The Overcoat

By: Nikolai Gogol

Narrated by: Michael Redgrave

Length: 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Published in 1842, Nikolai Gogol’s The Overcoat recounts the sad tale of Akavy Akakievich Bashmachkin, played by Michael Redgrave. An impoverished clerk in St. Petersburg, he saves enough to buy a new overcoat. He is intensely proud of it, yet it leads him only to the grave.

"Theatre Royal" was a groundbreaking series first broadcast in 1953. It starred many leading American and British actors including Lord Olivier in his only radio series.

©1992 Divine Art Ltd (P)1992 Divine Art Ltd

Dramatization of a short story

A very short "old-time radio"- type dramatization of a short story by a distinguished cast. Ironic ending.

A nice taste of Gogol's work

This was my first Gogol reading and it was just as I expected it to be. I liked the irony and dark humor. That said, I realize that Gogol is not my cup of tea. I like reading classics that don't feel like a school reading (if that makes sense) and this did feel a little bit AP Literature'y. The narration was very difficult to follow with the sonic blasts, low quality sound and background music. It does seem like quite an old recording. I was able to get used to it around 5 minutes in and did appreciate the awesome narration and voice-changing which made it worth it. It's only 20 minutes so I'd say it's bearable to follow-through if you want to familiarize yourself with Gogol's style and one of his most famous short stories.

could use a slight tweaking of audio

I really enjoy listening to plays. This short one was no exception. I do feel that with this old an audio file that it could be adjusted a little

A wonderful story, presented by actors of remarkable talent.

If you can ignore the atrocious music you will enjoy this humorous tale reminiscent of Woody Allen’s best work.

Beautiful story but loud music

The background music was loud. Rest was fine. It is a beautiful story well performed.

Hard to hear anything

Annoying music makes it hard to hear what is said at times during the story

Very different than original

The performance is very different from Gogol’s story. For example, a lot happens after Akaki dies that is not mentioned in the Audible version.

Radio broadcast

A Very interesting! I’m going to read the book. Worth a listen. I’d highly recommend

The Day After That I Was Dead

Michael Redgrave's portrayal of the Caspar Milquetoast character was perfect.

The story was amusing, even the character's name (Akavy Akakievich) is funny. He is so poor he thinks of saving money by "taking longer strides to save wear on shoes".

There is a hint of sadness at the end, where the character says he was "a man dear to no one, missed by no one".

Ukrainian born Gogol tells it like it is

In an attempt to understand the conflict in Ukraine, I am researching famous writers and painters from the region who define a common Ukrainian language and cultural experience. Thank you for this free addition to my experience.