Gatsby's Heirs

An American classic, ceaselessly reborn

In the 88 Years since the publication of F. Scott Fitzgerald's seminal novel, many artists have tried to adapt, replicate or emulate its lush tragedy of Roaring '20s excess and class striving. With Baz Luhrmann's screen version out May 10, here's a history of great and not-so-great Gatsbys.

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1925

The Great Gatsby is published to positive reviews but poor initial sales.

1926

A silent adaptation of Gatsby hits theaters--the cast includes William Powell, later of the Thin Man series--but the film eventually goes missing and is now considered lost.

1940

Gatsby's hard-drinking party guests had nothing on his creator,...

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