By far my favorite form of broadcast entertainment is the radio play. Virtually extinct, alas, in America but still going strong in England and, thanks to the internet, readily accessible.
I listen a play a day on average and some actors appear in different plays from time to time. But no one matches Sam Dale for ubiquitous presence. I just heard him in Chandler's 'The Lady In The Lake' on Radio 4. Before that he was in 'The Big Sleep'. He was also in the six-part 'I, Claudius' that was broadcast a couple of months ago. And the 'On Mardle Fen' miniseries. 'Planet B' on Radio 7.
Sam Dale is everywhere. My favorite Sam is as the Hungarian Toby Esterhase in 'The Complete Smiley' series of John Le Carré adaptations a year or two ago. No other part has suited his dulcet tones quite so well.
So here's to you, Sam Dale, and may you forever fill the airways (or internet broadcasts)!
And of course there's always Chip n' Dale. :pSad that Chandler there seems to be getting more attention than Chandler here. :(Anyway, enjoy!
I think I've never heard an original radio play–heard it as it was broadcast, I mean. I've heard some recordings here and there, but this is not an art form that has been in wide play here in my lifetime.Kinda sad.
Originally posted by Stardancer:
Certainly true. Radio drama really died here in the 1950s when television caught on. Somehow, it keeps going in the UK. This is the second radio treatment of Chandler that I've heard, Ed. Nicely done too, despite the actors being English and the accents a little off here and there. Better than they used to be though – Hugh Laurie doing House showed it could be done well! đŸ™‚