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Lost Horizon→Lost Horizon
James Hilton·1937·Director: Frank Capra
70%
Faithfulness
4.0
Book Rating
3.8
Movie Rating
Platform: DVD
Ronald Colman, Jane Wyatt, Edward Everett Horton
The Book
Lost Horizon is a 1933 novel by the English writer James Hilton. The book was adapted into a film, also called Lost Horizon, in 1937 by director Frank Capra; and a musical film remake in 1973 by producer Ross Hunter with music by Burt Bacharach. It is the origin of Shangri-La, a fictional utopian lamasery located high in the mountains of Tibet.
The Film
When a revered diplomat's plane is diverted and crashes in the peaks of Tibet, he and the other survivors are guided to an isolated monastery at Shangri-La, where they wrestle with the invitation to stay.
Key Differences
The film adds a romantic subplot not present in the book. The character of the High Lama is portrayed differently, with more emphasis on mysticism. The film simplifies some philosophical themes to appeal to a broader audience.
Our Verdict
Read the book firstThe film is a classic but diverges notably from the book's tone and depth, making it better to read the novel first for a fuller understanding of the story and themes.
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