House of Cards. Poster of the 1990 TV series and cover of the 1989 book
VS3
House of Cards
Michael Dobbs, 1989
TV series vs book
Paul Seed, 1990

After Margaret Thatcher’s resignation, the ruling Conservative Party is about to elect a new leader. Urquhart is secretly contemptuous of the well-meaning but weak Collingridge, but expects a promotion to a senior position in the Cabinet. After the general election, Urquhart submits his suggestions for a reshuffle that includes his desired promotion.


Jane Eyre. Poster of the 1983 TV series and cover of the 1847 book
VS3
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Brontë, 1847
TV series vs book
Julian Amyes, 1983

Jane Eyre is an orphan cast out as a young girl by her aunt, Mrs. Reed, and sent to be raised in a harsh charity school for girls. There she learns to become a teacher and eventually seeks employment outside of the school. Her advertisement is answered by the housekeeper of Thornfield Hall, Mrs. Fairfax.


The Old Curiosity Shop. Poster of the 1979 TV series and cover of the 1840 book
VS3
The Old Curiosity Shop
Charles Dickens, 1840
TV series vs book
Julian Amyes, 1979-1980

Nell Trent lives with her grandfather, the proprietor of the Old Curiosity Shop. Grandfather has a disquieting secret, a gambling addiction fed by high-interest loans from the bully Daniel Quilp. The villainous Quilp wants to get possession of the shop, and Nell. In league with his lawyer Samson Brass and Samson’s sister Sally, Quilp seizes Grandfather’s assets.


Great Expectations. Poster of the 1981 TV series and cover of the 1861 book
VS3
Great Expectations
Charles Dickens, 1861
TV series vs book
Julian Amyes, 1981

A young boy called Pip stumbles upon a hunted criminal who threatens him and demands food. A few years later, Pip finds that he has a benefactor. Imagining that Miss Havisham, a rich lady whose adopted daughter Estella he loves, is the benefactor, Pip believes in a grand plan at the end of which he will be married to Estella.