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Night Bus
Short story upon which the movie "It Happened One Night," starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, is based. First published in Cosmopolitan Magazine in 1933.
- GenresFictionShort Stories
62 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
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220 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Hopkins Adams
158 books8 followersFrom the book jacket of "Sunrise to Sunset", (c) 1950
At seventy-nine Samuel Hopkins Adams attributes his longevity, vigor and vim to neither smoking nor drinking, except when he feels like it. This is typical of the intelligent attitude toward the vagaries of life that has maintained him through the years in which he has authored more than forty books, written countless magazine articles and, as a crusading reporter, almost single-handedly accounted for the passage of the Federal Food and Drug laws which pave protected millions of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Adams' amazing knowledge of the history of upper New York State is the result of his lifelong interest in the region in which he was born. His home is Wide Waters, on the shore of Owasco, "loveliest of the Finger Lakes." From Wide Waters he still makes forways into the surrounding countryside, attending antique-auction sales "for the purpose of sneering at the prevalent junk," which he says he wouldn't put in his open hearth Franklin stove for fear of insulting it.
A graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, class of 1891, Mr. Adams introduced football to the campus, played tackle on its first team, and won the Intercollegiate Tennis Championship. For these contributions to scholarship, his college conferred on him the degree of L.H.D. in 1926.
Adams also wrote under the pseudonym Warner Fabian.
At seventy-nine Samuel Hopkins Adams attributes his longevity, vigor and vim to neither smoking nor drinking, except when he feels like it. This is typical of the intelligent attitude toward the vagaries of life that has maintained him through the years in which he has authored more than forty books, written countless magazine articles and, as a crusading reporter, almost single-handedly accounted for the passage of the Federal Food and Drug laws which pave protected millions of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Adams' amazing knowledge of the history of upper New York State is the result of his lifelong interest in the region in which he was born. His home is Wide Waters, on the shore of Owasco, "loveliest of the Finger Lakes." From Wide Waters he still makes forways into the surrounding countryside, attending antique-auction sales "for the purpose of sneering at the prevalent junk," which he says he wouldn't put in his open hearth Franklin stove for fear of insulting it.
A graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, class of 1891, Mr. Adams introduced football to the campus, played tackle on its first team, and won the Intercollegiate Tennis Championship. For these contributions to scholarship, his college conferred on him the degree of L.H.D. in 1926.
Adams also wrote under the pseudonym Warner Fabian.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2020
This story became the Oscar-winning film It Happened One Night in 1934. Rich girl runs away from and overbearing father and runs into tough reporter on a bus trip. He takes an interest in her and the two go on a journey and fall in love. The basic outline is here, but so much of what makes that film great is missing. Ellie (Elspeth) is more selfish and naive in the novella with less reason to run away. The great chemistry between Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable is missing, so what we're left with is an entertaining but average story. It is worth a look for fans of the movie, but without that tie, this story would be lost to history.
February 8, 2016
This was an okay short story. The girl was kind of annoying at times and the guy was a little high and mighty. Anyway I read this for my 'Stories into Film' class so I hope the movies better.
May 28, 2024
.
QUOTES
Appetite sated, ticket paid for, a safe if small surplus in a secure pocket; on the whole, he was content with life.
...
But care sat upon her somber brow, and her expression was a warning to all and sundry to keep their distance. She was far from being content with life.
This time he did the ordering for both of them; soup, hash, thick, pulpy griddle cakes, and coffee. Total, sixty-five cents.
"We're going to stay in the nearest village. It looks like a night in the bus for us."
"Act two, Scene one of matrimonial crisis," chuckled Peter. "Hubby returns early in morning. Wife demands explanation. Husband is ready with it: 'You'd be surprised.' "
"Wouldn't it be funny if you fell in love with me, Peter?"
"Funny for the spectators. Painful for the bear. "
"How much'll I make out the check for?"
"That's the trouble. I don't believe he'd take it. He's one of those inde-be-goshdarn-pendent birds. Wouldn't listen to my lending him some money."
"Humph! That probably means he's fallen for your fair young charms. Be funny if he hadn't."
"I'll tell you what would be funnier... If I'd fallen for him."
"Poof! You're always imagining you're in love with the newest hero in sight."
"Yes I do. What of it? I always get over it, don't I? And I'll get over this. You ought to have seen Little Daughter being bossed around by him and taking it."
"Bossed you, did he? He and who else?"
"Oh, Peter doesn't need any help. "
QUOTES
Appetite sated, ticket paid for, a safe if small surplus in a secure pocket; on the whole, he was content with life.
...
But care sat upon her somber brow, and her expression was a warning to all and sundry to keep their distance. She was far from being content with life.
This time he did the ordering for both of them; soup, hash, thick, pulpy griddle cakes, and coffee. Total, sixty-five cents.
"We're going to stay in the nearest village. It looks like a night in the bus for us."
"Act two, Scene one of matrimonial crisis," chuckled Peter. "Hubby returns early in morning. Wife demands explanation. Husband is ready with it: 'You'd be surprised.' "
"Wouldn't it be funny if you fell in love with me, Peter?"
"Funny for the spectators. Painful for the bear. "
"How much'll I make out the check for?"
"That's the trouble. I don't believe he'd take it. He's one of those inde-be-goshdarn-pendent birds. Wouldn't listen to my lending him some money."
"Humph! That probably means he's fallen for your fair young charms. Be funny if he hadn't."
"I'll tell you what would be funnier... If I'd fallen for him."
"Poof! You're always imagining you're in love with the newest hero in sight."
"Yes I do. What of it? I always get over it, don't I? And I'll get over this. You ought to have seen Little Daughter being bossed around by him and taking it."
"Bossed you, did he? He and who else?"
"Oh, Peter doesn't need any help. "
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
Plot:
After her father forbids her from dating King Westley, rich and spoiled Elspeth Andrews sneaks out of the house and boards a bus headed from Miami to New York to marry him. On the bus she meets Peter Warne, a friendly and kind man who, seeing she is out of her realm, decides to help Elspeth on her journey despite her arrogance towards him.
At their first stop on the journey Elspeth runs to a fancy hotel to take a bath and misses the bus' departure. She then spends the majority of her money on large meals and two movies while she waits for the next bus that evening. This prompts Peter to take control of their funds. One way he rations the money is by signing them into motels as Mr and Mrs which allows them to pay for one room instead of two.
A storm has hung over the trip, causing flooding and washing out roads. The bus gets delayed several days during which time fellow passenger Oscar Shapely hears a radio broadcast announcing the disappearance of Elspeth Andrews as well as a hefty reward for information leading to her return. Recognizing the outfit she is reported to be wearing Oscar confronts Peter and offers to split the reward. Peter tells him he is mistaken but knows Oscar is not fooled. You can read the rest of this review on my blog: vintagegirlsbooks
Review:
- A big difference between the book and the movie is that in the movie Peter is a reported desperate for a story. In the movie Peter helps Elspeth (or "Ellie" as she is named) because it also helps himself. However in the book he does it just because he is caring and sees how bad Elspeth is struggling on her own.
- There is a large age gap between Peter and Elspeth although an exact number is not given. At first Peter believes Elspeth is underage until she tells him she is 21. This makes the romance between them a little disturbing. Peter is even uncomfortable having romantic interest in someone so much younger than himself but that doesn't end up stopping him.
- Elspeth is not very likeable. She is a complete brat, selfish, and demanding. At one point she throws herself onto Peter while he is asleep and kisses him. Before he wakes up and realizes what is happening he kisses her back. Once he is fully conscious he immediately stops and clarifies boundaries between the two. Elspeth is upset by this but she is also upset that Peter kissed her back at first, which is absolutely ridiculous considering he was unconscious and this was low key sexual assault on her part.
Overall this was a good read. Before seeing this book for sale I had no idea the movie was based on anything. Because I have seen the movie several times it is hard to judge the source material on it's own. I don't think I would have read this and thought "this would make a great movie!" but I guess it was a pretty unique concept for it's time. Also it's fun reading this knowing it basically caused the creation of Bugs Bunny.
After her father forbids her from dating King Westley, rich and spoiled Elspeth Andrews sneaks out of the house and boards a bus headed from Miami to New York to marry him. On the bus she meets Peter Warne, a friendly and kind man who, seeing she is out of her realm, decides to help Elspeth on her journey despite her arrogance towards him.
At their first stop on the journey Elspeth runs to a fancy hotel to take a bath and misses the bus' departure. She then spends the majority of her money on large meals and two movies while she waits for the next bus that evening. This prompts Peter to take control of their funds. One way he rations the money is by signing them into motels as Mr and Mrs which allows them to pay for one room instead of two.
A storm has hung over the trip, causing flooding and washing out roads. The bus gets delayed several days during which time fellow passenger Oscar Shapely hears a radio broadcast announcing the disappearance of Elspeth Andrews as well as a hefty reward for information leading to her return. Recognizing the outfit she is reported to be wearing Oscar confronts Peter and offers to split the reward. Peter tells him he is mistaken but knows Oscar is not fooled. You can read the rest of this review on my blog: vintagegirlsbooks
Review:
- A big difference between the book and the movie is that in the movie Peter is a reported desperate for a story. In the movie Peter helps Elspeth (or "Ellie" as she is named) because it also helps himself. However in the book he does it just because he is caring and sees how bad Elspeth is struggling on her own.
- There is a large age gap between Peter and Elspeth although an exact number is not given. At first Peter believes Elspeth is underage until she tells him she is 21. This makes the romance between them a little disturbing. Peter is even uncomfortable having romantic interest in someone so much younger than himself but that doesn't end up stopping him.
- Elspeth is not very likeable. She is a complete brat, selfish, and demanding. At one point she throws herself onto Peter while he is asleep and kisses him. Before he wakes up and realizes what is happening he kisses her back. Once he is fully conscious he immediately stops and clarifies boundaries between the two. Elspeth is upset by this but she is also upset that Peter kissed her back at first, which is absolutely ridiculous considering he was unconscious and this was low key sexual assault on her part.
Overall this was a good read. Before seeing this book for sale I had no idea the movie was based on anything. Because I have seen the movie several times it is hard to judge the source material on it's own. I don't think I would have read this and thought "this would make a great movie!" but I guess it was a pretty unique concept for it's time. Also it's fun reading this knowing it basically caused the creation of Bugs Bunny.
January 24, 2014
Cute love story.Very nice and sweet!
December 9, 2015
Very Similar to the film "It Happened One Night."
February 7, 2024
Visit JetBlackDragonfly (The Man Who Read Too Much) at www.edenthompson.ca/blog
Night Bus is a charming story about two strangers finding romance on an interstate bus trip. In 1933 it took a week to travel from Florida to New York, so there are several overnight stops along the way - plenty of time to fall in love.
It was made into the 1934 Frank Capra film It Happened One Night starring Claudette Colbert and Clarke Gable, seen as one of the greatest films ever made, and the first of only three films to win the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Peter Warne is a business man, amiably dealing with the hassles of bus travel. Elsbeth Andrews is a 21 year-old society girl running away from home, so naturally they are forced into adjoining seats. Unaware of the rules of the road, she quickly has her bag stolen, and reluctantly takes Peter's advice. No lunches at the hotel, it's oatmeal and coffee at Hungry Joe's diner if you want to travel cheap.
Further comic turns strike the pair, like missing the bus, taking to foot, sleeping in a barn, stealing a boat, stealing a car, and (famously in the film) hitchhiking.
Reality soon cures Elsbeth of the notion the world should treat her in a certain way, when the duo are forced to spend nights together in various tourist camp cabins (you can save $2 if you register as man and wife). Peter's solution of hanging a spare sheet between the beds (nicknamed The Wall of Jericho) gradually turns from a necessity to discovering, Peter's not so bad after all. Elsbeth learns the practicality of maximizing your pennies, and begins to look forward to the breakfast of eggs, a roll, and tea for 8cents. Peter is hoping to turn his invention into a job worth up to $8,000 a year, and doesn't care a whit for the $10,000 dollar reward her millionaire father has announced for the return of his missing girl. The journey takes a week and costs roughly $18. but all trips come to an end - this one in New York City. But then, there is always the possibility they will see each other again...
This is a light romance, with two endearing characters meant for each other, on an adventure exactly what you want it to be. Adams has a quirky way of writing, with witty turns of phrase that seem charmingly overwritten. About Peter he writes "Asperities of travel, however, meant little to his seasoned endurance", and about Elsbeth "Something must have seriously upset a disposition which, he judged, was hardly inured to accepting gracefully the contrarieties of a maladjusted world".
Samuel Hopkins Adams was a journalist and muckraker, exposing many false claims about patent medicines, which led to the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Several novels he wrote were turned into films including The Wild Party with Clara Bow (1929), and The Harvey Girls with Judy Garland (1946).
Night Bus is a charming story about two strangers finding romance on an interstate bus trip. In 1933 it took a week to travel from Florida to New York, so there are several overnight stops along the way - plenty of time to fall in love.
It was made into the 1934 Frank Capra film It Happened One Night starring Claudette Colbert and Clarke Gable, seen as one of the greatest films ever made, and the first of only three films to win the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Peter Warne is a business man, amiably dealing with the hassles of bus travel. Elsbeth Andrews is a 21 year-old society girl running away from home, so naturally they are forced into adjoining seats. Unaware of the rules of the road, she quickly has her bag stolen, and reluctantly takes Peter's advice. No lunches at the hotel, it's oatmeal and coffee at Hungry Joe's diner if you want to travel cheap.
Further comic turns strike the pair, like missing the bus, taking to foot, sleeping in a barn, stealing a boat, stealing a car, and (famously in the film) hitchhiking.
Reality soon cures Elsbeth of the notion the world should treat her in a certain way, when the duo are forced to spend nights together in various tourist camp cabins (you can save $2 if you register as man and wife). Peter's solution of hanging a spare sheet between the beds (nicknamed The Wall of Jericho) gradually turns from a necessity to discovering, Peter's not so bad after all. Elsbeth learns the practicality of maximizing your pennies, and begins to look forward to the breakfast of eggs, a roll, and tea for 8cents. Peter is hoping to turn his invention into a job worth up to $8,000 a year, and doesn't care a whit for the $10,000 dollar reward her millionaire father has announced for the return of his missing girl. The journey takes a week and costs roughly $18. but all trips come to an end - this one in New York City. But then, there is always the possibility they will see each other again...
This is a light romance, with two endearing characters meant for each other, on an adventure exactly what you want it to be. Adams has a quirky way of writing, with witty turns of phrase that seem charmingly overwritten. About Peter he writes "Asperities of travel, however, meant little to his seasoned endurance", and about Elsbeth "Something must have seriously upset a disposition which, he judged, was hardly inured to accepting gracefully the contrarieties of a maladjusted world".
Samuel Hopkins Adams was a journalist and muckraker, exposing many false claims about patent medicines, which led to the passing of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. Several novels he wrote were turned into films including The Wild Party with Clara Bow (1929), and The Harvey Girls with Judy Garland (1946).
March 5, 2018
I actually read this short story in the collection No, But I Saw The Movie, as I could not find the version listed here for less than $85. Not bad for a book with a "10 Cents" price on the cover. Well, that's inflation for you. Well, inflation and being the source for the movie It Happened One Night with Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable, one of my all-time favorites.
I wish I could read the story without putting the characters from the movie into the book. I tried, but unsuccessfully. Their voices just came storming through.
It is hard for this story to stand up against the movie, although it is perfectly clear just how much is taken for the movie. I won't pollute this review by including the differences. It does hold true to a rapidly evolving love story between a spoiled rich girl and a smart, confident, but currently unemployed man. Elspeth is running away from daddy and finds herself on a bus bound for New York City. Completely unaware of how to live without unlimited funds, Elspeth spends what money is left after a scoundrel steals her travel bag. Peter Warne takes her under his wing and the pair finally makes it to NYC.
The whole story is charming, although because I am such a sucker for a happy ending, the final page and a half makes the whole story worthwhile.
If you decide you might like to read this story, or the others in No, But I Saw The Movie, know that it will be a hard book to find. My copy came through an inter-library loan from the University of Minnesota.
If anyone takes the opportunity to read the story without having seen the movie, I would greatly appreciate sending me a little note, after you have seen the movie.
I wish I could read the story without putting the characters from the movie into the book. I tried, but unsuccessfully. Their voices just came storming through.
It is hard for this story to stand up against the movie, although it is perfectly clear just how much is taken for the movie. I won't pollute this review by including the differences. It does hold true to a rapidly evolving love story between a spoiled rich girl and a smart, confident, but currently unemployed man. Elspeth is running away from daddy and finds herself on a bus bound for New York City. Completely unaware of how to live without unlimited funds, Elspeth spends what money is left after a scoundrel steals her travel bag. Peter Warne takes her under his wing and the pair finally makes it to NYC.
The whole story is charming, although because I am such a sucker for a happy ending, the final page and a half makes the whole story worthwhile.
If you decide you might like to read this story, or the others in No, But I Saw The Movie, know that it will be a hard book to find. My copy came through an inter-library loan from the University of Minnesota.
If anyone takes the opportunity to read the story without having seen the movie, I would greatly appreciate sending me a little note, after you have seen the movie.
November 15, 2017
A light hearted romantic comedy. The 1934 movie "It Happened One Night" was based on it.
January 16, 2019
Adams is a prolific writer who brings the story to life. Easy to see why this was made into a movie. Plot, moving, adventure, mystery.
October 20, 2023
Such a cute, quirky, little story, it's a whole 65 pages, its a must read.
September 19, 2020
I discovered this story in a collection of short stories (I don't remember the name of it), and immediately fell in love with it. It's a humorous tale and kept me laughing the whole way through.
P.S. I just found out there's a movie about it too...I may have to check that out.
P.S. I just found out there's a movie about it too...I may have to check that out.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews