American History Tellers: Episode Summary – History Daily: The Loch Ness Photograph

Hosted by Lindsay Graham on Wondery

1. Audie Mackay’s First Sighting (00:08)

The episode opens on April 14, 1933, in the serene Scottish Highlands near Inverness. Lindsay Graham narrates the tense moment when Audie Mackay witnesses a mysterious creature emerging from Loch Ness:

Audie Mackay (00:08): "Audie cries for her husband to stop the car. As the car screeches to a halt, Audie shouts for him to look at the lake and with a shaking hand, she points to a shape rising out of the lake's depths."

This encounter, characterized by waves "big enough to have been caused by a steamship," ignites Audie's decision to publish her experience in the Inverness Courier. Her account sparks widespread curiosity and sets the stage for the enduring legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

2. George Spicer’s Sighting and Public Frenzy (02:44 - 08:35)

Three months later, on July 22, 1933, George Spicer experiences his own unsettling sighting while driving near Loch Ness. Lindsay Graham recounts:

George Spicer (04:00): [Descriptive narrative of the sighting]

George's report, published on August 4, 1933, describes a "prehistoric abomination with a three-arched neck and a body four feet high." His detailed account amplifies public interest, leading to a surge of sightseers, media coverage, and even a reward from a circus eager to capture the beast. However, despite the influx of enthusiasts, concrete evidence remains elusive, with most sightings dismissed as hoaxes or optical illusions.

3. Marmaduke Wetherill’s Footprint Hoax (08:35 - 14:27)

By December 1933, Marmaduke Wetherill, an actor and big game hunter commissioned by the Daily Mail, seeks to provide undeniable evidence of the monster's existence. Lindsay Graham describes Wetherill’s investigatory efforts:

Lindsay Graham (08:35): [Narration of Wetherill’s search]

Wetherill discovers unusual footprints, which he confidently presents to the Daily Mail as proof of the Loch Ness Monster. The newspaper endorses his findings, but when the casts are analyzed by the Natural History Museum, they reveal the footprints belong to a hippopotamus. This revelation devastates Wetherill, leading to public ridicule and casting doubt on subsequent Loch Ness investigations. The episode highlights the fragile nature of reputation and the profound impact of misinformation.

4. The Surgeon’s Photograph and Its Enduring Controversy (02:44 - 15:55)

On April 21, 1934, the Daily Mail publishes what is hailed as irrefutable evidence: a photograph taken by Dr. Robert Wilson, a respected London surgeon. Lindsay Graham outlines the significance of this photograph:

Lindsay Graham (10:10): "The photo came to the Daily Mail from Dr. Robert Wilson, a highly respected London surgeon. Wilson claimed to have been driving along the northern shore of Loch Ness when he spotted something moving in the water."

This image, depicting a long, serpentine neck emerging from the lake, fuels theories that the creature might be a plesiosaur—a prehistoric marine reptile. The photograph becomes iconic, sustaining the monster's legend for decades. However, skepticism remains due to past hoaxes like Wetherill’s, ensuring that the debate over Loch Ness's elusive inhabitant continues.

5. Alistair Boyd’s Investigation and Revelation (15:55 - End)

Nearly six decades later, in 1993, Alistair Boyd, a retired art teacher and Loch Ness enthusiast, uncovers a pivotal piece of evidence questioning the authenticity of the surgeon’s photograph. Lindsay Graham details Boyd’s journey:

Alistair Boyd (15:55): [Reading Ian Wetherill’s claims]

Boyd discovers a 1975 interview with Ian Wetherill, Marmaduke's son, who admits that the famous photograph was part of an elaborate hoax designed to avenge his father’s ruined reputation. Boyd's investigation leads him to Christian Sperling, Ian's stepbrother, who confirms the fabrication involving a toy submarine and manipulated photography. Additionally, a family heirloom—a hippo foot ashtray—further corroborates the deceit.

Boyd's findings challenge the longstanding belief in the Loch Ness Monster, revealing the extent of media manipulation and personal vendettas that have shaped public perception. Despite this revelation, the episode underscores that the legend of Loch Ness remains resilient, captivating audiences and adventurous souls alike.

Conclusion

"History Daily: The Loch Ness Photograph" intricately weaves the narrative of sightings, hoaxes, and enduring myths surrounding Loch Ness. Through detailed storytelling and compelling quotes, Lindsay Graham elucidates how historical events and personal ambitions intertwine to create one of America's most enduring legends. The episode not only explores the specific case of the surgeon’s photograph but also delves into the broader implications of belief, evidence, and the human fascination with the unknown.

For more captivating historical narratives, listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or your preferred podcast platform.