"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic times two — on page, and on screen.
That's according to a recent survey of Deseret News readers and film experts.
Turning classic literature into classic film isn't automatic. But when it works, it's memorable.
"It's been said that it's easier to make a good movie from a bad novel than from a good novel. That's an oversimplification, but it's largely accurate," said Dennis Cutchins, who teaches film and literature at BYU. "'Gone With The Wind' is a good example of that principle. Margaret Mitchell's book is not great literature, but there's no question that 'Gone With the Wind' is a great film."
Longtime KSL radio host and film critic Doug Wright agrees.
"When you have a beloved book, it takes a real gift and skill to bring that generally to the screen and make it appealing," he said.
It's appealing because of the characters in the story, according to former Deseret News features editor and film critic Chris Hicks.
"The upside is you usually have good characters and a really good story that people have obviously enjoyed because they've purchased so many copies of the book," Hicks said.
Dennis Perry, also a film and English professor at BYU, says too many have different expectations after reading the book.
"First, each reader has a very different "book" in their mind—so you have to satisfy, usually by transcending, reader expectations. The 2005 'Pride and Prejudice' was a disappointment to many Jane Austen fans because the great dialogue was sacrificed to long scenes of romantic gothic imagery and 'meaningful' stares," Perry said. "Second, there is the pressure to bring something of our modern sensibility and current issues to the table—which can backfire miserably. Third, the ever present pressure with all films—make it compelling storytelling."
"By and large, people who are truly in love with the books are never going to be satisfied," Hicks said. "It may be an impossible task (to make a film adaptation that will please everyone)."
So, with a nod to this week's opening of "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," based on C.S. Lewis' classic work, the Deseret News presents its list of the top 10 films based on great literature.
1. "To Kill A Mocking Bird" (1962) — "The very best example I have ever seen of a book being made into a movie and not losing a thing, and maybe even gaining a little bit, it's "To Kill a Mocking Bird." I absolutely love that," Wright said.
Chris Hicks: "I can see 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' being No. 1 because it is still taught in schools. It is a beloved book that is still passed on."
2. "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003) — This entire project took eight years, a $285 million budget and all three movies were filmed simultaneously in New Zealand. It became one of the highest-grossing films of all-time, won numerous Academy Awards and received wide praise for its innovative and digital special effects. Perhaps the only unanswered question might be what does author J.R.R. Tolkien think of his creation on the big screen?
"I think "Lord of the Rings" fans are such purists. I am not sure you are ever going to satisfy those folks," Wright said.
3: "Ben Hur" (1959) — This colorful version was the most expensive film ever made up to its time, and the most expensive film of the 50s decade at a price tag of $15 million and ultimately saved MGM Grand Studios from bankruptcy. It took six years to prepare for the film shoot and over a half year of on-location work in Italy, with thousands of extras. A Biblical tale subtitled "A Tale of the Christ," "Ben Hur" is one of the most honored, award-winning films of all time.
4: "The Princess Bride" (1987) — Who hasn't memorized two or three lines from this comedy/adventure/fantasy based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman? From the Cliffs of Insanity to the Pit of Despair, the six-fingered man and rodents of unusual size, this classic movie has redefined the meaning of true love.
5: "A Christmas Carol" (1984) — Given the time of the season, Wright was a little surprised more readers didn't vote for the Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale.
"I think that movie has been made brilliantly several times and annihilated several times also. I love the George C. Scott version (1984) that was actually made for Hallmark. The Alastair Sim version (1951) is considered to be the overall classic. I also like "A Muppets Christmas Carol" (1992)," Wright said.
6: "Pride and Prejudice" (1995) — This adaptation of the 19th century Jane Austen classic originally premiered on A&E as a six-part mini-series. While Deseret News readers favored it over older, black-and-white film versions, Hicks disagreed.
"I thought it was good, but it didn't strike me as the best one," he said.
7: "Sense and Sensibility" (1995) — With reference to its seven Oscar nominations and one win for Emma Thompson's screenplay, Hicks called the adaptation "wonderful."
"It was very well received at the time," he said.
8: "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) — John Steinbeck's story detailing the Joad family during the Great Depression not only won him a Pulitzer Prize, but the film adaptation won love of many, including Deseret News readers. Hicks also listed the film as one of his favorite literary adaptations.
9: "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1982) — Originally written by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, the play has been adapted into a book and multiple films since it was penned in 1903, including this adaptation starring Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews
10: "Hamlet" (1996) — "To thine own self be true," and Branagh's adaptation remains true to form as the first unabridged film version of the work. With allusions to it in everything from "Clueless" to "The Cosby Show," this Shakespearean classic contains many passages that are arguably some of the most quoted of all time.
The Honorable Mentions
"The Wizard of Oz" (1939) - L. Frank Baum acknowledged the influence of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen in his children's novel published in 1900, made into a movie almost 40 years later.
"Gone With the Wind" (1939) - "Since 'Gone With The Wind,' something like 60 percent of nominees and winners of the Best Picture award have been adaptations," said Dennis Cutchins
"O Brother Where Art Thou" (2000) - Did you know this film was based on "The Odyssey" by Homer?
"Little Women" (1933, 1949, 1994) - Since it was published by Louisa May Alcott in the late 1860s, this classic has come to the silver screen several times.
"Shane" (1953) - This old western is based on the 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer.
"Jeremiah Johnson" (1972) - Vardis Fisher, a famous local author who taught at the University of Utah, wrote a book called "Mountain Man." It was later adapted into "Jeremiah Johnson." "This is one of those rare times when I absolutely love the movie, absolutely love the book, even though they don't match up very well," Wright said.
"Rebecca" (1940), Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who was more commonly known for his suspense pictures, the film is an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's romance novel.
"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954) Disney Studios built Sound Stage 3 and its water tank specifically for this film.
"A Man for All Seasons "(1966) - "I love 'A Man for All Seasons.' That is a wonderful, wonderful movie that was very true to the book," Wright said.