The Liar

De: Henry James

Narrado por: Ralph Richardson

Duración: 18 m

Resumen del Editor

In this adaptation of Henry James’ study of deceit, Ralph Richardson stars as Oliver Lyon, a portrait painter visiting a country house in Hertfordshire. There he finds Everina, the woman whom he has once loved and of whom he still thinks fondly. Now she is married to the handsome Colonel Capadose, an inveterate liar. In fact, Capadose lies for nothing more than the pure enjoyment of it all.

Some weeks later, the Colonel asks Oliver to paint his own portrait and, such is his skill, the duplicity of the man resounds through the painting. Everina sees the picture and, both aware of the power of the portrayal and corrupted by her marriage, she destroys the painting that reveals the truth of her husband. The woman Oliver has loved has become as skilled a liar as the man she has married.

"Theatre Royal" was first broadcast in the UK in 1952 and chiefly featured Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier as narrators of classic fiction, adapted for radio.

©2012 Divine Art (P)2012 Divine Art

Sounds like movietone news 1947

The dramatization is a bit over the top. James’ work is subtle. Though this story isn’t the best example of that quality, it still isn’t enhanced by a surging orchestral accompaniment.

And that accent! The one that no one actually spoke in real life, as it emerged from slightly to the right of mid-Atlantic, is on full display here. The result is a performance that feels far more dated than any reading could be.

This isn’t my favorite of Henry James’ stories, but the subtle complexities it *does* contain are obscured by the dramatic interpretation. For some reason, this is a frequent result of trying to dramatize James’ work.

Vintage Radio Show

I really enjoy vintage radio shows, from the days when people listened to the radio versus watching TV. This short drama is a vintage radio show. If you like vintage radio, or if you want to experience something from the past, you'd probably enjoy this too.