The Top Ten: Fictional fiction

From The Ruby Redfort books to 'Springtime for Hitler'...

John Rentoul
Sunday 09 August 2015 09:47 EDT
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'Springtime for Hitler': The musical in The Producers
'Springtime for Hitler': The musical in The Producers (Rex Features)

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A list proposed by Dan Wilson Craw, who started with Rochelle, Rochelle, a film featured in season four of Seinfeld as a video and then in season six as a Broadway musical adaptation starring Bette Midler, who appeared in the episode.

1. The Ruby Redfort books

Originally books about a spy detective that Clarice Bean was reading in the Clarice Bean series, by Lauren Child.

2. 'Smell the Glove'

The Spinal Tap album, on Baldmike's play list.

3. 'Lo! The Flat Hills of My Homeland' and 'Longing for Wolverhampton'

Literary works of Adrian Mole (the latter a poem under the nom de plume Adrienne Storme), nominated by William French.

4. 'Utopia'

The graphic novel, from the Channel 4 series. Critically acclaimed by Dinah Rose.

5. 'The Secret Goldfish'

Short story by Holden Caulfield's brother in The Catcher in the Rye. "Fine title," says Jake Goretzki.

6. 'The Itchy & Scratchy Show'

Cartoon about a murderous mouse and hapless cat watched by Bart and Lisa in The Simpsons. And also by William French, Rhys Needham and Josie Cluer.

7. 'Murder of Gonzago'/'The Mousetrap'

From Hamlet. Nominated for a fictional Theatre Award by Josh Blacker and Andrew Denny.

8. 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'

Mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Later written by JK Rowling, with one of seven copies selling at a charity auction for £1.95m. Thanks to Sarah Terry.

9. 'How the Grexit Crisis was Solved to the Satisfaction of All'

Very droll, Macman.

10. 'Springtime for Hitler'

The musical in The Producers. Saluted by Simon Wilder.

Next week: Zeugmas, such as 'He took his hat and his leave'

Coming soon: Interesting numbers. Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

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