Book Vs. Movie: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Cyndi Lauper Hit Vs. the Sarah Jessica Parker Movie

The 1985 film *Girls Just Want to Have Fun* is a beloved teen dance comedy inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song. The story follows Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker), a dance-loving teen who moves to Chicago with her strict military father. Encouraged by her quirky friend Lynne (Helen Hunt), Janey auditions for the TV show *Dance TV* and teams up with working-class Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) to pursue their dance dreams, facing rivals and romance. The film also features Shannen Doherty as Jeff’s sister and Jonathan Silverman as his goofy best friend. 
So which did the Margos prefer? The original song by Robert Hazard or the 1985 film? Listen to find out!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The careers of Cyndi Lauper and Robert Hazard in the early 1980s
• How the film was adapted from the song
• The Movie Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Janey Glenn,) Helen Hunt (Lynn Stone,) Lee Montgomery (Jeff Malene,) Jonathan Silverman (Drew Boreman,) and Shannon Doherty as Maggie Malene. 

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

• “Girls” remake song and early scene
• Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985 trailer)
• Roger Ebert’s 1985 review of Girls Just Want to Have Fun
• Audition scene
• “Dance TV”
• “Party invasion scene”
• Music by Deborah Galli with Tami 

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: Meet John Doe
The 1922 Short Story Vs. the 1941 Film

Frank Capra’s 1941 film *Meet John Doe* is often described as “based on a story by Richard Connell and Robert Presnell.” Unlike Connell’s famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” the source material for *Meet John Doe* was based on a short story, “A Reputation,” which appeared in 1922 in Century Magazine.  The original work and the final film critique how newspapers—and media moguls—shape public sentiment for their own purposes. Starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, the film was a significant box office success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Story, with Capra opting for a more hopeful ending than the original. 

So which did we prefer? The original short story of the Capra movie? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The works of both Richard Connell and Frank Capra 
• The differences between the short story & 1941 film
• The Movie Cast: Gary Cooper (John Doe,) Barbara Stanwyck (Ann Mitchell,) Edward Arnold (D.B. Norton,) Walter Brennan (The Colonel,) Spring Byington (Mrs. Mitchell,) James Gleason (Henry Connell,) and Gene Lockhart as Mayor Lovett. 

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

• Gary Cooper as “John Doe”
• Meet John Doe (1941 trailer)
• “Love thy neighbor.”
• “John Doe’s speech”
• “John at the bridge”
• “Last scene”
• Music by Dimitri Tiomkin

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 Odd Couple
The 1965 Play Vs. the 1968 Film

The Margos are feeling very neighborly in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, which began as a stage play, premiering on Broadway in 1965, and it quickly became one of Simon’s most famous works. The 1968 film adaptation, directed by Gene Saks and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, brought the story to an even wider audience. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The 1965 play by Neil Simon
• The differences between the book & 1968 film
• The Movie Cast: Jack Lemmon (Felix Unger,) Walter Matthau (Oscar Madison,) Herb Edelman (Murray,) John Fielder (Vinnie,) David Sheiner (Roy,) Larry Haines (Speed,) Monica Evans (Cecily Pigeon,)  Carole Shelley (Gwendolyn Pigeon,) Billie Bird (Chambermaid,) and Iris Adrian as the Waitress. 

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

• “Throw the Mug”
• The Odd Couple (1968 trailer)
• “Poker Game”
• “The Pigeon Sisters”
• “Cleaning the Apartment”
• Music by Neal Hefti

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: 84 Charing Cross Road
The 1970 Book Vs. the 1987 Film

"84, Charing Cross Road" began as a slim epistolary book by American author Helene Hanff, first published in 1970. The book documents a warm, real-life correspondence between Hanff, an avid reader in New York City, and the antiquarian bookshop Marks & Co. staff at 84 Charing Cross Road in London. It was later adapted into a film in 1987, directed by David Hugh Jones and starring Anne Bancroft as Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins as Frank Doel, her primary correspondent at the bookshop. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out !

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The story behind the 1970 memoir
• The differences between the book & 1987 film
• The Movie Cast: Anne Bancroft (Helene Hanff,) Anthony Hopkins (Frank Doel,) Judi Dench (Nora Doel,) Maurice Deanham (George Martin,) Mercedes Ruehl (Kay,) Daniel Gerroll (Brain,) Wendy Morgan (Megan Wells,) and Ian McNiece (Bill Humphries.).  

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

• “Frank almost meets Helene at the bookshop.”
• 84 Charing Cross Road (1987 trailer)
• “Frank writes to Helene”
• “Frank and Helene talk to the camera.”
• Music by George Fenton

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: 
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