Get Top 100 Audiobooks in Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

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Title: It's A Wonderful Life

Author: Philip Van Doren Stern, Frances Goodrich

Narrator: James Stewart

Format: Unabridged

Length: 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-31-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

This being Hollywood he is saved at the last moment by the intervention of his guardian angel who takes him on a tour of how the world would be without him. His friendly Main Street America town is sad, impoverished and bleak.

Convinced by this to return his guardian angel brings him back to the present and he finds the whole town has rallied round to save his business. A rightful American classic.

Members Reviews:

Very good radio play

This is a radio play narrated by James Stewart and Donna Reed both of whom starred in the original movie. I really enjoyed it BUT the only complaint I have (and which is why I gave 4 stars not 5) is that it is abridged (based on the movie) and a lot of content is simply narrated by the Clarence character to move the story along. It is a quick way however to fit in It's a Wonderful Life in under an hour.

Whats not to like??

If you buy this, then you have no doubt seen the movie. This is an abbreviated (I think) version of the movie and its great. It should be mandatory to listen to or watch Its a Wonderful Life every Christmas, its that good!

For the Christmas Feeling

This is perfect to make you feel in the Christmas spirtis. This is just magical.

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Title: Henry VIII

Author: William Shakespeare

Narrator: Sybil Thorndike

Format: Abridged

Length: 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-08

Publisher: Saland Publishing

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

This performance stars Dame Sybil Thorndike, Sir Lewis Casson & Ralph Truman (as King Henry VIII).

Members Reviews:

A most excellent research book!

This is not a story book, it is a most excellent research book for OCD researchers giving us the source for every incident.

Good edition of a pretty dubious play

The Folger Library Edition, as usual, is a fine edition. The play, "Henry VIII", however, is far from one of the most interesting of Shakespeare's plays; it is not terribly interesting, but it IS terribly un-historical. Clearly, it accomplished what it set out to accomplish, which was to curry favor with Queen Elizabeth I, whose birth is described at the end of the play as if it were almost Messianical, and whose father (the title character) is portrayed throughout the play in the kindest light I have ever seen him portrayed. There is no hint of the drunken glutton, only just the slightest hint of his capriciousness and womanizing, and no mention of the fact that after disowning and divorcing his first wife for Elizabeth's mother, he then went on to divorce and execute her mother, and divorce one other wife and execute another. He is portrayed throughout the play as an honorable man and a good king, even if there is just a hint that his divorce of Katherine for Anne may not have been for quite as high-minded a reason as he claimed. I find this whitewashing of Henry VIII to be rather unappetizing, even if I understand perfectly the reason for it.

Lucid and Scholarly

Still well worth reading. Pollard's balanced and nuanced scholarly and readable treatment of Herny VIII and his era is a fine correction to the simple-mind and romantic tosh that is currently published about Tudor England.

Very Helpful Production

A friend recommended the Arkangel recordings of Shakespeare's play and this was The first one I tried as it was the play my children and I were reading at the time. Since this isn't one of Shakespeare's better known plays the recording brought it alive for us and was a great way to gauge the quality of the Arkangel productions. Highly recommended.

Henry VIII

If you are interested in English history and the monarchies of the past, this Is a very insightful and well researched history of Henry the VIII and the England he created. It delves into the intrigues of his reign and the dealings that he had with, Europe and with the papal supremacy of the time. A must read for history buffs.

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Title: Red River (Dramatised)

Author: The Copyright Group

Narrator: John Wayne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

In our Hollywood Stage presentation, John Wayne reprises his role as Tom Dunston and his journey west to build a cattle empire.

He adopts a young boy, Matthew, orphaned by an Indian raid. Returning from the Civil War, Mathew helps his father on a massive cattle drive only for their relationship to completely fall apart as father is pitted against son.

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Title: Stella Dallas (Dramatised)

Author: Olive Higgins Prouty

Narrator: Barbara Stanwyck

Format: Unabridged

Length: 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

In this Hollywood Stage presentation, she reprises her role as Stella, who marries a rich young man but separates due to his demands that she change. She leaves with their daughter, Laurel, in search of a better life, which she devotes entirely to her daughter.

One day, she takes Laurel to an upmarket resort, where Laurel befriends some rich kids. Stella realises that for Laurel to have a better life, she must sacrifice herself and send their daughter back to live with her father and his new wife. It is a sacrifice that any parent would find hard to bear - but Stanwyck pulls it off.

Members Reviews:

Good, crisp copy of a marvelous novel

I was so happy to receive my copy of Stella Dallas---the only copy I could get here in Ohio from the library distribution service is VERY old, crackly and a bit smelly, so to actually have my own copy is really nice. The photos from the movie itself are an added bonus! I'm very glad I bought this book. Thanks, Amazon!

Period novel that still resounds for the modern reader

Was engrossed by the film, thus bought the book. Explores life from each character's angle and point of view.. Insightful on the child's experience in a broken marriage. Stella is a histrionic type, shallow, attention seeking, but the author makes her likeable despite her failings.

Why aren't people nice to my mother?

It might have been impossible for any book to live up to the Barbara Stanwyck movie version for me, just because I saw and loved it first. But this book disappointed me more than I anticipated. It is still a moving story of motherly love and sacrifice, and it does provide more depth and detail than the movie. Butâand there again, maybe because I saw the movie firstâit didnât move me as much as I expected. I almost wondered if it isnât an abbreviated version of the original novel. The Femmes Fatales edition of another Olive Higgins Prouty title mentions that it is an abridgement of the original, so this one might be also. Unusual for this press, the book doesnât have an Afterword that might provide such information.

At its heart, this book is about snobbery. Yes, Stella does some things that might lead people to believe she is âno better than she should beâ to use the old-fashioned phrase. But itâs hard to reach any conclusion other than that she and Laurel are ostracized because Stella wears the wrong clothes and behaves in the wrong fashion according to the society she most wants to cultivate. Sheâs from the wrong side of the tracks, marries up, and finds herself alone when her common ways drive that husband away. Once on her own, she reverts to vulgar form and no "decent" people will have anything to do with her or her daughter. Itâs not a very attractive picture. Contrasted with that, is Helen Morrison, the woman from the right side of the tracks who makes everyone feel at home, who never wears paint or powder or costume jewelry, and who knows instinctively how to behave in any situation. Mrs. Morrison is a very appealing character, no doubt, but her refined perfection, contrasted with Stellaâs vulgarity, jarred. And the book didnât always make sense to me.

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Title: Naked Jungle (Dramatisation)

Narrator: Charlton Heston, Donna Reed

Format: Unabridged

Length: 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

However, Leiningen rejects her, and so the following week she will return to the United States. Before she can leave, news comes through that millions of marching ants will soon be here to destroy all before them.

Leiningen will be ruined but refuses to leave. Joanna too rises to the challenge to save the plantation; their courage and his probable loss of all he's worked for may crack his resolve to send her away.

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Title: The Wizard of Oz (Dramatised)

Author: L Frank Baum

Narrator: Judy Garland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-05-08

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

Dorothy learns that the only way home is with the help of a wizard she will find if she follows the Yellow Brick Road. Along this journey, she meets some memorable friends and foes, including travel partners who also have reason to meet the wizard, namely the Lion, who is seeking courage; the Tin Man, who needs a heart; and the scarecrow, who is missing a brain.

Their journey is an enthralling adventure with many magical moments in this charming story, originally written by L. Frank Baum.

Members Reviews:

5 stars There's something fun and very "escapist" about Oz

3.5 stars

There's something fun and very "escapist" about Oz. It's a nice trip into a fantasy land where nothing too deep or evil is happening. I think there's a little bit of meaning in some of the things. Such as a man without a heart not realizing he has all the qualities of a person with one, and so on.

Overall it's just one of those quick, easy, breeze through reads that I might not enjoy so much if I just read it as an adult. But because it's part of my childhood I can overlook the lacking parts and just go for the ride.

A classic of American Literature

Obviously there is more material in the book than the movie, including more detailed back stories for the Tin Woodsman and the flying monkeys. Some readers may find some material redundant (for example, there are many scenes at Emerald City). However, this is a lively read, and anyone who is interested in American Literature and/or exploring more of Oz, should enjoy this book.

The Book is always better

The book is always better than the movie. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the two versions of this story. The written story was very different than the movie but both adventures bring you back to "there's no place like home."

Great Book

Great read. I loved it. It's quite the adventurous book. There is so much going on, so many different characters you meet, and so many different creatures in the book that you rarely get bored. I was rather intrigued from start to finish. There were a lot of times when I would find myself getting lost in the book, and picturing myself in that situation. The book is truly magical and wondrous and really enjoyable.

Excellent book and an excellent read

Excellent book and an excellent read. It is no wonder it has endeared the hearts of millions of children from one generation to the other.

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Title: Broadway, Jeeves?

Author: Martin Jarvis

Narrator: Martin Jarvis

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-02-08

Publisher: CSA Word

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

Beginning in January 2001, the listener can enjoy a detailed account of this acclaimed production as it moves from Pittsburgh to Toronto and....Will it ever get to Broadway?

Members Reviews:

Audible -- the worst online software ever?

I don't really feel right about reviewing this BECAUSE I CANNOT GET AUDIBLE'S PROGRAM TO DOWNLOAD IT. Caps intended. I have been a customer for a couple of years and always could eventually get the audiobooks to download. Admittedly it was ALWAYS tiresome. Never straightforward. An unnecessary stress because what worked one time didn't work the next. Why not have a "Download" button that downloads the product? It would work like this: 1. you pay your money and 2. the book downloads. Sometimes in the past it has worked. But not this time.

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Title: Moving Bodies

Author: Arthur Giron

Narrator: Alfred Molina, Mark Harelik, Jenny O'Hara, Kathryn Hahn

Format: Original Recording

Length: 1 hr and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-18-08

Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

Moving Bodies is a chronicle of the brilliant life of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Richard Feynman. From his role in the development of the atomic bomb to his controversial testimony at the investigation of the Challenger disaster, Feynman casts a long shadow across the worlds of physics and mathematics. Through playwright Arthur Giron's eyes, we see how Feynman became one of the most important scientists of our time.

Includes a bonus feature with Ralph Leighton, the co-author of Richard Feynman's "Surely Youre Joking, Mister Feynman!", a best-selling collection of autobiographical stories and reminiscences.

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Emily Bergl, Jessica Chastain, Jill Gascoine, Matthew Gaydos, Harry Groener, Arye Gross, Kathryn Hahn, Mark Harelick, Katharine Leonard, Mary McGowan, Alec Medlock, Alfred Molina, Jenny OHara, Raphael Sbarge, Joe Spano and John Vickery.

Moving Bodies is part of L.A. Theatre Works Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.

Editorial Reviews:

Inspired by the life of physicist and Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, Arthur Giron's wide-ranging play takes on an epic sweep. Its scope covers most of Feynman's life, but the many characters and the complex sound design never sacrifice clarity. The play shows us snapshots of Feynman's youth, his loves and friendships, his involvement with the Manhattan Project, his expertise at lock-picking, and his role as an investigator of the space shuttle Challenger explosion. Though the play's impressive breadth may sacrifice some depth, the overall effect is satisfying - that of a compelling miniseries for the ear that also makes science exciting. Alfred Molina's charismatic performance as Feynman and the leaps in setting and time showcase the medium of audio drama.

Members Reviews:

The Life of a Manhattan Project Scientist Revolves Around His Work.

An insight into the development of: a scientist, the atom bomb, & the "Challenger Disaster". How science & sex were thought to oppress each other. The man that won a Nobel Prize in Science (by discovering the photon) believes his 'dirty mind' heighten his interest in science.

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Title: Classic Drama

Subtitle: Tess Of The D'Urbervilles (Dramatised)

Author: Thomas Hardy

Narrator: uncredited

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-16-08

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

John Durbeyfield learns that he is descended from the Norman family of d'Urbervilles. He and his wife, Joan, encourage their daughter, Tess, to befriend the family of Stoke d'Urbervilles. In doing so, she is seduced by their son, Alec, and she bears him a child that dies.

In order to make a fresh start, Tess goes to work in Wessex on the Talbothays farm, where she meets Angel Clare, the younger son of a parson who asks her to marry him. After some uncertainty, she agrees. However, when Angel learns of her past on their wedding night, he rejects her.

When he leaves for Brazil, Tess begins to work at another farm, in the employ of the tyrannical Farmer Groby. She once again meets Alec d'Urberville - and so begins a chain of events that culminates in tragedy for all.

Members Reviews:

Hanging Tess

I have not read much Thomas Hardy since college. I remember his tendency to have things not really work out well but this story is over the top. I don't know what more tragedy could befall this family. I guess the only silver lining was that they brought it all on themselves so the rest of us dont need to feel that our clan is next.

The trouble starts when Tess's loud, drunk, and poor tempered father has delusions of grandeur, thinking that a poor haggler is next in line to the kingdom. Then the mother gets in the act by sending Tess cross-country to meet the prospective relatives. Without much delay the poor country cousin is seduced (actually a mild choice of word) by the untouchable lord. The lord's mother is too old and blind to change the course of events and soon we have illegitimate children, shunned and estranged daughters, fathers drinking even more, and mothers not able to control anyone.

After some time passes and Tess gets a new start, it all blows up again. Seems the husband did not like hearing new and bad news on the wedding night. Eventually Tess takes matters in her own hands and ends up with a noose for her efforts.

This is the Radio 4 dramatization of the Hardy classic. It is fast paced, easy to follow, and well acted. Clearly you lose something by not working your way through 300 pages but maybe not much. Try this on a long drive and you will be well rewarded.

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Title: Sherlock Holmes & The Secret Weapon (Dramatised)

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Narrator: Basil Rathbone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-11-08

Publisher: Saland Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 17 votes

Genres: Drama & Poetry, Modern Drama

Publisher's Summary:

This classic performance by Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce was first broadcast in 1942. The scratches, crackle, and other noises present on the orginal recording have been digitally removed.

©2008 Saland Publishing; (P)2008 Saland Publishing