Episodes

  • Gypsy (1962) Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, Ethel Merman, Natalie Wood, & Rosalind Russell
    Mar 10 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: GypsyThe 1957 Memoir Vs. the 1962 Movie“Musicals in March!”The Margos celebrate another “Musicals in March” episode with Gypsy. Gypsy Rose Lee’s 1957 memoir tells her real-life story of growing up in vaudeville and burlesque under the domineering influence of her mother, Rose Hovick. It paints a detailed picture of her childhood alongside her more naturally talented younger sister, June (later June Havoc), and how Gypsy (born Louise Hovick) eventually became the most famous burlesque performer of her time. The book is witty and self-deprecating and offers an unvarnished yet entertaining look at her complex relationship with her mother. The movie Gypsy is based on the successful 1959 Broadway musical by Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents, rather than directly on the memoir. It follows the same structure as the stage show, focusing on Rose Hovick’s relentless push to make her daughters stars, culminating in Gypsy’s rise to fame. However, because it was a Hollywood film, it softened some of the grittier aspects of Gypsy’s story. So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:A look at the career of Gypsy Rose Lee The different Broadway productions over the yearsThe cast includes Rosalind Russell (Rose Hovick,) Natalie Wood (Louise Hovick/Gypsy Rose Lee,) Karl Malden (Herbie Sommers,) Paul Wallace (Tulsa,) Ann Jillian (Dainty June,) Morgan Brittany (Baby June,) Parley Bear (Mr. Kringelein,) Harry Shannon (Grandpa,) Betty Bruce (Tessie Tura,) Faith Dane (Mazeppa,) Roxanne Arlen (Electra,) and Jean Willes as Betty Cratchitt. Clips Featured:“Natalie Wood as Gypsy”Ethel Merman on the Perry Como show in 1960Gypsy (1962 trailer)“Dainty June & Her Boys”“Everything is Coming Up Roses” (Rosalind Russell)“Little Lamb” “Let Me Entertain You”Music by Jule Styne & Lyrics by Stephen SondheimFollow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Wicked (2024) Gregory Maguire, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, & Michelle Yeoh
    Mar 3 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: WickedThe 2004 Musical Vs. the 2024 Movie"Musicals in March"The "Wicked" movie is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West; the book (for the play) was written by Winnie Holzman, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show had its initial tryout in San Francisco in 2003 before moving to Broadway, where it has enjoyed a successful two-decade run despite receiving mixed reviews.This success is primarily attributed to its loyal fan base. Part One concludes with the iconic song "Defying Gravity," setting the stage for Part Two, which explores the consequences of Elphaba’s rebellion. The film utilizes CGI and elaborate sets to vividly portray the magical world of Oz in ways that the stage cannot replicate. So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out! In this ep, the Margos discuss:A brief look at the 1995 novel The path to Broadway to the Jon M. Chu filmThe cast includes Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba,) Ariana Grande (Glinda,) Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero,) Ethan Slater (Boq Woodsman,) Bowen Yang (Pfanne,) Peter Dinklage (Dr. Dillamond,) Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible,) Jeff Goldblum (Wizard of Oz,) Marissa Bode (Nessarose,) Bronwyn James (Shenshen) and Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp.Clips Featured:“Glinda makes a ball gown”"Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda at the 2004 Tony Awards""Indina Menzel as Elphaba at the 2004 Tony Awards"Wicked (Part 1 2024 trailer)“What is this feeling?”“Defying gravity”Music by John Powell and Stephen SchwartzFollow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • The Piano Lesson (2024) August Wilson, Denzel Washington, Malcolm Washington, & John David Washington
    Feb 24 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: The Piano LessonThe 1987 August Wilson Play Vs. the 2024 Netflix AdaptationAugust Wilson's *The Piano Lesson*, first staged in 1987 and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990, centers on siblings Berniece and Boy Willie as they clash over a family heirloom—the intricately carved piano symbolizing their ancestors' struggles. Set in 1936 Pittsburgh, the play explores themes of heritage, trauma, and the tension between honoring the past and moving forward. The 2024 film adaptation, directed by Malcolm Washington and produced by Denzel Washington, stars John David Washington as Boy Willie, Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece, and Samuel L. Jackson as Doaker. This version promises a fresh retelling with a broader setting and enhanced visuals, including supernatural elements like Sutter's ghost. So, which version did we prefer? Have a listen to find out in this ep; the Margos discuss:August Wilson’s life and work. The multiple changes between the play and the 2024 filmThe cast includes Samuel L. Jackson (Doaker,) John David Washington (Boy Willie,) Danielle Deadwyler (Berniece,) Ray Fisher (Lymon,) Corey Hawkins (Avery,) Michael Potts (Winning Boy,) Skylar Aleece Smith (Maretha,) Stephen James (Boy Charles,) Erykah Badu (Lucille,) and Malik J. Lai as Wili BoyClips Featured:“Oh Lord, Berta”The Paino Player (2024 trailer)“Berneice and Avery”“Berneice and Boy Willie”“1995 Oh Lord, Berta scene.”“Berneice and Lymon”The end sceneSoundtrack for The Piano Lesson (2024)Follow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Hate U Give (2018) Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Sabrina Carpenter, & Anthony Mackie
    Feb 17 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: The Hate U GiveThe 2017 Book by Angie Thomas & the 2018 FilmThe Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas and adapted into a 2018 film directed by George Tillman Jr., presents a powerful narrative about race, identity, and activism. While the book and the movie follow the same core story—Starr Carter witnessing the police shooting of her childhood friend Khalil and navigating the aftermath—they differ in several ways. The Margos take a look at both in this episode. Which did we prefer—the book or the movie? Click on the link below to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:Author Angie Thomas and the book’s unusual path to adaptation. The true-life murders that inspired the storyThe cast includes Amandla Sternberg (Starr Carter), Regina Hall (Lisa Carter), Russell Hornsby (Maverick Carter), Algee Smith (Khalil Harris), Lamar Johnson (Seven Carter), Issa Rae (April), KJ Apa (Chris Bryant), Common (Carlos), Anthony Mackie (King), Sabrina Carpenter (Hailey Grant), and Drew Starkey as Brian McIntosh Jr.Clips Featured:“Starr Codeswitching at School”The Hate U Give trailer“Opening scene with instructions on how to act in case of police interference.”“THUG Opening scene”“Chris and Starr”“Sabrina (Hailey) gets wailed upon and deserves it’“Seven Point Scene”“Sekani gun scene.”Music by Dustin O’Halloran The closing song by Arlissa, “We Won’t Move.” Follow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • The Warriors (1979) with special guest Baseball Fury Rob Ryder
    Feb 3 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: The WarriorsSpecial Interview With Screenwriter & Author Rob RyderPlus, a Replay of our 2020 ep! The Margos revisit a special episode dedicated to the cult classic film *The Warriors*, based on Sol Yurick's book. Directed by Walter Hill and released in 1979, the movie was a hit but faced backlash due to real-life gang violence, leading studios to halt its promotion. It became a staple of 1980s television and is now considered a modern classic for its comic book sensibility in depicting urban decay. Yurick wrote the original story in 1965, inspired by his experiences with teenagers while working for New York City's welfare department after college. This episode includes an interview with screenwriter and author Rob Ryder, who contributed to the film and wrote *Purple Fury: Rumbling With the Warriors*. So, which did we prefer—the book or the movie? Click on the link below to find out!In this ep the Margos discuss:The life story of Sol YurickNew York City in the 1960s and 1970sTrivia about the shooting of the filmThe cast which includes: Michael Beck (Swan,) James Remar (Ajax,) Dorsey Wright (Cleon,) Brian Tyler (Snow,) David Harris (Cochise,) Tom McKitterick (Cowboy,) Marcelino Sanchez (Rembrandt,) Terry Michos (Vermin,) Deborah Van Valkenburgh (Mercy,) Roger Hill (Cyrus,) David Patrick Kelly (Luther,) Lynne Thigpen (D.J.,) and Mercedes Ruehl (policewoman.)Clips Featured:The Warriors trailer“Warriors, come out to play!” (David Patrick Kelly)Luther “Can you dig it?” (Roger Hill)The D.J. warns The Warriors (Lynne Thigpen)Outro music: Composer Barry DeVorzonFollow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1985) Cyndi Lauper, Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt & Robert Hazard!
    Jan 27 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: Girls Just Want to Have FunThe Cyndi Lauper Hit Vs. the Sarah Jessica Parker MovieThe 1985 film *Girls Just Want to Have Fun* is a beloved teen dance comedy inspired by Cyndi Lauper’s iconic song. The story follows Janey Glenn (Sarah Jessica Parker), a dance-loving teen who moves to Chicago with her strict military father. Encouraged by her quirky friend Lynne (Helen Hunt), Janey auditions for the TV show *Dance TV* and teams up with working-class Jeff Malene (Lee Montgomery) to pursue their dance dreams, facing rivals and romance. The film also features Shannen Doherty as Jeff’s sister and Jonathan Silverman as his goofy best friend. So which did the Margos prefer? The original song by Robert Hazard or the 1985 film? Listen to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The careers of Cyndi Lauper and Robert Hazard in the early 1980sHow the film was adapted from the songThe Movie Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Janey Glenn,) Helen Hunt (Lynn Stone,) Lee Montgomery (Jeff Malene,) Jonathan Silverman (Drew Boreman,) and Shannon Doherty as Maggie Malene. Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) Clips used:“Girls” remake song and early sceneGirls Just Want to Have Fun (1985 trailer)Roger Ebert’s 1985 review of Girls Just Want to Have FunAudition scene“Dance TV”“Party invasion scene”Music by Deborah Galli with Tami Follow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • "Meet John Doe" (1941) Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Frank Capra & Richard Connell
    Jan 20 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: Meet John DoeThe 1922 Short Story Vs. the 1941 FilmFrank Capra’s 1941 film *Meet John Doe* is often described as “based on a story by Richard Connell and Robert Presnell.” Unlike Connell’s famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” the source material for *Meet John Doe* was based on a short story, “A Reputation,” which appeared in 1922 in Century Magazine. The original work and the final film critique how newspapers—and media moguls—shape public sentiment for their own purposes. Starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, the film was a significant box office success and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Story, with Capra opting for a more hopeful ending than the original. So which did we prefer? The original short story of the Capra movie? Listen to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The works of both Richard Connell and Frank Capra The differences between the short story & 1941 filmThe Movie Cast: Gary Cooper (John Doe,) Barbara Stanwyck (Ann Mitchell,) Edward Arnold (D.B. Norton,) Walter Brennan (The Colonel,) Spring Byington (Mrs. Mitchell,) James Gleason (Henry Connell,) and Gene Lockhart as Mayor Lovett. Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) Clips used:Gary Cooper as “John Doe”Meet John Doe (1941 trailer)“Love thy neighbor.”“John Doe’s speech”“John at the bridge”“Last scene”Music by Dimitri TiomkinFollow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • The Odd Couple (1968) Neil Simon, Walter Matthau, and Jack Lemon
    Jan 13 2025
    Book Vs. Movie: The Odd CoupleThe 1965 Play Vs. the 1968 FilmThe Margos are feeling very neighborly in Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, which began as a stage play, premiering on Broadway in 1965, and it quickly became one of Simon’s most famous works. The 1968 film adaptation, directed by Gene Saks and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, brought the story to an even wider audience. Which did the Margos prefer? Listen to find out!In this ep, the Margos discuss:The 1965 play by Neil SimonThe differences between the book & 1968 filmThe Movie Cast: Jack Lemmon (Felix Unger,) Walter Matthau (Oscar Madison,) Herb Edelman (Murray,) John Fielder (Vinnie,) David Sheiner (Roy,) Larry Haines (Speed,) Monica Evans (Cecily Pigeon,) Carole Shelley (Gwendolyn Pigeon,) Billie Bird (Chambermaid,) and Iris Adrian as the Waitress. Margo’s upcoming book on Saturday Night Fever (pre-order!) Clips used:“Throw the Mug”The Odd Couple (1968 trailer)“Poker Game”“The Pigeon Sisters”“Cleaning the Apartment”Music by Neal HeftiFollow us on the socials!Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast GroupInstagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmoviebookversusmoviepodcast@gmail.com Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.comMargo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”Margo D’s TikTok Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohueMargo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama Margo P’s Blog : coloniabook.comMargo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomamaOur logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
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    51 mins