JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT

by Jay Presson Allen

The classic story of the inside workings of Hollywood by a successful screenwriter; source for movie of the same name, starring Ali McGraw and Alan King

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Harv Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've forgotten which I experienced first: the book or the movie. And I confess I've watched the movie 10+ times, while I think I only read the novel twice. Jay Presson Allen adapted her novel and wrote the screenplay for the movie. Usually, I prefer the book version to the movie version of some story; but this is one case where I prefer the movie: the novel is abruptly crude at times, and I think the story was improved by Cutting, Cutting, Cutting, and condensing the essential emotional drama. And for Jay Presson Allen, it may have been sort of like doing another draft . . . and of course, with Sidney Lumet directing and Ali MacGraw & Alan King . . .

However, my friends don't like the movie, and I can't interest anyone in the book, so beware, just because I like the book, and just because the movie is one of my all-time favorites, you may think they are both duds.

Half Love Story between the mistress of a powerful Jewish mogul, and half vicious maneuvering and back-stabbing between the two passionate lovers. She takes a lover to break free of him or maybe force him to commit. He takes his own other lover. But it's all about negotiation, and getting the best deal. Not just in business, but in bed.

Also, last I checked, the movie is only available in VHS. So read the book!

@hg47

[Deni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny! Great dialogue, plot twists.