time, the movie was given mixed reviews due to Welles not staying until the final edit process. In 1998, a “re-cut” of the film was based on a 58-page memo Welles had sent to the studio 40 years previously is now considered a modern classic and one of the last true “film noirs” to be released. Whit Masterson was the nom de plume of two writers--Wade Miller and Will Daemer who wrote more than 30 books together (including Kitten With a Whip in 1964!) Their original story is about a man, Rudy Linneker, killed by a dynamite blast at this home. His daughter Tara stands to make $2 million and is engaged to someone her father disapproved of before her death. There are other suspects, including Ernest Farnum, a disgruntled employee who improbably confesses. Detectives Leron McCoy and Hank Quinlan are considered “legends” in Los Angeles for their excellent work, and Assistant District Attorney Mitch Holt is suspicious. The rest of the story is a mish-mash of double-crossing police and families in danger, with several lives and careers ruined while exposing hypocrisy and crime in the L.A. police. Orson Welles was given this project as a B Movie and decided to take apart the story and rebrand it as his vision moving the book action from San Diego to the U.S. & Mexico border. Our protagonist (played by Charlton Heston) was renamed Miguel Vargas and played in “brown face” to serve Welles’s theme of racism and American relations with Mexico. 34-year-old pre-Psycho Janet Leigh rounds out the cast as Vargas’s new bride, Susan Vargas, pre-Duel Dennis Weaver as the Night Manager, and an array of top-notch character actors played by a multi-racial cast.Stars like Zsa Zsa Gabor, Keenan Wynn, and Marlene Dietrich agreed to work for union pay to help keep on budget. The Margos debate between the novel and the classic film--which did we like more?In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of the movie
- The cast of the 1958 film: Charlton Heston (Ramon Miguel Vargas,) Janet Leigh (Susan Vargas,) Orson Welles (Police Captain Hank Quinlan,) Joseph Callaeia (Sgt. Pete Menzies,) Akin Tamiroff (Uncle Joe Grandi,) Joanna Cook Moore (Marcia Linnekar,) Ray Collins (District Attorney Addair,) Dennis Weaver (the Night Manager,) Zsa Zsa Gabor (Strip-club owner,) Marlene Dietrich (Tana,) Mercedes McCambridge (gang leader) and Joseph Cotton as a coroner.
- “You Have No Future”
- Touch of Evil 1958 trailer
- Acid attack scene
- Are you wearing a wire?
- Nightclub shakedown
- Welles and Dietrich
- Music: Touch of Evil opening title sequence with music by Henry Mancini
Mar 28, 2023
Kinky Boots (2005) Vs the Broadway Musical (2013) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joel Edgerton, Billy Porter, & Matt Henry
Book Vs. Movie: Kinky BootsThe True Story Behind the 2005 Movie & 2013 Broadway Musical (and the 2019 movie!)The “Month of Musicals” concludes with Kinky Boots, the true story of a footwear company in Earls Barton, North Hamptonshire, UK--WJ Brooks. The factory was in Steve Pateman’s family for decades when in the 1990s, they started losing money to the cheaper, faster competition. Pateman appeared on BBC’s Trouble at the Top documentary showing how his company switched to creating boots for transvestites who needed more security when they stood in high heels. The collection expanded to “kink wear,” dubbed “Kinky Boots” by the BBC producers, and the story took off. In 2005, director Julian Jarrold and writers Geoff Deane and Tim Firth brought the story to life (unfortunately, the factory had to close in 2000.) Joel Edgerton plays Charlie Price (the Steve Patemen substitute), and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Lola is an amalgam of several drag queens that were customers of WJ Brooks's “Divine, Provider, and Lady Provider” brands. The film has an amazing soundtrack, and Ejiofor was nominated for a Golden Globe. Harvey Fierstein wrote the book for the musical with legendary talent Cyndi Lauper creating the music and lyrics before its debut in Chicago in 2013. The production would go on to be a smash Broadway hit, earning six Tony Awards and with productions around the world. The Margos debate between the film and the musical to try and decide which we like more!In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of the movie
- The theme of drag in popular culture and how it is being weaponized currently
- The cast of the 2005 film: Joel Edgerton (Charlie Price,) Chiwetel Ejiofor (Lola,) Sarah-Jane Potts (Lauren,) Jemima Rooper (Nicola,) Nick Frost (Don Burton,) Linda Bassett (Melanie,) Robert Pugh (Harold Price,) and Ewan Hooper as George.
- The cast of the original 2013 Broadway show: Stark Sands (Charlie Price,) Billy Porter (Lola,) Annaleigh Ashford (Lauren), and Lena Hall as Nicola.
- The original London cast: Killian Donnelly (Charlie Price,) Matt Henry (Lola,) Sophie Wright (Lauren,) Teagan Wouters (Nicola,) and Joe Kosky as Don.
- “Burgandy!!”
- Kinky Boots original 2005 trailer
- “Whatever Lola Wants” Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Arm wrestling with Lola
- “These Boots Are Made for Walking” Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Kinky Boots 2013 Broadway trailer
- Kinky Boots 2013 Tony Awards Billy Porter
- “Land of Lola” Kinky Boots: The Musical (2019) Matt Henry
- Music: Raise You Up International Pride Cast Reunion 2020 Billy Porter & Co.
Mar 20, 2023
La Cage aux Folles Vs. The Birdcage: The early film/musical & the Robin Williams, Nathan Lane 1996 film
Book Vs. Movie: La Cage Aux Folles & The BirdcageThe Original Film and Broadway Musical Vs. the 1996 FilmThe “Month of Musicals” continues with the 1996 film The Birdcage, which took its influence from the play turned into Broadway musical La Cage Aux Folles. The original 1973 french play takes place in Saint-Tropez, where a gay couple meets an ultra-conservative family member. It was a huge hit in Paris, playing for over a year in 1973, and was made into a film in 1978. Originally written by Jean Poiret, the original played in Paris for over 1800 performances with Poiret and Michell Serrault as the leads Georges and Albin, aka “Zaza.” The 1978 film had Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi as the lead playing Renato Baldi to Serrault’s Albin. It played to art houses across America. Poiret wanted to film the American version of the film, so he refused to sell the rights to the play but had no problem selling it as a musical. Grease producer Allan Carr helped bring the project to Broadway as a musical, with Harvey Fierstein writing the book. Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly & Mame) was a revered lyricist and songwriter who provided the music. Director Arthur Laurents helped to make the 1983 production a massive success, with the song “I Am What I Am” becoming a gay anthem. It’s important to remember what the culture was like in 1984, and having a gay married couple running a drag nightclub being the protagonists was a huge deal in the Queer community. The idea that 40 years later, we have to fight ugly stereotypes about gay people and drag culture is dispiriting, but we are allies who will sing the work's praises. AND point out the hypocrisy happening in the news cycles today. The original production won the 1984 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, and in 2004, Best Revival of a Musical. (And in 2010 as well!) No less than comedy powerhouses Elaine May and Mike Nichols wrote and directed the 1996 filmed nonmusical adaptation, which stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as Arman and Albert Goldman. They run the most popular club in Miami and live with their housekeeper Agador (Hank Azaria). Their son Val (ugh--this character is the one bad spot in an otherwise joyous film) wants to marry his college girlfriend. Still, her parents are conservatives who fear his senate run will be badly affected by being associated with “that lifestyle.” (Some of this is dated and distressingly familiar.)Which did we like better between the previous versions of the story and the 1996 film? In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of La Cage Aux Folles
- The era of the 80s and how gay people were played in pop culture
- The work of Nichols & May
- The cast of the 1996 Movie: Robin Williams (Armand,) Nathan Lane (Albert,) Gene Hackman (Senator Kevin Keeley,) Dianne Weist (Louise Keeley,) Dan Futterman (Val Goldman,) Calista Flockhart (Barbara Keeley,) Hank Aazaria (Agador Spartacus,) and Christine Baranski as Katharine Archer.
- The cast of the original Broadway show: George Hearn (Albin,) Gene Barry (Georges,) and John Weiner as Jean Michel.
- Albert rehearses with Armand
- The Birdcage 1996 trailer
- George Hearn 1984 Tony Awards Awards “I Am What I Am”
- Albert rehearses with his “love goddess.”
- “Mrs. Coleman” shows up
- Music: The Goldman Girls We Are Family
Mar 12, 2023
John Waters "Hairspray" 1988 and 2007 (Baltimore Magazine article adapted into two films)
Book Vs. Movie: HairsprayThe 1988 John Waters Movie Vs. the 2007 Adaptation“Musicals in March”The Margos continue their look at “Musicals in March” with the John Waters classic Hairspray, which started with the 1988 movie starring Rikki Lake, Divine, and Debby Harry. Based on his experiences of being a fan of the 1957-1964 Baltimore teen dance TV program--The Buddy Deane Show, Waters was a huge fan of R&B music. On the Buddy Deane show, the dancers were integrated, unlike Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, which was based out of Philadelphia at the same time. Baltimore Magazine April 1985 by John Waters "Ladies & Gentleman: The Nicest Kids in Town!”Being a self-described “Super Fan” of the show, the director has a well-known career as an avant-garde-loving and bizarre artist who loves things that are in bad taste. His interest in something as wholesome as Buddy Deane made him think about writing a more accessible film about a group of teen dancers/local TV stars who fight racism and oppression with their love of music and dance. Given a modest budget of $2.8 million, the film was a box office hit, and the critics loved this new era of John Waters with even bigger hits in the 90s Cry-Baby & Serial Mom. Waters continues to write and direct his work and is very popular as an actor who appears in everything from Law & Order to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisles. In 2002, the musical version premiered in Seattle with music and lyrics from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and the book by odonnell-hairspray-writer-dies-at-58.html">Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Hit is not a big enough word for this adaptation's success in the 2000s. It won eight Tony Awards (including Best Musical) in 2003 and broke all box office records in London’s West End in 2008. The 2007 movie was directed by Adam Shankman and stars John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Christopher Walken and continues the big box office that started with the original 1988 film. What are the differences between the original and the latest version of the story of the AMAZING Tracy Turnblad? Which do we like best? Have a listen!In this ep the Margos discuss:
- John Waters, Divine, and Baltimore
- Waters ventures into more “family-friendly material.”
- The music used in both films
- 1988 cast: Ricki Lake (Tracy Turnblad,) Divine (Edna Turnblad,) Debbie Harry (Velma Von Tussle,) Sonny Bono (Franklin Von Tussle,) Jerry Stiller (Wilbur Turbland,) Leslie Ann Powers (Penny Pingleton,) Colleen Fitzpatrick (Amber Von Tussle,) Michael St. Gerard (Link Larkin,) Clayton Prince (Seaweed Stubbs,) Cyrkle Millbourne (L’il Inez,) Ruth Brown (Motormouth Maybelle,) Shawn Thompson (Corny Collins,) Mink Stole (Tammy Turner,) and Josh Charles as Iggy
- The 2007 cast: Nikki Blonsky (Tracy Turnblad,) John Travolta (Edna Turnblad,) Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussle,) Amanda Bynes (Penny Pngleton,) Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad,) Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle,) James Marsden (Conry Collins,) Brittany Snow (Amber Von Tussle,) Zac Efron (Link Larkin,) Elijah Kelley (Seaweed,) Allison Janney (Prudence Pingleton,) and Jerry Stiller as Mr. Pinky.
- Hairspray (1988) “Corny Collins auditions.”
- Hairspray (1988) trailer
- The Von Tussle house (1988)
- John Waters as Dr. Fredrickson
- The kids meet “Beatnicks” (1988)
- Hairspray (2007) trailer
- John Travolta’s Baltimore accent
- Edna & Wilbur “You’re Timeless to Me”
- “You Can’t Stop the Beat” (2007)
- Music: Hairspray by Rachel Sweet
Mar 05, 2023
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, & Andrea Martin
Book Vs. Movie: Hedwig and the Angry InchThe 1999 Off-Broadway Musical Vs. the 2001 Movie“Musicals in March”The Margos kick off “Musicals in March 2023” with one of the best rock musicals based on a gender-bending lead c character--Hedwig and the Angry Inch created by multi-hyphenates John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask. Created in the late 1990s Off-Broadway, is the tale of misfit characters.fandom.com/wiki/Hedwig_Robinson">Hedwig Robinson who began life as Hansel Schmidt in Germany and became a famous-ish rocker in middle America. On her way to stardom, she interacts with the audience, talking about her life and how she wound up with an “Angry Inch.” The musical was a massive hit in 1998, starting with various music as its center and gradually becoming an original soundtrack--Hedwig was THE cool show to see on Jane Street in the late 90s. Mitchell wrote and directed the film adaptation in 2001, and Hedwig remains a popular show with none other than Neil Patrick Harris filling her shoes on Broadway. Between the original and the adaptation, which did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The backstory of Hedwig and her creators
- Musicals on Broadway in the late 1990s
- Director John Cameron Mitchell
- The cast: John Cameron Micthell (Hedwig,) Miriam Shor (Yitzhak,) Stephen Trask (Skszp,) Andrea Martin (Phillis Stein,) Michael Pitt (Tommy Speck) and Alberta Watson as Hedwig Schmidt.
- Hedwig introduces “Wicked Little Town.”
- Hedwig and the Angry Inch 2001 trailer
- “Wig in a Box’
- Neil Patrick Harris in 2014
- Tommy and Hedwig drive in NYC
- Music: Tear Me Down by Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Feb 26, 2023
Black Klansman (2018) Spike Lee, John David Washington, Adam Driver & Ron Stallworth
Book Vs. Movie:BlacKkKlansmanThe True Story Ron StallworthThe Margos visit the world of nonfiction with the too-nutty-to-not-be-true story of retired police officer stallworth.com/">Ron Stallworth who in the late 1970s infiltrated the Kuy Klux Klan in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On his journey, he met racists throughout the region who were not precisely clever but had designs of terrorizing nonwhites and Jewish people. After his assignment, he transferred to work at the Utah Department of Safety--never speaking about the job until after retirement. His 2014 book Black Klansman: A Memoir explains how and why he joined the Colorado “Organization” and how it felt to be the only person of color on the police force. We also learn how the KKK planned to bomb gay bars and cross-burnings throughout Colorado Springs. During his recruitment process, Stallworth spoke with the Grand Wizard, David Duke, and even took a photo with the noted racist creep. Director & screenwriter Spike Lee and producer Jordan Peele adapted the memoir into a 2018 film starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, and Topher Grace that won wide praise was a box office hit and earned Lee an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This is a case of taking real life and creating an audacious and funny story. Between the memoir and the adaptation, which did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss:
- The real story of Ron Stallworth and his police undercover activities
- David Duke and the KKK in the 70s & 80s
- Director Spike Lee and his work
- The cast: John David Washington (Ron Stallworth,) Adam Driver (Flip Zimmerman,) Laura Harrier (Patrice Dumas,) Corey Hawkins (Kwame Ture,) Topher Grace (David Duke,) Jasper Paakkonen (Felix Kendrickson,) Ryan Eggold (Walter Breachway,) Ashlie Atkinson (Connie Kendrickson,) and Corey Hawkins as Kwame Ture.
- The KKK calls Ron
- BlacKkKlansman trailer
- Stokely Carmichael/Kwame Ture (played by Corey Hawkins)
- David Duke finally “meets” Ron over the phone
- Sidney Poitier as Jerome Truner
- “Ron” gets his picture taken with David Duke
- Music: Too Late to Turn Back Now (Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose)
Feb 20, 2023
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, & August Wilson
Book Vs. Movie: Ma Rainey’s Black BottomThe August Wilson Play Vs. the 2021 Movie Pittsburgh native August Wilson (1945-2005) is one of the most successful playwrights of the 20th Century; with a collection of works that came to be known as The Pittsburgh Cycle, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice in his career and was inducted into American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006. His 1984 work Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the subject of today’s episode. Gertrude Pridgett (Ma Rainey’s birth name) was dubbed the “Mother of the Blues” for her outrageous stage presence and ability to hold audiences in her trance. The Blues being one of America’s native art forms, the combination of the gospel with jazz music enticed the world with the earliest recordings featuring African American culture and is revered to this day. Rainey learned the ropes of show business through her husband “Pa Rainey” and was a mentor to a young Bessie Smith. Wilson’s 1984 play is a fictional account of Rainey attending a recording of her work at a Chicago studio in 1927. By this time in her career, her known toughness and business acumen were legendary, and when she takes center stage in the story--it's hard to take your eyes off her. The studio musicians (Levee, Toledo, Cutler, and Slow Drag) watch her handle recording executives getting rich from her talent. The older group members want to warn young Levee of the harsh realities of the early 20th-century world. The 2021 film is the final film for Chadwick Boseman, who plays Levee Green, and the Netflix production is dedicated to his memory. Viola Davis plays the role of Ma Rainey with a fierceness that emanates throughout the movie. Between the original play and the adaptation, which did we prefer? In this ep the Margos discuss:
- August Wilson’s career
- The significance of “The Pittsburgh Cycle.”
- Denzel Washington taking the work of August Wilson to HBO
- The cast: Viola Davis (Ma Rainey,) Maxayn Lewis (Ma Rainey singing voice,) Chadwick Boseman (Levee Green,) Glynn Turman (Toledo,) Colman Domingo (Cutler,) Michael Potts (Slow Drag,) Johnny Coyne (Mel Sturdyvant,) Taylour Paige (Dussie Mae,) Jeremy Shamos (Irvin,) and Dusan Brown as Sylvester.
- Ma needs her Coke
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom trailer
- Ma Rainey sings Black Bottom
- Levee confronts the band
- “He stepped on my shoe!”
- Music by Ma Rainey Moonshine Blues (1923)
Apr 23 | 01:11:00
The Little Foxes (1941) Bette Davis, William Wyler, Herbert Marshall, & Lillian Hellman
Apr 15 | 00:50:42
Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Ian Fleming, Louis Jordan, & Steven Berkoff
Apr 10 | 01:10:58
Rear Window (1954) Alfred Hitchcock, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, & Cornell Woolrich
Apr 05 | 01:05:40
Touch of Evil (1958) The Film Noir classic directed by Orson Welles starring Charlton Heston & Janet Leigh
Mar 28 | 00:55:26
Kinky Boots (2005) Vs the Broadway Musical (2013) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joel Edgerton, Billy Porter, & Matt Henry
Mar 20 | 01:01:06
La Cage aux Folles Vs. The Birdcage: The early film/musical & the Robin Williams, Nathan Lane 1996 film
Mar 12 | 01:14:39
John Waters "Hairspray" 1988 and 2007 (Baltimore Magazine article adapted into two films)
Mar 05 | 01:20:55
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) John Cameron Mitchell, Miriam Shor, Stephen Trask, & Andrea Martin
Feb 26 | 01:13:13
Black Klansman (2018) Spike Lee, John David Washington, Adam Driver & Ron Stallworth
Feb 20 | 01:06:40
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) Chadwick Boseman, Viola Davis, & August Wilson
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