In Episode 152 of Adapt or Perish, we’re looking at the story that started life as the 1937 play Parfumerie, but became better known to audiences as The Shop Around the Corner, You’ve Got Mail, and more! In this episode, we discuss: Parfumerie, the 1937 play by Miklós László The Shop Around the Corner, the 1940 movie directed by Ernst Lubitsch, wri…

Spooky Season continues! In this Adapt or Perish Mini, we’re looking at the classic story of the vampire next door, Fright Night! In this episode, we discuss: The original 1985 movie written and directed by Tom Holland, and starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall, Amanda Bearse, and Stephen Geoffreys The 2011 remake directed by Cr…

Happy Halloween, everyone! To celebrate Spooky Season, in Episode 150 of Adapt or Perish, we’re looking at Washington Irving’s classic ghost story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! In this episode, we discuss: Washington Irving’s original short story, published in 1820 as part of The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. The Headless Horseman (1922), th…

Wake up, everyone! It’s time to watch some questionable cartoons! In this Adapt or Perish Mini, we’re looking at some kid-friendly cartoon adaptations of movies that definitely aren’t kid-friendly. In this episode, we discuss: Rambo: The Force of Freedom (1986), produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises Police Academy (1988–1989), produced by Ruby-Spears…

In Episode 148 of Adapt or Perish, we’re going back nearly 300 years to talk about the classic satire Gulliver’s Travels! In this episode, we discuss: Jonathan Swift’s original 1726 novel Gulliver’s Travels Among the Lilliputians and the Giants (1902), the silent short directed by George Méliès Gulliver Mickey (1934), the animated short directed by…

For this mini-episode of Adapt or Perish, we’re looking at the movie that everyone can agree is at least pretty okay, The Shawshank Redemption! In this episode, we discuss: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, Stephen King’s short story originally published in the anthology Different Seasons in 1982 The Shawshank Redemption, the 1994 movie writt…

Get in losers, we’re watching Mean Girls! Joining Jeremy for the discussion in Episode 146 of Adapt or Perish is Rosey Mongeau, cohost of the very good podcast Really Important Fictional Things! In this episode, we discuss: Rosalind Wiseman’s original 2002 self-help book Queen Bees and Wannabes Mean Girls, the 2004 movie directed by Mark Waters, wr…

It's time for another Adapt or Perish Mini! In this episode, you’ll get a chance to meet Alex, our show’s official research assistant! You can follow Adapt or Perish on Instagram, Threads, Mastodon, and Facebook, and you can find us and all of our show notes online at adaptorperishcast.com. We're also on Patreon! You can find us at patreon.com/adap…

In Episode 144 of Adapt or Perish, Jeremy and Ian are not only going right back to Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, they’re talking about its legacy with Alex, the show’s official Research Assistant! (Note: Make sure to listen to Ep. 142: The Magnificent Seven to hear Jeremy and Ian discuss Seven Samurai in more detail!) In this episode, we discuss:…

In this Adapt or Perish Mini, we’re taking to the skies to experience the classic work of short horror Nightmare at 20,000 Feet! In this episode, we discuss: Richard Matheson’s original 1961 short story “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” the 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone directed by Richard Donner, written by Matheson, and starring William Shatner Geo…

In Episode 142 of Adapt or Perish, we’re traveling to the Old West (by way of 16th century Japan) for a look at the heroes of The Magnificent Seven! In this episode, we discuss: Seven Samurai, the 1954 movie directed by Akira Kurosawa, written by Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, and Hideo Oguni, and starring Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, and Isao Ki…

In this Adapt or Perish Mini, we’re talking about what it means for a piece of media to be “based on a true story.” Are they adaptations? Certainly. So why don’t we cover them on Adapt or Perish? Footnotes: Multiplex Time Machine Ep. 9: Zodiac Multiplex Time Machine Ep. 38: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford You can follow A…

In Episode 140 of Adapt or Perish, we’re taking our life in our hands and journeying to the Island of Dr. Moreau! In this episode, we discuss: The original 1896 novel by H.G. Wells Island of Lost Souls, the 1932 movie directed by Erle C. Kenton, written by Waldemar Young and Philip Wylie, and starring Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen, Leila Hyams, B…

In this mini-episode of Adapt or Perish, we’re looking at Shrek, the ogre who launched one of the biggest franchises of all time! In this episode, we discuss: Shrek!, William Steig’s original 1990 children’s book Shrek, the 2001 animated movie directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jensen, written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger…

In Episode 138 of Adapt or Perish, we’re looking at the modern animated classic Avatar: The Last Airbender! In this episode, we discuss: Avatar: The Last Airbender, the original 2005–2008 animated series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, and starring Zachary Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco, and Mako The Last…

It's time for another Adapt or Perish Mini! In this episode, we'll get to know Mr. Ian Averill, our brave new co-host. You can follow Adapt or Perish on Instagram and Facebook, and you can find us and all of our show notes online at adaptorperishcast.com. We're also on Patreon! You can find us at patreon.com/adaptcast. We have multiple reward level…

In Episode 136 of Adapt or Perish, we’re heading to the jungle to spend some time with one of the pulpiest of pulp heroes: John Clayton II, Viscount Greystroke, better know as Tarzan of the apes! In this episode, we discuss: Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original 1912 serialized story and novel Tarzan of the Apes, the 1918 silent movie directed by Scott Si…

In Episode 135, our very first installment of a new format we’re calling Adapt or Perish Minis, we’re going back to Roald Dahl to look at the Oscar-winning short film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar! In this episode, we discuss: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, Roald Dahl’s 1977 short story collection The Wonderful Story of Henry…

With Episode 134, we’re back with a new co-host and a look at the many adaptations of Super Mario Bros., one of the most popular video game franchises of all time! In this episode, we discuss: The Super Mario franchise, which kicked off with 1985’s Super Mario Bros. Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!, the 1986 animated m…

Things are changing!By Jeremy Latour

Season's greetings and happy holidays from Adapt or Perish! It's that time of year, so we're back with our fourth look at A Christmas Carol, and 10 more screen adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic. Our previous Christmas Carol episodes: Part 1 on the web, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Overcast Part 2 on the web, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Ov…

In Episode 132 of Adapt or Perish, we're taking a trip to Skid Row for a visit to the Little Shop of Horrors! In this episode, we discuss: The Little Shop of Horrors, the 1960 movie directed by Roger Corman, written by Charles B. Griffith, and starring Jonathan Haze, Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles, and Dick Miller Little Shop of Horrors, the 1982 musica…

It's spooky season yet again, so with Episode 131 of Adapt or Perish, we're taking a look at The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's classic work of Gothic horror! In this episode, we discuss: Oscar Wilde's original 1891 novel The 1915 silent movie version, directed by Eugene Moore, and starring Harris Gordon, Helen Fulton, Howard Hickman, and W.…

With Episode 130 of Adapt or Perish, we're finally tackling the story of the only child who never grew up: Peter Pan! In this episode, we discuss: J.M. Barrie's original 1904 play (Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up) and 1911 novel (Peter and Wendy) The 1924 silent movie, directed by Herbert Brenon, written by Willis Goldbeck, and starring…

We had so much fun discussing Mansfield Park earlier this year, that we made sure to get back to Jane Austen as soon as possible. We're doing that with Episode 129 of Adapt or Perish and a look at Persuasion! In this episode, we discuss: Jane Austen's original 1818 novel The 1971 series, directed by Howard Baker, written by Julian Mitchell, and sta…

Welcome to the party, old sport! Pour yourself a drink and settle in for Episode 128 of Adapt or Perish, our look at another nominee for Great American Novel™, The Great Gatsby! In this episode, we discuss: F. Scott Fitzgerald's original 1925 novel The 1949 theatrical movie, directed by Elliott Nugent, written by Richard Mailbaum and Cyril Hume, an…

In Episode 127 of Adapt or Perish, we're taking to the high seas for a look at Moby Dick, the classic tale of obsession, revenge, and chapters upon chapters of whale anatomy. In this episode, we discuss: Herman Melville's original 1851 novel The Sea Beast, the 1926 theatrical movie, directed by Millard Webb, written by Bess Meredyth, Rupert Hughes,…

In Episode 126 of Adapt or Perish, we're back for a second discussion about William Shakespeare's Hamlet! This time we're focusing on a selection of what can best be described as the many Hamlet "derivatives" that have been brought to the stage and screen. In this episode, we discuss: To Be or Not to Be (the 1942 theatrical movie), directed by Erns…

With Episode 125 of Adapt or Perish, it's time for us to revisit the Bard and take a look at William Shakespeare's greatest theater kid antagonist, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark! In this episode, we discuss: William Shakespeare's original play, most likely written between 1599 and 1601 The 1948 theatrical movie directed and adapted by Laurence Olivier,…

We're steadily working our way through the library of classic stories of orphan children, and in Episode 124 of Adapt or Perish we've finally gotten to Pollyanna "Glad Game" Whittier! In this episode, we discuss: Eleanor H. Porter's original 1913 novel Pollyanna, the 1920 silent movie, directed by Paul Powell, written by Frances Marion, and starrin…

In what has turned out to be a mega-episode of Adapt or Perish, we're taking a look at Carlo Collodi's classic children's story Pinocchio! How quickly will these adaptations go off the rails? Give a listen and find out (hint: it's immediately). In this episode, we discuss: The Adventures of Pinocchio, Carlo Collodi's 1883 novel Pinocchio, the 1940 …

It's been too long since we've covered the works of Jane Austen, so with Episode 122 of Adapt or Perish, we're back with a look at Mansfield Park. Join us as we try to answer the question: Fanny Price, total wet blanket or introvert heroine? In this episode, we discuss: Jane Austen's original 1814 novel The 1983 miniseries, directed by David Giles,…

Seasons greetings from Adapt or Perish! In Episode 121, we're taking our third look at Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, and 10 more adaptations from the big and (mostly) small screen. In this episode, we discuss: Scrooge (aka Old Scrooge), the 1913 movie, directed by Leedham Bantock, and starring Seymour Hicks The Stingiest Man in Town, …

It's about time for us to get to another episode that's been on our to-do list since the show first started, so in Episode 120 of Adapt or Perish we're looking at the children's classic The Secret Garden! In this episode, we discuss: Frances Hodgson Burnett's original 1911 novel The 1949 theatrical movie, directed by Fred M. Wilcox, written by Robe…

With Episode 119 of Adapt or Perish, after more than 100 episodes, we're finally returning to Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, and Death on the Nile! In this episode, we discuss: Agatha Christie's original 1937 novel The 1978 theatrical movie, directed by John Guillermin, written by Anthony Shaffer, and starring Peter Ustinov, Bette Davis, Mia Far…

Adapt or Perish is back, and with Episode 118, we're taking an extended look at the adventure classic The Three Musketeers! We've also got a new focus for the show, and we can't wait for you to see what we've got planned! In this episode, we discuss: Alexandre Dumas' original 1844 novel The Three Musketeers, the 1921 movie, directed by Fred Nibble,…

With Episode 117 of Adapt or Perish, these indoor kids are tackling the world of sports again with a look at the baseball classic Angels in the Outfield! In this episode, we discuss: The 1951 original, directed by Clarence Brown, written by Dorothy Kingsley and George Wells, and starring Paul Douglas, Janet Leigh, Keenan Wynn, and Donna Corcoran Th…

With Episode 116 of Adapt or Perish, we're taking a look at the classic game of whodunit-with-what-and-where, Clue! In this episode, we discuss: Cluedo, the original 1949 board game, created by Anthony E. Pratt and released as Clue in the United States Clue, the 1985 theatrical movie, written and directed by Jonathan Lynn, and starring Tim Curry, E…

It's time for Episode 115 of Adapt or Perish, so grab your binoculars and join us for a look at the classic thriller, Rear Window! In this episode, we discuss: It Had to Be Murder, Cornell Woolrich's original 1942 short story (which may have been inspired by Through a Window by H.G. Wells) Rear Window, the 1954 movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock, w…

In Episode 114, we're traveling back up the mountain for Part 2 of our two-part look at Johanna Spyri's Heidi! Listen to Part 1 on the web, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or Spotify. In this episode, we discuss: Heidi's Song, the 1982 animated movie directed by Robert Taylor, written by Joseph Barbera, Taylor, and Jameson Brewer, and starring Margery Gr…

After an unexpected delay, we're finally making our way up to the Swiss Alps with Episode 113, the first of our two-part look at the classic novel Heidi! In this episode, we discuss: Johanna Spyri's original 1881 novel Heidi, the 1937 theatrical movie directed by Allan Dwan, written by Julian Josephson and Walter Ferris, and starring Shirley Temple…

In Episode 112 of Adapt or Perish, we're looking a very devilish look at the comedy classic Bedazzled! In this episode, we discuss: The 1967 original, directed by Stanley Donen, written by Peter Cook, and starring Cook, Dudley Moore, Eleanor Bron, and Raquel Welch The 2000 remake, directed by Harold Ramis, written by Ramis, Larry Gelbart, and Peter…

It's time for Episode 111 of Adapt or Perish, which also happens to be our very romantic Valentine's Day episode. We wanted to celebrate the day with a very awkward look at the classic Lady Chatterley's Lover. Enjoy! In this episode, we discuss: D.H. Lawrence's original 1928 novel L'Amant de lady Chatterley (1955), directed by Marc Allégret, writte…

Welcome to Episode 110 of Adapt or Perish, and this one is completely divine. We're looking at John Waters' camp classic Hairspray, and the musical juggernaut it inspired! In this episode, we discuss: The original 1988 movie, written and directed by John Waters, and starring Ricki Lake, Divine, Jerry Stiller, Debbie Harry, and Sonny Bono The 2002 m…

In this very horrific episode of Adapt or Perish, we're taking a look at the classic story of cover-ups and consequences, I Know What You Did Last Summer! In this episode, we discuss: Lois Duncan's original 1973 novel The 1997 movie, directed by Jim Gillespie, written by Kevin Williamson, and starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah…

Into the woods, it’s time to go, with Episode 108 of Adapt or Perish! In this episode, these two theater kids will be celebrating the late Stephen Sondheim with a look at one of his greatest works, Into the Woods. In this episode we discuss: The original 1986 stage musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine The film…

Seasons greetings from Adapt or Perish! With Episode 107, our gift to you is a long-delayed follow-up to Episode 6, our original look at A Christmas Carol! In Part 1, we discussed: Charles Dickens' original 1843 novel A Christmas Carol (1951), starring Alistair Sim A Christmas Carol (1984), starring George C. Scott The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)…

Avast! With Episode 106, we're finally bringing you a look at something we've wanted to do for a long time: the pirate classic Treasure Island! In this episode we discuss: Robert Louis Stevenson's original 1883 novel Treasure Island (the 1934 movie), directed by Victor Fleming, written by John Lee Mahin and John Howard Lawson, and starring Wallace …

We're letting our imaginations run wild in episode 105 of Adapt or Perish as we take a look at the classic tale of escapist fantasy, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty! In this episode we discuss: James Thurber's original 1938 short story The 1947 movie, directed by Norman Z. McLeod, written by Ken Englund and Everett Freeman, and starring Danny Kaye,…

In this mixed-up episode of Adapt or Perish, we're looking at the museum stowaway classic From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler! In this episode we discuss: E.L. Konigsburg's original 1967 novel The 1973 theatrical movie, also released as The Hideaways, directed by Fielder Cook, written by Blanch Hanalis, and starring Ingrid Bergman,…