Recommended Mark Twain Movies and Documentaries

Who doesn't love Mark Twain and his American classics, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885) and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876)? If you do, you might be interested to learn that these and other Samuel Clemens' favorites have also hit the big screen. From "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" to "Life on the Mississippi," you can find any number of well-produced Mark Twain classics on videotape, film and DVD. That's right, Mark Twain classic movies and modern motion pictures are available for purchase at your local movie retail store, online from TMC, Amazon and others, or for loan from your local public library.

One of my all-time favorites is the Ken Burns' documentary on the prized American author. Ken Burns is at his very best telling the story of this American icon. But, you might also like the 1939 classic movie, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," starring the popular child actor and screen legend Mickey Rooney. While certainly dated, this classic film shows life on the Mississippi like never before. Maybe "Mark Twain and Me," starring Jason Robards, Talia Shire, R.H. Thomson, and Fiona Reid, is more to your liking? With this cast, it can't be beat. You might also want to preview the movie "Roughing It," starring Adam Arken and Ned Beatty, about Twain's trips out West. It's a classic tale of the gold rush and Western frontier.

Find out what all the fuss is about. Check out these sensational Mark Twain classic films and documentaries today. You won't be disappointed and they're sure to inspire you to learn more about this great American writer and humorist. Where to start? Read on.

Mark Twain - A Film Directed by Ken Burns (2002)
Rated: n/r
Price: $18.99
Where to buy: Amazon

A wonderful documentary film about the life and times of Mark Twain by the legendary director Ken Burns. Well received by viewers and critics alike. One of Ken Burns' best. Could it be the subject?

Mark Twain Tonight (1967)
Rated: n/r
Price: $21.49
Where to buy: Amazon

Mark Twain Tonight had its humble beginnings as a Broadway show in the 1960s and was filmed as a CBS special in 1967. Starring the legendary Hal Holbrook, a true classic on film.

Mark Twain's America (IMAX) (1998)
Rated: G
Price: $9.98
Where to buy: Amazon

Used extensively in the school systems, this film will dazzle your senses and spark your curiosity in the famous American author and social commentator, his life and times. Starring Anne Bancroft and Dennis O'Connor.

Tom Sawyer (2000)
Rated: G
Price: $14.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn star in this winning, musical and animated adaptation of this Mark Twain classic. Starring the voices of Rhett Akins, Lee Ann Womack, Don Knotts, Betty White and Hank Williams, Jr., among other musical greats. G-Rated and fun for everyone in the family.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1939)
Rated: G
Price: $19.00-$29.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

In this classic Mark Twain film, the legendary child actor and movie star Mickey Rooney stars as the high-spirited and adventurous Huckleberry Finn. Co stars include Walter Connolly, William Frawley, Rex Ingram. G-Rated and fun for everyone in the family.

Huckleberry Finn (1974)
Rated: G
Price: $39.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Jeff East and Paul Winfield star as Mark Twain's famous character Huckleberry Finn and his pal Jim who set off on various adventures on the Mississippi River. Co-stars Harvey Korman, David Wayne and Natalie Trundy, among others. A musical delight for everyone in the family.

Crossed Swords (1977)
Rated: G
Price: $9.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Based on Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper," this movie tells the colorful story of what happens when a prince exchanges his identify with the common man, and the rest is history. Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch, Ernest Borgnine, George C. Scott, and Charlton Heston star in this lavish film.

The Prince and The Pauper (2000)
Rated: n/r
Price: $9.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Switched identities make for a wonderful film rendition of a Mark Twain classic. Starring Aidan Quinn and Alan Bates.

Charlie's Ghost: The Secret of Coronado (1994)
Rated: G
Price: $9.99
Where to buy: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Based loosely on a story by Mark Twain, this film tells the story of a friendless young boy who meets the ghost of legendary Spanish explorer Coronado. A wonderful comedy for everyone in the family. Starring Cheech Marin, Trenton Knight, Anthony Edwards and Linda Fiorentino.

MARK TWAIN (SAMUEL CLEMENS) RESOURCES

Mark Twain Papers
University of California at Berkeley
Website: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/MTP

Mark Twain House
www.marktwainhouse.org

Center for Mark Twain Studies
www.elmira.edu/academics/distinctive_programs/twain_center

Kaplan, Justin. Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography. Simon & Schuster, 1966.

Bird, John. Mark Twain and Metaphor. University of Missouri Press, 2007.

Kerley, Barbara. The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy). Scholastic Press, 2010.

Rasmussen, Kent R. Mark Twain A - Z. Oxford University Press, 1995.

Powers, Ron. Mark Twain - A Life. Free Press, 2005.

Smith, Harriet Elinor, (ed.) et al. Autobiography of Mark Twain: The Complete and Authoritative Edition, Volume 1, University of California Press, 2010.