Wilton Library Hosting Six-Part Lecture Series on Novels Adapted Into Films

WILTON, CT — Wilton Library will host a six-part lecture series this fall exploring novels that were later adapted into landmark films.

The series, led by longtime Yale lecturer Mark J. Schenker, begins Sept. 23 and continues through Dec. 16. Each session will focus on a different book-to-film adaptation, spanning genres from detective fiction to science fiction.

The schedule includes:

• Sept. 23: "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett (1930 novel, 1941 film)
• Oct. 7: "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier (1938 novel, 1940 film)
• Oct. 30: "The Ox-Bow Incident" by Walter van Tilburg Clark (1940 novel, 1943 film)
• Nov. 18: "Strangers on a Train" by Patricia Highsmith (1950 novel, 1951 film)
• Dec. 2: "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway (1952 novel, 1958 film)
• Dec. 16: "2001: A Space Odyssey" by Arthur C. Clarke (1951 story, 1968 film and novel)

Schenker, who retired from Yale in 2023 after serving in various academic roles since 1990, has spent more than three decades lecturing on literature and film across Connecticut. He received his Ph.D. in English literature from Columbia University and has led book discussions at more than 100 venues in the state.

The program is free, with support from the Literary Series in Memory of Amy Quigley. Advance registration is required and includes automatic enrollment in all six sessions. Registration is available online or by calling 203-762-6334.