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Sister Carrie
- Author
- Theodore Dreiser
- Publisher
- BBC Audio
- Publish Date
- 5 June 2025
- Run Time
- 3 hours 27 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
The gripping story of a young woman’s rise to fame and fortune at the end of the 19th century
Acclaimed as ‘the greatest of all American urban novels’, Theodore Dreiser’s tale of a naive small-town girl determined to make it in the big city sparked considerable controversy on its first publication in 1900. Censured at the time for its perceived immorality, it is now considered a modern classic and one of the most significant works of American naturalism.
Adapted for radio by award-winning dramatist Steve Chambers, it follows 18-year-old Carrie as she travels to Chicago to start a new life, only to find her idealistic dreams crushed by grim reality. Destiny takes over when her fresh prettiness attracts the attention of smooth-talking salesman Charlie Drouet. Carrie’s desire for the good life overcomes her misgivings about living in sin, and she allows herself to be seduced by him.
But then she meets George Hurstwood, a wealthy older man who becomes obsessed by her. Enthralled by his sophistication, she embarks on an affair with him, unaware that he is already married. The stage is set for disaster – but it is not Carrie who will be ruined...
Starring Eve Best as Carrie, with John Guerrasio as Drouet, Liam Cunningham as Hurstwood and Russell Dixon as Theodore Dreiser, this compelling drama paints a fascinating portrait of the glamour and grittiness of 1890s America, and the dark side of the American dream.
Cast and credits
Written by Theodore Dreiser
Dramatised by Steve Chambers
Directed by Polly Thomas
Dreiser – Russell Dixon
Carrie – Eve Best
Charlie Drouet/Ames/Policeman – John Guerrasio
Minnie/Julia/Mrs Vance/Mrs Oeslagge – Kate Harper
Hurstwood – Liam Cunningham
Beth/Jessica/Pearl/Maid/Lola – Alison Darling
Other parts played by members of the company
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-24 Mar 2000
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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Details
- Author
- Theodore Dreiser
- Narrator
- Eve Best, Russell Dixon, Full Cast
- Duration
- 3 hours 27 minutes
- Release Date
- 5 June 2025
- ISBN
- 9781529957228
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- BBC Audio
- Genre
- Classic fiction: general and literary, Narrative theme: Coming of age, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Narrative theme: Sense of place
Synopsis
The gripping story of a young woman’s rise to fame and fortune at the end of the 19th centuryAcclaimed as ‘the greatest of all American urban novels’, Theodore Dreiser’s tale of a naive small-town girl determined to make it in the big city sparked considerable controversy on its first publication in 1900. Censured at the time for its perceived immorality, it is now considered a modern classic and one of the most significant works of American naturalism.Adapted for radio by award-winning dramatist Steve Chambers, it follows 18-year-old Carrie as she travels to Chicago to start a new life, only to find her idealistic dreams crushed by grim reality. Destiny takes over when her fresh prettiness attracts the attention of smooth-talking salesman Charlie Drouet. Carrie’s desire for the good life overcomes her misgivings about living in sin, and she allows herself to be seduced by him.But then she meets George Hurstwood, a wealthy older man who becomes obsessed by her. Enthralled by his sophistication, she embarks on an affair with him, unaware that he is already married. The stage is set for disaster – but it is not Carrie who will be ruined...Starring Eve Best as Carrie, with John Guerrasio as Drouet, Liam Cunningham as Hurstwood and Russell Dixon as Theodore Dreiser, this compelling drama paints a fascinating portrait of the glamour and grittiness of 1890s America, and the dark side of the American dream.Cast and creditsWritten by Theodore DreiserDramatised by Steve ChambersDirected by Polly ThomasDreiser – Russell DixonCarrie – Eve BestCharlie Drouet/Ames/Policeman – John GuerrasioMinnie/Julia/Mrs Vance/Mrs Oeslagge – Kate HarperHurstwood – Liam CunninghamBeth/Jessica/Pearl/Maid/Lola – Alison DarlingOther parts played by members of the companyFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-24 Mar 2000© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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