My Six Degrees to Meryl Streep and Dewey, the Library Cat
November 13, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
It’s always fun when I have a personal connection to a movie, and I’ve been following this one for years.
Several years ago, my friend, Marti Attoun, wrote an American Profile story about a bedraggled kitten who was found in the book drop at the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa. Library director Vicki Myron and another staff member gave the near-frozen kitty a bath — and a home at the library.
Marti’s story about Dewey Readmore Books (he was named via 394 ballots cast by local residents) has brought the once-orphaned kitty millions of fans. He’s been the subject of a Paul Harvey newscast, a Japanese public TV show, and a documentary called “Puss in Boots: Adventures of the Library Cat,” to name a few. He was even immortalized as the January pinup in a national cat calendar.
“While I was interviewing Vicki, patrons came into the library and checked out Dewey before they checked out a book,” says Marti. “He was quite a popular cat!”
Now his story is being made into a movie, with Meryl Streep in the role of Myron. The New Line Cinema film, based on Myron’s book, “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World,” will be penned by Pamela Gray, who also wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Tony Goldwyn-directed “Betty Anne Waters,” starring Hilary Swank.
I can’t wait to watch “Dewey” (the film’s working title) unfold, and see Meryl Streep in the role. And New Line always does a great job with the production, so I have high hopes that it will be a smash hit!
Images: Amazon.com; Newscom, Meryl Streep at The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 18th Annual “A Magical Evening” Gala, Nov. 11, 2008; Source: Variety
just finished listening to the audio book. was a great book as i am a cat lover and have three of my own. dewey is a very smart cat who loves everyone. I’m so glad that meryl streep is in the role of vicki myron she is such a great actress. will be waiting for the film.