Saturday, January 14, 2012

Listening To The Radio…..Or Am I?


Old-time-Internet-RadioWhile there are days I feel as old as dirt, I’m not of the generation that had radio as their only media source when growing up (not that they’re as old as dirt either).

Thinking about old radio programs, I consider them as a form of the earliest versions of audio books. 

I was delighted to have the opportunity to listen to several radio dramatizations, including one of my all time favorite characters, Perry Mason. The radio dramatizations are by M.J. Elliott and performed by the Colonial Radio Players. 

by Earle Stanley Gardner

Perry Mason CoverThis story follows much like the television show of 1957 through 1966. Someone has a problem, someone gets killed, and Mason finds the real murderer. You know good will be victorious over evil and there’ll be an interesting path to get to that point.

In THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS BRIDE, a woman comes to Perry Mason’s office to consult about a ‘friend’ whose husband thought dead is now alive. At first Perry refuses to help because he knows she’s lying about the ‘friend’ part. 

As the story continues, the woman’s believed dead husband is murdered. While the woman is the prime suspect, her new husband and several other key players could have also killed the man. He also had an earlier wife he hadn’t divorced.

There are twists and turns to keep you guessing until Mason reveals the real killer. If you’re a Perry Mason or Earle Stanley Gardner fan, this is a must have for your collection.

The Colonial Radio Players do a fantastic job with the story. They bring the characters to life giving them depth with their mannerisms. Having only known Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, I was delighted with Jerry Robbins’ interruption. He did a great job portraying the legendary lawyer. The full cast was wonderful in this production. The various sound effects was an added bonus to enhance the story.   

Perry Mason and The Case of the Curious Bride by Earle Stanley Gardner, Read by Jerry Robbins and the Colonial Radio Players, Brilliance Audio, @2010, ISBN: 978-1455835171, Unabridged, 1 Disc, Listening Time 1 Hour, 14 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 

Powder River Cover If you ever watched Saturday morning westerns growing up, POWDER RIVER will have you re-living those times. For those who didn’t watch the shows, this audio will give you a taste of what you missed.

Former lawman Britt MacMasters has moved to Clearmont, Wyoming, with his son, Chad, to start a new life as a rancher after the death of his wife. But as any lawman knows, Britt’s past isn’t ready for him to settle down in peace.

As outlaws arrive to exact their revenge, MacMasters confronts them, as well as dealing with daily life as a rancher. He’s aided by his new friends in town.

The cast of the Colonial Radio Players do a wonderful job portraying these characters of the past. Jerry Robbins gives voice to MacMasters with the steady manner of a lawman and tenderness of a father. Derek Aalerud gives depth to young Chad. With the sounds included, one only has to close their eyes to envision the events as they unfold.

The 6 discs contain all 15 episodes of the first season of this satellite radio western serial. The episodes include: The Preacher, A Tangled Rope, A Friend in Need, Battle at Ricochet Rock, The Gold Wagon, Peace of Mind, The Last Mine, Never The Twain, The Winter Soldier, The Wind in the Mountain, The Vengeance Trail, The Wine of Life, The Mark of a Killer, Dancing With the Devil, and Thunder on the River.

Powder River: Season One, Read by Jerry Robbins, Derek Aalerud and the Colonial Radio Players, Brilliance Audio, @2004, ISBN: 978-1455835089, Unabridged, 6 Disc, Listening Time 6 Hours, 13 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
THE FATHER BROWN MYSTERIES by G. K. Chesterton

Father Brown CoverLooking for a quiet and gentle sleuth, then Father Brown is your man.

G. K. Chesterton’s FATHER BROWN MYSTERIES follows the short priest across England, Italy, and France. He takes on traitors, bandits, and of course, killers. His years as a priest gives him understanding of how to deal with criminal motivation.

J.T. Turner brings Father Brown to life with his steady voice and charming style. The Colonial Radio Players makes this audio a unique sound experience. With the added sound effects, the listener becomes a part of each story.

This 2-CD audio contains four episodes - The Oracle of the Dog, The Green Man, The Miracle of Moon Crescent, and The Quick One.

THE FATHER BROWN MYSTERIES are a great way for the entire family to relax and enjoy entertaining suspense with a wholesome sleuth.

The Father Brown Mysteries by G. K. Chesterton, Read by J.T. Turner and the Colonial Radio Players, Brilliance Audio, @2009, ISBN: 978-1455835140, Unabridged, 2 Disc, Listening Time 2 Hours, 14 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Did you ever listen to radio programs? Have you tried the new satellite editions? Thanks so much for stopping by.
 

9 comments:

  1. Mason - Oh, what a great post on radio dramas! They are an art form, aren't they? I'm so glad that you brought this topic up. I don't listen to satellite radio but you've gotten me interested in the Father Brown mysteries as well as the Perry Mason story. I'm so glad these are available on CD!

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  2. I've never listened to radio programs, or to the satellite editions. But I like the idea of books taking many shapes now, from E, to traditional, to audio/radio. It all comes down to the story in the end, doesn't it.

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  3. I enjoyed your post. We did have television growing up in England but apart from a few children's programs there wasn't much televised each day until the evening news started at around 6:00 so afternoon dramas were listened to on the television (I think the Archers was the main English "soap" then) and there were others we listened to on Sunday afternoons.
    Ann

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  4. Oops I meant listened to on the radio.
    Ann

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  5. I guess now is the time to confess...that I have several VHS tapes of Perry Mason starring Raymond Burr. I LOVE those shows. I also own 6 books by Gardner.

    I need to get that audio. :)

    Thanks for the reviews.

    T

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  6. As I kid I listened to radio mysteries and westerns. I lov Jack Bennie show which was on Sunday nights up until a few years ago. George and Gracie too. But Jack Bennie was the best.

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  7. I didn't listen to many radio programs as a kid, but used to listen to audio books a lot.

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  8. We have a hut (cabin) in the bush in the middle of no-where here in NZ and we would stay there with Mum & Dad over summer. Listening to the kids show, by candle light, on the National Programme is one of my favourite memories :)
    Damsel in a Dirty Dress

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  9. Hi Mason .. used to love Perry Mason thrillers, and Chesterton - Father Brown mysteries .. he was just great.

    When the westerns were on the telly and we had one (quite late) .. loved those!!

    Sucker for the old days I am - but now we have so many wonderful ways to hear these stories again ..

    Cheers Hilary

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