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Christmas Eve, 1914

By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones
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Summary

"Drawing from historic events and written especially for audio by two-time Emmy Award winner Charles Olivier, this stellar production transports the listener behind British lines on the Western Front during the first Christmas of WWI, when, of all things, German and English soldiers declared an unofficial truce to bury their dead, sing carols, and give thanks. The cast's excellent naturalistic acting and superb dialogue bring out the human side of a conflict in which the enemy lay entrenched only a few hundred yards away. Spot-on sound effects and motion-picture-style original music create sonic depth and atmosphere. Riveting, touching, and timeless, this production is destined to become a family favorite at Christmas for years to come. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2016." (AudioFile magazine)

Audie Award Finalist, Audio Drama, 2016

"Gentlemen, maybe war takes a holiday today."

This mesmerizing audio drama takes you to the dismal trenches of World War I. It is here, under the constant threat of exploding shells and artillery, that British and German soldiers live in deplorable conditions. Braving the merciless cold and crushing exhaustion and hunger, the men conduct patrols and fight, often to the death, to advance mere inches in the frozen No Man’s Land that lies between them.

But on Christmas Eve, the Western Front gives way to a miracle of grace, as soldiers from both sides emerge from their trenches to greet each other, share their meager rations, and bury the dead for an unofficial and temporary truce. Drawing upon the unforgettable true story of history’s most transcendent ceasefire, this Audible Original, a finalist for the 2016 Audie Award for Best Audio Drama, commemorates an astonishing moment of peace—and celebration of man’s capacity for kindness—in the midst of total war. A full cast performance of a heart-wrenching script written by Emmy Award-winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing), Christmas Eve, 1914 is the perfect reminder of how holiday hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. At the story’s end, listeners will also enjoy a performance of the classic carol, "Il Est Ne" by Tom Tom Club.

The ensemble cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.

©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.
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What listeners say about Christmas Eve, 1914

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Brilliant!

Definitely worth a listen. Fantastic drama, quite emotional. Really enjoyed from start to finish.

Great acting

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1 person found this helpful

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Beautiful Story

Very nice to listen to. Convincing narration. Wish all audios were as well done as this.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Emotional listen

A short listen about a moment in time, in history. The characters were well played and very much an on line play rather than just a listen.

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Hauntingly Beautiful

The narration and background sound make this performance amazing. The whole situation of Christmas on the frontline is horrifying… however the compassion and warmth in the ceasefire they decided on, was just so amazing.

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Amazing production

I expected an audio book but got a full production so well done. What a great surprise. Would love to hear more like that. Recommend to anyone to have a listen.

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very good if in hurry

good short book when u need a quick break from longer books and very historical with war life for men at Xmas

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Sad but a story well told

A wonderful tale but so tinged with sadness too. A real horror story - WW1. Bought as a DD

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Incredible

A very well written and narrated story while although partly fictional was incredibly moving.

Would happily pay for this so it being free feels like robbery but very glad it has been done.

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Rather Interesting

I’d heard about the ‘Christmas truce’ of 1914, but didn’t know much detail about it. Even whilst fighting in a war, the soldiers had some Christmas spirit. Amazing that this event occurred and they all put down their weapons and shared food and drink together.

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God Bless All Who Gave Their Lives & Their Limbs

A thoughtful tribute to all the men and women who have fought for their Country and their loved ones. To those living and those who's spirit shine on. Thank You ❤️ This little drama says it all. God bless.

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3 people found this helpful