As the leaves have donned their truest hues and the winds begin to carry chills, we know that one of the heartiest and happiest time of the year is approaching: Christmas! Christmas (and the holiday season in general) means malls will be packed with eager shoppers, tinsel and lights will brighten homes, and age-old stories will be shared around the fireplace. While we each may have our own traditions during this time of year, many Canadians have gathered since 1979 with their families to tune into CBC Radio and the annual retelling of The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth.
Narrated by the late “Fireside” Al Maitland, the special has aired almost every Christmas Eve and tells the story of a pilot who finds himself stuck in the middle of fog with failing equipment. Feeling all hope lost, the pilot finds himself saved by another plane sent to retrieve him and guide him home. While the story itself isn’t overtly “Christmas” in the commercial sense, it does hold on to the values that we often associate with the holiday. Themes of hope and miracles play a huge role in how the story pans out – and that’s really what the holidays are all about, aren’t they?
You might be thinking – okay, sounds like a hallmark movie, why should I listen? Well to be honest I didn’t think I would like to listen to a radio broadcast of a story either, but it was the captivating narration of “Fireside” Al Maitland that sealed the deal. There’s just this strange yet comforting command in his voice that farms your soul. I guess the nickname “Fireside” fits well because that’s exactly what you picture when you listen. You grab a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, and then you close your eyes. You feel the warmth radiate from Maitland’s voice, carrying over from the radio and crackling in front of you as he guides you through the story. Maitland’s masterful storytelling is further enhanced by the characterization he gives each character, so all who listen are fully immersed.
As someone who loves the holidays and a good story, I encourage you all to give The Shepherd a listen. If not for the story itself, then definitely for Maitland’s narration. I hope you all stay warm and safe this holiday season!
You can listen to “Fireside” Al Maitland’s reading of The Shepherd here!