NBC Theater productions are a series of radio programs of "The World's Great Novels" that aired in the 1940s. The programs drew upon classic works of fiction, from which excerpts were taken and acted out by a small cast of a few radio actors.

This particular production is a one hour version of Sinclair Lewis' famous novel "Main Street". It consists dialogue between the two main characters -- Dr. Will Kennicott and his wife Carol. It traces the two characters' history, from Will's wooing of Carol, to their move to Gopher Prairie, to their break-up, and their reconciliation. Thus it gives a flavor of the novel's themes, including the stultifying atmosphere of the small midwestern town where they make their home..

Unfortunately, quality of the production is often poor. The dialogue is muffled and sometimes hard to interpret. Excerpts of dialogue are interspersed with orchestral studio music that is rendered much too loud. As a result, the listener must keep one hand near the volume; if turned up loud enough to hear the dialogue, the periodic intrusions of music are ear-splitting.

As for content, having read "Main Street" twice over the years, I enjoyed becoming reacquainted. Given the time frame in which the novel, I was surprised to find elements of feminism involved (as Carol rails against the limited family-based roles open to women). I also was amused at my reaction to Will Kennicott, who came across to me as utterly boring and conventional; no doubt this is consistent with what Lewis intended. My strongly negative reaction to him as a character came from hearing his words spoken, as opposed to reading them on a page.

I doubt that this work will speak to modern readers, and cannot recommend the recording as a way to appreciate it. Nevertheless, I don't regret the hour of commuting time that I spent with the performance. ( )