THE SECRET GARDEN

Joan Plowright--as the older Mary Lennox--narrates the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic about a spoiled orphan girl who finds hope and beauty on a Yorkshire estate. This full-cast drama is--if it’s possible to apply the term to an audio program--spectacular. The use of music and sound not only conveys the mood but also gives a panoramic feel to the story. Top-notch performances by "FawltyTowers" Prunella Scales (as Mrs. Madlock) and Lily Milton, Thomas Orange, and Garrett Moore (as the children) make the garden and its surroundings come alive. Kudos go to engineer/producer Dave Arnold and director Philip Glassborow on a fine and memorable production. S.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]