Question: Since it was originally a stage play, can the roles truly be said to "originate" with Novak and Stewart?
Hmmm.
Posted by Mig (Member # 9284) on :
It all depends on what you mean by "originate" or why that should be significant. Technically the roles originate on the page and in the writer's mind. But I think it is fair to say that the Kim Novak and Jimmie Stewart portrayals represent the first definitive, and best known, versions of the characters. They own those roles now, regardless of whoever before played the parts on stage. Any remake will necessarily be judged relative to them, and in my book I can't think of another actress working today that could hold a candle (or a bell or a book) to Kim Novak in that movie.