The Third Man

While The Third Man is recognized by any film buff as one of Orson Welles's great roles--Greene's novella is less well known. It was written in anticipation of the film, with Graham going directly to the screenplay from this original story. In Martin Jarvis's hands, or voice, really, the death of Harry Lime in postwar Vienna takes on a vivid, sinister cloak. Setting the scene, Jarvis never misses an opportunity to accentuate Greene's elegant descriptions, making the nuances hard-edged and poetic at the same time. Jarvis excels at making each player distinct, but never lets any one overshadow the compelling drama of secrets, searches and shifting allegiances. Smooth and precise, Jarvis brings Greene's story alive in exquisite detail and with superb characterizations. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This noir classic is voiced with the just right amount of innocence, arrogance, and aplomb by the perfectly cast Kelsey Grammer. In 1947, American writer Holly Martin arrives in the war-ravaged city of Vienna expecting to meet an old friend but soon finds himself acting as an amateur detective in a murder investigation. What happened to Harry Lime? Was he hit by a car, or was he pushed, or was it something else altogether? Grammer's old "Frasier" partner John Mahoney does solid work as the voice of military investigator Major Callaway, and British actress Rosalind Ayres shines as the lost and beautifully enigmatic Anna Schmidt. This taut audio adaptation closely follows the original Graham Greene film script right down to using the Anton Karas theme music. B.P. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2014

This theatrical production of Greene's play employs a wide array of sound effects to support the action. A must-hear for those who want to experience a noir thriller in the style of an old-fashioned radio drama. Performed by a full cast.

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