1979 Mind’s Eye Radio Drama

Release Date: 1979
Reader: Full Cast
Language: English
Adapted By: Bernard Mayes
Organization: Mind’s Eye Radio
Copyright: © 2001 HighBridge Audio
ISBN: 9781611748741
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Unabridged: No
Country: USA
Licenced: Yes
Formats: Cassette, CD, Digital

Mind’s Eye Radio, in 1979 and following on from an earlier adaptation of The Hobbit, produced this adaptation of The Lord of the Rings for U.S. National Public Radio, featuring local Virginia amateur theatre actors and a low-budget approach with home-made sound effects and library music. Apparently deliberately constructed to emulate the style radio dramas of the 1930s and 40s.

This version, adapted by Bernard Mayes (a founding chairman of NPR), is known for its serious pronunciation issues, including Frodo and other characters’ names. The adaptation did however tackle each element of the story including the character Tom Bombadil, a role often omitted in other versions.  

The copyright passed first to Soundelux Audio Publishing and then to HighBridge Audio who are the current holders. In the 45 years since it’s creation it has been continuously available in a large variety of releases – most notably the wooden box releases.

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