I so agree with you, MB, on the Stanley Kubrick version of The Shining. What a disappointment. It had its wonderful moments (thanks to Nicholson), but it was a typical, Kubrick mess. The '97 made-for-TV mini-series was so much better (penned by King himself). An interesting anecdote: when Kubrick was making his version, one time, King recalled being up early in the morning and the phone rang. He answered it. The caller asked: "Is this Stephen King?' He answered: "Yes." "This is Stanley Kubrick. Do you believe in god?" Still shaving and taken off guard, King answered: "Um, I guess so." Kubrick responded: "Okay," and hung up. Then, with shaving creme on his face, King thought: "What is he doing to my book?" When he saw the final product he was not pleased, although he later admitted it "grew" on him. As much as I hated Kubrick's adaption (I hate virtually everything he has done), I will, again, admit, it does have its moments but only because of the performers. Heeeerrreee's Johnny!
If you get a chance, MB, read Staub's novel. It's wonderful. Well, it begins slow, plods along slow, buy half-way through you can't put it down. Just keep at it and it'll become a roller-coaster ride. The cinematic version was so awful; such a waste of great movie stars. They deserved better in what should've been a great cinematic version of a great novel.
Gerard