84 Charing Cross Road
Writer: Helene HanffAdapted by James Roose-Evans
Directed by Hilary Norrish
1993
BBC
Format: 2 x Audio Cassettes
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Helene Hanff . . . . . . . . . Miriam Karlin
Frank Doel. . . . . . . . . Frank Finlay
Cecily / Ginny . . . . . . . . . Sarah Woodward
Maxine . . . . . . . . . Charmian May
Megan / Charlady . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Findlay
Mary Boulton / Joan . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Bradley
Nora / Kay . . . . . . . . . Anna Nygh
Alvin / Ed / Bill. . . . . . . . . Robert Portal
George / Pilot . . . . . . . . . Peter Penry-Jones
Also includes:
The Petition
by Brian Clark
Lady Elizabeth Milne . . . . . . . Peggy Ashcroft
General Sir Edmund Milne . . . . . . . . . John Mills
Directed by Glyn Dearman
"Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of print books ... I enclose a list of my pressing problems ... "
So began the literary love affair between Miss Helene Hanff of New York City and Messrs Marks and Co, the sellers of rare and second hand books at 84 Charing Cross Road. A love affair which was to span over 20 years of happy transactions and fond correspondence.
A friendship of most unusual pen-pals, delightfully recreated on audio, starring Frank Finlay and Miriam Karlin.
James Roose-Evans has had a very distinguished career as a theatre director, writer on experimental theatre and teacher at RADA and Central School. In 1959 Roose-Evans founded the Hampstead Theatre Club and remained their till 1971 - with many productions transferring to the West End.
He is probably best known for 84 Charing Cross Road, which he adapted for the stage - directing its world premiere at the Salisbury Playhouse in the summer of 1981.
Frank and James first worked together in The Waltz Of The Toreadors by Jean Anouilh at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in 1958 which James directed.
Frank played Frank Doel in the Hugh Whitemore adaptation of 84 Charing Cross Road for the BBC's Play for Today (1975) and his old friend from early NT days Sir Anthony Hopkins would play the part in the 1987 film version.