The 1954 film about conscience and courage in corrupt labor unions has deservedly attained mythic status, but it is to the credit of this fine production that eventually one begins to think less of the classic movie and to become quite absorbed in this adaptation. The strongest performances are those by Bruce Davison (as the priest), whose thrilling dockside sermon brings applause from the audience; Rebecca Pidgeon, who emphasizes Edie Doyle’s intelligence as much as her vulnerability; and Hector Elizondo, who makes racketeer Johnny Friendly into a believable and lethal thug. Jeffrey Donovan plays Terry Malloy, the ex-prize-fighter in love with Edie. He is at his best in Terry’s later scenes of conviction. The sound effects are rich and evocative. G.H. 2004 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 1 hr, 54 mins
Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
More than 35 hours long, this comprehensive biography of Random House founder Bennett Cerf is equal to a workweek for many listeners. Cerf nurtured a roster of the 20th century's most consequential authors and was nationally known as a television panelist. His story is a fascinating panorama of American arts and society over 50 years, scrupulously researched but overburdened and slow. Listeners who've never heard of William Styron or Dorothy Kilgallen or the Famous Writers School will be fully educated here. Narrator Lisa Flanagan keeps a steady, unfussy pace that carries her listeners over the longueurs. But hers is a channel swim rather than a leisurely stroll through Central Park. This paunchy biography needed a stronger editorial hand.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 35 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346448
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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