THE INIMITABLE JEEVES

P.G. Wodehouse's dialogue begs to be read aloud, and this BBC dramatization brings it to life wonderfully. Richard Briers is spontaneous and foolish as the aristocratic Bertie, and Michael Hordern gives servant Jeeves a properly plummy, patient, and dry delivery. When the two interact, the humor of these many sketches may make listeners laugh out loud. However, Wodehouse's narrative is so strong that the sound effects and musical interludes herein actually weaken the impact of the production. Otherwise, the pacing is fine, and if one listens to these stories as radio plays/adaptations without comparing them to the originals, they're great fun. The entire cast enters into the period hilarity with gusto, flinging bets on regional sermon contests and misunderstandings about love with equal zest. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]