#59 West of the Tularosas - Louis L'Amour

It's fast paced western action as only Louis L'Amour can write it. This is the second of two Ward McQueen stories available in the audio drama series - McQueen of the Tumbling K being the first.

Pelona was a strange town, and Ward McQueen was a stranger to it. The stalward foreman of the Tumbling K had come to the high country to take legal possession of the Firebox range. But the sight that greeted him when he arrived was an ugly one: the battle-stained and bullet-ridden body of its former owner. It was clear that young Jimmy McCracken had gone out fighting, for his killers left behind a trail of blood. Now McQueen has followed that trail - straight into Pelona, a town so full of double-dealings and trickery that the truths can only be uncovered from behind the barrel of a gun . . .

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/westofthetularosas.htm

#58 Unguarded Moment - Louis L'Amour

No it's not a western this time. Louis L'Amour brings you mystery and suspense!

Arthur Fordyce is an ordinary man blessed with a budding career, a lovely fiancee, and a sunny future. He is hardly a criminal-until he finds a wallet stuffed with money at the racetrack. In one "unguarded moment," he removes the cash and throws the billfold away-unaware that he is being watched by a petty crook named Bill Chafey. Unscrupulous and conniving, Chafey approaches Fordyce to demand a payoff. And Arthur Fordyce, frightened and guilty, takes his first step toward a downward spiral of violence, duplicity, and near ruin.

Unguarded Moment was written and directed by Beau L'Amour, produced and edited by Paul O'Dell,


http://www.louislamour.com/audio/unguarded.htm

#57 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea - Radio Tales

The Jules Vern classic - 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea comes to life. Go on an undersea adventure with Captain Nemo and his submarine the Nautilus in this rousing tale.

Produced by Radio Tales.

http://home.comcast.net/~radiotales/scifi.html

#56 Man Alive - Nero Wolfe (CBC)

 

Based on a story by Rex Stout; Adapted by Ron Hartman; Performed by a full cast.

An heiress comes to Nero Wolfe for help when she discovers that the uncle she believed had committed suicide a year ago is still alive. As Wolfe takes the case the uncle turns up murdered.

Produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

Starring Mavor Moore as Nero Wolfe. Don Francks as Archie Goodwin. 

Also in the cast: Cec Linder, Frank Perry, Alfie Scott

Special Guest Stars: Lynn Griffin, Neil Monroe, Sandy Webster, August Shellenburg

Music by: Don Gillis

#55 Lady in the Lake - Philip Marlowe (BBC)

Another great production from BBC Radio 4. This time a full-cast dramatisation of a classic Raymond Chandler mystery featuring private eye, Philip Marlowe. Derace Kingsley’s wife ran away to Mexico to get a quickie divorce and marry a Casanova-wannabe named Chris Lavery. Or so the note she left her husband insisted. Trouble is, when Philip Marlowe asks Lavery about it he denies everything and sends the private investigator packing with a flea lodged firmly in his ear. But when Marlowe next encounters Lavery, he’s denying nothing – on account of the two bullet holes in his heart. Now Marlowe’s on the trail of a killer, who leads him out of smoggy LA all the way to a murky mountain lake.

http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Lake-BBC-Dramatization/dp/1602837848 

#54 Frankenstein

 

Here is the classic novel of supreme horror that has held readers spellbound since its publication in 1816. This vintage stereo dramatization brings life to the themes, characters, atmosphere and language of the original as only audio theater can. Dramatized for audio by multi-award winning dramatist Yuri Rasovsky. The classic tale is now available for the first time since 1982, and comes exclusively via download from Telltale Weekly.

http://www.irasov.com/Frankenstein.htm

#53 Emma - by Jane Austen (BBC)

Angharad Rees & full cast

The BBC dramatization of this funny and heartwarming story of a young lady whose zeal, snobbishness and self-satisfaction lead to several errors in judgment. Emma takes Harriet Smith, a parlour boarder and unknown, under her wing and schemes for advancement through a good marriage. The attempts at finding Harriet a suitor occupy all of Emma's time. However, in the midst of the search she settles on a most unlikely union with her own constant critic: Mr. Knightly.

Jane Austen's works have claimed a renewed popularity and audience with the release of motion pictures Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Clueless based upon Austen's classic novels. Emma was originally published in 1816.

http://www.amazon.com/Emma-BBC-Dramatization-Jane-Austen/dp/1602832811

http://www.audiobookbargains.co.uk/jane-austen-emma-cd-bbc-radio-drama-audio-book-3495-p.asp

For more Jane Austen see:

Post #103 Mansfield Park also by Jane Austen (BBC)

http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/09/103-mansfield-park-jane-austen-bbc.html

Post #104 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (BBC)
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/09/104-sense-and-sensibility-by-jane.html

#52 Body in the Library - Miss Marple (BBC)

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatization starring June Whitfield as the sharp-witted spinster sleuth, Miss Marple. Dolly Bantry, mistress of Gossington Hall, is enjoying a pleasant doze when suddenly her dreams take a strange turn. The housemaid Mary is telling her that there is a body in the library. As she wakes up, it turns out to be true... But who is the strange young blonde sprawled on the library floor? Enter St. Mary Mead's resident sleuth, Miss Mary Marple.

http://www.amazon.com/Body-Library-Full-Cast-Radio-Drama/dp/0563510706

#51 One, Two Buckle My Shoe - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

What reason would an amiable dentist like Dr. Morely have for committing suicide? He didn't have emotional difficulties, money problems, or love trouble. What he did have was an appointment with Hercule Poirot, who is not persuaded by the suicide story and has therefore taken it upon himself to questions the good doctor's patients, partners, and friends. All he's come up with is the numbing fear that Dr. Morely wasn't an unlikely victim at all. Nor the first. This full-cast radio drama stars John Moffatt as Poirot and Philip Jackson and Chief Inspector James Japp.

http://www.amazon.com/One-Two-Buckle-Shoe-Full-Cast/dp/0563524065

Looking For The Best in Amateur Audio Dramas

Star Wars: In The Shadows. Easily the best fan made Star Wars audio drama.

Written, directed and produced by Dany Pépin

Born and raised in a military family, Emma Wermis will slowly discover that the Empire is not what she always been taught it was. Her allegiance to the Empire will be tested and she will, during her adventures, uncover something about her family and a secret weapon kept hidden even within the Empire.

http://www.creativeaudioscape.com/intheshadows.htm

Indiana Jones and the Well of Life - From Pendant Productions.

Indiana Jones is on the hunt for the fountain of youth. Nazi's, whizzing bullets, beautiful ladies and high stakes adventure are what you'll find in this well produced and fan made audio feature.

http://www.pendantaudio.com/indy.php

James Bond 007 is back this time in Pendant Productions James Bond To The End. It's 007 at his best in this fast paced action thriller.

* Sadly Pendant Productions removed all their fan made productions from their website on 6/13/2012. There may be other website where these two shows can be found.

http://www.pendantaudio.com/bond.php

The original five year mission of the starship Enterprise continues with Star Trek - The Continuing Mission. This audio series is sure to please Trek fans. Live Long and Prosper!

http://www.sttcm.com/


Looking for the best professionally made audio dramas?
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/08/dont-forget-to-read-previous-posts.html

#50 Peril At End House - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation starring John Moffatt as the great Belgian detective. Hercule Poirot and his good friend Captain Hastings are enjoying a well-deserved break on the Cornish Riviera, in the idyllic village of St Loo. Wandering along the terrace of the Hotel Majestic on the first morning of their stay, Poirot literally falls at the feet of a pretty, dark-haired girl and, much to Hastings delight, insists that she join them for a cocktail. The girl is Nick Buckley, last in a long line of Buckleys to live at End House, an isolated old place perched on the end of a rocky outcrop. As she reassures the two friends that living there is more fun than it might seem, Poirot s ears prick up she is having fun, Nick says, despite the fact that she has had three near-fatal accidents in the past few days. To Poirot, that adds up to more than coincidence. And when Nick jerks away from a bee flying past that turns out to be a bullet, the Belgian knows there is work ahead for the little grey cells. The perpetrator of these accidents may well be endlessly inventive and diabolically clever, but is he a match for the meticulous Poirot?  

http://www.amazon.com/Peril-End-House-Radio-Collection/dp/0563524391

#49 The Empty House - Sherlock Holmes (BBC)

Three years after his sleuth friend's final encounter with Moriarty, Watson faces more tragedy - and murder. With Clive Merrison and Michael Williams.

This first installment In the continuation of the classic collection of Sherlock Holmes stories will charm Sir Arthur Canon Doyle's many fans with four more lavish episodes featuring the inimitable partnership of Holmes and Watson as portrayed by the well-loved pair, Clive Merrison and Michael Williams. Presented in a stunning dramatization originally conceived for BBC broadcast and produced by the world's foremost creators of radio entertainment, this lush production combines a full cast with stirring music and sound effects to bring these classic mysteries to life.

http://www.amazon.com/Return-Sherlock-Holmes-Radio-Presents/dp/0553473492

#48 Star Wars: Dark Forces - Soldier For The Empire

The first story in a three story arc of Dark Forces stories (Soldier for the Empire, Rebel Agent, Jedi Knight) spans roughly the same time period as A New Hope-The Empire Strikes Back-Return of theJedi, following Kyle Katarn, a young Imperial officer turned Rebel operative turned (nearly) Jedi Knight. Old favorites like Han, Lando, Luke, and even Chewie pass in and out of the story, a classic Star Wars tale of honor, love, loyalty, and revenge, which sets Kyle against the evil Imperial's dark jedi Lord Jerec.

From Star Wars: Dark Force - Soldier for the Empire:

It was a time of rebellion. Across the galaxy, small bands of freedom fighters have come together to form an Alliance to resist the tyranny of the Galactic Empire. On a thousand worlds the struggle for freedom has begun. Dividing star systems, dividing planets, sometimes dividing father and son.
On a moon call Sulon, orbiting Sullust, a man called Morgan Katarn feels himself torn apart as the spectre of Civil War looms across the galaxy. While his son Kyle is receiving his education at the Imperial Academy, Morgan had secretly joined the Rebellion in hope of leading his people to a more prosperous future. But Morgan Katan soon learns the bitter truth that the Emperor's minions tolerate no resistance.…

In the early days of the Rebellion, a tentative alliance is formed. Lieutenant Kyle Katarn who had devoted the last four years of his life to the Imperial Academy had just returned from his first successful mission as an Imperial Officer. Hailed as a hero by his teachers and friends, awarded a Medal of Valour, Kyle himself was deeply troubled. At the moment of victory, he had allowed a group of Rebels, including a beautiful young woman to escape. As thoughts of the young Rebel troubled him, Kyle learned that his father has been killed. At first, Kyle blamed the Rebels for his father's death. But a fateful meeting with the same beautiful Rebel revealed to Kyle that the Emperor's servants were responsible for the murder. In a swift act of defiance, Kyle tore the Medal of Valor off his uniform, utterly rejecting the Empire. Now, the young soldier hovers between light and shadow, caught between the evil Empire,and the fledgling Rebellion.
And no one knows which side will claim him.…

http://www.amazon.com/Forces-Collectors-Trilogy-Soldier-Empire/dp/1565112784

For more Star Wars see:

Star Wars: The Original Radio Drama (aka Star Wars: A New Hope)
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/1-star-wars-original-radio-drama.html

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/2-empire-strikes-back-radio-drama.html

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/3-return-of-jedi.html

Star Wars: Dark Forces - Rebel Agent
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/12/117-star-wars-dark-forces-rebel-agent.html

Star Wars: Dark Forces - Jedi Knight
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/12/118-star-wars-dark-forces-jedi-knight.html

Star Wars: Crimson Empire
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/08/97-star-wars-crimson-empire.html

Star Wars: Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/08/99-star-wars.html

#47 Dr. Who - The Chimes of Midnight (Big Finish Productions)

The Doctor and Charley are caught in a mysterious house outside of time and when the grandfather clock strikes, someone will get murdered. Can the Doctor unmask the murderer? Or is something far more sinister at work?

Cast

• The Doctor  — Paul McGann 
• Charley Pollard — India Fisher
• Edith — Louise Rolfe
• Shaughnessy — Lennox Greaves
• Mrs Baddeley — Sue Wallace
• Frederick — Robert Curbishley
• Mary — Juliet Warner

http://www.bigfinish.com/

#46 Four Card Draw - Louis L'Amour

What do you get from a high stakes poker game when you put your trust in a Four Card Draw? Trouble... and lots of it. Louis L'Amour weaves a great tale of tension and distrust on the western frontier. This time in the Arizona Territory. A fun story any fan of the western genre is sure to listen to over and over again.

From Louis L'Amour:
Allen Ring won the Red Rock Ranch in a poker game. But a man was shot in the back there a couple of years back. The murder is still unsolved, but someone seems convinced that Allen Ring has the missing answer. Ross Bilton was one of the men who found the body, and now he's the town marshall. Ring finds himself in the middle of a mysterious conflict—and maybe headed for a showdown with the marshall.

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/fourcarddraw.htm

#45 Peter Pan (BBC)

He crows. He flies, He fights. He's Peter Pan. With just a sprinkle of pixie dust from Tinker Bell you too can join him for adventure second star to the right and straight on 'til morning in Neverland.

From the BBC:

When Peter Pan flies into the night nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling, he takes them on the adventure of a lifetime. Mermaids, wolves and Indians weave their spell in the magical Never Never Land, where also lurks the wicked Captain Hook. Toyah Willcox stars as Peter Pan, with Ron Moody as Captain Hook, Roy Hudd as Smee, and June Whitfield as Mrs. Darling in this spectacular BBC Radio dramatization, recorded in Dolby Surround Sound with stunning sound effects and specially composed music.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1602838496/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0553477714&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0SM5RZT14PABDG6MAPQ6

#44 Strange Pursuit -Chick Bowdrie (Louis L'Amour)

Another great western tale from Louis L'Amour.

Bowdrie wants Charlie Venk. Big, handsome, Venk is best known for rustling cattle, robbing banks and shooting men out of their saddles. Shrewd and intelligent, Venk is riding hard on the sorrel he's stolen right from under another man. His good looks, fast gun and reckless wit have already made him a legend. So Bowdrie has to be smarter, faster and more relentless in tracking his prey across dusty cowtowns, barren desert landscapes and through the canyons and pine forests of northern Arizona into deadly Apache territory. But he never dreamed he'd be called upon to snatch Venk from the jaws of a horrible death to prove to the wild young killer that he's finally met his match!              

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/strangepursuit.htm

#43 The Secret of the Fives - Sherlock Holmes (Imagination Theater

The American Government asks Sherlock Holmes to find out who is threatening Congress and President McKinley in The Secret of the Fives. Though not a feature length show this 22 minute episode from the first season of Imagination Theater's ongoing Sherlock Holmes radio drama series is very entertaining to say the least. The late John Gilbert stars as Holmes, Larry Albert is Dr. John H. Watson, with special guest Russell Johnson ("the professor" on Gillian's Island). John Patrick Lowrie, who currently plays the role of Holmes, is the narrator.

This episode is reminiscent of the 1940s movie Sherlock Holmes In Washington which starred the quintessential Holmes, Basil Rathbone.

http://jimfrenchproductions.com/zc137m/

#42 Death In The Clouds - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

John Moffatt returns to the role of Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's Death in the Clouds. Philip Jackson (A&E/BBC Hercule Poirot TV series) reprises his TV role of Chief Inspector James Japp for this radio drama presentation.

On a flight from Le Bourget to Croydon, on which Hercule Poirot is an apprehensive passenger, a woman is found dead. A doctor on board is inclined to put it down to a wasp-sting, but Poirot suspects that a poisoned dart is the real cause—and, perhaps rather too conveniently, a blow pipe is discovered stuffed down the back of his seat. Clearly, the murder can only have been committed by one of the passengers or crew on the plane. But which one? Poirot, Japp, and M. Fournier of the Surete will make their way through shoals of red herrings before reaching an utterly unexpected conclusion.

http://www.amazon.com/Death-Clouds-Full-Cast-Radio-Collection/dp/056353043X

#41 Silver Blaze - Sherlock Holmes (BBC)

Clive Merrison and Michael Williams return as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in another great production in this BBC radio drama mystery series.

A missing racehorse, a murdered horse trainer, a silk cravat and the curious incident of the dog in the night time...all of these things are featured in Silver Blaze, a Sherlock Holmes mystery.

From The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Volume One from the BBC. This radio drama collection also includes The Yellow Face, The Stockbroker's Clerk, and The Gloria Scott. All great productions particularly The Gloria Scott.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Memoirs-Sherlock-Holmes-Stockbrokers-Collection/dp/0563406356

#40 Goldfinger (BBC)

The BBC brings you Toby Stephens as James Bond and Sir Ian McKellen as Goldfinger in Ian Fleming's GoldFinger. Martin Jarvis (Sherlock Holmes Theatre by Hollywood Theater of the Ear) narrates this tale as Ian Fleming. Goldfinger is an enjoyable Bond dramatization. Keep in mind it's based on the 1959 novel not the movie with Sean Connery.

Goldfinger ..... Ian McKellen
James Bond ..... Toby Stephens.
'M' ..... John Standing.
Col. Smithers ..... Ian Ogilvy
Pussy Galore ..... Rosamund Pike
Tilly Masterton ..... Lisa Dillon
Du Pont ..... Henry Goodman
Hawker ..... Alistair McGowan
Helmut Springer ..... Hector Elizondo
Jill Masterton ..... Anna Louise Plowman
Johnny Solo ..... Tim Pigott-Smith
Mr Strap ..... Tom Hollander
Felix Leiter ..... Lloyd Owen
Jed Midnight ..... Nigel Anthony
Oddjob ..... Jon David Yu
Alfred ..... Alan Shearman
Nigel ..... Matthew Wolf
Fleming ..... Martin Jarvis
Doctors and Pilot ..... Kyle Stoller
Nurse ..... Tracy Pattin

Not currently available for purchase.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rq1w3

For more James Bond see also:

Dr. No
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/08/91-dr-no-james-bond-bbc.html\

You Only Live Twice
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/28-james-bond-you-only-live-twice-bbc.html

#39 There's Always A Trail - Louis L'Amour

Another great tale from the king of the western genre. A fun adventure the whole family is sure to love. Gather around the radio and get set for western adventure at its best.

From Louis L'Amour:
Cass Bailey went over the ground with a fine toothed comb and came up without a clue. When the stranger, Handy, offered to track down his stolen money for a stake in the CB range. Ann was livid. Certain that Handy couldn't find the money unless he'd had a hand in stealing it, she set out to follow him every step of the way.
Once better known as the infamous outlaw Sonora Hack, the handsome young man who now called himself Handy knew there was always a trail. This one led to Maria, a dark-eyed temptress who might be persuaded to talk about her thieving lovers for a bigger piece of the take. Handy had just hit pay-dirt when Miss Bailley burst in to damn him for a liar and a thief, grab the loot and send all his plans to blazes. One minute, he'd found Bailey's money; the next, he faced a shoot-out with the pack of thieving villains who held both Ann and his future hostage - and a challenge to prove he wasn't a thief to the woman he loved.

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/theresalways.htm

#38 Black Mask Audio Magazine (HTE)

Like tough as nails gumshoes? Want a punch 'em in the mouth, take no lip (except from the ladies) wise crackling PI? Black Mask Audio Magazine what you're looking for then. The greatest radio drama producer in the modern era provides a great lineup of hard-boiled detectives in this full-cast audio drama presentation. Great authors, great stories, great PI's, great actors, great fun. If you loved The Maltese Falcon then this one's for you.

From HTE:

In the1930s and '40s, Black Mask was the single most important magazine for the modern mystery field. In its pages writers such as Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler and Erle Stanley Gardner reshaped the established view of mystery fiction by creating the "hard-boiled" private eye. Now comes this series in which the toughest of tough detectives are vivified from its pages in atmospheric dramatizations for the listener. 

featuring RICHARD ALLEN • RICHARD FERRONE • GROVER GARDNER • GEORGE GUIDALL • ANTHONY HEALD • MALCOLM HILLGARTNER • KAITLIN HOPKINS • WILLIAM HUGHES • LORNA RAVER • BURT ROSS • ROCHELLE SAVITT • CHRISTINE WILLIAMS • TOM WEINER • JEFF WOODMAN

http://www.irasov.com/Mask.htm

#37 Mike Hammer Encore For Murder

Stacey Keach is back as Private Eye Mike Hammer. He's rougher and tougher than ever in this action packed full-cast thriller. If tough PI's are your thing then Hammer's your guy. This rock 'em sock 'em radio drama will leaving you wanting more. Let's hope Falcon (The Twilight Zone group) makes a fourth one of these.

From Falcon:
Working from the plot for an unwritten novel found in the files of the late Mickey Spillane, Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) has fashioned a compelling noir thriller that is vintage Mike Hammer all the way.

Mike Hammer, the toughest PI of all, draws a seemingly routine assignment--playing bodyguard to diva Rita Vance on the eve of her big Broadway comeback. But Rita is an old flame of Hammer's, and when their romance is rekindled, the detective finds the actress facing death threats and himself the target of one hit man after another. When the actress disappears, the show must go on, which with Mike Hammer means swift, violent retaliation. While the cops and feds go down a false trail, Hammer seeks to make a rescue before Rita's curtain comes down. But first he must make sense of a mystery that takes him from a Soho art gallery to a mountain lodge, from Little Italy to a waterfront confrontation that is way, way off Broadway.

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Mickey-Spillanes-Mike-Hammer/dp/1441732187

For more Mike Hammer:

Mike Hammer Vol 1:
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/12/121-new-adventures-of-mickey-spillanes.html

The Little Death
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/24-mike-hammer-little-death.html

#36 Nightmare at 20,000 Feet - The Twilight Zone (John Schneider)

In this episode a newly released mental patient is the only one able to see a gremlin ripping up the wing of his airliner. John Schneider (Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville) stars in this gripping tale of The Twilight Zone.

http://www.twilightzoneradio.com/episodes.html

#35 Lord Edgware Dies (aka Thirteen at Dinner) - (BBC)

The BBC again creates a great Hercule Poirot mystery this time with Lord Edgware Dies (aka Thirteen at Dinner). Lady Edgware, Jane Wilkenson, wants a divorce from her unkind and unloving husband. If she can't get one she's made it public knowledge that she'll take a taxi to the house "and bump him off." Only a few hours after uttering those words he's found dead, brutally stabbed to death. With all the evidence pointing to her, including witnesses who saw her enter the house at the time of the murder, the case against her seems cut and dried. But not so fast mon ami the great detective is on the case. Listen to the case develop as Poirot digs up clues that lead to the truth.

John Moffatt stars as the great Belgian detective in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatization.

http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Edgware-Dies-Full-Cast-Radio/dp/0563510757

#34 Macbeth (CART)

MACBETH by William Shakespeare

This classic tale from the bard is produced and directed by the great Peggy Webber. Winner of two Gold Awards from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting it will surely be a winner with those seeking to enjoy a great Shakespearean radio drama experience.

Starring: David Warner, Jeanette Nolan, Lou Krugman, William Woodson, Parley Baer, James Lancaster, Bairbre Dowling, Linda Henning, Kathleen Freeman, Elliott Reid, Kay Kuter, Ian Whitcomb, Richard Erdman, Sean McClory, John Bliss, and Tom MacGreevy

http://www.cartaudio.org/mp3shop2_CART.htm#GN

#33 Rain on the Mountain Fork - Louis L'Amour

It's western fun in this suspenseful thriller from Louis L'Amour. Rethel Bean brings the no nonsense Texas Ranger Chick Bowdrie to life in Rain on the Mountain Fork.

From Louis L'Amour
The stagecoach axle had broken, and the road was washed out by a landside. It was the travelers' luck to find warm shelter in an isolated sod shanty on the mountainside while rain teemed down and thunder crashed around them. But Lew Judd is nervous as he plays cards with a fellow traveler, the stage driver, and two of the three men who were in the cabin when they arrived. A quiet man in rough company, Judd is an Easterner headed for a new life in Santa Fe with his lovely yound niece, Nelly. He worries about her safety — and about the hidden money belt that holds his life's savings.

About Chick Bowdrie:
Lawman, manhunter, peacemaker–it takes a hard breed of man to survive as a Texas Ranger, but Chick Bowdrie stands head and shoulders above the rest. The rough trails are his home, from the Big Thicket to the Pecos to the border. He's dried by the desert sun and wind, scarred and toughened by uncounted gun battles, and when you look into his black eyes, it's like looking down the barrels of two .44s with their hammers drawn back. He rides in the name of justice, but he lives by his own law–Bowdrie's Law. And if you're thinking about walking on the wrong side of Bowdrie's Law, you'd better start running. Fast.

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/rainona.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Mountain-Fork-Louis-LAmour/dp/055347149X

#32 Zorro Rides Again (CRT)

Zorro Rides again based on D.J. Arneson's adaptation of Johnston McCulley's third story Zorro story. Ride along in another exciting Zorro adventure that will fill your ears with swashbuckling fun.

Zorro Rides Again featuring Kevin Cirone, Jeremy Benson, Shonna McEachern, Shana Dirk, Sam Donato, and Hugh Metzler. 

From CRT:
Has Zorro gone mad? That's the rumor spreading like wildfire through Reina de Los Angeles. For a dazzling swordsman wearing cape and mask is terrorizing innocent citizens. Riding with the night, he leaves the Mark of Zorro on his cruel deeds.
Already the govenor has placed a price on Zorro's head, dispatching a cutthroat army led by the ruthless Captain Rocha to hunt him down. But Zorro's loyal band and a gallant Indian tribe refuse to believe the foul lie. Still, only one man can expose the truth - and unmask the evil impostor.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=zorro+rides+again+colonial&x=0&y=0

If you're a fan of Zorro or just love a great swashbuckling story be sure to look at post #31 and #4.
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/31-zorro-and-pirate-raiders-crt.html

The Mark of Zorro (featuring Val Kilmer)
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/4-mark-of-zorro.html

The Mark of Zorro Sequel
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2012/06/mark-zorro-sequel.html

#31 Zorro and the Pirate Raiders (CRT)

Colonial Radio Theater brings you high seas swashbuckling action in Zorro and the Pirate Raiders. This story is based on D.J. Arneson's adaptation of Johnston McCulley's serial cliff hanger style story The Further Adventures of Zorro. Zorro and the Pirate Raiders is filled with swashbuckling and adventure. Hugh Metzler gives a superb performance as the pirate Captain Bardoso and Shonna McEachern is a feisty Lolita Pulido.

Zorro and the Pirate Raiders stars Kevin Cirone, Shonna McEachern, Hugh Metzler, J.T. Turner, Sam Donato, Joseph Zamperelli Jr., and Dan Powell.  From CRT: The Pirate Raiders, with the villainous Captain Bardoso in command, are employed by the vicious Captain Ramon to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy caballero, hoping to use her to trap Zorro. Battles on land and sea, flashing swords and booming cannon explode before your very ears in this exciting audio production.  http://www.amazon.com/Zorro-Pirate-Raiders-Radio-Dramatization/dp/B004B5J6YQ If you're a fan or Zorro or just enjoy swashbuckling adventure make sure to see post #32 and #4. Zorro Riders Again http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/32-zorro-rides-again-crt.html The Mark of Zorro (featuring Val Kilmer) http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/4-mark-of-zorro.html The Mark of Zorro Sequel http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2012/06/mark-zorro-sequel.html

#30 Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls (HTE)

Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls dramatized for audio by Yuri Rasovsky. Turn down the lights and get ready to jump out of your seat when whoosh the demon barber lops off his next victims head.

From HTE:

According to legend, Sweeney Todd had his barber shop at number 186 Fleet Street, London, next door to St Dunstan's Church, just a few blocks from the Royal Courts of Justice. On this site, they say, he robbed and murdered more than 150 customers. To dispose of their remains, he carried them through underground tunnels to the bakery of one Mrs. Lovett a few blocks away, where they supplied the stuffing for her meat pies, the favorite mid-day repast of the lawyers who worked nearby and who got their shaves from Sweeney Todd. The man you lunched with yesterday could be your lunch today!

http://www.irasov.com/Sweeney%20Todd.htm

#29 Sad Cypress - Hercule Poirot (BBC)

John Moffatt portrays the great Belgian detective in a great radio adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel. Elinor Carlisle and Roddy Welman are very distant cousins happily engaged to be married when they receive an anonymous letter claiming that someone is "sucking up" to their wealthy aunt Laura. Elinor immediately suspects Mary Gerrard, the lodgekeeper's daughter, to whom their aunt has grown quite fond of. Elinor and Roddy expecting to inherit a tidy fortune from their aunt decide it would be in everyone's best interests to visit her. Soon after their visit tragedy strikes, Mary is dead and Elinor is on trial for her life. It's up to Poirot to save this young woman from the gallows.

From the BBC:
Elinor Carlisle and Roddy Welman are the model English couple, perfect companions set for a life of ease when they inherit Aunt Laura's considerable fortune. But a poison pen letter begins a chain of events which is to end in tragedy...Enter Hercule Poirot to investigate. John Moffatt stars as the great Belgian detective in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. 

http://www.amazon.com/Sad-Cypress-Full-Cast-Radio-Collection/dp/0563524448

#28 James Bond - You Only Live Twice (BBC)

Michael Jayston is James Bond and Clive Merrison is Tanaka in the BBC's full-cast production of Ian Flemings You Only Live Twice. By far the best of the three BBC James Bond radio dramas. The others being Dr. No and Goldfinger.

From the BBC:
In Japan, Bond is sent to infiltrate a mysterious fortress known as the Castle of Death – a place of nightmares with a poisoned garden that destroys all who go there – where he awakens an old, terrifying enemy. Bond’s final encounter with the insane mastermind Blofeld – one that could mean the end for 007. (Warning – may contain strong language)

http://www.bbcshop.com/audiobook-collection/you-only-live-twice/invt/9781408417485/

For more Bond see also:

Dr. No
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/08/91-dr-no-james-bond-bbc.html\

Goldfinger
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/goldfinger-bbc.html

#27 Riding For The Brand - Louis L'Amour (The Highwaymen)

Riding For The Brand is the story one man playing false for all the right reasons. Stripped buck naked and forced to run the gauntlet by the Indians who've captured him, Jed Asbury escapes only to find himself  in dire straights. Soon he stumbles across a covered wagon all alone on the prairie. Upon investigating he discovers the bodies of Michael Latch and his companions, murdered in cold blood and left to rot in the burning sun. Rummaging through papers left in the bottom of the wagon he discovers that Latch was on his way to claim a huge ranch in California left to him by an uncle he had never met. However, Latch must claim the ranch by a certain date or the deed falls to another relative, the treacherous Walt Seaver. With Latch dead Jed decides to pose as the nephew and claim it for himself. But along with the ranch comes a passel of trouble in the form of quarrelsome neighbors and  Walt Seaver himself. Just as the new Michael Latch arrives Seaver shows up to claim the ranch for himself.

Louis L'Amour's talent as a storyteller and passion for the old west shines through in this production featuring the voice talents of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Kate Smith. This version of Riding For The Brand is nicely put together and well acted by these four country music legends. Riding For The Brand is not only a western treasure but an audio drama treasure as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Riding-Brand-Starring-Highwaymen-Kristofferson/dp/155935173X

#26 Queen of the Nile - Twilight Zone (Kate Jackson)

Kate Jackson of Charlie's Angels fame enters The Twilight Zone in Queen of the Nile. Step into another dimension of radio drama listening enjoyment with this well written and produced show.

From TZ:

A young, handsome columnist is startled to learn that famous movie star Pamela Morris is just as lovely and young looking today as when she starred in the film Queen of the Nile, made decades ago. Intrigued, he investigates - and by doing so, learns a terrifying secret.

Experience one of television's greatest science-fiction series: The Twilight Zone - fully dramatized for audio! Featuring a full cast, music and sound effects, and today's biggest celebrities in modern radio dramatizations.
 
 http://www.twilightzoneradio.com/index.html

 http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Nile-Twilight-Radio-Dramas/dp/B004GK5BVI

#25 Little Big Horn (CRT)

Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air brings to you the story of George Armstrong Custer and his overwhelming defeat along with the 7th cavalry at the battle of Little Big Horn. This true to life sonic reenactment is very well depicted. This is sure to please not only the audio fan but also the history buff as well with its historical accuracy. The production gives an authentic western feeling transporting you back to the final days of Custer's Last Stand. You'll feel like you're on the rolling plains of Montana with the 7th cavalry. Jerry Robbins portrays Custer outstandingly.

A truly great piece of audio drama work and first class western. If you're a fan of the western genre Little Big Horn needs to be part of your collection.

From CRT:
This is a signature title in The Colonial Radio Theatre's meticulously researched series of accurate historical programs. Lt. Col. George A. Custer leads his 7th Cavalry in the Valley of the Little Big Horn and into eternity in this truly spectacular audio dramatization. It is our heartfelt hope that we have done justice to the events of June 25, 1876. It was a horrific battle, which saw no true victors. Custer's command lost their lives. The Plains Indians lost their way of life.

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Big-Horn-Dramatized/dp/B00092P1GW

#24 Mike Hammer - The Little Death

Stacey Keach reprises the role of hard boiled detective Mike Hammer in this full-cast audio presentation from Carl Amari's Falcon Picture Group. Keach is at his gritty best as Hammer. Hard boiled detectives just don't come any better.

http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Mickey-Spillanes-Mike-Hammer/dp/1441712585

For More Mike Hammer:

Encore For Murder
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/37-mike-hammer-encore-for-murder.html

Mike Hammer Vol 1
http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/12/121-new-adventures-of-mickey-spillanes.html

#23 The Sign of the Four - Sherlock Holmes (BBC)

Clive Merrison and Michael Williams are at their finest reprising their audio roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John H. Watson of 221B Baker St. Tales of intrigue and adventure will keep your rapt attention in this Conan Doyle classic.

Since her father disappeared ten years ago, Mary has received annually and anonymously a pearl. When she is finally requested to meet the sender she is accompanied by Holmes and Watson. The stranger relates to them a tale of secrecy, hidden treasure and sudden death.

 http://www.amazon.com/Sign-Four-Sherlock-Holmes-BBC/dp/0553526405

#22 One For The Mojave Kid - Louis L'Amour

One For The Mojave Kid is one of Louis L'Amour best western tales. Produced by by his son Beau L'Amour, Charles Potter and David Rapkin this tale comes to sonic life right before your every ears.

From Louis L'Amour:
Few men were as deadly, or troublesome, with a gun as the Mohave Kid. Ab Kale, marshal of Hinkley, had warned the Kid to stay away from his town. Even as he trained his own adopted son, Riley, to handle a gun, he worried for both of them. He knew the Kid was the bloodthirsty sort who would one day force a showdown. But he couldn't know when...or prepare Riley for the test of his young life.

http://www.louislamour.com/audio/oneforthemojave.htm

#21 War of the Worlds - L.A. Theatre Works

L.A. Theatre Works retells H.G. Wells classic tale War of the Worlds featuring a stellar Star Trek cast which includes John De Lance, Leonard Nimoy, Gates McFadden, Armin Shimerman, Brent Spiner, Dwight Schultz, Wil Wheaton and Jerry Hardin.

From LA Theatre Works:
Listen, amazed as actors from television's Star Trek re-create the "eyewitness" report that caused a nationwide panic in 1938 when first performed on the radio by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre Company. Narrated by Leonard Nimoy of the original Star Trek series, the breathless pace and convincing details of this classic drama are brilliantly reinterpreted in this full-cast production by L.A. Theatre Works. Joining Leonard Nimoy are Star Trek actors Jerry Hardin, Gates McFadden, Dwight Schultz, Armin Shimerman, Brent Spiner and Wil Wheaton.

http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Star-Trek-Theater-Works/dp/0807235628

#20 A Caribbean Mystery - Miss Marple (BBC)

June Whitfield stars as the elder mystery solving Miss Marple in one of Agatha Christie's classic tales of murder.

From the BBC:
The Tiny Carribean island of St. Honore is a tropical paradise.  But for Miss Marple, enjoying a well-earned rest from her busy life in the village of St. Mary Mead, it is a place where nothing ever seems to happen.  Until old Major Palgrave tells her the strange story of a suspected double murderer.

As rumors begin to circulate, the elderly sleuth is not alone in suspecting that things are not as they seem.  And when a death that is indisputably murder occurs, Miss Marple finds an unlikely ally in the cantakerous crippled millionaire Mr. Rafiel. 

http://www.amazon.com/Caribbean-Mystery-Radio-Presents-Dramatization/dp/0553526391

#19 The Maltese Falcon - Sam Spade (BBC)

Sam Spade and The Maltese Falcon created by Dashiell Hammett. Spade is the quintessential hard-boiled detective. Quick witted, wise cracking and tough as nails. Go on the adventure of a lifetime as Sam works out the mystery of The Maltese Falcon. Starring Tom Wilkinson, Jane Lapotaire, and Nickolas Grace. Wilkinson isn't Bogey but he gets the job done. A well made radio drama sure to please fans of the genre.

From the BBC:
When his partner is murdered in 1928 San Francisco, sleuth Sam Spade is drawn into a statuette riddle.

http://www.amazon.com/Maltese-Falcon-BBC-Radio-Crimes/dp/1408426072

For another great version of The Maltese Falcon make sure to see post # 8 as well. Just follow the link below.

http://radiodramaspotlight.blogspot.com/2011/07/8-maltese-falcon.html

#18 The Big Sleep - Philip Marlowe (BBC)

Hard-boiled detective writer Raymond Chandler's most famous story The Big Sleep is well adapted to radio by the BBC. Toby Stephens stars as private eye Philip Marlowe. Stephens isn't Humphrey Bogart but who is. There's only one Bogey. If you like wise cracking hard as nails detectives then you love the BBC's production of The Big Sleep.

From the BBC:
Los Angeles PI Philip Marlowe is working for the Sternwood family. Old man Sternwood, crippled and wheelchair-bound, is being given the squeeze by a blackmailer and he wants Marlowe to make the problem go away. But with Sternwood’s two wild, devil-may-care daughters prowling LA’s seedy backstreets, Marlowe’s got his work cut out – and that’s before he stumbles over the first corpse.

 http://www.amazon.com/Big-Sleep-Full-Cast-Radio-Drama/dp/1408427532

#17 Disguise For Murder - A Nero Wolfe Mystery (CBC)

Nero Wolfe - Disguise For Murder is the first in a 13 episode series produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).  In 1982, Canadian actor, producer, and writer Mavor Moore starred as Nero Wolfe while Don Francks portrayed Archie Goodwin, and Cec Linder played Inspector Cramer. Disguise For Murder is a well produced introduction into the the world of Rex Stout's beer drinking, orchid loving, chair-bound genius detective Nero Wolfe.

During a flower exhibition at Wolfe's brownstone, a tipsy young woman who confides to Archie that she's recognized a murderer at the show is murdered on premises shortly thereafter.

#16 The Lost World (BBC)

From the mind of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's comes the tale of Professor Challenger and his exciting journey into The Lost World. Go to a never discovered region of the Amazon where dinosaurs still live and cavemen like creature vie for survival. It's action and adventure in the tale of a Lost World. A BBC production that will leave you breathless.

From the BBC:
By Arthur Conan Doyle, dramatised by award winning writer Chris Harrald. Professor Challenger and his team are marooned on the isolated Amazonian plateau, at the mercy of dinosaurs and a murderous tribe of hominids. Will they survive to satisfy their scientific curiosity? Will they be able to escape and bring home news of their discoveries?

Professor Challenger...David Robb
Dr Diana Summerlee...Jasmine Hyde
Lord John Roxton...Jamie Glover
Edward Malone...Jonathan Forbes
Querioz... Vinicius Salles
Meldrum...Sean Baker
Indian tribesman... Milton Lopes
Directed by Marilyn Imrie

http://www.bbcshop.com/science-fiction/classic-radio-sci-fi-the-lost-world/invt/9781408409527/

#15 The Hound of the Baskervilles - Sherlock Holmes (Imagination Theater)

The Hound of the Baskervilles produced by Jim French's Imagination Theater stars John Patrick Lowrie as Holmes and Lawrence "Larry" Albert as Dr. John H. Watson. This full length feature is a must for radio drama lovers and Holmes fans alike. Imagination Theater's production of half hour Sherlock Holmes episodes is reminiscent of the great show from the OTR era. If you loved Rathbone and Bruce as Holmes and Watson or John Stanley and Alfred Shirley in the role of the famous pair then you're sure to love Lowrie and Albert. It's some of the best modern era radio drama available.

From IMT:
In 1893 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle “killed “ off his greatest creation and the world’s first consulting detective Sherlock Holmes, in fear that the Holmes stories would over shadow his more serious work. The public outcry over the “death” of a fictional character was unprecedented with some folks wearing black armbands as a sign of mourning. In 1901 Doyle relented and wrote what is considered to be the best of all the Holmes tales “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” In the one hundred plus years since then no other detective story has been reproduced more times as a motion picture, a television program or a radio play, and now here in the 21st century Sherlock Holmes along with his friend and biographer Dr. John H. Watson will once again reach out from the gas lit streets of Victorian England to take you on a journey involving legends, romance and death. Sit back and enjoy this two disc feature length full cast production, complete with music and sound effects; let your imagination see and hear Baker Street, the Great Grimpen Mire and the hound from hell.

http://jimfrenchproductions.com/zc137m/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=689