THE WIZARD OF OZ

This BBC Radio dramatization of Baum's classic takes listeners back to the days when families gathered around the old Philco and listened to talented vocal artists. Maureen Lipman rightfully gets top billing for her deliciously evil Wicked Witch of the West. You hear her churlish grin in every cackle as she plots to outwit that "goody-goody" Belinda and "her wimpish friends." Baum's irony is brought to life by the "brainless" Scarecrow's clever problem-solving, the "heartless" Tin Man's compassion, and the "cowardly" Lion's bravery. One minor complaint . . . although the story is truer to the book than the movie, the illustrated cover shows ruby slippers instead of silver. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]