The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Audiobook By J. R. R. Tolkien cover art

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Ian Holm, Bill Nighy, Michael Hordern, John Le Mesurier, Peter Woodthorpe, Robert Stephens, John McAndrew, David Collings, Douglas Livingstone, Richard O'Callaghan, Full Cast
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The evil Saruman has been defeated by Gandalf, but in Mordor the battle for the Ruling Ring continues. Wounded by the giant spider, Shelob, Frodo has been captured by the dreaded orcs. Sam, alone and in possession of the Ring, must rescue his master if their mission - to find the Cracks of Doom, and there destroy the Ring - is to continue. Meanwhile, the other Fellowship members are preparing for war against the armies of the Dark Lord, Sauron....

Widely regarded as a broadcasting classic, the BBC Radio dramatisation of 'The Lord of the Rings' stars Ian Holm, Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens, John Le Mesurier and Peter Woodthorpe.

©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios Classics Epic Fantasy

Featured Article: Galadriel—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


Galadriel is one of the most significant characters both in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy and the wide history of Middle-earth more generally. If you've listened to The Lord of the Rings or seen any of the film adaptations, then you're likely well aware of who Galadriel is. But what, exactly, makes her so important? What is her history? This character guide is here to answer all of your questions about the powerful Elf Galadriel, the Lady of Lórien.

Featured Article Galadriel A Lord of the Rings Character Guide
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Classic Tale • Vivid Oration • Outstanding Voice Acting • Stellar Performance • Fantastic Story • Brilliant Adaptation
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Tolkien fans need not fear a diminished experience in this stellar performance of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Suitable for all ages old enough to enjoy the books.

Actually does the original story honour! Full praise for this audiobook!

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Exceptional. A brilliant adaptation that remains remarkably true to the original texts while creating a vivid oration filled with action and suspense.

I also have this on a CD box set, which I prefer as it doesn't use the flashback narration. Hearing Frodo speaking from present day detracts from the story, I feel, as it reminds you how it all turns out in the end, negating the hard fought suspense and emotional buy-in the cast had only moments before, achieved.

There is also a bit too much exposition from time to time; burying the listener is painfully complex dialogue with terms in Elvish, Dwarvish and Orcish but never translated. While the texts did this as well, it doesn't translate as smoothly to an audio book as it does a manuscript.

Ian Holm is outstanding as Frodo and brings a maturity to the character that existed in the original texts, but I feel was lost in the (otherwise stellar) motion pictures.

Almost flawless - better than the films at times

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was very different. felt like it was rushed a bit but did explain some detail that the movie did not do. overall a good book.

it was good

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I simply could not stop. really enjoyed every moment of this story and it wanting more

so good

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This is the best version of the LotR out there. Wonderful adaptation, excellent acting, everything works. All dramatizations should strive for this level of quality!

Love that there are no breaks in this version!

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What did you love best about The Lord Of The Rings?

When it comes to radio plays the BBC really knows what it's doing. Originally a thirteen episode dramatization from the 60's l believe with some extra dialogue to bring it up to date with Jackson's epic movies there's nothing to say other than "Wow!" I would happily recommend this to everyone l know and even to those l don't know.

Return of the King

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Well presented and an interesting listen, but hard to follow for anyone who doesn't already know the story.

Good

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I really enjoyed this production,
It shed so much light on the story,

And the performances were terrific…

Absolutely Great!!

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This is quite possibly the greatest story ever told. This should be required reading for every single person on the planet.

Simply Epic

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This is the best way to get the story apart from actually reading it.

The best dramatization.

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