
20th Century Vampire 1993-xx-xx Episode 1 Eloise Her Boyfriend and Her Tutor
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Lucretia
Twentieth Century Vampire by Joe Turner. I love the dark and bitter taste of a 21st birthday party. Up here in my tower, high above the city I watch over our birthday girl.
Eloise
Bye, Lucretia.
Lucretia
Good night, Eloise. There she goes, a leather clad vampire riding into the night with her boyfriend Wayne strapped to her back. The first time is always special. Ancient honor and duty demands that I teach Eloise the language and law of vampirism. From now on, she must dress in the finest capes of black velvet, sleep in a silk lined coffin wrapped in a swirling mist, and give up her job in the Co Op. This checkout girl is now a vampire.
Eloise
I'm starving. So hungry. So hungry. Shut up. Eager or you wait. Mom. Now what's she got in the fridge for a midnight snack? Aha. Mmm. Very tasty.
Eve
Hello, Eve. Mum, what are you doing? It's after midnight.
Eloise
I'm just having a snack.
Eve
That joint was meant for the Sunday roast.
Eloise
No, I was a bit peckish.
Eve
If you'd waited till tomorrow, I'd have cooked it for you.
Eloise
It's fine raw.
Eve
So the baby vegetarian thing was just a phase?
Eloise
I suppose so.
Eve
Is Igor all right? You won't eat the dog, will you, love? He's a great comfort to me.
Eloise
Don't be daft, Mum.
Eve
Why do you always look so sad, Eloise?
Eloise
I was born under a black cloud, Mum.
Eve
Yes, I know, and the nuclear oracle's just round the corner. But you do seem a bit more cheerful these days.
Eloise
I'm just a tiny speck of dust in the vortex of despair and alienation. Perhaps if you had a boyfriend.
Eve
What about that Wayne at the Co Op?
Eloise
Don't fuss, Mum.
Eve
Well, eat up your snack. You could do with a good meal to put some colour in your cheeks.
Eloise
Okay.
Eve
Oh, and wipe that blood off your chin. It is nice to have you home for the weekend. Good night, dear. Don't have nightmares.
Eloise
Good night, Mum.
Eve
Oh, Eloise.
Eloise
Yeah?
Eve
Cheer up, love. It might never happen.
Eloise
I hate it when she says that. Anything else to snack on? Black pudding. Perfect. I must keep running, catcher. You're not catching me, you pogs ridden peasants.
Eve
Another piece of Battenberg, Lucretia?
Lucretia
I'd love to sink my teeth into that team, Mum.
Eve
Lovely.
Lucretia
Tell me tales of your life. Lovely Louise.
Eloise
Not much to tell. I'm still a checkout girl in that stagnant pond of despair they call a Co Op.
Lucretia
See, you're right. She's positively chirpy compared to last year.
Eve
Your Auntie Lucretia's brought you a present.
Eloise
It's not My birthday till Friday.
Lucretia
Never mind. Open it.
Auntie Lucretia
Now.
Eloise
A toothbrush.
Lucretia
You look after your teeth and your teeth will look after you. Open wide. Show Auntie Lucretia. Sharp as razors. Coming along nicely. Oh, precious. Little Eager has sniffed me out. Let him in, Eloise.
Eve
I don't know about little. He's an Irish wolfhound.
Eloise
Are you sure?
Lucretia
Oh, he wants to see his Auntie Lucretia. He loves to chew on Lucretia's arm, doesn't he? He loves his Auntie Lucretia.
Eve
Lucretia. Be careful, he's biting you.
Lucretia
But Auntie Lucretia bites. Berg doesn't sing, Lucretia. Oh, don't fuss. I only give him a little nip. Now stand up, Eloise. Let me have a good look at you.
Eloise
Feast your eyes. I'm not long for this world.
Lucretia
You look more and more adorable every year. Your thick dark hair and pale complexion.
Eve
That's makeup.
Eloise
I'm not wearing makeup.
Lucretia
Those dark green eyes and ruby red lips.
Eve
That's a nice dress, dear. It's a lovely shade of. What is that colour?
Eloise
Black?
Eve
Yes, but it's quite a cheerful black, isn't it?
Lucretia
When I was a girl, the men folk of our village would wee to see my beauty and sacrifice small animals to honor my name.
Eloise
When was this?
Lucretia
The good old days, back in the old country. Oh well, the butterbeck was delicious as always. But it's time to go.
Eve
I think I'll get your cake.
Eloise
But you've only just got here.
Lucretia
Eloise. I'd like you to visit me on your birthday just before midnight. Here is my card.
Eloise
Keep it safe.
Eve
See you next year, little creature.
Lucretia
Toodle doo.
Eloise
Bye, Mum. Who is that woman?
Eve
I don't know, love, but she never forgets your birthday.
Eloise
I must keep running.
Wayne
Catch her. Shut it off.
Eloise
You're not catching me, you pog ridden peasants.
Debbie
Stop struggling, girl. We got you now.
Eloise
Let me go.
Wayne
An evil witch girl. And we're gonna burn you in this dark forest. Hey, ugly crone. Stop chewing that. Turn and light a fire.
Debbie
She's a dirty devil bitch for sure. Let me jab her in the face with my flaming tart.
Eloise
Eat my spit, you black toothed old troll.
Debbie
Ah, the witch's spittle is burning me face. Destroying me beauty.
Eloise
You ain't got no beauty.
Wayne
That's why we call you ugly crone.
Eloise
No need to stump me.
Debbie
The witch's spit and has given me a spirit strange new beauty previously unknown to humankind. From henceforth I shall be known as you Ipple Crow.
Wayne
Very well, beautiful crow. What should we do with a witch?
Debbie
Simple village folk. What say you burn the witch?
Eloise
Yeah, burn the witch.
Wayne
Burn the witch.
Eloise
You don't understand.
Wayne
Don't she look like a tragic gothic heroine of noble birth?
Eloise
Actually, I'm a checkout girl at the co op.
Debbie
I'm gonna burn in hell for your evil deeds. Let me go.
Eloise
Oh, God. I ate. Monday mornings.
Debbie
Wakey, wakey, clapmate. Rise and shine.
Eloise
Sod off. Come on. Curtains open.
Debbie
Sun's out and the birds are singing.
Eloise
And the bottomless pit of despair beckons. Another suicide.
Debbie
It's not a nice way to describe a small supermarket.
Eloise
Go away. I ate. Ya.
Debbie
I've brought you a mug of tea. How was the weekend at your mum's?
Eloise
Plagued by nightmares and midnight snacks.
Debbie
I had a nice time too, thank you for asking.
Eloise
How was your weekend?
Debbie
I went pony trekking and saw 12 butterflies.
Eloise
I have a vision. The four pony trekkers of the Apocalypse with a cloud of black and angry butterflies swarming above their grotesquely misshapen heads.
Debbie
That reminds me, are you going to.
Eloise
Go out with Wayne? Why? Are you trying to pair me off with a man whose name only springs into your mind when I mention grotesquely misshapen heads?
Debbie
Correct me if I'm wrong, Eloise, but you have no friends and everyone who knows you hates you.
Eloise
Are you suggesting there's something wrong with that?
Debbie
It's very nice of you to give me a lift to work on your moped.
Eloise
It's not a mooreped, it's a 1972 Triumph Bonneville.
Debbie
You won't go fast, will you?
Eloise
Of course not. Jot on bunny wheelie, chop chop.
Mr. Jenkins
Wayne, It's Monday morning and there are hundreds of super safe bargains for the happy shopper.
Wayne
Permission to speak, Mr. Jenkins?
Mr. Jenkins
Go ahead, Wayne.
Wayne
Can we speak man to man?
Mr. Jenkins
We can try our best.
Wayne
I was just wondering whether there was any news on my request for promotion to the meat counter. It's just I really think an upwards career move could greatly enhance the fledgling romance I'm nurturing right now.
Mr. Jenkins
I don't approve of romance, Wayne. Get on with packing those cardboard boxes.
Wayne
Oh, but me heart is pining with desire for the lovely eloise.
Mr. Jenkins
Wayne.
Wayne
Yes, Mr. Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins
Boxers.
Wayne
Right. Oh, Mr. Jenkins.
Debbie
Morning, Mr. Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins
You look a bit windswept, Debbie.
Debbie
More like a Force 10 gale, Mr. Jenkins.
Mr. Jenkins
Biscuits, snacks and savory nibbles. Aisle seven, please, Debbie. Nice weekend, Eloise?
Eloise
No good.
Mr. Jenkins
I take it you're to blame for the love sick, Wayne.
Eloise
I just keep me head down and try to survive in this bleak veil of nothingness.
Mr. Jenkins
And I shall try to make your life here as miserable as possible.
Eloise
Thank you.
Mr. Jenkins
Now, while I try to devise some impossible task that will cause you everlasting pain, could you fill in until 5?
Eloise
If I must.
Mr. Jenkins
Oh, Eloise.
Eloise
What? Cheer up.
Mr. Jenkins
It might never happen.
Eloise
Biscuits, baked beans, bread, bacon, broccoli, butter.
Villager
Blasphemy, devil worship, wishcraft and French kissing the brioche priest.
Eloise
I don't know what you're talking about. I'm. Why am I strapped to this chair?
Villager
You stand accused of any crime.
Eloise
Will you stop dribbling on me?
Villager
The villagers are testify against you.
Eloise
Well, don't trust them, they're peasants.
Villager
No, I want to come. A fool who had to speak on your behalf.
Eloise
That's because everyone hates me. Except Debbie. And she wouldn't be seen dead in this dungeon Corner fest.
Villager
Now any place in heaven is yours.
Eloise
Has this got anything to do with me not having a boyfriend? I'll go out with Wayne if you like.
Villager
Fix your eyes on our delightful torture equipment.
Eloise
First.
Villager
We have the rack. Another quarter turn for the sheep molestur and then they'll redeem hot book hair. Change the landscape, I dare the meaning of divine retribution. I am going to enjoy your pain.
Eloise
Not necessarily, slobber chops. I know this is just a dream. I'll wake up in a minute and you'll be history.
Eve
Excuse me, miss.
Villager
You're not fun, Miss.
Eve
Excuse me.
Villager
Get the karate machine now.
Eve
Excuse me, miss.
Eloise
Oh, sorry. I was miles away. Somewhere nice, a rat infested torture chamber.
Eve
I was just wondering, is this tin of tuna dolphin friendly?
Eloise
No, it hates dolphins and goes seal calling at the weekends.
Eve
Really?
Debbie
Eloise. Eloise, have heard the news?
Eloise
What news?
Debbie
Wayne's been promoted to the meat counter.
Eloise
Hello?
Mr. Jenkins
Hello. Chat alert. I can hear chatting.
Debbie
Oh, Mr. Jenkins, I didn't see you Exactly.
Eloise
It's just one of your many mystical psychic powers, isn't it, Mr. Jenkins?
Mr. Jenkins
We'll have no talk of supernatural in my supermarket, thank you.
Debbie
I'd better get back to stacking those shelves.
Mr. Jenkins
Eloise.
Eloise
Yes, Mr. Jenkins?
Mr. Jenkins
About your clothes.
Eloise
What about me clothes?
Mr. Jenkins
Do you have to wear so much black?
Eloise
It's my response to a decaying world.
Mr. Jenkins
It's depressing the customers. A lot of them are on drugs as it is. We don't want to tip them over the edge.
Eloise
Pass me the beetroot.
Debbie
Are you sure you don't want me to cook?
Eloise
No. Give that a stir. Now, just a dash of sauce. Taste that.
Debbie
Oh, it's horrible.
Eloise
Yeah, but it's a lovely colour.
Debbie
I Don't think brown's a lovely colour.
Eloise
What do you dream about, Debbie?
Debbie
Actually, I have a recurring dream. I'm at the village gymkhana, riding a chestnut pony with yellow ribbons braided in his mane and I float over all the jumps and win the gold medal.
Eloise
The same dream every time? No.
Debbie
Sometimes we fall at the first jump and the pony splits open and his guts slop out and a swarm of killer bees burst out of his innards and start attacking me face.
Eloise
Get off.
Wayne
Get off.
Eloise
How often do you get that?
Debbie
Only if I eat cheese. Tell me your dreams, Eloise.
Eloise
I keep having the same too. In the first one, I'm chased through a forest by a mad lynch mob who catch me, tie me up and burn me at the stake.
Debbie
What about the other one?
Eloise
I'm in a dungeon, strapped in a chair with a bloated cardinal interrogating me.
Debbie
How does that one end?
Eloise
They go up me.
Debbie
No ponies.
Eloise
Then why do I share a flat with you, Debbie?
Debbie
D' you know, don't you think that Wayne looks smart in his new butcher's apron?
Eloise
Very nice.
Debbie
He's feeling a lot more confident since his promotion. I think he might ask you out tomorrow.
Eloise
Do you need the bathroom?
Debbie
No.
Eloise
Why? It's dark. I'm going to lie in a bath of cold water for a couple of hours.
Debbie
I sense romance in the air.
Eloise
Hello?
Auntie Lucretia
Oh, Eloise, darling. A thought has just entered my head, in case you were wondering. The nearest blood donor center is in Westgate street, opposite Marks and Spencer. Have a nice day.
Eloise
I'm getting worse at mornings.
Wayne
Hello, Eloise, it's me.
Eloise
Hello, Wayne.
Wayne
May I speak to you?
Eloise
Difficult to say, Wayne. If I don't finish pricing these kinds of alphabetti spaghetti, my will to live may finally expire.
Wayne
You feeling a bit poorly then?
Eloise
I can't sleep. I'm ravenously hungry all the time and the sun hurts me eyes.
Wayne
Those dark glasses suit you.
Eloise
What do you want?
Wayne
Notice anything different about me?
Eloise
Of course. I'm not blind. You're wearing a dead, fetching, blood spattered butcher's apron.
Wayne
I try to keep it clean, but there's so much blood on the meat counter.
Eloise
I can imagine.
Wayne
See, I got me promotion and I feel that now I'm leaping up the co op company career ladder. I'm in a position to declare my feelings for you.
Eloise
Tell me more about the blood.
Wayne
I'm proud to announce that I would like you to become my official girlfriend.
Eloise
Well, let's not rush things, Wayne. Why don't I just lick your apron first and Then see how the relationship develops from there.
Wayne
I intend to woo you, Eloise.
Eloise
Strangely enough, Wayne, I feel a little faint with you standing there smelling of fresh meat.
Wayne
I shall accept that as a compliment. And now I wonder whether you would do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to a fine Italian restaurant for a sumptuous romantic dinner to celebrate your forthcoming birthday on Friday night.
Eloise
Well, a van public hanging, so why not?
Wayne
Is that.
Eloise
Yes, I think so. But I'm not really feeling myself.
Wayne
Oh, this is the happiest day of my life.
Eloise
Hello?
Auntie Lucretia
Hello, Eloise, It's Lucretia.
Eloise
It's 7:30 in the morning.
Auntie Lucretia
I know it's naughty of me, but I could not resist sending you a little birthday present. Don't shake the box, you might kill him.
Eloise
I hate mornings.
Debbie
The postman left a package for you. Lucky girl. Open it now.
Eloise
Open it now.
Debbie
I gave it a little shake.
Lucretia
It smells.
Debbie
Squeaked.
Eloise
Squeaked. Oh, hello, Auntie Lucretia.
Lucretia
Oh, hello, darling.
Eloise
I just phoned to thank you for the present.
Auntie Lucretia
Oh, isn't he totally adorable?
Eloise
Totally.
Lucretia
I remember how much he wanted a.
Auntie Lucretia
Pet as a child, but Hampstead and Gerbils lack a certain style, don't you think?
Eloise
Yeah, I've always wanted a pet bat.
Auntie Lucretia
Make sure you take good care of him.
Eloise
I'm not sure I know how to look after a bat so easy.
Auntie Lucretia
If he starts to look a bit picky, find the nearest field, plough a single pharaoh, copulate in it, and then slaughter a lamb and cast its entrails on the ground. It's a bit messy, I know, but it could save you a fortune in vets bills. Bye for now.
Eloise
Bye.
Auntie Lucretia
Oh, oh, don't forget you've got a dentist appointment today. And as I always say, you look after your teeth and your teeth will look after you.
Eloise
I thought I was weird, but that woman's got bats in her belfry. Whoa.
Dentist
You nearly had my thumb off.
Eloise
You shouldn't have stuck it in there.
Dentist
I'm a dentist, that's my job.
Eloise
Look at that.
Dentist
You've done it again. It's all bent out of shape.
Eloise
It's not my fault.
Dentist
That was my unbreakable tungsten probe. You've ruined it.
Eloise
You told me to bite.
Dentist
I didn't tell you to rip my entire toolkit of expensive dental instruments.
Eloise
Do I need a filling?
Dentist
You need a government health warning. Your teeth should be registered as dangerous weapons.
Eloise
Can I go then?
Dentist
Yes, but if your upper canines protrude any further, you may have to wear a brace. Damn you don't Want to look like Dracula?
Eloise
Mum?
Auntie Lucretia
Yes, dear?
Eloise
Do we have a history of mental illness in the family?
Eve
No, dear. Why do you ask?
Eloise
Nothing, really. It's just that I can't sleep, I'm plagued by nightmares, I'm ravenously hungry all the time and I feel faint at the smell of meat.
Auntie Lucretia
I see.
Eve
Have you got a boyfriend yet?
Wayne
Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday, dear Eloise Happy birthday to you.
Eloise
People are staring at you, Wayne.
Wayne
Everybody loves a birthday.
Eloise
What are you doing?
Wayne
I can't get a top off this bottle of lager. Can you call the waiter for me?
Eloise
No need. Pass it here.
Wayne
Wow. You must have good teeth.
Eloise
Well, as I always say, you look after your teeth and your teeth will look after you.
Wayne
I'm ever so chuffed that you agreed to come out with me tonight on a date.
Eloise
It'll probably be a disaster. Everything I touch turns to.
Wayne
How come you always look so sad and sulky, Eloise?
Eloise
The world, Wayne, is a black and alien place that has no space in it for me.
Wayne
Oh, go on, give me a smile.
Eloise
No.
Wayne
It takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown.
Eloise
My face needs the exercise.
Wayne
Eloise.
Eloise
What?
Wayne
Cheer up. It might never happen.
Eloise
Wayne, if you ever say that again, I will rip your throat out and feed it to rabid dogs.
Wayne
Pardon me. Message received and understood.
Dentist
You're a garlic bread madame.
Eloise
About time, too. I'm ravenous.
Wayne
Eloise, are you alright? You look a bit pale. I mean, a bit paler than normal.
Eloise
I think I'm. I'm gonna be.
Wayne
Oh, crikey, Eloise. What did you have for breakfast?
Eloise
What's going on here?
Wayne
Sorry, mate, me girlfriend's feeling a bit sick.
Mr. Jenkins
Should I fetch a bucket?
Wayne
Well, it's too late for that, mate. She's in full flow. She's puking all over my table. She's not my girlfriend. Really? Well, it's our first date, but I hope that one day soon she will do me the honour of becoming my official girlfriend.
Dentist
Madame, couldn't you stop throwing up a breeze?
Eloise
You're frightening.
Wayne
The other day, it's her birthday. There must be the excitement. Madame Eloise. That is the most horrible shade of brown I've ever seen.
Dentist
Please stop her here.
Wayne
She flooded the ristorante. Well, there's no stopping her now, mate. We'll just have to wait till she runs out of pew.
Eloise
I told you it'd be a disaster.
Wayne
I'm still having a good time.
Eloise
I'm still hungry.
Wayne
Where are we going?
Eloise
I said I'd visit me auntie tonight. Come On. She only lives round the corner.
Wayne
Bloody hell. It's a castle in the middle of town. I never noticed that before. I'm sure this is the right place. It looks dead creepy.
Eloise
Shut up, Wayne. Ring the bell.
Wayne
You could wake the dead with a doorbell like that. It's open.
Eloise
Come on.
Wayne
Oh, look at the cobwebs. There's mould growing on the walls.
Eloise
This is my kind of place.
Wayne
Personally, I'd rather have a bungalow.
Eloise
Come on, there's a lift.
Wayne
It don't look safe. I'll take the stairs.
Eloise
There are no stairs.
Lucretia
Come on.
Wayne
Which floor, madam?
Eloise
There's only one button.
Wayne
So, tell me about dear old Auntie Lucretia.
Eloise
Were you washed?
Wayne
What kind of a question is that?
Eloise
I smell meat.
Wayne
Bloody hell. Here's all bottle of Old Spice and.
Eloise
Two cans of root. Yeah, I can smell that too.
Wayne
It's really tough getting the meaty smell out after work.
Eloise
I like it.
Lucretia
You do?
Eloise
Yeah. Nearly at the top now.
Wayne
Don't be frightened, Eloise, but I think I'm becoming overwhelmed with powerful feelings for you.
Eloise
Not now, Wayne.
Wayne
Nobody here. Looks like she's gone out. Looks like she was never in.
Eloise
What a brilliant place.
Wayne
You all right, Eloise?
Eloise
I'm just a bit excited.
Wayne
You look great when you're excited.
Eloise
Let's have a look around your house.
Wayne
Not a big fan of furniture.
Eloise
Look up there. She really has got bats in her belfry. What's that wooden box?
Wayne
It's just an old coffin. Look, I know this is a dank and smelly castle, but would this be a bad time to suggest that we enjoy our first kiss?
Villager
Yeah.
Eloise
Help me get the lid off this coffin.
Wayne
Oh, bloody hell, Eloise. I'm trying my best to be romantic here. I'm wooing as hard as I can and this date is just going downhill fast. First you flood the restaurant with puke, then you force me to this rat infested tower and now you won't. Snog. I'm getting spurned here, aren't I?
Debbie
Grow up, Wayne.
Wayne
No, you grow up. All this moody, miserable stuff. Everyone hates me. The black clothes, the sulky looks. Just cheer up a bit, Eloise. Give us a smile. It might never happen.
Eloise
Right, that's it, Eloise.
Wayne
Don't look at me like that, Eloise.
Eloise
You asked for it. What's happened to your teeth?
Wayne
I've changed my mind about the snow again.
Eloise
Crikey. Out of the spot.
Lucretia
Oh, good morning, Louise.
Eloise
Oh, dear.
Lucretia
What a mess. What have you done to that poor boy?
Eloise
Lucretia.
Lucretia
My, you are a Hungry young vamp. But you must learn to be more tidy now that you're one of the honorable bloodsuckers.
Eloise
What have I done?
Lucretia
You have quenched at first face of the girl. You're a vampire.
Eloise
A vampire? Don't be daft.
Lucretia
Oh, yeah, look at your boyfriend.
Eloise
Oh, he's not really my boyfriend. Oh, poor Wayne. The first man to show interest in me for months is now lying at my feet in a pool of blood.
Lucretia
Feels good, doesn't it?
Eloise
Feels great.
Lucretia
Mind if I have a little suck?
Eloise
Auntie Lucretia is my date.
Lucretia
You're right, you caught him, you eat him. But wipe that blood off your chin. It's making me feel tacky.
Eloise
Will he be all right?
Lucretia
It's a very clumsy vampire that kills when feeding. You only need a mug full. For goodness sake. Don't worry, he'll forget everything when he wakes up.
Eloise
He's been quite nice to me recently.
Lucretia
Don't feel guilty. They take a pint at the bloodbank and all you get is a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Eloise
Will he be a vampire now?
Lucretia
No, it's not a disease, you know. We are special secret race. No longer would you tread with ordinary mortals. You've already been reincarnated twice.
Eloise
The dreams I was burnt at the stake.
Lucretia
Spring 1327. Merry old England.
Debbie
I knew it.
Eloise
And I was garrotted.
Lucretia
Ah, that bloody Spanish Inquisition.
Eloise
This is a lot to take in. That's why I had the problem with the garlic bread.
Lucretia
By the look of your hair, you've already noticed that you cast no reflection in mirrors.
Eloise
No, it's meant to look like this.
Lucretia
Oh, well, it's a design fault in vampire evolution. Mortals can see our reflection, but we can't. Still, most vampires learn the basic of personal grooming without a mirror in a few weeks. For you. A few minutes, I think.
Eloise
Hey, can I turn into a bat?
Lucretia
Now who is being that? I know you've got a million questions. That's why you have your Auntie Lucretia to teach you. We stick together, Vampires. Remember, blood is thicker than water. And a whole lot tastier too.
Eloise
I have this strange feeling coming over me. I think I'm happy. I could get used to this.
Lucretia
It can be fun being a vampire. Cross my heart and hope to die. Come on, I'll show you my crucifix collection. I've got 94 sofa plus 29 stars of David, seven fires of holy water and a four leaf clover set in plastic that says I love Val Dunniken.
Eloise
Bye, Lucretia. Hold on, Wayne. I'm the happiest vampire in the whole wide world. Seven days ago, I was a miserable moaning mini, embracing the unbreakable chains of futility. Now I'm a vampire. Checkout girl.
Lucretia
20Th century vampire was written by Joe Tanner and starred Luke, Louise Lombard, Joanna Kamska, William Ivory, Jane Hazelgrove, Fine Time Fontaine, Linda Pollen and Steve Hudson. It was produced by Liz Ansky.
Eloise
Hello, listeners. Eloise here. If any of you youngsters get an unquenchable desire to drink human blood, make sure you ask a parent or a teacher first. Remember, I'm a vampire and you're not.
Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: 20th Century Vampire 1993-xx-xx Episode 1: Eloise, Her Boyfriend, and Her Tutor
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic-style radio shows. Gather around the radio with your family as timeless tales unfold, reminiscent of beloved shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
In the premiere episode of 20th Century Vampire, listeners are introduced to Eloise, a disenchanted checkout girl grappling with existential despair and an unfulfilled love life. The narrative intertwines her mundane struggles with supernatural revelations, setting the stage for a darkly comedic exploration of vampirism in a modern setting.
The episode opens with Lucretia, Eloise's aunt, observing Eloise from a high tower, hinting at her supernatural nature ([00:03]). Eloise's mundane life at the Co Op supermarket is depicted, highlighting her dissatisfaction and strained relationship with her mother, Eve.
Eloise's existential woes are juxtaposed with the arrival of her aunt, Lucretia, who introduces her to the dark world of vampirism. Despite Eloise's initial resistance and lack of interest in the macabre lifestyle, unexpected events escalate when true vampiric actions begin to surface.
Simultaneously, Eloise's relationship with Wayne becomes strained. His promotion and romantic gestures contrast sharply with Eloise's internal turmoil, culminating in a disastrous first date that inadvertently reveals her newfound vampiric tendencies.
As the episode progresses, familial tensions mount, culminating in Lucretia's revelation of Eloise's vampire heritage. The transformation is chaotic, blending dark humor with horror elements, ultimately leading Eloise to embrace her identity as a vampire.
Eloise's Despair at Home
Eloise grapples with her loneliness and her mother's concern ([02:12 - 02:21]).
Eloise: "I'm just a tiny speck of dust in the vortex of despair and alienation."
Introduction of Auntie Lucretia
Lucretia arrives with unnerving gifts, hinting at her true nature ([03:38 - 04:08]).
Lucretia: "You look after your teeth and your teeth will look after you."
Workplace Antagonism
Mr. Jenkins' disdain for Eloise contrasts with Wayne's affections ([09:02 - 10:00]).
Mr. Jenkins: "We can try our best."
Disastrous First Date
Eloise's attempt at romance with Wayne spirals into chaos, revealing her vampiric side ([15:06 - 16:22]).
Eloise: "I'm ravenously hungry all the time and the sun hurts me eyes."
Transformation Revelation
Lucretia confirms Eloise's transformation into a vampire, blending humor with horror ([24:20 - 27:36]).
Lucretia: "Blood is thicker than water. And a whole lot tastier too."
Eloise on Despair:
"[02:21] Eloise: "I'm just a tiny speck of dust in the vortex of despair and alienation."
Lucretia's Wisdom:
"[03:48] Lucretia: "Your teeth should be registered as dangerous weapons."
Eloise on Vampirism:
"[25:06] Eloise: "Auntie Lucretia is my date."
Transformation Acceptance:
"[27:36] Eloise: "I'm the happiest vampire in the whole wide world."
Eloise and Eve: Their interactions reveal a strained mother-daughter relationship, with Eve sensing Eloise's unhappiness but misunderstanding its source.
Eloise and Wayne: Their relationship oscillates between affection and frustration, highlighting Eloise's internal conflict and Wayne's oblivious support.
Eloise and Lucretia: The mentor-mentee relationship transforms from reluctant acceptance to embrace of Eloise's vampire identity.
Isolation and Alienation: Eloise's sense of being insignificant in a vast, uncaring world mirrors common feelings of loneliness and purposelessness.
Supernatural as Metaphor: Vampirism serves as a metaphor for unwanted transformation and the struggle to maintain one's identity amidst external pressures.
Dark Humor: The episode balances horror elements with comedic moments, particularly through Eloise's sardonic remarks and the absurdity of her transformation process.
The first episode of 20th Century Vampire masterfully blends elements of dark comedy, horror, and everyday struggles to create a captivating narrative. Eloise's journey from a despondent checkout girl to embracing her vampire identity sets the stage for an engaging series that promises to explore the depths of human emotion through a supernatural lens.
Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find Eloise's relatable struggles juxtaposed with fantastical elements both entertaining and thought-provoking. As the story unfolds, themes of identity, acceptance, and the quest for meaning resonate, ensuring a compelling listening experience.
Stay Tuned: Don't miss upcoming episodes as Eloise navigates her new life as a vampire, balancing her supernatural instincts with the challenges of modern relationships and societal expectations.