I am aware that adaptations have been with us for centuries and that Shakespeare borrowed his best plots. But that doesn't stop this book lover from being suspicious when movies and plays glom onto my favorite titles.
With "Murder on the Orient Express" now on stage at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and TV and movie versions of "American Born Chinese," "Oppenheimer" and "Flamin' Hot" on the way, it's a good time to revisit the eternal dilemma of bibliophiles: If you haven't already done so, should you read the book before you see the movie/TV series/play?
I can see both sides with "Orient Express." I know the story well, so there will be no surprises for me. But the thing about one of Agatha Christie's classic mysteries is that it works even if you know how it turns out. It might even be more fun to watch the pieces fall into place if you go into the Guthrie fully aware of whodunit. But cast members I've spoken with hope theatergoers don't know the ending because word is that audiences at previous "Orient Express" productions often gasp at one of the most audacious mystery solutions of all time.
