Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
Winter Kills (1979)
6.3/10
Director: William Richert
Starring: Richard Boone, Jeff Bridges, Sterling Hayden, John Huston, Anthony Perkins, Eliz...
A rare example of a film so wild, so utterly rambunctious and so bursting with invention that it defies description. Based on the novel by Richard Con... Read more
Wire in the Blood: Prayer of the Bone (2007)
8.4/10
Director: Declan O'Dwyer
Starring: Robson Green
When an accused rapist confesses to brutally slaughtering his family in a small Texas town, renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill (Robson Green... Read more
Wire in the Blood: Series 1, Part 1 - The Mermaids Singing (2002)
8.4/10
Director: Andrew Grieve
Starring: Hermione Norris, Robson Green
Clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill (Robson Green) is asked to help police track down the brutal killer of three men in Bradfield. Detective Inspector... Read more
Wives and Daughters (2000)
8.2/10
Director: Nicholas Renton
Starring: Francesca Annis, Ian Carmichael, Deborah Findlay, Michael Gambon, Justine Waddel...
What it means to be in love for the first time - and how it really feels to be alive... This beautifully mounted BBC production, from the novel by El... Read more
Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006)
7.3/10
Director: Goran Dukic
Starring: Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea Whigham, Tom Waits, John Hawkes, Will Arne...
After breaking up with his girlfriend, Zia (Patrick Fugit) commits suicide, only to find himself in a bleak afterlife populated by lost souls and mela... Read more
Wuthering Heights (1939)
7.7/10
Director: William Wyler
Starring: Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, David Niven
An internationally acclaimed version of Emily Bronte's classic story of passion, hatred and revenge. Laurence Olivier claimed that William Wyler taugh... Read more
Wuthering Heights (1992)
6.9/10
Director: Peter Kosminsky
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Ralph Fiennes, Janet McTeer
Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes star in this magnificent adaptation of Emily Bronte's immortal classic about love and vengeance. Set on the Yorkshi... Read more
Wuthering Heights (BBC) (1978)
7.7/10
Director: Dick Coles
Starring: Ken Hutchison, Kay Adshead, John Duttine, Cathryn Harrison, Caroline Langrishe
When Mr. Earnshaw encounters Heathcliff, a ragamuffin orphan, he kindly brings the boy into his home and makes him part of the family. From the start... Read more
Wycliffe: Series 1 (1994)
7.1/10
Director: Ferdinand Fairfax, A J Quinn, Martyn Friend
Starring: Jack Shepherd, Bill Nighy, Aaron Harris, Tim Wylton, Helen Masters, Jimmy Yuill
Based on the novels by W.J. Burley and set against the windswept Cornish coast, this acclaimed detective series follows the exploits of the meticulous... Read more
Wycliffe: Series 4 (1997)
7.1/10
Starring: Jack Shepherd, Pam Ferris, Jimmy Yuill, Helen Masters
Series four sees the Cornish team under investigation as they continue with their own cases. Internal affairs is creating problems for the tough-as-na... Read more