Destry Rides Again

By: Max Brand

Narrated by: J. P. O'Shaughnessy

Made in 1939, the Golden Year of Hollywood, the film version of Destry Rides Again helped launch Jimmy Stewart's career and made Marlene Dietrich an American icon.

Harry Destry was a rough-and-tumble fighter who never lost a battle. But after six years in jail for a robbery he didn't commit, he comes back a changed man. The townsfolk believe he's beaten. They think all the fight's gone right out of him.

And that's exactly what Destry wants them to think. Because that's the way he alone will serve justice to the 12 men who framed him.

Public Domain (P)2009 Books In Motion

Nostalgic listen

I bought the book to reminisce about my childhood when I watched the Jimmy Stewart movie on TV. Although it is different in some major aspects from the movie, it is a good western story about ne’er-do-well Harrison Destry’s response to being framed for a robbery and sent to prison for 6 years. He starts out seeking revenge on the jury that convicted him for spite rather than the evidence.

In listening to this book, I had to remember that it was written in 1930. It uses language that could be considered racist. Characters speak with cliches such as “old man,” and “old fella.” Scene descriptions are often unnecessarily elaborate. Women were the weaker sex, irrational, and not as smart as men. Good men were very good and bad men were very bad. The author included a number of moralizations about what makes a good person.

Drove me crazy!

Like the story. I liked the readers voice except the smacking of his lips in between sentences. Didn't do it all the time but enough to wear on me. I listen at work with earbuds. Petty I know but drives me nuts!

I heard the narrator eating biscuits several times….

Great book but no kidding you can hear narrator clearing throat, turning pages, slurping coffee, and eating through the book ( maybe exaggerating that last part )… it was not pro narration for sure

Great story. Presentation needs review and editing

Mr. O'Shaughnessy's performance is not bad, but it ain't great. He lacks much energy in his voice. His characterizations from character to character lacks much distinction. Then the paper shuffles and gasping for air at chapter 33 or so, severely detracts from his effort.

Destry Rides Again

The movie closely follows the book. I enjoyed the reading of the book and watching the movie. With need to fill in my time while gardening, I recommend this book, performed by a excellent narrator.