Now to the book again.
"...The young Columbus received his education at the monastery of the Franciscan monks at Genoa. Here he spent seven years."
Yes, but we can put that on the screen in seven seconds.
Turn on the film.
Movie Monastery—exterior, done in grey cardboard—ding, dong, ding, dong (man in the orchestra with triangle and stick)—procession of movie friars—faces more like thugs, but never mind—they are friars because they walk two and two in a procession, singing out of hymn books.
Now for the book again.
"...Fra Giacomo, the prior of the monastery, delighted with the boy's progress, encourages his studies."
Wait a minute.
FRA GIACOMO... Mr. Edward Sims
Mr. Sims's face, clean-shaved under a round hat fades in and out. Then the picture goes on. Movie monastery interior—young Christopher, still at a table with compasses—benevolent friar bending over him—Christopher turns the compasses and looks up with a what-do-you-know-about-that look—astonishment and delight of friar (registered by opening his eyes like a bull frog). All this shows study, progress, application. The friars are delighted with the boy.