RED PLANET

Written in 1949, RED PLANET shows its age with some sexism and anachronistic phrases. Still, the tale is fast and action-packed. Among the first colonists on Mars are teens Jim and Pete and their families. The human colonists live in peace with the mysterious Martians but have a conflict with their government. Narrator William Dufris holds all the excitement together. The actors for Jim and Pete have bright, energetic voices and move things right along. The rest of the cast fills things in nicely, voicing crotchety doctors, noble parents, duplicitous bureaucrats, impatient men of action, and mysterious Martians. In this full-cast treatment, the production would be an excellent choice for a family car trip. G.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]