MovieChat Forums > The Ballad of the Sad Cafe Discussion > Read the book!

Read the book!

posted 18 years ago by jolypm
9 replies | jump to latest

I am a big fan of Carson McCuller's writings. Ballad of the Sad Café just thrilled me. It is a great, truly original story written by one of the greatest American writers. A tall, tough, virile woman who terrorizes everyone falls in love with a midget who treats her as if she is absolutely nothing! He simply does what he wants with her. Dominates her. She knows it but can't help it. Fascinating story of a very strange passion. The movie, alas, is disappointing, a failure, though I am also a big fan of Vanessa Redgrave. But maybe this story is just not fit for the screen. Basically, it is not. It would take a genius like Federico Fellini to do it. But I am going to read it again. For pleasure. Read it too. You'll be surprised.

[–] jolypm 18 years ago

Just finished reading it again. One of the greatest short (rather long) story. I had forgotten the ending. Now, I find it one of the most powerful one I have ever read. One also that is so full of Symbolism that you could talk about it for hours. This book is a must for those who enjoy reading and who specially wants to write. A lesson in writing, that's what it is. Whether you like the story or not.

[–] PenTheater 17 years ago

In the movie he (the midget) tells her they are cousins. Is that in the book?

This is one strange movie, but we sat thru the whole thing.

[–] Loomis_Orange 16 years ago

" My mother was Fanny Jesup and she come from Cheehaw. She left Cheehaw some thirty years ago when she married her first husband. I remember hearing her tell how she had a half-sister named Matha. And back in Cheehaw today they tell me that she was your mother."

Directly quoted from the story.

and they don't refer to him as a "midget" in the book. He's a "hunchback" or a "brokeback". This movie was filmed on Willie Nelson's ranch.
Read the book. It's not difficult to find.
Unlike the others, I loved this movie. It's very flawed but... I loved it anyway.

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Succubus73 16 years ago

I think I will search it out -- I am intrigued at the very least, and knowing how film & written art can be divergent makes me only moreso -- thank you for the recommendations.

[–] little_mi 14 years ago

I recently read this and also found it fascinating, and unique even now, which is saying something. Melancholy without being sentimental, brutal but funny. I love that the main characters are bonafide oddballs and she doesn't make any apologies for them or try to soften their rough edges, or try to justify Miss Amelia's infatuation with Cousin Lymon. It is what it is.

The beautiful weirdo is such a cliche by now but these characters are the real deal - which is probably why anyone else is reluctant to try and film it. People like their left field loners to be secretly attractive and awaiting salvation, but these characters are physical and social misfits to the end, and unredemptive ones at that. This is one of the things I love about the book but I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea.

I've not seen the film but will seek it out... I actually only heard of Carson McCullers a few years ago, which is a great shame for my teenage self! I read The Ballad Of The Sad Cafe on a train and had to put it down on a few occasions, because I could empathise so horribly with some of the sentiments it brought tears to my eyes. Can't wait to read more of her books though, she was a remarkable talent.

[–] yrnej 14 years ago

I just recently re-read the story. I haven't seen the movie, but it seems like it's totally different, judging from the casting, and the trailer. Maybe the film stands on it's own merits, but definitely read the story!

[–] Tresix 12 years ago

I just finished reading the book and there's something that's weighing on my mind about the movie: in the book, Marvin is supposed to be two years older than Miss Amelia. In the movie, Amelia has at least 10 years on Marvin (Vanessa Redgrave is twelve years older than Keith Carradine in real life). I wonder why they went with this casting. Perhaps because there weren't too many well-known actresses at that time who were Miss Redgrave's height? Miss Amelia is supposed to be 6'2", Redgrave was about an inch or two shorter.

Yippee: "For king!"
Yappee: "For country!"
Yahooie: "And, most of all, for 10¢ an hour!"

[–] mauvemoonlight 12 years ago

I just read the story for the very first time. I would highly recommend it. It is perhaps the most original, and unique story I have ever read.

I found the film just plain weird. The film is fascinating, but it also quite unclear what the characters behavior at various times means, and what their relationships and feelings are for one another.

The book makes it crystal clear.

I was very glad I saw the film first, and then had the opportunity to read the book very shortly after seeing the film for the second time.