The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

By: J.R.R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Ian Holm, Bill Nighy, Michael Hordern, John Le Mesurier, Peter Woodthorpe, Robert Stephens, John McAndrew, David Collings, Douglas Livingstone, Richard O'Callaghan, Full Cast

The evil Saruman has been defeated by Gandalf, but in Mordor the battle for the Ruling Ring continues. Wounded by the giant spider, Shelob, Frodo has been captured by the dreaded orcs. Sam, alone and in possession of the Ring, must rescue his master if their mission - to find the Cracks of Doom, and there destroy the Ring - is to continue. Meanwhile, the other Fellowship members are preparing for war against the armies of the Dark Lord, Sauron... Widely regarded as a broadcasting classic, the BBC Radio dramatisation of 'The Lord of the Rings' stars Ian Holm, Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens, John Le Mesurier and Peter Woodthorpe.


©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© and (P)2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd

Actually does the original story honour! Full praise for this audiobook!

Tolkien fans need not fear a diminished experience in this stellar performance of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Suitable for all ages old enough to enjoy the books.

Almost flawless - better than the films at times

Exceptional. A brilliant adaptation that remains remarkably true to the original texts while creating a vivid oration filled with action and suspense.

I also have this on a CD box set, which I prefer as it doesn't use the flashback narration. Hearing Frodo speaking from present day detracts from the story, I feel, as it reminds you how it all turns out in the end, negating the hard fought suspense and emotional buy-in the cast had only moments before, achieved.

There is also a bit too much exposition from time to time; burying the listener is painfully complex dialogue with terms in Elvish, Dwarvish and Orcish but never translated. While the texts did this as well, it doesn't translate as smoothly to an audio book as it does a manuscript.

Ian Holm is outstanding as Frodo and brings a maturity to the character that existed in the original texts, but I feel was lost in the (otherwise stellar) motion pictures.

it was good

was very different. felt like it was rushed a bit but did explain some detail that the movie did not do. overall a good book.

so good

I simply could not stop. really enjoyed every moment of this story and it wanting more

Love that there are no breaks in this version!

This is the best version of the LotR out there. Wonderful adaptation, excellent acting, everything works. All dramatizations should strive for this level of quality!