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East Lynne

By: Mrs Henry Wood, Henry Bakewell - dramatist
Narrated by: David Collings, full cast, Moir Leslie, Rosemary Leach
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Summary

A seven-part BBC radio dramatisation of Mrs Henry Wood’s sensational Victorian bestseller, suffused with infidelity and double identities

Lord Mount Severn's country seat, East Lynne, is magnificent – but its owner is penniless, and when the noble lord dies suddenly, his daughter is left destitute. To avoid misery and humiliation, Lady Isabel accepts a proposal of marriage from Mr Carlyle, the new owner of the estate. However, she soon finds herself battling with two strong emotions: her jealousy of her husband’s friend Barbara Hare, and her attraction to the handsome Captain Levison.

Suspecting Carlyle of infidelity, she takes drastic action and leaves her husband and children to run away with Levison – only to realise he has no intention of marrying her. No sooner has Lady Isabel been betrayed by her wicked suitor than she is left unrecognisably disfigured by a terrible train crash. With her life in ruins, she adopts a new name and heads back to the place she once called home – East Lynne…

Adapted by Michael Bakewell, this much-loved melodrama stars Rosemary Leach as Mrs Henry Wood, Moir Leslie as Lady Isabel, David Collings as Mr Carlyle and Anthony Edridge as Francis Levison.

Written by Mrs Henry Wood

Dramatised by Michael Bakewell

Directed by Richard Johnson

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 June-26 July 1987

©1987 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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What listeners say about East Lynne

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loved it

First read East Lynne 40 yes ago it is a 1860s ''crime passionel' read it and enjoy

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The Victorian novel of all Victorian novels

This powerful, sensitive adaptation of a truly extraordinarily Victorian novel is one of the best BBC radio dramas ever made. A fine cast and intelligent, sympathetic direction allow the dark themes, well handled plot and unrepentantly strong moral tone of ‘East Lynne’ to speak clearly to us today. It’s wonderful to have a novel like this allowed to be played in a straight, sincere way in a modern adaptation; the results are astonishing. Absorbing, addictive, agonisingly heartbreaking: this is a must-listen production of a truly brilliant, brutal and beautiful novel.

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Beautiful

Such a wonderful story, and beautifully told through this excellent presentation. I was sad when it came to an end!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic Drama Pure Excellence

This is one of my favourite classic plays. Beautifully brought to life and well acted by an excellent cast of some of the most respected English actors, especially well established character actor David Collins. This is a thrilling story line that gripped me from start to finish. Even the very irritating battle axe bully of a sister is so well portrayed that you continue to listen simply to hear this character brought right down to heal, she is so very nasty. I enjoyed listening to this so much that I will do so over and over with pleasure.

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Over-dramatic!

The closing chapter is a bit over-dramatic and preachy for my tastes. It is clear Mrs Wood believes in the sanctity of marriage and rather overstates her case. Very well dramatised, performed and produced by the BBC. An enjoyable way to familiarise myself with

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic!

It definitely had a Jane Eyre feel to it and a good range of characters. Worth a listen!

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East Lynne BBC Production

Excellent in every way
Thoroughly enjoyed each time I listen to it
Looking for something similar

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

OK but dated

OK but dated, story is fine, but performance is a bit annoying, especially the children who sound amateur.

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