REBECCA

Acorn Audio's "enhanced audiotrack" offers the original actors' voices, music and sound effects from the recent PBS dramatization -- with added narration to create a complete listening experience. The incomparable Diana Rigg (host of "Mystery") illuminates the sociopathic Mrs. Danvers, who smolders with rage at the appearance of a new mistress. Charles Dance, as Maxim, has two tough acts to follow -- Lord Laurence Olivier in the 1940 Alfred Hitchock film and Jeremy Brett in the first PBS production. Dance softens the character of de Winter, reducing the romantic, but now seemingly condescending, panache of his predecessors. This is an enjoyable production, but if you're unfamiliar, better to start with Recorded Books' 1988 production, as this new one neglects du Maurier's unforgettable opening, "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. . ." (Heresy.) E.K.D. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 99]