Classics on the big screen

MANILA, Philippines - Lately, it has been an “in-thing” to turn books into movies; and these are usually a huge success. So whenever a new book comes out, producers are on the lookout for the possibility of adapting it into film. However, the thing is, the book needs to be popular enough for it to be in theaters. This is when “The Classics” come in. Now, these stories may have come from way, way back but their stories never fade and never lose their glitter. People endlessly love them.

Here are some movies based or adapted from our favorite classics:

War of the Worlds. The sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells tells about a sudden invasion of the Martians on Earth. The main character, a scientist, desperately tries to find a way to neutralize the aliens. Several films and TV shows based on the novel have been shown. Some follow the book completely, while others try to add or tweak it.

Frankenstein. The famous work by Mary Shelley is a classic horror favorite of many. A scientist and his assistant create a monster using body parts from different corpses. Who would ever think of such a science project? Well, Victor Frankenstein did. The novel has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows and books/comics — from as early as 1826 until actually last year, and probably more to come in the future.

Little Women. It is a story about four sisters growing up during and after the civil war in America. As their father is out in service, the girls and their mom try to make a sweet home for all of them. The book was written by Louisa May Alcott. The film makes for good “mom-and-daughter” bonding time.

Great Expectations. The Charles Dickens novel has been adapted into films several times — one even a silent film in 1917. It is about the life of an orphaned boy and his experiences and encounters with different people as he grows up. The novel may have already been shown many times, but it’s still a must-see each time.

Pride and Prejudice. A novel that teaches readers about life, manners, socializing and marriage. The famous work of Jane Austen is a favorite of many, especially the ladies. Although some tips may not be applicable anymore, as time changes, it still is as interesting. Like the other classics listed here, the novel has also been adapted into a major film more than once, and many times as a TV series.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A lot of people say that Jules Verne’s works predicted a lot about the future, especially in terms of equipments. The novel, written by him, is a classic favorite of adventurers. When it was made into a film in 1954, viewers were amazed and taken into the wonderful world under the sea.

Journey to the Center of the Earth. Another of Verne’s brilliant work, the sci-fi adventure novel is about a geologist who gets a clue leading to the center of the Earth. Being the curious scientist that he is, he sets off on a journey which is not as easy as he thought it would be. The book was adapted into film in 1959. Another one, of the same title, came out in 2008 but it was only loosely based on the novel.

Around The World in 80 Days. Another of Verne’s famous works, the story is about a man who has made a bet that he can go around the world in 80 days. Many think that he won’t be able to do it, but if someone dares do it, then it must be possible. The film is a good choice for travel addicts.

Sherlock Holmes. A character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is well-loved by many readers of the mystery and detective works genre. Fans couldn’t wait but see how the classic novel would be like on the big screen. As we all know, Sherlock Holmes is a bit of an odd character.

A Christmas Carol. Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without including the most favorite classics for Christmas — A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A bitter, selfish man learns the story of his life when three ghosts come to visit and teach him some life’s lessons. It never fails to touch the viewers no matter how many times they’ve watched it.