Lang Thompson comments: " Red Dragon brings up the issue of when films are actually remakes as opposed to a new version of a source novel. For instance, The Maltese Falcon is often referred to as a remake better than the original (or two earlier films in that case) but it clearly owes little if anything to the earlier films and shouldn't be considered a remake." While the Huston/Bogart FALCON is certainly the best of these of these films, it is not quite as original as may seem. Several scenes or even shots in the 3rd version are very similar to the 1931 Roy Del Ruth/Ricardo Cortez version and some of the characterizations and performances are similar as well, although any memory of those may be obscured by Cortez's portrayal of Spade as a leering playboy (although the film's pre-Code sexuality is somewhat interesting in itself). On the other hand, the 2nd version, SATAN MET A LADY with Warren William and Bette Davis is more ludicrous than anything else. (Allison Skipworth is the Fat Lady, and the object of desire is not a falcon but the Horn of Roland!) Don Larsson ----------------------------------------------------------- "Only connect" --E.M. Forster Donald F. Larsson Department of English, AH 230 Minnesota State U, Mankato (56001) [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Lang Thompson [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 11:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Remakes >Can anyone think of a remake that was more successful (artistically >or financially) that its original? I think plenty have been financially more successful ranging from remakes where the original is practically unknown (Meet the Parents) or was withheld from wider distribution (Gaslight, Gigi) to simply being a higher profile release (Red Dragon) or the having benefit of inflation (The Haunting). And then there are things like the new Insomnia (grossing $67 million by the end of Sept) which certainly beats the original's BO but that's hardly a level playing field. Red Dragon brings up the issue of when films are actually remakes as opposed to a new version of a source novel. For instance, The Maltese Falcon is often referred to as a remake better than the original (or two earlier films in that case) but it clearly owes little if anything to the earlier films and shouldn't be considered a remake. Remakes that are more sucessful artistically? My suggestions would be The Man Who Knew Too Much (56), Reservoir Dogs (if that counts), The Fly (Cronenberg), Imitation of Life (Sirk), China-Gate (Bollywood remake of Seven Samurai but then I've never liked Kurosawa), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (not better but as good), & there must be others. LT ----------------------------- "It's people like us who took a mass medium and made it what it is today--a subculture." Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons The Funhouse Journal http://wlt4.home.mindspring.com/blog/journal.htm ---- For past messages, visit the Screen-L Archives: http://bama.ua.edu/archives/screen-l.html ---- Screen-L is sponsored by the Telecommunication & Film Dept., the University of Alabama: http://www.tcf.ua.edu