Classic movies that still fail to measure up to the source material

[DerekG]

The only disadvantage to reading copiously is finding certain celebrated adaptations lacking. A miscast actor, an expunged subplot, the glossing over of provocative material, a shoehorned happy ending...it can make quite the difference.

Name off a Great Film that just can't compare to the Great Novel.

I'll start.

The Grapes of Wrath--Steinbeck's socialist message was supplanted by Ford's populism, and the tragic sweep greatly diminished.

The Big Sleep--Superbly cast, sparkling dialogue...but I missed the darkness that infused Chandler's narrative.

Doctor Zhivago--Even a David Lean romance pales to Pasternak's transcendental epic of good and evil.

[Archae]

1. Not a classic movie, but...

I think Heinlein would have beat the shit out of Paul Verhoeven for what he did to "Starship Troopers." :grr:

[JCMach1]

2. Disagree on 'The Grapes of Wrath'

While I don't think it is exactly the same as the novel, I actually liked it better.

I saw it again recently and found it even better than I remembered.

[JCMach1]

3. Not classics, but all of the adaptations of Herbert's "Dune" have fallen short

[WinkyDink]

4. "Casino Royale", either movie!