ESSENTIAL DICKENS A Christmas Carol

This dramatization of Dickens's well-loved classic carries with it the familiar flavor of Christmases past and present. The performances are well-handled by the various professionals, most especially Sir Ralph Richardson. Although the production is shortened so much as to be potentially confusing for those rare listeners who don’t know the story, the ancient truths within still come through. Music highlights the party scenes, bells chime as Scrooge walks the London streets, and the ghosts are introduced with eerie (if a little dated) sound effects from the great beyond. Overall, this rendition is charming and nostalgic, effectively delivering the beloved story in a format perfect for our sound-bite society. This version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is ideally suited to a family listening on each Christmas Eve to come. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]