I have not seen this movie. However, for school, I had to William Saroyan's novelization of his movie. The first thing is- don't. The book is a piece of junk. It goes in all different directions. I am not judging the movie by the "quality" of the book, but please do not read the book, if you can help it.
"You were doing well until everyone died." -Futurama
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According to one of the user comments here (and other sources I've read), the story was created by Saroyan for the movie, then fashioned into a screenplay. Later, Saroyan expanded it into a novel. Per the user here:
"In 1943, M-G-M commissioned author William Saroyan to develop a screen story about the World War II homefront. The result was this, which Howard Estabrook turned into a screenplay and Saroyan himself expanded into a novel -- which explains why the film was released before the book was published."
Since then, it has also been adapted into a stage musical, with music by Galt MacDermot (most famous for composing the music for HAIR). Among the actors in the original production at New York's Public Theater were Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Rex Smith. A recording was made, and eventually released by Original Cast Recordings.
Another movie that was developed into a later novel is THE THIRD MAN, by Graham Greene.
Thank you. I have just watched the movie and was curious about the timing of the book. I have read about Saroyan through the writings of his publisher Bennett Cerf and I was pretty sure that the book came after. While I was researching it you replied.
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The original poster is an idiot.
Excuse me, but I liked the book. It's set up like a bunch of short stories explaining the charactersc and situations leading to a thoughtful climax.
There are stories in the book that couldn't make it the movies at that time, including "Homer's Dream" and the story about the house of ill repute.
Stick with your inane Futurama and leave Saroyan to the ages. He was one of our best writers and your opinion counts for nothing on a literary scale.
shareTo the original poster:
I couldn't DISAgree with you more! Of all the books which I read in High School, some forty plus years ago, whether voluntary or required, the only title which I can recall is 'The Human Comedy'. An excellent book & movie with one of Mickey Rooney's greatest performances.
rdb.
You do have not the knowledge or experience to say this. I teach the novel and the majority of my students like it. Yes, I know this post is from 2007, and you are much older and hopefully wiser with your advice.
shareThe book is leaden with naive sentimentality, socialist propaganda, and ineffectual comedy scenes. Very odd.
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