Stephen King is a master storyteller. We all know that. Quite a few of his novels have been made into films and television series. It was arguably the adaptation of his debut novel, Carrie, that really put him on the map with the public. While probably best known for his novels, King has also been prolific in shorter stories as well over the years and his skill in tha tfield is often overlooked.

Goes to the Movies is a collection of five stories that were made into film. The entire collection is a little under 600 pages long, emphasizing that these five stories are shorter than what one generally expects from King.

King is also best known for his horror stories. This collection proves, as if any proof was really needed, that King can do more than that. A true surprise for me was realizing that The Shawshank Redemption was originally one of King's stories: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. Call me ignorant if you like.

Each of the five stories has an explanatory piece from King, helping put it into focus. He also talks about his thoughts on the film adaptation of his stories.

This was an intriguing collection that really emphasizes that King is not a horror-schlock but a truly gifted storyteller. Reading Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, I was transported there into the prison with Andy Dufresne.

1408 is creepy in true, suspenseful King style, with King being full of praise for the performance by John Cusack in the film adaptation.

Low Men in Yellow Coats was adapted as Hearts in Atlantis. King doesn't like the film, believing that the original story is better but is not necessarily critical of the filmmakers as such. I have not seen the film so cannot comment.

Children of the Corn is a really spooky piece. The film adaptation lacks the same feel but King generously points out that one's imagination is never on a budget. His sense of fun also comes through with his mentioning the sequels that were made – not written by him.

Reading this collection was more than an interesting exercise in comparing original stories with film adaptations, it was a refreshing reminder of just what an amazing storyteller Stephen King is.

Ross C. Hamilton