Film, Television, and Theater Adaptations

doi:10.1017/9781108617208.034

Chapter 32 - Film, Television, and Theater Adaptations

from Part V - Historical, Creative, and Cultural Legacies

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 December 2019

R. Kent Rasmussen

Edited by

John Bird

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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.

Keywords

Mark Twain Samuel Clemens film television theater silent film Disney movies

Type: Chapter
Information: Mark Twain in Context , pp. 329 - 340

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108617208.034 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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References

Works Cited

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