The Wind In The Willows (BBC Children's Classics)

By: Kenneth Grahame

Narrated by: Dramatisation

Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Many of the original cast from Alan Bennett's acclaimed National Theatre production appear in this special dramatisation for BBC Radio 4 including Richard Briers as Rat, Adrian Scarborough as Mole, and Terence Rigby as Albert with Alan Bennett as the narrator. A wonderful, highly-acclaimed dramatic performance of a classic novel.

©1989 Kenneth Grahame

Charming - Not just for kids

This is an excellent production. Some of Britain's best contempory actors give voice to some wonderful animal characters. Music and sound effects add to this production's ability to transfer you to the Wild Wood, the Open Road or to Toad Hall. Slow and gentle, its great for even young children, while being well-crafted enough to smooth the brow of a harrassed adult.

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What did you love best about The Wind in the Willows (Dramatised)?

The actors were superb. Of course, anything with Richard Briars will be top-notch.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

This was NOT true to the book, nor was it much like the BBC dramatization. It is interesting to see how someone can do a "take-off" on such a classic. This dramatization is more of a very funny performance featuring the bachelor/gay lifestyle. (Think the British comedies "Savage" or "Two Old Guys.")

What about Dramatisation’s performance did you like?

The book is a wonderful classic, but this performance is an interpretation, and a very amusing one, but is not true to the book, exactly. If you are very familiar with the material, you will enjoy it very much, since everyone has thought along these lines with this book. In this performance, the actors allowed themselves to continue along these less-than-completely innocent interpretations.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This is a take-off on the classic, not a true rendition of "The Wind in the Willows." Rather than a magical children's story, this performance presents a sort of wonderful satire on gay/bachelor lifestyle (think the British comedies "Savage" or "Two Old Guys.") It is quite charming, and very amusing, but is not presented as the original children's story.

Any additional comments?

Get this for yourself, not your kids. They (hopefully) won't get it, but you will enjoy it. I wish the original BBC dramatization of this book would become available. It was FANTASTIC. (I ordered this because my tape of the original finally broke.) This is an interesting interpretation, but either find the old version, or purchase the unabridged performance available from Audible (it is fantastic, too) if you want to hear a rendition in the spirit of the original.

My first kid friendly audio book

I needed a change of pace from what I regularly download, and so I chose this beloved children's classic. Though I like the musical numbers, I'm slightly disappointed that the Piper at Dawn chapter got omitted. Anyway, I chose wisely, I think.

Not quite the actual story, but not bad either...

Having both read and listened to the classic tale, I thought this might be a little treat. At any rate, the sample sounded nice. That being said though, there are a number of changes made in this dramatization. For one thing, the horse that pulled Toad's cart near the beginning of the story can talk now, and frequently shows up throughout the story; effectively being EVERY horse mentioned in the original classic. Also, the weasels come into the story far earlier than they do in the book. In addition, the scene where Ratty meets a sea rat and considers traveling are removed entirely. One more thing I'd like to point out is that one of the other reviews for this story claimed that the characters were portrayed in a mild homosexual manner. When I read that I thought they was simply exaggerating. However, after listening to it, I can say with certainty that he had his reasons to make that claim. With all that said, this dramatization isn't terrible. It's no different than when a film does a reinterpretation of a story, and all the cast did give a splendid performance with what they were given. If you like the original story and don't mind a few changes here and there, give this a listen.

Adaptation

This is an adaptation. Done well, but not the original if that is what you are looking for.

Eventful

Delightful, adventurous and entertaining! Everyone should partake in this classic tale about friendship, courage and life.

Screwy

What a weird story. I can't imagine it's a children's book. The singing and music were the best parts.

Worst book I’ve ever read

This book was really terrible, I guess the narrating was ok, but the story is just total trash. I would highly recommend NOT GETTING THIS BOOK.

Wide spread of ages entertained

I have 3, 6 and 8 year old kiddos and we all thoroughly enjoyed this condensed and delightfully performed version of Wind In the Willows! Excellent talent and quality!

Classic Fun!

I still think it would help to read or listen to the full length unabridged version first to help your mind fill in the blanks, but overall it was a much better listen than a single reader trying to do all the characters.

Excellent, well worth a listen.

Great narration. 1000% better than the rather bizarre (all female, politically correct) yet free version.

Meh...

Meh... it wasn't the one that I would choose 5/10 n n n n n

Delightful escapism

Narrated with familiar, perfectly cast voices and an extremely enjoyable listen. Not exactly a children's classic of course, but more a study of adult morals, relationships and behaviours. All Extremely well dramatised and portrayed. I've just had the loveliest few hours I will probably have this week!

Excellent dramatisation of a children's classic

This is a well put together dramatisation of a children's classic. I remember seeing the animated version of the Wind in the Willows as a child. Hearing this as an adult I cannot help but notice the outdated ideas in the story, especially about class in British society and also about women.

Perfection

Brilliant story brilliantly cast and all the characters/animals have personalities just like people we all know - so cleverly observed. Made me want to re read the original.

The Ultimate Dramatisation

What did you like most about The Wind in the Willows (Dramatised)?

I love this dramatisation of the wind in the willows it is the best i have heard of this classic story with a full cast and sound effects you wont find any better than this production.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters of the wind in the willows are my favourite but i do love toad as many will agree as he seems to be everyones favourite.

What does Dramatisation bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The cast members make this dramatisation come to life as does the sound effects i suppose its a complete package. The songs are great and its probably the best version of this classic tale.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have listened to this many times and i even bought the audio CD from amazon.

Any additional comments?

I will never get tired of listening to this dramatisation its just fantastic.

A classic

I remember this from childhood and wanted to download so my son could enjoy it as I did. He is a little young to follow the story but enjoys the narration and in time I know he will love it. The great thing is it's entertaining for adults to listen to and an absolute classic unlike some more modern audiobooks for children. 100% recommend, beautiful narration. Loved it.

Superb

Loved it! Intended to keep for my daily commute, but so enjoyable ended up listening in one sitting!

Will not download

Have heard it once now it says cannot connect to server - waste of cash