Stephen King: From Page to Screen

Stephen King: From Page to Screen

One of the world’s most renowned authors has had a number of his novels and short stories adapted for the silver screen. Stephen King’s stories have brought memorable chills in such stories as “The Shining” and others have been heart wrenching, Oscar nominated pieces like “The Green Mile”. We take a look at some of the works of Stephen King that have originated on the page but have eventually made it to the big screen.

Carrie (1976)

“Carrie” told the story of a socially outcast teenaged girl who happens to have telekinetic powers. The movie starred Sissy Spacek (who received an Oscar nomination for the title role) and Amy Irving.

The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson became infamous for his portrayal of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who descends slowly into madness while he and his family are isolated at the haunted Overlook Hotel. The Shining starred Shelley Duvall as Wendy and Danny Lloyd as Danny.

Creepshow (1982)

This film featured five horrific tales including: “The Crate”, “They’re Creeping Up on You”, “Something to Tide You Over” and “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”. Adrienne Barbeau, Hal Holbrook, Leslie Nielsen, Ed Harris and Ted Danson starred in the short stories directed by George Romero. Watch for Stephen King who stars in “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”.

Christine (1983)

What horrific things happen when a car seems to have a mind of its own? Kelly Preston appeared in “Christine”.

Cujo (1983)

Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro starred in 1983’s “Cujo”. The film told the story of a family’s dog who terrorizes those around him when he becomes rabid.

The Dead Zone (1983)

Christopher Walken starred as Johnny in 1983’s “The Dead Zone”. After he awakes from a coma, Johnny realizes that he can see the future of whoever he comes in contact with.

Children Of The Corn (1984)

What is in the fields of a small town where children have been convinced to murder their parents? Linda Hamilton starred in this Stephen King written flick.

Firestarter (1984)

After her parents (played by David Keith and Heather Locklear) undergo a series of experiments, little Charlie (Drew Barrymore) is born with pyro-kinetic powers. Will Charlie be able to elude those who want to capture her for her abilities? “Firestarter” also starred George C. Scott.

Silver Bullet (1985)

Uncle Red and Monty have their hands full when they realize that there is a werewolf in town. The movie starred Gary Busey and Corey Haim.

Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Emilio Estevez starred in this sci-fi thriller about people at a truck stop who decide to fight back in the wake of an unusual comet passing close to Earth resulting in machines all over the world coming to life.

Stand By Me (1986)

Four friends set out on an adventure to see a dead body in this coming of age film. “Stand by Me” starred Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton.

The Running Man (1987)

In this futuristic action/adventure, Ben Richards fights for his life when he becomes part of an unusual TV game show. Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the flick.

Pet Semetary (1989)

Dale Midkiff and Denise Crosby starred as Louis and Rachel Creed in this movie that proved that even though something is dead, sometimes it comes back. The movie also starred Fred Gwynne.

Misery (1990)

Kathy Bates won an Oscar for her role as Annie Wilkes, a fan of author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) who becomes obsessed and deadly when a chain of events lands him at her home.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins starred in “The Shawshank Redemption” which tells the story of two men who strike up a friendship during their years in prison.

Dolores Claiborne (1995)

When a woman is arrested for killing her employer, her only hope is her estranged daughter. The movie starred Kathy Bates in the title role and Jennifer Jason Leigh as her daughter Selena.

Thinner (1996)

Robert John Burke starred as Billy Halleck in “Thinner”. When a Halleck is responsible for someone’s death, a gypsy puts a curse on him that results in him becoming thinner.

Apt Pupil (1998)

Todd Bowden makes an unusual deal with Arthur Denker, Todd’s neighbor who happens to be the World War II criminal Kurt Dussander. “Apt Pupil” starred Brad Renfro and Ian McKellen.

The Green Mile (1999)

Death row guard Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) strikes up a friendship with John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), an innocent man awaiting execution who has the power to heal.

Hearts In Atlantis (2001)

Anthony Hopkins and David Morse starred in “Hearts in Atlantis”. The movie told the story of Bobby Garfield who revisits his childhood home and remembers an older gentleman he befriended.

Secret Window (2004)

Mort Rainey is an author who must deal with the appearance of John Shooter, who accuses Rainey of stealing his ideas. “Secret Window” starred Johnny Depp, Maria Bello and John Turturro.

1408 (2007)

What horrors await in the Dolphin Hotel’s notorious room 1408? This horror/thriller stars John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson.

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