Listening To The Radio…..Or Am I?

While 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. 

PERRY MASON AND THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS BRIDE  

by Earle Stanley Gardner

This 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: SEASON ONE

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

Looking 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.