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
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.
Scott Brick is a frequent narrator of historian Philbrick’s audiobooks, and he’s a perfect match for the author’s straightforward but highly expressive narrative voice. The discovery of gold in the California Sierras in 1848 triggered one of the most dramatic episodes in American history, a grand panorama of greed, obsession, and astonishing twists of fortune. Gold fever fueled progress in sea travel, railroad building, and mechanics and, not incidentally, accelerated the booming nation’s slide toward civil war. Philbrick is, as always, a rewarding and deeply satisfying storyteller, and his history of the California Gold Rush offers a cast of memorable characters along with a troubling record of racism and vigilantism.
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217356218
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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