Norwood (novel)
Encyclopedia
Norwood is the first novel written by author Charles Portis
. Originally published in 1966 by Simon & Schuster
, the book follows its namesake protagonist on a misadventurous road trip from his hometown of Ralph, Texas, to New York City and back. During the trip, Norwood is exposed to a comic array of personalities and lifestyles. The novel is a noteworthy example of Portis' particular skill rendering Southern dialect and conversation.
The novel was adapted for a 1970 film by the same name
. Jack Haley, Jr.
directed, and Glen Campbell
and Kim Darby
starred.
Charles Portis
Charles McColl Portis is an American author best known for his novels Norwood and the 1968 classic Western novel True Grit , both adapted as films. The latter also inspired a film sequel and made-for-TV movie sequel...
. Originally published in 1966 by Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster, Inc., a division of CBS Corporation, is a publisher founded in New York City in 1924 by Richard L. Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster. It is one of the four largest English-language publishers, alongside Random House, Penguin and HarperCollins...
, the book follows its namesake protagonist on a misadventurous road trip from his hometown of Ralph, Texas, to New York City and back. During the trip, Norwood is exposed to a comic array of personalities and lifestyles. The novel is a noteworthy example of Portis' particular skill rendering Southern dialect and conversation.
The novel was adapted for a 1970 film by the same name
Norwood (film)
Norwood is a 1970 film that reunites True Grit co-stars Glen Campbell and Kim Darby, also featuring Joe Namath. It was based on the book of the same title, written by Charles Portis , but updated from the original 1950s setting to 1970.The film marked the final screen appearance of actor Jack...
. Jack Haley, Jr.
Jack Haley, Jr.
Jack Haley, Jr was an American film director, producer and writer, twice winner of the Emmy Award.Haley was born in Los Angeles, the son of actor Jack Haley and his wife Florence...
directed, and Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell
Glen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
and Kim Darby
Kim Darby
Kim Darby is an American actress perhaps best known for co-starring with John Wayne and country singer/actor Glen Campbell in the 1969 western True Grit.-Early life and film career:...
starred.
Characters
- Norwood Pratt, recently returned home on special discharge from the Marines. Employee of Nipper Independent Oil Company and Servicenter.
- Vernell Pratt, Norwood's sister, widely regarded as not quite fit to care for herself, hence Norwood's special discharge. At Norwood's arranging, employee of the New Ralph Hotel Coffee Shop.
- Joe William Reese, a Marine buddy, originally from Arkansas but living in New York. Owes Norwood $70.
- Bill Bird, an older, retired veteran (regular army). After a brief courtship at the New Ralph Hotel Coffee Shop, marries Vernell, moves into the Pratt home.
- Grady Fring (The Kredit King), a disbarred lawyer, shyster, and car hustler. Convinces Norwood to drive an Oldsmobile 98 (with a Pontiac Catalina in tow) to New York City.
- Yvonne Phillips Norwood's unrequested passenger on the road trip to New York. Norwood and Yvonne part ways when Norwood abandons the cars and instead completes the trip by hitchhiking, trainhopping, and more legitimately arranged train passage.
- Dave Heineman, an undermotivated freelance travel writer, New York resident, and one-time friend of Joe William.
- Rita Lee Chipman, estranged wife-to-be of a Marine named Wayne. Meets Norwood on his bus ride back to Ralph. The two take a romantic interest in each other.
- Edmund B. Ratner, "the world's smallest perfect fat man." Opens Norwood's eyes to certain of society's slights against midget culture. Expresses sympathy for Joann the Wonder Hen, The College Educated Chicken, liberated from her servitude by Norwood and co.