Hi dear readers! Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Kelly Miller to Diary of an Eccentric for the first time to celebrate the release of Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley. Please give her a warm welcome, and stay tuned for a very generous giveaway from Meryton Press!
Movie versions of Death Takes a Holiday
My first notion of writing a story in which Fitzwilliam Darcy is visited by an angel came to me when I noted that The Bishop’s Wife, 1947, Starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven, was to play on television. I set the movie up to be recorded but did not watch it right away. As I contemplated what I recalled of the plot, I decided that I would fuse ideas from a number of my best-loved movies from that genre, including Death takes a Holiday, 1934, from which I borrowed my title, and Warren Beatty’s Heaven can Wait, 1978. The end result is a love story that features Jane Austen’s two best-loved characters, and their great and abiding love while it reflects the author’s affection for movies with an element of fantasy.
In Death takes a Holiday, the 1934 film based upon the 1924 Italian play, La Morte in Vacanza, by Alberto Casella, Death (Fredric March) takes the form of a handsome prince and appears at the home of Duke Lambert (Sir Guy Standing), an Italian nobleman. Duke Lambert has a house full of guests, including Lambert’s son, Corrado, and the son’s lovely and wistful intended, Grazia (Evelyn Venable). Death, using the name Prince Sirki, demands that the Duke act as his host for three days to indulge his desire to experience life as a mortal and gain an understanding for why humans hold such fear for him.
While Prince Sirki is on his holiday, no deaths occur throughout the world, despite the fact that accidents, disasters, and crimes continue to occur.
Prince Sirki interacts with the Duke’s guests and finds that several of the ladies, though drawn to his attractive form, become afraid of him when they get too close to him and get a sense of his true identity.
Only the beautiful Grazia, a young woman plagued by a mysterious melancholy, seems unafraid to face Prince Sirki’s true identity. When Duke Lambert realizes Prince Sirki has fallen in love with the lady promised to his son, he begs Death to walk away from her and leave her to the world of the living. Will Death selfishly take this beautiful, young lady with him when he leaves, or will he act in a way to serve her own best interests?
The 1998 film, Meet Joe Black, starring Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, and Claire Forlani is a remake of Death takes a Holiday, but it is so different from the 1934 version that to compare the two seems out of place. That said, Meet Joe Black has its own charm and appeal, even beyond that of the talents of the two male stars. I thought it was interesting to note that while many who reviewed the 1934 version as vastly superior in the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), the overall ratings of the 1934 and 1998 movies were equal: 7.2 out of 10.
It was not until I researched for this blog entry that I learned a 1971 version of Death takes a Holiday was made starring Yvette Mimieux, Myrna Loy, and Melvyn Douglas. The casting of Monte Markham as Death seemed odd to me from the start, but IMDB reviewers gave this made-for-television version an impressive 7.6 out of 10. I was thrilled to find it available to watch on Youtube.com and was able to view the entire movie. Unfortunately, I found this version, despite the high-caliber performance of Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas, to be by far the weakest of the three. I would have preferred another actor as Death, someone who might have, at crucial moments in the movie, displayed an expression of fierceness to explain why some in the movie were frightened by him. I did not find the movie to be as compelling as either of the other two versions. I was led to believe that the high ratings on IMDB were from those who remembered seeing the movie long ago, perhaps as young teens, and had a nostalgic affection for it.
Of the three movie versions, I would place the 1934 version of Death takes a Holiday first. I deem it to be the most mysterious and romantic of the three movies. A close second, is Meet Joe Black, which has a lot of appeal in its own right but is not so stylish or compelling as the 1934 movie, and I suspect not so apt to remain on the viewer’s mind after seeing it. I would place the 1971 made-for-television version of Death takes a Holiday at a very distant third place.
Thank you, Kelly, for being my guest today. I always love to read about how novels come to life, and you’ve made me very eager to read yours. Congratulations on your new release!
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About Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley
What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.
Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?
In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?
Buy links:
eBook:
Paperback:
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About the Author
Kelly Miller discovered her appreciation for Jane Austen late in life, and her love of writing even later. It was the 1995 miniseries of Pride and Prejudice that made her take notice and want to read the actual book. It was many years later that she discovered the world of JAFF. After reading a slew of wildly inventive stories featuring the beloved characters created by Jane Austen, she was inspired to write one of her own. Now, writing is one of her favorite pastimes. When not writing, she spends her free time singing, playing the piano, and working out. (Yes, like Elizabeth Bennet, she is an excellent walker.) Kelly Miller lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter and their many pets.
Connect with Kelly: Amazon Author Page | Goodreads Author Page | Facebook
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Giveaway
Meryton Press is giving away 8 eBooks of Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley. You must enter through this Rafflecopter link. Good luck!
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June 14 From Pemberley to Milton
June 15 More Agreeably Engaged
June 17 Diary of an Eccentric
June 18 So Little Time…
June 19 Austenesque Reviews
June 20 Savvy Verse & Wit
June 21 Babblings of a Bookworm
June22 My Love for Jane Austen
June 24 My Vices and Weaknesses
I always find the background inspiration for JAFF to be an interesting topic and I wish more authors would share this with us so we get a sense of the development of their ideas. Having read this story, it’s decidedly different than the movies; however, I have not watched the movies and have only read the synopses. I do think this is a wonderfully fresh new take on a P&P sequel and hope that lots of people get to read and enjoy. Thanks, Kelly, for sharing with us, and thanks, Anna for hosting.
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Hi Suzan,
I hope you get to see the movies at some point. The original Death Takes a Holiday has a dark, romantic theme that appeals to me more now as an adult than when I first saw it. However, as a young person I loved Heaven can Wait, and knew almost every line to that movie! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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Sounds delicious! I loved Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black—terribly sexy as Death—I am intrigued by Mr Darcy hosting this angel into Pemberley.
Congrats on your debut novel!
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I had a feeling that many people would picture Brad Pitt as the perfect depiction of Graham! 🙂 Thank you so much, Christina!
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I don’t recall seeing any of these films (but that doesn’t mean I haven’t 😉)
I’m so looking forward to reading this despite the post on Facebook where Darcy sees Graham singing a duet with Elizabeth! I hope you don’t torture the dear man too much in this book?
I have a couple of books to read first but then I think this will be my next buy.
Thank you for sharing this post.
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Hi Glynis, I hope you get a chance to see the films, even if they become familiar half-way through. 🙂 Darcy does have a lot to deal with in my story, but I hope you will find it uplifting to see how he handles it.
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Hey Glynis, You know that feeling when you hit send before you were finished with your email? Upon re-reading, I meant to add: You are very welcome, and I appreciate your comment!
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Darcy hosting the angel of death at Pemberley. What an interesting premise! Definitely something outside the box!! I’m looking forward to reading this one.
I wish you well with your book,Kelly.
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Hi Mary,
That is great to hear! With all the talented writers publishing new stories each day, coming up with a compelling new one is a challenge. Thank you for your well wishes and kind comment!
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Love that cover and the back especially. The lovely young lady looks like an Elizabeth that is about to say something witty. Oh, dear… the story-line is scary enough but now I have to worry whether Death will be intrigued by Elizabeth. Man… I have got to read this. You know a trope is interesting if there are several movie versions of it. I am going to have to look for that 1934 movie version. I looked up clips of it and, although OLD, it was powerful. Thanks for the research and this generous giveaway. Blessings on the launch and success of this work.
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J. W., I’m glad to hear you are interested in seeing the 1934 movie. A library near to you might have it available to rent. That was how I watched it most recently. My story has lots of surprises that I hope you will like, even if they cause some tension for a short time. 🙂 You are very welcome. I appreciate your comment and blessings!
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The movie comparisons are so interesting. I want to go watch them before reading the book. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
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Hi evaedmonds, I am glad the movies sound interesting. I hope you get to see them. You are very welcome. I thank you for stopping by and wish you luck in the giveaway!
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I’ve seen the 1934 movie and the remake Meet Joe Black. I remember liking the 1934 version but not the remake although it’s been a long time since I’ve seen them so I think it’s time for a rewatch. Congrats on the release of your book and thank you for the giveaway!
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Hi darcybennett, sometimes it is good to rewatch a movie and catch things you either missed the first time or else forgot. 🙂 I appreciate your kind comment!
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I have seen The Bishop’s wife but never heard of Death takes a Holiday. I shall have to see if I can locate a copy
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Hi Vesper, I hope you are able to view the movie soon. If a local library does not have it, I think TCM (Turner Classic Movies) may play it from time to time. Thank you for visiting; I appreciate your comment! 🙂
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As you may have gathered from my comments on the first two stops, I’ve seen and loved Meet Joe Black a number of times. I can also remember seeing The Bishop’s Wife many years ago, too. However, Death Takes a Holiday is one that’s passed me by. Sounds as though I ought to remedy that at some point. Thanks for sharing the inspiration for your story with us, Kelly. It’s a process I always find fascinating to read about. Brad Pitt will definitely be my Graham when I read this!
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Hello Anji,
You are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed reading of the movies that helped inspire this story. Thank you so much for following along and commenting!
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I would love to read this book and will do so soon I am sure. I have not seen all those movies.
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Hello Sheila, I hope you read the book soon and then are motivated to see the movies, or perhaps vice versa. 🙂 Thank you for visiting and commenting!
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Anna, I wish to thank you very much for hosting this stop on my blog tour! I have enjoyed reading the comments from all of your lovely visitors!
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I don’t recall watching any of the movies, but I am fascinated by how they have impacted you into taking this premise and incorporating Elizabeth and Darcy into it! Congratulations and thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
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Hi Carole,
I’m glad you enjoyed reading about these movies; I hope you get the chance to see them soon. Good luck with the giveaway! I appreciate your comment!
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This looks like another great book! I can’t wait to find out if I win a copy!
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Hello Cyndy,
Thank you! Good luck to you! I hope you still think so after reading it! 🙂
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A great concept. I am fan of TCM and will be on the lookout for the next showing of thses films.
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Hi maomac, Fredric March’s birthday is August 31; maybe they will do a marathon of his movies then. Thank you for visiting and commenting!
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I may have to watch the 3 movies you mentioned as I have never seen them. They are intriguing me. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. Thank you for the generous give away.
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Hi Debbie, I hope you get the chance to see the movies. You’re very welcome. Good luck in the giveaway!
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What an interesting and new premise for a JAFF story, and I’m looking forward to reading it after reading the story behind it. Love reading how these movies sparked the idea for the book. Looking forward to this.
When you started talking about the movies and listing them, I thought you would mention another old movie with the same theme. The was a 1939 movie with Lionel Barrymore as ‘Gramps’, Cedric Hardwick as the angel of death, and Bobs Watson as the grandchild who gets in a bad accident and is on the brink of death, but cannot go because the angel is trapped by Gramps. The title is ‘On Borrowed Time.’ I had not seen the 1934 movie and something about the movie trailers kept me from seeing the Mr. Black movie. I may have missed out on something, but I found Pitt’s portrayal too creepy, kind of robotic, not human at all. Which is what he was supposed to be. Duh. But It’s not my thing. The 1939 movie is at first humorous and then touching.
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Hmm, maybe I did this wrong; please find my reply to you below!
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Thank you for sharing the inspiration behind how Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley came to be. I didn’t know the movies exist except for Meet Joe Black which I didn’t see it entirely, just bits here and there. I think the concept is unique and I hope to read your novel some day.
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Hi Luthien84, you are quite welcome. I hope you get the chance to see the movies and read my book. If you have entered for the giveaway, I wish you good luck!
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Hi Michelle, I am glad you like this premise, and that you enjoyed the post! “On Borrowed Time sounds like one I need to see; I hope you get a chance to see “Death Takes a Holiday with Fredric March. Lionel Barrymore was in that other classic that features an angel, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I appreciate your comment!
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‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is an absolute family favorite here at our house. I definitely will try to see the Fredric March one. I used to be so addicted to TCM. Life changes, I am able to read far more than I ever used to and I’m addicted to that now.
I forgot to say ‘Congratulations on the release of your new book, and wish you great success.’
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Thank you, Michelle! You are very kind. 🙂
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This sounds like a great tale. Thank you for the chance to win a copy 🙂
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Hi Virginia, I’m so glad you think so! You are very welcome. I thank you for your comment and wish you good luck in the giveaway!
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It was interesting reading how the movies inspired your novel, Kelly. Thank you for telling us about them. I am familiar with two and have watched one. I may have to have a movie day and watch all of them. 🙂 Best wishes with your new release!
Thanks for hosting, Anna!
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Hi Janet, thank you! I am glad you are interested in seeing the movies; I am sure you will find them enjoyable. Anna has my appreciation. This has been another fun blog tour stop!
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I’ve seen none of these movies, but this was an enjoyable guest post.
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I’m glad you liked it! Thank you, Serena!
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Congrats on your debut novel. Love reading how you came to create the plot for your story.
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Hello Dung, I am glad you found it interesting. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
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I love the background story of this. I am scared for them…feel sorry for what Darcy feels.
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Hi Buturot, Darcy is put through a lot in this story, but at the same time, he is a happy man. Thank you for stopping my and leaving a comment!
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