LOMBARD

Narrator Kathleen Godwin breathes life into this spirited, richly detailed play about actress Carole Lombard, that begins on the eve of her death in a plane crash. Lombard was known as a screwball comedienne-movie star who had the vocabulary of a sailor. As Lombard, Godwin speaks directly to listeners, adding intimacy. She also talks to herself; for example, when she rambles, she utters, "Shut up, Carole." Listeners will relish hearing Hollywood-insider details such as the revelation that Lombard's husband, Clark Gable, was a tightwad. Sound effects add authenticity. Most moving are the lovely transitions to the past, denoted by a few musical notes, when Lombard shares childhood memories. Despite its sad ending, Lombard's story is a pleasurable listening experience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2018]