Book Vs. Movie: The Fly
The 1957 Short Story Vs. the 1986 Movie

The Margos feature The Fly this month with special guest Patrick Bromley, who hosts the excellent F This Movie podcast. The 1957 short story and the 1986 film share the core premise of a scientist merging with a fly during a teleportation experiment, but they have different approaches. George Langelaan's story focuses on the emotional and ethical fallout, depicting science as perilous when unchecked. David Cronenberg's adaptation emphasizes the grotesque consequences of scientific overreach, blending body horror with a profound sense of loss.
Langelaan's story explores guilt, tragedy, and the limits of science, while Cronenberg's film focuses on the horror of losing one's humanity physically and mentally. Both versions are haunting, but Cronenberg's film expands the original premise into a deeply personal horror, highlighting the darker sides of human ambition. The link for Wixson and Bromley’s book In Search of Darkness from AM Ink. 

Which version did we (the Margos) prefer? Have a listen to find out. 

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The origin story of Langelaan’s short story which appeared in Playboy magazine in 1957.
• YouTube link for Edward E. French reading The Fly
• The career of David Cronenberg
• The differences between the short story and the 1986 film. 
• The Movie Cast: Jeff Goldblum (Seth Brundle,) Geena Davis (Ronnie Quaife,) John Getz (Stathis Borans,) Joy Boushel (Tawny,) Leslie Carlson (Dr. Brent Cheevers,) George Chuvalo (Marky) and David Cronenberg as the gynecologist. 

Clips used:

• “Be Afraid. Be very afraid.”
• The Fly (1986 trailer)
• “Cheeseburger scene”
• “Plasma Pool.”
• “Seth kidnaps Ronnie.” 
• The Fly soundtrack by Howard Shore

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