The ABC Murders

First broadcast on the 18th May 1943 as part of the CBS 'Suspense' radio drama series.

I listened to this play curious to hear how on earth it is possible to fit a full-length, quite complicated mystery novel into half an hour’s air time. And the fact is, of course, it isn’t really possible.

This radio version of Agatha Christie’s famous book merely skims the surface of the story, but having said that, most of the essential elements of the tale are there and as an exercise in ‘potted’ story telling it works quite well. The dialogue is delivered at breathtaking speed and in the style of the period and the presence of the theatrical legends that are Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester make it well worth a listen.

Many thanks to the Internet Archive for making this classic radio show freely available.

To listen to this radio classic just click on the play button below.

Right Click Here To download and save The ABC Murders for your future listening pleasure.

You can see Charles Laughton in action on the Witness For The Prosecution page.

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