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Today, there is a significant overlap between made-for-television films and movies released on streaming platforms, and the distinction between the two has become increasingly blurred. Television films, once a prominent format, are gradually declining in favor of more financially lucrative options. They emerged during the mid-20th century as a response to the rise of television and the cost-effective nature of their production. However, some remarkable television films were created in the latter part of the century, many of which were adaptations of well-known novels.
While they may not have achieved the same level of popularity as miniseries and streaming releases, several television films have earned recognition and acclaim for their outstanding performances over the years. These adaptations have spanned various genres, including war dramas and gothic thrillers. Below, we’ll explore ten unforgettable television film adaptations of famous novels.
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10 Greatest TV Movie Adaptations of Famous Novels
The Snow Goose (1971)
“The Snow Goose” was a British adaptation of Paul Gallico’s novella, “The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk,” written by the American author. The movie is set during the early stages of World War II and centers around the story of an orphan who comes across a wounded snow goose. This chance encounter leads her to form a unique bond with a hunched-back artist residing in an abandoned lighthouse, as they both work together to nurse the injured bird back to health. However, their friendship takes a poignant turn when the artist decides to embark on a perilous mission to rescue British soldiers trapped in the Dunkirk battle, resulting in a heartbreaking conclusion to their relationship.
What Sets It Apart: “The Snow Goose” holds the distinction of being the first television film to ever receive the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Television Film. It also garnered several other accolades at various British award ceremonies and was featured in the esteemed anthology series, Hallmark Hall of Fame. The original novella by Paul Gallico, which inspired the film, received the coveted O. Henry Prize in 1941 and left a lasting impact on subsequent films, including “War Horse.” The movie’s enduring appeal lies in its skillful portrayal of the themes of war and the unique connection between humans and animals, as it weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship between the two main characters.
A Tale of Two Cities (1980)
“A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens’ masterwork published in 1859, has inspired numerous adaptations in various media throughout the 20th century. In 1980, it was transformed into a television film directed by Jim Goddard, featuring Chris Sarandon in dual roles. The story is set during the tumultuous French Revolution, with Sarandon portraying both the lovestruck barrister Sydney Carton and the object of his affection, Charles Darnay. As Darnay faces execution by guillotine, Carton devises a plan to rescue him, weaving a tale of sacrifice and love in the midst of historical turmoil.
The film delves into themes of sacrifice and love amidst the backdrop of a turbulent historical period, reminiscent of Shakespearean themes such as revenge, horror, redemption, and romance. It offers a fictionalized portrayal of the French Revolution. Recognized with a Golden Globe Award nomination in 1980, this adaptation keeps Dickens’ enduring work alive and relevant.
Emma (1996)
Diarmuid Lawrence directed the television adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel “Emma,” which coincidentally premiered in the same year as the theatrical film version featuring Gwyneth Paltrow in the lead role. In this television adaptation, Kate Beckinsale portrayed Emma, a character described by Austen as “handsome, clever, and wealthy, with a comfortable home and a happy disposition.” Emma’s penchant for matchmaking and her emotional exploration take center stage, with Mark Strong playing Mr. Knightley.
What Sets It Apart: The television film is praised for its more naturalistic portrayal of the class distinctions prevalent in early 19th century England, going beyond the upper-class characters from the book to delve into the lives of lower-class individuals, providing a comprehensive view of the era. The film’s meticulous attention to capturing the zeitgeist of the time was acknowledged with an Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or a Special.
The Red Badge of Courage (1974)
The Red Badge of Courage is a war television film that addresses the humanitarian challenges of war, focusing on the American Civil War and adapted from Stephen Crane’s novel. The plot revolves around a young, apprehensive soldier who enlists in the Union Army. When he believes he’s in a losing battle, he flees to the woods. Later, he discovers that the Union emerged victorious, leaving him feeling ashamed of his cowardice but with an opportunity for redemption.
What Sets It Apart: The original adaptation of Crane’s novel in 1951, directed by John Huston, quickly became a classic. Consequently, the television film released nearly two decades later found itself in the shadow of its well-received predecessor. Nevertheless, those who have seen both films believe that the television adaptation is more authentic, capturing the naturalistic portrayal of war as depicted in the book.
The Dollmaker (1984)
“The Dollmaker,” a highly acclaimed film, is an adaptation of Harriette Arnow’s novel of the same title. The story unfolds during World War II and features Jane Fonda in the role of Gertie, a skilled woodcarver who reluctantly follows her farmer husband from their rural Kentucky home to the bustling city of Detroit. The film delves into their challenges as they adapt to urban life and explore various financial opportunities to make ends meet.
What Sets It Apart Jane Fonda delivers a remarkable performance as Gertie, fully immersing herself in the character both physically and emotionally, which earned her an Emmy Award. Fonda even went to great lengths, including putting on twenty pounds for the role, a commitment that led to a mild heart attack. The original book, nominated for the National Book Award in 1955, was lauded as an “unassuming American masterpiece” by author Joyce Carol Oates, and the film effectively captures the same essence.
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Oliver Twist (1997)
There have been over 20 film adaptations of Charles Dickens’s novel “Oliver Twist” and numerous television episodes that have tackled this classic tale. Among these adaptations, the 1997 made-for-television film directed by Tony Bill stands out for its effective portrayal of the Dickensian world, with Alex Trench in the role of Oliver. The storyline revolves around Oliver’s upbringing in a workhouse as an orphan, his escape to the bustling and unforgiving city of London, and his encounters with various petty criminals.
What sets this film apart is its Disney production, which allowed for some creative liberties that introduced several surprises into the narrative. Richard Dreyfuss delivers an entertaining performance as the sinister character Fagin, but it’s Elijah Wood’s portrayal of the Artful Dodger that truly steals the spotlight. This film serves as an excellent choice for introducing children to the captivating world of Charles Dickens.
A Room with a View (2007)
Nicholas Renton directs “A Room with a View,” a cinematic adaptation of E.M. Forster’s timeless novel with the same title. The story revolves around Lucy, a young woman grappling with her fluctuating romantic emotions for a tourist named Mr. Emerson. While the original novel was penned in 1908 and took place in Edwardian-era England, the film has been transposed to the backdrop of World War I, blending poignant romantic elements with the somber realities of wartime.
What sets this film apart is its ability to breathe new life into the classic romance genre, aligning itself with the familiar tropes and conventions of 21st-century romantic dramas and war narratives. “A Room with a View” takes its audience on a profound emotional voyage, offering numerous heart-wrenching moments that are sure to elicit tears. It remains faithful to the social class issues depicted in the original novel and presents a captivating portrayal of both English and Italian landscapes.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)
“All Quiet on the Western Front” is a collaborative American-British production under the direction of Delbert Mann. This film is an adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s 1929 novel of the same name, which is set during World War I and delves into the theme of war trauma through the perspective of a German soldier named Paul Bäumer, portrayed by Richard Thomas. The majority of the film was shot in Czechoslovakia.
What Sets It Apart: Among the various adaptations of the book, this television film stands out as one of the finest. It achieved accolades such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Made for Television and the Emmy Award for Outstanding Film Editing for a Limited Series or a Special. The film is particularly praised for its commitment to realism and its meticulous portrayal of the experiences of young soldiers recruited for the war.
Brave New World (1980)
Burt Brinkerhoff directed a television adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s bestselling dystopian novel “Brave New World.” The story is set in a futuristic society where the government has drastically altered human civilization. People are genetically engineered, they don’t age, and art and literature have become obsolete. The main character in the film stands out by reading Shakespeare and challenging the oppressive norms of this society.
What Sets It Apart The dystopian themes of the novel are still relevant today, and the film effectively captures the essence of its message. It deserves praise for its cinematography and art direction, which successfully maintain the aesthetics of 1980s futurism. Unlike many dystopian films from the 21st century, “Brave New World” injects a sense of humor into its portrayal of the absurdities of the futuristic society. Although another television adaptation of the book was produced in 1998, fans of the novel tend to find the 1980 version far more enjoyable.
Flowers in the Attic (2014)
“Flowers in the Attic” masterfully blends elements of family drama and horror, crafting a compelling narrative centered on the Dollanganger family. This adaptation of V.C. Andrews’ 1980 novel, which is the second installment in the Dollanganger series, plunges the family into a grim ordeal following the father’s death. The children are compelled to live with their malevolent grandmother, ushering in a dark and unsettling chapter in their lives.
Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of the cold and heartless grandmother, Olivia, drew widespread acclaim, earning her nominations for prestigious awards such as the Critics’ Choice Television Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. The film maintains a gripping and tense atmosphere throughout its duration, making it a unique domestic suspense thriller, with Olivia serving as a captivating and unforgettable antagonist.
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