Corsican Brothers

The Corsican Brothers (from Corsica-Paris) by Alexandre Dumas.
Dramatization of the novel

A story of the early 1840's in which two Corsican twins, one introspective, the other combative, are ruled by a centuries-old vendetta. They are unaware of each other, but are drawn inextricably into familial duty, with its blood ties and vendetta-based webs of treachery.

In one English edition of 1844, the translator says in a preface: "The story of "The Corsican Brothers" is written in an easy, sketchy style, presenting on the one side an interesting picture of the habits, prejudices and superstitions of the Corsicans, and particularly of the "Vendetta," or war of vengeance, carried on between families and connections, sometimes for several generations, while, on the other, it gives a lively outline of the effects of Parisian life upon a sensitive and unsophisticated nature. "

This English radio adaptation is a complete and complex saga nearly12 hours in length. It was written for radio by Eric Scott and directed and produced by George Edward (who also produced Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Afloat with Henry Morgan, Frankenstein,and Son of Porthos.). It has excellent production values, and certainly creates a complete world, indeed, two worlds, to engage the imagination of those who appreciate historical literature retold as classic radio drama.

Other shows of this type are The Scarlet Pimpernel.