LIONS AND LIQUORICE

True love finds it has many obstacles to overcome before uniting Nick Bevan, a writer, and Mary Hamilton, a successful but egocentric film director. Providing the British accents appropriate for Yorkshire and London, Rula Lenska glides from one character's voice to another with finesse. Her performance of Bernard, the pub owner, with his thick Yorkshire accent and gruff-sounding voice, makes a good match with the character's personality. The American accents required for Mary and her father, Max, sound close to authentic, although Mary's breathy, deep, and almost hoarse speech sounds a bit strained at times. Lenska's performance adds viability and reality to the plot and its many characters, ensuring an enjoyable performance. P.A.J. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]