In episode 27, Alan and Nisha take on their first noir, discussing the 1934 novel The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain.

This classic hardboiled tale of passion and crime, just like Cain's other major work Double Indemnity, has held huge influence over crime fiction and film noir. It has been directly adapted numerous times over the years, but for this conversation we focus primarily on 4 films:

First, the 1946 noir film of the same name starring John Garfield and Lana Turner.

Next, the much steamier 1981 remake/adaptation also sharing the same title, starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange.

Then, the 1943 Italian film Obsession. This film is often credited as the birth of Italian neorealism.

Lastly, the 2008 Christian Petzold film Jerichow, a modern retelling that is more loosely adapted.

How does a work that has been iterated on so many times hold up? How do the earlier adaptations capture the carnal passion of the novel while working around censors?

Is the book really better than the movie? Listen and find out!

In episode 26, Alan & Nisha delve into the counterculture classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

First published in 1962, the novel by Ken Kesey was inspired by his time working at a mental hospital while studying at Stanford. This experience, alongside his prolific use of psychedelic drugs, made Kesey adamantly outspoken against systems of oppression and dehumanization. The book even had a notable impact in helping improve conditions and treatment for mental health.

This story further cemented itself when adapted in 1975 into a film directed by Milos Foreman and starring Jack Nicholson. This is one of only 3 movies to ever win all five of the major awards at the Oscars, and has been continually cited on lists of the best films of all time ever since.

With both of these works being well regarded on their own merits, how do they compare to one another? Do they manage the same message of anti-establishment even with over a decade of distance between them? Why have they both lived on for so long?

Join us as we discuss this and more, and ask the important question: Is the book really better than the movie?

In Episode 25, Alan and Nisha go back to a millennial childhood favorite and their very first Roald Dahl story... James and the Giant Peach!

Originally published in 1961, this story is one of many Dahl classics that have remained beloved by both children and parents. Adapted into a stop-motion Disney animation film in 1996, this story feels like it was particularly present for those growing up in the 90s. Does it still hold the same appeal?

Henry Selick and Disney captured magic with their previous film The Nightmare Before Christmas, but how does this film stack up and live on? Even with its many controversies over the years. why does this story mean so much to people?

Join us as we find out once and for all... Is the book really better than the movie?