Why do Nathaniel Hawthorne’s literary masterpieces like "The Scarlet Letter" and "The House of the Seven Gables" struggle on screen, while Edgar Allan Poe’s tales thrive?
Join film historian Justin Humphreys for a deep dive into the intricate challenges of adapting Hawthorne’s Puritan-era narratives.
This documentary exposes:
📽️ Hollywood’s troubled history with Hawthorne – from Victor Sjöström’s acclaimed 1926 silent classic to notorious misfires like the 1995 Demi Moore version.
🔍 Behind-the-scenes battles and unmade adaptations (including AIP’s abandoned House of the Seven Gables).
💡 Why Hawthorne’s psychological depth and moral complexity resist cinematic translation – while Poe’s visceral horror translates effortlessly.
✨ Rare successes like Vincent Price’s 1940 gothic gem The House of the Seven Gables.
Packed with rare clips and sharp analysis, we dissect the visual storytelling, character development, and enduring relevance of Hawthorne’s themes. Discover why his "Puritan ghosts" haunt filmmakers to this day.
Don’t miss this essential exploration of literature’s most fascinating adaptation paradox!
Director: Daniel Griffith
Writer: Justin Humphreys
Star: Justin Humphreys
