A recent conversation got me thinking on The Day of the Triffids, John Wyndham's most famous novel and the archetypal "cozy catastrophe" tale. It tells of a world-wide event that leaves most of humanity blind and vulnerable to the predatations of a carnivorous, mobile breed of plant life. Wyndham's protagonists not only have to fight off killer weeds and rapacious humans, they also take it upon themselves to restore civilization as best they can.
The novel was famously adapted as a film in 1962 and as a BBC television serial in the early 80's; while the movie seems to linger in DVD limbo, there are Region 1 and 2 releases of the tv series, which is miles better than the film and well worth a rental at least. Following on the success of their Doctor Who and Survivors revivials, the BBC has announced a new adaptation of Triffids for screening in 2009.
Triffids was also produced several times for BBC radio. I have copies of the 2001 version and what is purported to be a 1960 version according to my sources. However, Wikipedia does not list a 1960 radio production in its entry for the novel. The cast listing does not match that given for the 1968 version (though it appears Giles Cooper may have directed both), so perhaps what I have is a repeat of the 1957 series. Who knows. Adding to my confusion is the certainty that I've owned and listened to a third BBC version, most likely the '68 adaptation, but lost it during a hard drive crash some years back.
Of the two radio serials I'm sharing here, I prefer the 1960 version. It does a better job of capturing the feel of Wyndham's novel, stodginess and all, and is much more successful at setting up the triffids as a threat. The 2001 series does have a few modern flourishes, but it relies so heavily on narration that it's almost an audiobook. Still, they are free, so download them both and decide for yourself.
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