BBC Radio 4 Extra

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn: Episode 9

Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn

Episode 9

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Russell Thorndike - Doctor Syn, Episode 9

The dragoons attempt to foil the swashbuckling smugglers' plan, but tragedy lies ahead.

The dragoons attempt to foil the swashbuckling smugglers' plan, but tragedy lies ahead. Read by Rufus Sewell.

The Dragoons attempt to foil the swashbuckling smugglers' plan - but tragedy lies ahead. Read by Rufus Sewell. 

Christopher Syn, a brilliant young scholar, is a Doctor of Divinity at Oxford, but his eventual decision to throw away the Bible for the sword in a mad quest for vengeance will influence the rest of his life. 

Russell Thorndike's 18th Century, Kent-based adventure features pirates, smuggling, highwaymen, duels, wicked squires and beautiful Spanish ladies. Based on the first two novels (published 1935 and 1936) in the seven-title sequence, 'Doctor Syn on the High Seas' and 'Doctor Syn Returns'. Abridged by Doreen Estall. 

Writer Russell Thorndike (1885-1972) is less well-known than his sister, the actress Dame Sybil Thorndike, but his Doctor Syn novels hold a special place in the affection of lovers of atmospheric, swashbuckling storytelling everywhere. His novels have been filmed with actors as diverse as George Arliss, Peter Cushing and Patrick McGoohan in the role of Syn, and the Kent village of Dymchurch holds an official 'Day of Syn' every other year, to commemorate a home-grown literary folk hero. 

Producer: Lawrence Jackson 

Made for BBC Radio 7 by BBC Northern Ireland 

First broadcast in 2006.

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Rufus Sewell reads the swashbuckling 18th-century pirate adventure.

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