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Chapter 32 - Film, Television, and Theater Adaptations

from Part V - Historical, Creative, and Cultural Legacies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 December 2019

John Bird
Affiliation:
Winthrop University
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Summary

Mark Twain’s works have received many adaptions in film, television, and theatre, almost always with disappointing results. Translating Twain’s humor, satire, and message have proven difficult. A case in point is the 1938 film version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, probably the best film adaptation of a Twain novel, which was followed the next year by a flawed version of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, starring Andy Rooney as Huck Finn. Filmmakers have tried in vain to portray the serious themes Twain imbedded in even his most comic works. The history of Twain in film and television is pretty much a history of good intentions and flawed results. One notable exception is the Broadway musical Big River, in which country songwriter manages ot capture Twain’s humor, spirit, and message.

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Mark Twain in Context , pp. 329 - 340
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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References

Works Cited

“A Group of Eminent Scenario Writers: Sources of Edison Photoplays.” Nickelodeon. Feb. 18, 1911: 191–92.Google Scholar
“C.K.” Letter. Bismarck Daily Tribune, June 1, 1920: 4.Google Scholar
“‘Huck Finn’ to be Junior Class Play.” Ireton Ledger, Feb. 6, 1936: 1.Google Scholar
“‘Huck Finn’ Wins Praise; Daughter of Mark Twain Is Given Private Screening.” Motion Picture News, Apr. 10, 1920: 3314.Google Scholar
“Huckleberry Finn.” Review. Film Daily, Feb. 17, 1939: 6.Google Scholar
“Huckleberry Finn.” Review. Motion Picture Herald, Feb. 11, 1939: 35, 38.Google Scholar
“Huckleberry Finn.” Review. Variety, Feb. 15, 1939: 12.Google Scholar
Lewis, Roy F. Huckleberry Finn: A Comedy for Young and Old. Minneapolis, MN: Northwestern Press, 1934.Google Scholar
Rasmussen, R. Kent. “Stage Plays Adapted from Mark Twain’s Works.” www.twainquotes.com/MarkTwainPlays.html.Google Scholar
“School Play Proves Big Hit at Sch. Haven.” Pottsville Republican, Feb. 28, 1947: 20.Google Scholar
“Screen Version of ‘Huck Finn’ Said to Be of High Quality.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Apr. 7, 1920: 16.Google Scholar

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