Book Vs. Movie: “The Witches” (1990)

Book Vs. Movie: The Witches 

Roald Dahl’s 1983 Children’s Novel Vs. the 1990 Nicolas Roeg Cult Classic Film

The Margos finish October’s month of spooky books and movies with 1983’s The Witches by Roald Dahl (a favorite of this podcast!) This is one of his last works before his death in 1990 and is based on his love for his mother, Sofie Dahl. Stephen Roxburgh edited the work, and Quentin Blake’s illustrations received great praise at the time though the story was thought to be “misogynistic.” It’s now known as a modern classic. 

The story of an unnamed boy who lives with his Norweigian grandmother after his parents are killed and learns about witches who are ALL female and eat children is—intense. He learns that witches all over the world behave differently and that his being sent to an English school might make him vulnerable to the Grand Vulnerable High Witch of All the World. 

The story has kids turning into mice, magic potions, wigs, pea soup, and so much more weirdness, and an ending that might be more off-putting than encouraging. 

Nicolas Roeg directed the 1990 film that was considered a box office disappointment because it had a different ending than the book (happier, which Dahl completely hated and should not be a surprise considering what we knew about him) but is now considered a classic. 

Between the 1983 novel and 1990–which did we like better? You have to listen to find out!!

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: seeing 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 Roald Dahl
• The plot of the story versus the 1990 film
• The controversy around the movie and why it is considered a classic film
• The cast: Anjelica Huston (Ena Ernst/The Grand High Witch,) Mai Zetterling (Helga Eveshim,) Jasen Fisher (Luke Eveshim,) Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Stringer,) Brenda Blethyn Mrs. Jenkins,) Charlie Potter (Bruno) and Jane Horrocks as Miss Susan Irvine. 

Clips used:

• “Maximum Results!!”
• The Witches 1990 trailer 
• “Hello Little Bruno”
• The baby carriage scene
• Luke becomes a mouse
• They all eat the soup
• Music by Stanley Myers

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts

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