Book Vs. Movie: Don’t Look Now
The Daphne DuMaurier Short Story Vs. the Nicolas Roeg Film
It’s October, and the Margos are feeling excited about watching spooky movies! This week we talk about the ever-amazing Daphe DuMaurier, and her short story Don’t Look Now, which was published in 1971 and later adapted by director Nicolas Roeg and starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. The story and film are considered classic tales of horror for the tale of parents dealing with the loss of a child while on vacation in Venice.
John and Laura are on holiday trying to escape their grief from the death of their daughter, who died from meningitis (in the book), when they meet identical twin sisters who are older and have psychic abilities. One of the sisters is also blind. They warn the couple that their son, Johnnie, has “second sight” and will be killed if they stay in Venice.
The movie has many of the same beats as the original story but is controversial for a sex scene between the leads that may or may not be “real.” The movie is considered a classic in horror and a “must-see” for its editing and acting.
This episode is sponsored by Kensington Books and A Ghost in Shining Armor, the novel by Therese Beharrie.
ROM-COM WITH A TOUCH OF MAGIC: This Cape Town-set rom-com is the second in
a duology about two South African sisters who were separated as children when one
was adopted, and the other went into foster care. After reuniting as adults, they learn
they’ve each developed unique abilities. The previous book focused on the sister who can manifest her dreams. This book revolves around Gemma, who can see and
communicate with ghosts.
FOR FANS OF: This #OwnVoices romantic comedy is ideal for fans of authors who
have found success blending romance, comedy, and more weighty real-world issues,
such as Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez, Helen Hoang, & Alisha Rai. Readers who enjoy
authors bringing new perspectives to the world of romance, such as Talia Hibbert and
Erin Sterling will also be pleased.
Once haunted . . .
Gemma Daniels has never been quite the “down to earth” woman her adoptive parents raised her to be. She even has a unique gift: she can see ghosts and likes helping them settle their unfinished business. But the hotter-than-hot stranger she impulsively
kisses on a bet is not only a phantom; he's determined to help her. And the only way Gemma can explain his presence is to pretend they’re a real-life couple.
Twice shy . . .
Levi Walker lived—and died—to save his sister. Now he’s got a second chance at life if he assists Gemma in reuniting with her long-lost sibling . . . and then never sees Gemma again. But as he starts to enjoy her irrepressible personality, he’s finding it hard to abide by any rules at all . . .
Gemma is thrilled to be getting to know her sister, but it causes a family rift she may be unable to heal. On top of that, she’s falling for a ghost with a dilemma. Levi must decide what loyalty—and living—is truly all about. Gemma and Levi must risk being real with each other to fix their mistakes if they are ever to claim true love.
Visit her online at Therese Beharrie and on Twitter @ThereseBeharrie.
In this ep the Margos discuss:
The life of Daphne DuMaurier
The plot of the story in the original version versus the film
The controversy around the movie and why it is considered a classic horror tale
The cast: Julie Christie (Laura Baxter,) Donald Sutherland (John Baxter,) Hilary Mason (Heather,) Clelia Metania (Wendy,) Massimo Serato (Bishop Barbarrigo,) Renato Scarpa (Inspector Longhi,) Giogio Trestini (Workman,) Leopoldo Trieste (hotel manager,) David Tree (Anthony Babbage,) Ann Rye (Mandy Babbage,) Nicholas Salter (Johnny Baxter,) Sharon Williams (Christine Baxter,) Bruno Cattaneo (Detective Sabbione,) and Adelina Poerio as the murderer.
Clips used:
Laura Baxter meets the sisters
Don’t Look Now trailer
Christine drowns
Richard almost falls
Richard searches for the “girl” in the red slicker/Mac
Music by Pino Donaggio
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