Les Miserables Smithsonian Historical Performances Hugo, Victor

Description

Product Description

The classic novel–and hit Broadway show–about escaped convict Jean Valjean
has been adapted with easy-to-read text, large type, and short chapters. This
engaging adaptation of the timeless tale is ideal for reluctant readers and
kids not yet ready to tackle the original.

–This text refers to the paperback edition of this title
From the Publisher
This is a recovered one-of-a-kind 1937 radio adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. Orson Welles, distinguished author, director, and actor, had creative control and assembled a notable cast including Martin Gabel, Ray Collins, Alice Frost,Agnes Moorehead, Everette Sloane, and Bill Johnstone, to interpret Les Miserables for radio presentation. Welles stars as Jean Valijean and also narrates each of the seven episodes. We are truly fortunate that this landmark broadcast was able to be digitally restored and remastered to preserve magnificient radio performance for future generations in excellent, vibrant, sound quality. An illustrated 29-page booklet, written by noted Welles’ historian Michael Dawson, details the production of the broadcasts and the cast of each of the seven episodes.
From AudioFile
An eight-episode, full-cast production, this lush adaptation is greatly enhanced by the intense performance of its director, the 22-year-old Welles. Considered groundbreaking at the time, the production employs distinctive music by Saint-Sa’ns, dialogue montage, echo effects and background sounds to create a rich atmosphere. Newly remastered, it’s remarkably fresh, considering that the “special effects” are nearly 60 years old. However, the weekly introductions to the original broadcast have been left intact, and unless you’re listening in weekly installments, they become tiresome. R.O.F. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine