Or the opposite....you see the film and never read the book.

I think I've watched this film over 50 times.  It played constantly, over and over on my VHS....when it came out.  I think I had dang near ever line memorized at one point.  One of Dennehey's greater roles IMO.

Hard to imagine the book doing all that for me at this point.  Just one of those times where the cinimetography, writing, acting of a piece, just all come together.

Your right, this is a classic, not to be missed.