McTeague (corrected) - Frank Norris

Written by Frank Norris
Read by Stacy Keach, others
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: L.A. Theatre Works
Release date: September 1, 2001
Duration: 11:27:30

Few works have captured the seamy side of American urban life with such graphic immediacy as Frank Norris’s McTeague. Heredity and environment play the role of fate in this portrayal of human degradation in turn-of-the-century San Francisco.

1899—
McTeague, a strong but stupid dentist, marries Trina, introduced to him by her cousin Marcus Schouler. When Trina wins $5,000 in a lottery and increases the sum by shrewd investment, Schouler, who had wanted to marry Trina feels cheated. In revenge, he exposes McTeague’s lack of diploma or license.

Forbidden to practice, McTeague becomes mean and surly, but the miserly Trina refuses to let him use her money, and they sink into poverty. What follows is a descent into the ultimate crime - murder - and life as a fugitive, in a tale that moves toward its harrowing conclusion with the grim power and inevitability of classic tragedy.

Publishers Weekly –“The classic novel by Frank Norris is revisited in this 1989 recording by an immensely talented and well-directed group of actors. Set in 1899 San Francisco, Norris’s story relates the life and times of a dentist, played wonderfully by Stacy Keach, and his wife, Trina (Carol Kane). With a celebrity cast of nearly 40 players that features superior performances from, among others, Helen Hunt, Ed Asner, Marsha Mason, Teri Garr and Hector Elizondo, the production is flawless and captivating. With music and realistic sound effects, director Gordon Hunt takes full advantage of the performing weapons at his disposal. Notable standouts include Joe Spano, who plays Trina’s jealous cousin, Katherine Helmond as Miss Baker and Bud Cort portraying an array of secondary characters.”

AudioFile–
“The refined nature of the story at the start of this production is a far cry from the tale of greed and revenge it becomes at the end. This LATW audio presentation is over fifteen years old and shows its age with the constant restating of the title in the oddest places, along with the use of too many harsh musical chords. However, the story of a dentist and his wife in 1899 San Francisco remains compelling… The characterizations are solid, and the accents convincing. As with any good melodrama, once you begin listening, you won’t be able to stop.”

As for the harsh cords and constantly restating of the title—I edited in Audacity. The “title in the oddest place” is now at the start of the part, harsh corded removed and cast for each part removed to tighten up the narrative..

Previously released on audiocassette, 1990.
A radio adaptation of the novel McTeague by Frank Norris was originally broadcast on the radio station KCRW in Santa Monica, California