Mar 31 2025 97 mins 5
Book Vs. Movie: The Asphalt Jungle
The W.R. Burnett Novel & the 1950 John Huston Film
W.R. Burnett’s 1949 novel The Asphalt Jungle is a compelling crime story that explores the minds, motivations, and downfalls of professional criminals. Set in a Midwestern city, it offers a multi-perspective narrative that vividly portrays the underworld. John Huston’s 1950 film adaptation remains faithful to the book while enhancing the story with striking cinematography and strong performances. However, it shifts the setting to an unnamed urban landscape and introduces Marilyn Monroe's expanded role as a corrupt lawyer's mistress. Between the novel & the film, which did we prefer? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
The W.R. Burnett Novel & the 1950 John Huston Film
W.R. Burnett’s 1949 novel The Asphalt Jungle is a compelling crime story that explores the minds, motivations, and downfalls of professional criminals. Set in a Midwestern city, it offers a multi-perspective narrative that vividly portrays the underworld. John Huston’s 1950 film adaptation remains faithful to the book while enhancing the story with striking cinematography and strong performances. However, it shifts the setting to an unnamed urban landscape and introduces Marilyn Monroe's expanded role as a corrupt lawyer's mistress. Between the novel & the film, which did we prefer? Listen to find out!
In this ep, the Margos discuss:
- Author W.R Burnett and Film Noir of the 40s and 50s
- The work of John Huston
- The differences between the book and movie
- The cast includes Sterling Hayden (Dix Handley,) Louis Calhern (Alonzo D. Emmerich,) James Whitmore (Gus Minissi,) Jean Hagen (Doll Conovan,) Sam Jaffe (Doc Erwin,) John McIntire (Hardy,) Marc Lawrence (Cobby,) Barry Kelley (Lt. Dietrich,) Anthony Caruso (Louis Ciavelli,) Marilyn Monroe (Angela Phinlay,) and Teresa Celli as Maria Ciavelli.
- “The Job”
- “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950 trailer)
- “Sweet Kid”
- “Play Some Music”
- “A Double Cross”
- “Hoodlums”
- Music by Miklos Rozsa
- Join our Patreon page “Book Vs. Movie podcast”
- You can find us on Facebook at Book Vs. Movie Podcast Group
- Instagram: Book Versus Movie @bookversusmovie
- [email protected]
- Margo D’s Blog: Brooklynfitchick.com
- Margo D’s Instagram “Brooklyn Fit Chick”
- Margo D’s TikTok
- Margo D’s YouTube: @MargoDonohue
- Margo P’s Instagram: @shesnachomama
- Margo P’s Blog: coloniabook.com
- Margo P's YouTube Channel: @shesnachomama
Our logo was designed by Madeleine Gainey/Studio 39 Marketing Follow on Instagram @Studio39Marketing & @musicalmadeleine
