In 1939, James Thurber sketched a mild man with a vivid inner life, a daydreamer who slips out of routine whenever reality gets dull. Hollywood picked it up in 1947 with Danny Kaye, turning it into a lively, musical-leaning comedy. In 2013, Ben Stiller took the same premise and gave it a softer, more reflective spin with a global edge. Same character, entirely different vibe. We’re unpacking how each version handles fantasy, humor, and real-life stakes. Read on to see how one short story is split into two very distinct cinematic takes.
#1: Source Material vs Loose Inspiration
Thurber’s 1939 story runs just a few pages and centers on a man drifting through elaborate daydreams during a simple errand trip with his wife. The 1947 film keeps that idea front and center, even adding musical sequences that match the tone of those fantasies. The 2013 version steps away from the structure entirely. It builds a full narrative about a missing photograph and a cross-country search. Many viewers enjoyed the expansion, though some readers of Thurber felt the original wit got diluted.
