Craven Street: Ben Franklin in London

by Yuri Rasovsky (Producer)

Originally broadcast nationwide in 1993, this meticulously researched five-part historical drama is being published by Blackstone to commemorate Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday, January 2006. It reveals the multi-faceted, complex Franklin's little-known adventures in London before the Revolution. For fifteen years, he lived on Craven Street off the Thames, where he established a surrogate family, began his autobiography and became America's most famous citizen. As tensions heated up between the Mother Country and her colonies, Franklin became embroiled in intrigue, espionage and even a duel. The British government believed him "the head of all the rebels" and set out to have him hanged. He escaped only hours before arresting magistrates came banging on his Craven Street door. He was at sea sailing for home when "the shot heard 'round the world" rang out at Lexington.

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine writing, scrupulous historical accuracy, and wonderful acting; Elizabeth Montgomery in a peerless performance as the narrator; Sir Nigel Hawthorne as Lord Dartmouth, and Alan Young as Lord North are particular delights. George Grizzard is very good as usual as BF.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit difficult to understand, but great fun to witness the actual conversations in a classic ‘hoorspel’. Benjamin was willing to himself pay for the tea that was thrown into the Boston harbour to avoid the pains of war. In vain but still impressive to note

[Samantha]

fascinating recording featuring Elizabeth Montgomery and Robert Foxworth in a full cast with music.

[Eileen Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried to listen to this on an audio book and gave up because of annoying SFX. Will try again in print.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid voice acting and high production value aren't enough to inject life into this meticulously researched but uninspired look at Ben Franklin's London years.