THE MAN WHO LOVED FLOWERS – Drew Newman

The Stephen King short story, The man who loved flowers, was first published in August 1977, in Gallery magazine, and then in 1978, published in King’s collection of stories in his book, Night shift. The man who loved flowers is about a man who walks the city streets without a care in the world, stopping by a vendor to buy flowers for his true love Norma.

However, every woman he tries to give the flowers, tells him they are not Norma, that he is mistaken. It turns out his beloved Norma had passed away many years earlier. In a state of sadness, he becomes crazed with the notion that he must continue to buy flowers to give to Norma.

This short story has been adapted several times by Dollar Baby directors. Each filmmaker brings his own unique vision to the final product, however in Drew’s case it is quite a different vision. Filmed in what is termed “grindhouse” fashion, with the lead character dancing, singing, not a care in the world, easing down the city streets, to the tune of Van Morrison’s, “Brown Eyed Girl”, is where this quirky story begins. Along the way he encounters several situations, which of course leads to his buying flowers, for Norma. This film is witty, funny, and full of satire. As I say, Drew makes a cameo as the flower vendor. It’s clear to see that all who participated in this short film had a wonderful time doing so.

Out of the many adaptions I’ve seen, I found this one to be the most funny, and unique in its ability to convey that of a horrific act, as humorous. Drew Newman adapted this short story to film in 1996, with a budget of only $2,000. However, it took Drew 14 years to get the rights to the film. It was then released in April of 2011, and played at film festivals. It was filmed on location, entirely in Syracuse, New York.

Tags: Drew Newman, stephen king adaptation, Stephen King DOLLAR BABY, The man who loved flowers, The man who loved flowers review