I had seen the play before I had seen the movie version and fell in love with it. Was quite let down when I finally saw the movie for it took out all the funny lines and things that made the play outstanding. It focused entirely on Jimmy Stewart's character and family which is silly because the play is an emsemble piece. I guess they changed a lot because they wanted Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur (love her)'s star power to generate box office gold.
shareI believe that back then play-to-film adaptations DID undergo a whole lot of changes, there's also to consider that as a film they could move around, they could go much further than just the Sycamore living room.
I saw the movie first, then the play, actually first I read the play and then I saw the Jason Robards version, LOVE them all, they're each different but very much alike and they're all great. And I also like how the movie touched a bit more on the aspect of what's really important and how the families do and don't understand what's important and better explains the relationship between Tony Sr. and Jr.
Well it must be hard to resist making changes, but you are right in feeling disappointed because if the play is good, and successful, making big changes is dumb.
Norman Vincent Peale: "Stay Alive All Your Life".