THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN

Using a script delightfully faithful to the original, Ned Chaillet directs an all-Canadian cast in this co-production of the BBC and CBC. The story is priceless, relating Huck Finn's escape down the Mississippi with an escaped slave and the adventures they encounter along the way. Cast direction is quite good, as are the performances themselves, but the choice of actors Christopher Jacot as Huck and Peter Oldring as Tom makes it difficult to suspend disbelief--according to Twain's text, Huck is 12 or 13 years old while the actors sound like adults. Music composed of fiddle, guitar, and harmonica riffs is used more effectively than the sound effects, which at times are awkward. Originally broadcast in December 2002, the Canadian production also features Martin Roach as Jim and Mark Caven as Mark Twain. S.E.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]