The Book

Hey, JackForrester, and thank you for replying : ) ,
I do have the 1956 version on DVD, as it was so unusual and enjoyed so much. The movie was bought about five years ago. However, one can sense (usually true with all novels) that a decent amount of information had to be omitted from book-to-movie. Otherwise, imagine how long a movie might have to run?

To reiterate the above post, at least one exception of this was "Rosemary's Baby," where Polanski only left out a small (perhaps unimportant to the plot and found to be distracting?) chunk. He may have filmed it and then cut it to shorten the movie. Most everything else is there, including dialogue!

While this poster doesn't condone the crime Polanski allegedly committed in the 1970s, I do think he's very talented. The same with Woody Allen. I decided that if I were to begin "judging" directors' private lives, a lot of good films would be missed.

That written, after seeing the "A Kiss Before Dying" remake, curiosity piqued about the book.
As an aside, I started reading Levin's "Son of Rosemary," which, so far, is very good. It could be movie-material someday. Also, Mia Farrow is still acting, (but may be too old by now) so that might be a decent project. At least better than that '70s-- permission-given--but "unauthorized" "Rosemary's Baby" sequel, the Patty Duke debacle. Never saw it, but read it was awful...

Again, I appreciate your time! "A Kiss Before Dying" is now going to be purchased.

Take care.


"C'mon, Oscar! Let's you and me get drunk!"

It DOES sound fabulous. Ira Levin is one of my favorites, so this book is on my list to buy ASAP.

A little side story: A good friend of Levin's was one of my Dad's best friends. Sadly, as of recently, they now are both no longer with us. Not my father, fortunately, he's a bit younger than they were.

Unfortunately, though, I was too young to appreciate the "coincidence," and by the time I realized it, the friend had developed a chronic condition wherein he was unable to socialize much.

He would lend my Dad books Ira inscribed for him and such. Not that I would want to bother the friend about Levin, you know? Yet, it would have been fun to know (tactfully) some things about the people he worked with and other trivia.

Oh well!


"C'mon, Oscar! Let's you and me get drunk!"

Thank you for all that information, Vylar! I agree.

Fortunately, I have had the 1956 DVD for a few years, so, that is one step in the right direction.

Yes, I too hate when directors' "heads' get too big" and they think they can override such a talented writer, such as Levin, et al.

On a happier note, I am definitely buying "A Kiss Before Dying," the book.


"C'mon, Oscar! Let's you and me get drunk!"

Hello, Vylar,
(now, THIS is a LONNNNG post!)
I've only just been able to finish it, due to lack of Internet time : ( AND using an OLD laptop (until I hook-up the new one), w/ it's SLOWNESS and "blue-screening" (just got a NOISY blue-screen w/ weird msg.[?]!). It's against multi-tasking, too.

Back to your post(s), no way! They aren't long at all. I'm grateful for being able to be one of the recipients of them (they're "normal" in size for an intelligent, prolific writer, as you are). Your words are a small token of your knowledge, experience, humor, etc.. As well as the generous gift of TIME you have chosen to contribute! I am thankful that you go to all the trouble, Vylar! So many don't bother.

Indeed, I can relate, because my posts really ARE [usually] much too long, as "brevity is the soul of IMDB." Often, insults are hurled about the length of them [um, particularly when the reader dislikes the content! ; ) ]. Yet, that's when one must "consider the source" of these silly criticisms, right?

In any event, it's great to have someone like you on IMDB. Especially when looking for TRUSTWORTHY information on a particular movie subject, etc.. One cannot depend on the majority of IMDB users' opinions and taste. Admittedly, it IS nice to actually get an email indicating "Vylar" replied to a message. A very welcomed change from the backlashing!*

I think that you being privvy to many movie/book tidbits is fascinating and interesting. *That's what this site should be about! Therefore, please do not give up on IMDB et al., because the world needs more "Vylars!"

It is rare to reply to someone on IMDB boards with whom I can relate on so many levels and (GASP!) agree with...
While "dying" to read and respond to your other links, I FIRST wanted to let you know that your posts are fantastic and if anyone indicates otherwise, YOU'RE RIGHT, they just do not "get it!"
Here (due to a majority of immature 13-19 yr. olds), it seems that if one writes something "unpopular," or critical toward someone/something "beloved" to the masses on IMDB--watch out. It becomes a childish "war" which, to be 100% honest, there really is no use/time to engage in, nor is there any pay-off in the end. Also, what a waste, trying to "reason" with certain people. Naturally, no one agrees about EVERYTHING, but why not have a rational discussion about it, or keep mum? I post the TRUTH (with my perception of it), and I guess that hurts too much.

Then again, maybe some were just having a "bad day," (although, that's become a pretty popular excuse lately). Still, unless it's a glaringly important error, or issue, I'm not getting dragged into yet another grade-school ruckus.

So, I've also PERSONALLY experienced people not "getting it!" In addition to the dislike of my POV(s), it's obvious that when certain members attack the length of posts, all along they are actually EMBARRASSING themselves. That is, is the person not advertising their lack of ATTENTION-SPAN and/or comprehension?!

Vylar, I am looking forward to reading the rest of your replies and links in the next day or two.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! We'll be celebrating here, so, if you don't get a reply right away, know that it's ME, not YOU!


"C'mon, Oscar! Let's you and me get drunk!"