La Bete Humaine

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Emile Zola - La Bete Humaine: 1. The Voice Inside

1. The Voice Inside

Emile Zola - La Bete Humaine

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Emile Zola - La Bete Humaine, 1. The Voice Inside

Engine driver Jacques Lantier loves his steam train, but can't trust himself with a woman.

4 Extra Debut. Jacques Lantier runs from a woman in case he harms her - then witnesses a crime in a train carriage. Stars Michael Maloney.

"Every time I went by, a cold shiver passed through me: I somehow knew this house was.... waiting - for me."

Jacques Lantier is a steam engine driver in Northern France and "the human beast" of the title.   

He has inherited a madness which means he cannot trust himself to get involved with any woman because an impulse to murder her will take over.  

Roubard always works for the railway company and is married to Séverine.  It transpires that she was seduced by her wealthy guardian and Roubard out for revenge...

Emile Zola's classic thriller, first published in 1890.

Starring Michael Maloney, Martin Head and Imogen Stubbs.

Dramatised in three parts by Sally Hedges.  

Jacques .... Michael Maloney
Roubaud .... Martin Head
Séverine.... Imogen Stubbs
Henri Dauvergne .... Andy Hockley
Flore .... Rebecca Wright
Aunt Phasie .... Sheila Kelley
Misard .... Jonathan Wyatt
Moulin .... Patric Turner
Pecqueux .... Peter Meakin
Philomene .... Vikki Chambers
Dabadie .... Laurence Rew
Cauche .... Gerry Hinks

Music composed by Barrington Pheloung

Director: Nigel Bryant

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1993

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Drama: Thriller

Emile Zola's classic thriller starring Michael Maloney and Imogen Stubbs.

Emile Zola's classic thriller starring Michael Maloney, Martin Head and Imogen Stubbs.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Emile Zola - La Bete Humaine

1. The Voice Inside

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra