Make it a Movie: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
In our Make it a Movie section we play the role of movie producers and map out the movie production. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, is a World War II historical fictional novel about the code breaking efforts that took place at Bletchley Park.
The Imitation Game already proved that a movie about code breaking and math can be wildly successful. I would say the The Rose Code offers more in the way of romance, espionage, mystery, and the royal family. All things that would make it a great movie adaptation. It didn’t make our top 10 book podcast list, but a book we both enjoyed and would recommend. You can check out the podcast we did on it if interested.
Plot: Three young women with vastly different backgrounds become best friends while helping to break codes at Bletchley Park. We get to see what daily life is like at Bletchley Park for and most importantly get to sit in on their monthly Book Club Meetings (the Mad Hatter Club – which is a great name, just not as great as the Buddy Book Club). Trials, tribulations, heart break, and espionage ensue. A movie or TV show that has something for everyone.
Production Notes: The last update was almost two years ago, when it was reported that it was being adapted for TV by Black Bear Pictures. This is the same company that developed the aforementioned Imitation Games, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to Bletchley Park. Haven’t seen any recent updates or casting, so we’ll help with that.
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction
Logline: Imitation Game + Allied
Proposed Casting for The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Osla – Our favorite character in the book. On the surface Osla is a petite, well-off, debutant. But really she’s clever, fiery, funny, and a fiercely loyal friend. For her character we needed someone who could be silly and funny, but also bring some legitimate sass. Juno Temple of Ted Lasso fame, fit the bill perfectly. She already has a few period pieces under her belt as well so jumping into this character (who is actually based on Osla Benning) should be pretty easy for her.
Mab – Mab grew up in a working class family, her family was like a stereotypical Boston family, always telling her ‘you think you’re better than us!?’ She and Osla immediately hit it off as they are both the type not to take shit from anyone. Plus, Mab is around 6-feet so she could literally beat up any of her foes. While the Irish actress Saoirse Ronan doesn’t measure up in the height department (she’s 5’6″ which is tall by actress standards) she more than makes up for it with her acting chops. She is another actress ‘primarily known for her work in period dramas’, so while she may be reluctant to hop into another one, she’d be a great fit.
Beth – Beth was raised by to two of the worst parents of all time. Her mom is just pure evil, and her dad is just an apathetic coward (which as we discussed at length on the podcast is way worse). Because of her awful parents, Beth, who is a mathematical genius, is very shy and reserved, and constantly apologizing. She eventually breaks out of her shell and becomes much, much more. A character that came to mind for this role was Gilly from Game of Thrones, played by Hannah Murray. She played the shy reserved roll really well, so why not run it back?
Francis – Francis is a not a man (all men kinda suck in the book), he is a super hero. A reserved gentlemen, but a caring, forgiving, amazing husband/lover/writer. Can’t ask for much more if you’re Mab. We casted a good ol’ American for this one in Sam Rockwell. Francis is on the older end so he fits the bill there, and Sam Rockwell just seems to have the quiet reserved strength that makes him super likeable. Lot of actors could probably fill this one out, and the role may go to someone a bit younger, but I’m sure the studio would be happy about adding some additional star power.
Harry – Harry is as British as anyone, but his race and skin color make him stick out. Harry constantly faces racist barbs from his supposed countrymen and women. I was a bit mad that Harry eventually gave into those barbs and left to go to war, but I hold grudges/spite like no other. For this role Riz Ahmed seemed like a good casting. He may not have the physical stature that Harry posses (although in Sound of Metal he looks pretty big), but he is another great actor. He’s another British actor I was shocked to find out wasn’t American because his accent is so good. He was born to play this role as he experienced much of the same things Harry went through while at Oxford.
Plenty of other characters we could have casted but we’ll stick with those for now. Let us know what you think of who we casted and what roles we’re missing, reach out to us. Or check out our Book Club Episode or Book Club Questions on The Rose Code. Here is a clip about British slang and the usage of Torch from the book:
