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Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair (Dramatised)

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Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair (Dramatised)

By: Francis Durbridge
Narrated by: Peter Coke, Full Cast
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About this listen

 From 1938 to 1969 the fictional crime novelist and detective Paul Temple, together with his Fleet Street journalist wife Steve, solved case after case in one of BBC radio's most popular series.

They inhabited a sophisticated world of chilled cocktails and fast cars, where the women were chic and the men wore cravats, a world where Sir Graham Forbes, of Scotland Yard, usually needed Paul's help with his latest tricky case.

In this adventure, Paul Temple is called in to investigate the disappearance of the Desmond baby, and the 'Sitter-In' Miss Millicent. When they visit Mary Desmond she is, understandably, very upset, it's already been a week since her eighteenth-month-old daughter vanished. The only clue is a telephone message left in Miss Millicent's handwriting: 'A Mr. Vandyke telephoned, he left no message'.

However, no one knows who this mysterious Mr Vandyke is.

This download edition also includes the BBC Radio 4 programme The Radio Detectives: 'Send for Paul Temple', an affectionate look at the indomitable husband and wife team, Paul and Steve Temple. It features an exclusive interview with the definitive Paul Temple, Peter Coke, and rediscovered vintage recordings.

©2005 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2005 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Audio Performances & Dramatisations Crime Fiction Dramatisations Mystery

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All stars
Most relevant  
well worth a listen. fabulous to listen to old radio drama with cliff hangers left in plus music. just how it used to be as you tuned in each week for next episode bravo audible

excellent listen

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This audio book is a radio dramatization of a Paul Temple detective series of the 1950’s. It captures an era where crime stories were rather less brutal than today, perhaps in similar manner to Agatha Christie, although there are plenty of deaths.

The plot is complex, maybe overly so, and I do not think it is as well-crafted as a Christie novel. The main protagonists, Paul and his wife Steve, are well off and their lifestyle epitomizes the values of the time: expensive holidays, fast cars, glamourous clothes, cocktails, a servant to answer the door, make the tea, run a bath.

What you get when you buy this book is a chance to listen to an actual radio play of the 1950’s. In the twenty-first century it stretches the suspension of disbelief to the limit, but perhaps no more than going to an actual play in a theatre. However, what it lacks in verisimilitude, it makes up for in charm. The characters are charming and their diction and delivery of the lines is impeccable. The sound effects are bold ‘cliché’s’ that add greatly to the atmosphere. This is a glimpse into bygone gentler days, where the strongest expletive you will hear is “…by Timothy!”.

You will either love this or hate it, so listen to an excerpt before purchasing.
A final bonus, if you are a fan of this radio series, is an extra documentary programme that is tagged onto the end of the story that gives insights into the making of the programme from those involved at the time.

Personally, I really enjoyed this and will be buying more examples of Paul Temple radio drama’s.

A classic UK radio detective series

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Would you listen to Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair (Dramatised) again? Why?

Absolutely; the story, execution and acting are excellent, as is the sound quality

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paul Temple and the Vandyke Affair (Dramatised)?

The denouement and expose of the master villain

What about Peter Coke and Full Cast ’s performance did you like?

The quality of the production, the acting, the story and plot

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

'More than a sleuth... Private Eye #1'

Any additional comments?

They're very much of their time and era, but they're excellent entertainment!

The Very Best of the Temple Radio Dramas

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Paul Temple & his wife Steve are one of the best husband & wife teams of the 1950's & 60's classic detective stories full of whit & endless charm. Perfect for a cold lazy Sunday when you have over 3 to relax as they stalk blackmailers, robbers, murderer's. Pure joy & escapism. Full cast, excellent productions & sound tracks. I bought the full collection & have hour upon hour of listening fun. ❤️Love it.

❤️FANTASTIC NOSTALGIC CLASSICS

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Another classic Paul Temple tale. Impossible to turn off or put down, you'll not be disappointed - buy it!

Classic Paul Temple

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love the Paul temple books best way to relax on a winter day at home

dramatised

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I can listen to these over and over - then, if I do miss something I know what happens anyway! I listen to them when I'm sewing....

Love these books!

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Good story spoilt by the music and announcements at the beginning and the end of each "scene". And the last part of the previous one is repeated at the beginning of each one. I really think the information about the audio performance should state that it includes the above information. It is not very relaxing to have loud music and announcements about all the actors etc breaking up the story. I realise it was originally a radio series but it is not difficult to cut those bits out so the story is not constantly interrupted.

Good story spoilt

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