Tom,
 
I read the book, called *Alias Madame Doubtfire.*  The gender politics of the
 book are even worse -- Miranda is an absolute terrorizing bitch-on-wheels.
 Daniel, too, comes off much worse.  He is much sloppier and more irresponsible.
  Both characters are much more self-absorbed and their kids unite against them.
  The book takes place in London and everything -- from Daniel's costume, to the
 house to Miranda's job to the way he is revealed is much seedier.  There is no
 funloving gay makeup expert brother, for example.  And although Daniel is an
 actor, there is no successful TV show at the end.  The book seems to be more
 about parents learning to grow up and stop being so selfish.  Miranda's temper
 is coded as more understandable because Daniel really has done some
 reprehensible and irresponsible things all through their marriage.  Basically,
 the book is pretty stark.
 
Abigail Feder Northwestern University
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