Interesting. I am admittedly completely ignorant about the book (was even blown back when I saw who wrote it) and so, the entire time, I was wondering if Rooney's character was a part of the book or if he was inserted by Hollywood for comic relief.
Chock it up as a victim of the times, I guess, but it made me cringe regardless.
oh he was in the book, but even more minor than the movie.
you should read the book, short enough to read in an evening.