LONESOME RANGE

This unusual Western is more about forbidden love, tyranny, and the isolation of the plains country of Wyoming in the late 1800s than about gunfights. Ken Marks's flat intonations and Middle-American accent are perfect for depicting bookish office clerk Lane Weller. Lane finds his soul mate, Cora, but, tragically, she is married to wealthy bully Lyle McGavin. Nesbitt creates realistic, colorful characters but rather stuffy, unnatural dialogue, which Marks manages to bring alive. He depicts Cora and the other female characters without artificiality or strain. When the lovers are forced apart, Marks's voice is tight with emotion, making listeners hope for a happy ending. S.C.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]