Book Vs. Movie: 
Scrooged
The Charles Dickens Classic Vs. the 1988 Film

After ten years of producing special holiday episodes in December, the Margos discovered that there are numerous versions of Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*. Everyone from the Fonz to Susan Lucci to Sir Patrick Stewart has portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in some adaptation. So, why not select one version each season to explore and celebrate? This week, we're focusing on the 1988 film *Scrooged*, featuring Bill Murray and Robert Donner. This version is a complex classic, notable for its high levels of cynicism but it still makes us laugh! Which version did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• How Charles Dickens “Saved” Christmas 
• The backstory of the movie
• The Movie Cast: Bill Murray (Frank Cross,) Karen Allen (Claire,) John Forsythe (Lew,) John Glover (Brice Cummings,) Bobcat Goldthwait, David Johansen (Ghost of Christmas Past,) Carol Kane (Ghost of Christmas Present,) Robert Mitchum (Preston Rhinelander,) Nicholas Phillips  (Calvin,) Alfre Woodard (Grace,) and Mabel King as Grandma. 

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) 
Clips used:

• Frank meets his first ghost
• Scrooged (1988 trailer)
• Lester Wilson and the Solid Gold Dancers
• Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present
• Bill Murray’s last speech in the film
• Scrooged music by Danny Elfman

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
• Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama 
• Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
• Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: The Lion in Winter
The 1966 Play Vs. the 1968 Film

Few stories transcend mediums as powerfully as James Goldman’s *The Lion in Winter*. Whether presented on stage or on screen, this tale of royal power struggles and familial manipulation in 12th-century England captivates audiences with its sharp dialogue, rich character dynamics, and timeless themes. But how do the 1966 play and its 1968 film adaptation compare? Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two iconic versions.
Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The inauspicious debut on the Broadway stage
• The true history behind the story
• The Movie Cast: Peter O’Toole (Henry II,) Katharine Hepburn (Eleanor of Aquitaine,) Anthony Hopkins (Richard the Lionheart,) John Castle (Geoffrey,) Nigel Terry (John,) Timothy Dalton (Philip II,) Jane Merrow (Alais,) Nigel Stock (William Marshall,) Kenneth Ives (Queen Eleanor’s guard,) and O.Z. Whitehead as Hugh de Puiset.  

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) 
Clips used:

• Katharine Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, and Jane Merrow
• The Lion in Winter (1968 trailer)
• Peter O’Toole
• Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins
• Katharine Hepburn and her sons
• “The Wedding Scene”
• Music composed by John Barry

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
• Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama 
• Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
• Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie:
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas 
1971 Children’s Book Vs. the 1977 TV Special

Last year, the Margos adapted O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," so it felt appropriate to revisit the themes of selflessness and family during the holidays by exploring Russell Hoban's "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas." This 1971 book inspired the beloved Jim Henson-directed TV special from 1977, which has become a classic for generations. So, between the book and the film, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!

 In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• Biography of the author Russell Hoban
• The world of Jim Henson
• The Movie Cast: Jerry Nelson (Emmet Otter,) Frank Oz & Marilyn Sokol (Alice Otter,) Jim Henson (Kermit the Frog,) Richard Hunt (Charlie Muskrat,) Eren Ozker as Gretchen Fox. 

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) 
Clips used:

• “Kermit the Frog Opener”
• Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas trailer
• “Ain’t No Hole in the Wash Tub”
• “Bar-B-Que”
• “Emmet meets Chuck.”
• “Brothers song”
• “Riverbottom Nightmare”
• “Brothers in Our World”
• Music composed by Paul Williams

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
• Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama 
• Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
• Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: Holiday
The 1928 Play Vs. the 1938 Film

The Margos celebrate the holiday season with the classic 1938 film "Holiday," directed by George Cukor and starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Based on the 1928 play by Philip Barry, the story follows an adventure-seeking playboy (played by Grant) who engages in a battle of wits with his fiancée’s sister (played by Hepburn) during the New Year’s holiday in upper-class New York City. So, between the play and the film, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• How the play and 1938 movie differ
• The setting of 1928 vs 1938 change the tone of the work
• Theater TCU Play 2023
• The Movie Cast: Katharine Hepburn (Linda Seton,) Cary Grant (Johnny Case,) Doris Nolan (Julia Seton,) Lew Ayres (Ned Seaton,) Henry Kolker (Edward Seton Sr.,) Edward Everett Horton (Professor Nick Potter,) Jean Dixon (Susan Potter,) Binnie Barnes (Laura Cram) and Henry Daniell as Seton Cram. 

Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) 
Clips used:

• “New Year’s Eve Waltz”
• TCM Pre-Show for Holiday (1938)
• “Julia, Johnny, and Linda”
• Johny asks Linda, “Why work?” 
• “Julia and Johnny disagree”
• “Ned, Julia and Johnny”
• “Johnny and Linda do acrobatics”
• Music by Sidney Cutner

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
• Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama 
• Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.com
• Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: Convoy
The CW McCall Novelty Song Vs. the Sam Peckinpah (!) Film

In the mid-1970s, a unique country song about truckers, CB radios, and the open road captured the imagination of America. It was called "Convoy," and it not only topped the charts but also inspired a Hollywood movie, solidifying its place in pop culture history. Initially a novelty tune, it evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The song was written and performed by C.W. McCall, the alter ego of ad man Bill Fries, in collaboration with musician Chip Davis, who later founded Mannheim Steamroller. "Convoy" rode the wave of the CB radio craze that swept through the U.S. during the 1970s. The song's immense success attracted Hollywood's attention, and soon, the story of "Rubber Duck" made its way to the big screen. The movie, directed by Sam Peckinpah, known for his gritty and violent Westerns such as The Wild Bunch and Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, added a dramatic twist to the whimsical narrative. So, between the song and the film, which did the Margos prefer?

 Listen to find out! In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• How the song was created as an advertisement
• The career of Sam Peckinpah 
• The Movie Cast: Kris Kristofferson (Rubber Duck,) Ali McGraw (Melissa,) Ernest Borgnine (“Cottonmouth,”) Burt Young (Love Machine,) Madge Sinclair (Widow Woman,) Franklyn Ajaye (Spider Mike,) Seymour Cassell (Governor Haskins,) Cassie Yates (Violet,) Billy Hughes (“Pack Rat,”) Jorge Russek (Tiny Alvarez,) and Patrice Martinez as Maria. 

Clips used:

• “Convoy Truckers Escape Speedtrap”
• “Old Home Bread Commercial 1973”
• CW McCall on Hee Haw in 1976
• Convoy (1978 trailer)
• “Rubber Duck meets Melissa”
• “Rubber Duck sneaks into NM.”
• “Bridge scene Convoy.”
• Music by CW McCall & Chip Davis

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie 
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog 
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: 
• Margo P’s Instagram 
• Margo P’s Blog  
• Margo P's YouTube Channel

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: The Wizard of Oz
(Replay in honor of Wicked!) 

The Margos celebrate the new Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande with a replay of our beloved episode devoted to L. Frank Baum and The Wizard of Oz. The book presents a vast, detailed Oz with darker undertones, while the movie streamlines the story, focusing on Dorothy’s emotional journey. Baum’s Dorothy is resourceful and independent, whereas Judy Garland’s portrayal adds warmth and vulnerability, emphasizing her longing for home.Between the technicolor 1939 classic and the original novel--which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!


Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie 
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog 
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: 
• Margo P’s Instagram 
• Margo P’s Blog  
• Margo P's YouTube Channel

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
The Charlie Mackesy Children’s Book  Vs. the 2022 Apple+ Film

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a beautifully illustrated book that explores themes of kindness, resilience, and self-acceptance through the adventures of four unlikely friends. Each character offers unique insights: the curious Boy, the cake-loving Mole, the cautious Fox, and the wise Horse. Through gentle dialogue and expressive artwork, the story reflects on friendship, hope, and the journey to find peace within oneself. Often compared to "The Little Prince," this book has resonated with readers of all ages and was adapted into an award-winning animated film in 2022 that was created remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out! In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The inspiring work of the author and how the book was created 
• How the film was created during the COVID-19 lockdown. 
• The Movie Cast: Jude Coward Nicoll (the Boy,) Tom Hollander (the Mole,) Idris Elba (the Fox) and Gabriel Byrne as the Horse.  

Clips used:

• “Isn’t it odd, we can only share our outsides…”
• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022 trailer)
• “One of our greatest freedoms..”
• “Everyone gets lost sometimes.”
• “Look to the dawn…”
• Music by Isobel Waller-Bridge

Follow us on the socials!

• Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
• You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
• Instagram: Book Versus Movie 
• [email protected] 
• Margo D’s Blog 
• Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
• Margo D’s TikTok 
• Margo D’s YouTube: 
• Margo P’s Instagram 
• Margo P’s Blog  
• Margo P's YouTube Channel

Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: Travels with My Aunt
The 1969 Graham Greene Novel Vs. the 1972 Maggie Smith Film

The Margos pack their suitcases for Graham Greene’s Travels with My Aunt and its 1972 film adaptation. The story of Henry Pulling, a reserved Englishman, whose life changes when his eccentric Aunt Augusta leads him on an adventurous journey across Europe. Greene explores the novel's themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and unconventional relationships with his signature dark humor. Augusta’s vibrant, morally ambiguous character makes Henry question his life choices. The film, directed by George Cukor and starring Maggie Smith as Augusta, takes a lighter, comedic approach. Henry’s character becomes more of a comedic foil to Augusta, and the adaptation focuses less on Augusta’s complex past. While the movie brings energy and charm, fans of the book often feel it lacks Greene’s depth.

So, which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out! In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The work of Graham Greene
• Maggie Smith!!!!! 
• The differences between the novel and the film. 
• The Movie Cast: Maggie Smith (Augusta Bertram,) Alec McGowen (Henry Pulling,) Louis Gosset Jr. (Zachary Wordsworth,) Robert Stephens (Ercole Visconti,) Cindy Williams (Tooley,) Robert Flemyng (Achille Dambreuse,) Corinne Marchand (Louise) and Valerie White as Mme. Dambreuse.  

Clips used:

• “Aunt August at the Funeral”
• Travels with My Aunt (original 1972 trailer)
• 1973 Academy Awards Best Costume Design
• “Aunt Augusta and Henry fly to Paris.”
• Travels with My Aunt soundtrack by Tony Hatch.

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 [email protected] 
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
[email protected]
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/ 
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (replay)
The 1964 Ian Fleming Novel Vs. the 1968 Classic Movie

Book vs. Movie: Chitty Chitty Bang BangThe Margos explore Ian Fleming's only children's story, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," published in October 1964, shortly after his death at 56. Written for his son Caspar, the story features characters inspired by Fleming's children and their friends, set against the backdrop of 1920s aero-engine racing carts. The tale follows Commander Caractacus Pott and his magical car, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," named for the sound it makes. The car embarks on various adventures in England and France, able to swim and fly while evading villains who kidnap children for robberies. Produced by Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, the film took liberties with the story and included music by the Sherman Brothers. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song and became a stage musical in 2002.

So, which did we like more between the original story and the 1968 adaptation?

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 [email protected] 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
[email protected]
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/ 
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine 

Book Vs. Movie: The Night of the Hunter
The 1953 Novel Vs. the 1955 Classic Movie

Davis Grubb’s 1953 novel *The Night of the Hunter* and its 1955 film adaptation by Charles Laughton offer haunting interpretations of a sinister preacher, Harry Powell, and two children fleeing him. The novel delves deeper into Powell's twisted morality and religious fanaticism. At the same time, the film, featuring Robert Mitchum, presents him as a symbolic figure of evil with striking visual elements, including his "LOVE" and "HATE" tattoos. The book maintains a grounded, psychological tone, while the movie employs a surreal, expressionist style to illustrate the battle between good and evil. Which version did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out. 

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The creepy origin story of the book.
• Charles Laughton’s excellent direction and why he never helmed a picture again. 
• The differences between the novel and the 1955 film. 
• The Movie Cast: Robert Mitchum (Harry Powell,) Shelley Winters (Willa Harper,) Lillian Gish (Rachel Cooper,) Billy Chapin (John Harper,) Sally Jane Bruce (Pearl Harper,) James Gleason (Uncle “Birdie” Steptoe,) Evelyn Varden (Icey Spoon,) Don Beddoe (Walt Spoon,) Peter Graves (Ben Harper,) Gloria Castillo (Ruby,) and Paul Bryar as Bart the Hangman. 

Clips used:

• “Harry Speaks to the Lord”
• The Night of the Hunter (1955 trailer)
• “John Promises His Dad”
• “Love and Hate”
• “He Ain’t My Dad” 
• “Leaning”
• The Night of the Hunter soundtrack by Walter Schumann

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 [email protected] 
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
[email protected]
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/ 
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine