First editions of novels-to-classic-films

Ok, am I the only one who does this? I collect first editions of novels that were made into classical Hollywood films -- my time span (fopr films, not books) is 1930s and nothing beyond 1949 (I'm a purist; once the studio system died, what was there?). Some of my titles (I haven't gotten them all in my library list yet as I just joined) are: Evelyn Prentice, King's Row, Not Too Narrow, Not Too Deep (ten points for anyone who can name the movie title), The Book of Claudia, This Above All. So you see, these aren't run-of-the-mill recognizable like Gone with the Wind, but good solid, sometimes corny, more often surprisingly entertaining and well written novels of an era -- which I love. As my "handle" reveals, I'm a film histoiran. But I don't know anyone with this particular book hobby.

Most of the books I get very inexpensively. I simply coudn't afford a first edition of Now, Voyager by Olive Higgins Prouty (and source for the brilliant Warner Bros, 1942 Bette Davis classic), but settled for a 2d edition for $45 -- with a movie tie in dust jacket. That's as expensive (and tacky) as I've gotten. Many still have their original dust jackets, which is a treat. Love to hear if anyone else is remotely interested in my oddity.

Do you have Rumer Godden's Black Narcissus? I guess her In This House of Brede is too recent for your tastes, but Black Narcissus is either 1947 or '48.

I collect Sinclair Lewis and look for good copies of the G&D movie tie-in editions as well as First Editions.

In the past I have found myself picking up copies of books that I consider classics. Firsts of these are often several factors of ten over my budjet so I just get the best I can. The Maltese Falcon, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Lady in the Lake, In Cold Blood, In the Heat of the Night, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, and Mystic River are some examples that come to mind. Most of them are beyond your time frame I am afraid.

I don't have Black Narcissus, but will certainly keep an eye out for it, medievalmama. Its a great film. TLCrawford, I have Postman and Maltese but in modern editions. I think part of my fascination is to go after the more obscure both in films and, consequentially, book sources. Just last week I got a first edition of the 1942 sopaer Instruct My Sorrows which made a great "women's" picture starring Barbara Stanwyck and George Brent in 1946 by Warner Bros. retitled "My Reputation." Some of these novels are really great fun, such as Valley of Decision or Grand Hotel -- and even better, some real lit, like Dodsworth, which made a fine film as well. Love to hear anyone else that likes to see what Hollywood did with some oldie-goldies. Cheers.

>1 ClscFlm: - The answer to your question is Strange Cargo, a rather strange film which can be seen as an adventure tale or an odd take on Christianity.

50 points jargoneer! Yes, Strange Cargo an oddity, but something different for its cast and for MGM of that era. Have recently added The Constant Nymph to my first edition library. Its a sadly unavailable film held up in legal rights difficulties between the novel, play and film. Its not been viewed for years. Are books "removed" from shelves due to these kinds of difficulties, I wonder?

You may be interested to know that someone has posted a copy of the film on youtube - it's been cut into 10 minute sections, and the quality isn't great, but the whole film is there.

Yes! I discoverd this recently, jargonner and although its not exactly legal, I admit I watched it! Very interested to see the differences and similarities with the book.