4 Corners & 7 Seas xx-xx-xx (36) The Dead Do Walk

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: Episode Summary

Title: 4 Corners & 7 Seas xx-xx-xx (36) The Dead Do Walk
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Delving into radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this episode transports listeners to a bygone era where families gathered around the radio to enjoy classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "The Dead Do Walk," listeners are transported to early 19th-century New Orleans. The narrative unfolds amidst the tension between the French Creoles and the newly established American Yankee government. Through dramatized dialogues and atmospheric soundscapes, the episode weaves a tale of superstition, mystery, and unresolved vendettas.

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Setting and Historical Context

The story is set in New Orleans during the early 1800s, a period marked by cultural clashes and societal transformations. The French Creoles, deeply rooted in their traditions and disdainful of the Americanist policies imposed by the new government, find themselves in constant conflict. The cityscape is depicted with its marshlands and aging mansions, particularly focusing on the ominous residence of Jean Saint Marie.

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Main Characters

• Jean Saint Marie: A reclusive French Creole man rumored to be a witch doctor. He is central to the mystery surrounding the haunted house and the disappearance of his brother.

• Francois Leblanc: A former acquaintance of Jean from their youth, who possesses personal insights into Jean's character and history.

• Governor: The American-appointed governor of Louisiana, struggling to manage the discontent among the Creoles and unravel the mysteries surrounding Jean Saint Marie.

• Captain West: A pragmatic figure from New York, skeptical of local superstitions, who joins Francois in investigating Jean's mansion.

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Plot Developments

Conflict with the Governor

The episode opens with the Governor grappling with the animosity of the Creoles towards his administration. The central issue revolves around the construction of roads through marshlands, threatening the sanctity of Jean Saint Marie's property. Jean vehemently opposes the development, insisting, "No street can pass my house, Monsieur le Governor" ([03:25]).

Revelations About Jean Saint Marie

Francois Leblanc provides a deeper look into Jean's enigmatic persona. He recounts Jean's transformation from a handsome ship captain engaged in the slave trade to a solitary figure shrouded in supernatural rumors. "All alone in a rotting old mansion, surrounded by marsh" ([01:43]) paints a vivid image of Jean's isolation.

Supernatural Elements and Local Beliefs

The narrative delves into the Creoles' superstitions, particularly voodoo practices. The community believes that Jean Saint Marie engages in dark rituals, "Jean Sainte Marie deals with the devil, they say" ([01:54]). The legend of Petit Pierre, Jean's brother who mysteriously disappeared, fuels these fears. Tales of ghostly apparitions and unnatural occurrences contribute to the house's haunted reputation.

Investigation and Rising Tensions

Determined to uncover the truth, Francois teams up with Captain West to investigate the mansion. Their exploration is fraught with eerie encounters, culminating in Jean's ominous presence and the overwhelming sense of death enveloping the area. "It's the smell of death" ([08:42]) underscores the grim atmosphere.

As tensions escalate, rumors spread about a planned mob action to burn down the mansion, spurred by accusations of voodoo and maleficent activities. The Governor remains caught between skepticism and the palpable fear of the populace.

Climactic Resolution

In a dramatic turn, Jean Saint Marie appears to confront the intruders, leading to a chaotic and supernatural finale. The culmination suggests that the dead indeed walk, as implied by the episode's title, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of mystery and unease.

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Supernatural Elements and Local Beliefs

A significant portion of the episode explores the interplay between superstition and reality in early 19th-century New Orleans. The Creoles' belief in voodoo and the supernatural serves as a catalyst for much of the conflict surrounding Jean Saint Marie. The portrayal of these beliefs provides cultural context and enhances the eerie ambiance of the story.

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Climax and Resolution

The climax occurs as the mob, driven by fear and superstition, converges on Jean's mansion with the intent to destroy it. However, the supernatural elements come to the forefront as Jean and his ghostly brother make a dramatic appearance. The funeral procession, shrouded in mystery, disappears into the jungle, leaving the true nature of Jean Saint Marie's demise ambiguous and the fate of Petit Pierre unresolved.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jean Saint Marie on His Property Rights:
  "No street can pass my house, Monsieur le Governor." ([03:25])

• Francois Leblanc on Jean's Transformation:
  "All alone in a rotting old mansion, surrounded by marsh." ([01:43])

• Governor on Jean's Reputation:
  "Many strange stories are told about your house. You lend credence to them by your attitude." ([04:03])

• Captain West on Local Superstitions:
  "Makes you kind of wonder. Maybe. Maybe in this country, the dead do walk Still." ([07:44])

• Francois Leblanc's Revelation:
  "A petit Pierre. Not a ghost. Petit Pierre is real. But now you know why Jean St. Marie has hidden him for 20 years. Petit Pierre is a leopard, white as snow." ([11:17])

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Conclusion

"The Dead Do Walk" masterfully combines historical fiction with supernatural thriller elements, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling. Through its rich character development, atmospheric setting, and engaging plot, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into the mysteries of New Orleans' past. The seamless integration of cultural beliefs and eerie folklore leaves a lasting impression, embodying the spirit of old-time radio drama.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting the key themes of cultural conflict, superstition, and the enduring mystery surrounding Jean Saint Marie. The inclusion of notable quotes and precise timestamps enhances the narrative, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the story's unfolding drama.

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Transcript

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[Captain]

From the chronicles of travelers and adventurers the world.

[Governor]

Over come these authenticated accounts of unusual.

[Jean Saint Marie]

People and unusual events, bringing you in each presentation. A strange but true story from the four corners and the seven seas. A story of New Orleans. The dead do walk. In the early years of the 19th century, there was one thing the French Creoles of New Orleans hated with a passion surpassing death. The brash, vulgar Yankee government which had taken over Louisiana from the French. Most of the American governor's daylight hours were taken up with angry interviews with dissatisfied Creoles.

[Governor]

Are there more waiting? Monsieur Leblanc?

[Francois Leblanc]

Only and all men. Jean Saint Marie.

[Governor]

Who is he?

[Francois Leblanc]

The negroes say he is a witch doctor, Monsieur.

[Governor]

A witch doctor?

[Francois Leblanc]

Oui. Or a murderer or a kidnapper. I do not know. I remember him when I was young, sailing away in his ships to bring back slaves. Then he seemed a most wonderful man.

[Governor]

But why do they say he's a witch doctor?

[Francois Leblanc]

It is the way he lives, monsieur. All alone in a rotting old mansion, surrounded by marsh. Then there is the story of his brother, Petit Pierre. He sailed away with Jean St. Marie. He never came back, and Jean would never again mention his name. But there are those who say Petit Pierre did come back, that Jean keeps him changing the cellar of the old house. Others say Jean murdered his brother. But the superstitious negroes, they have yet another story. Jean Sainte Marie deals with the devil, they say. And in the night he walks and talks with his brother's ghost.

[Governor]

Poppycock. Show the old man in.

[Francois Leblanc]

Yes, Monsieur le governor. Will you come in, Monsieur Saint Marie?

[Jean Saint Marie]

Merci.

[Francois Leblanc]

You will not remember me, Monsieur Saint Marie, but as a boy, I often had to be driven from your ships.

[Jean Saint Marie]

So your name?

[Francois Leblanc]

Francois Leblanc. I was his studious one. Your brother, Petit Pierre, he often lent me the. I. I beg your pardon, Monsieur Saint Marie.

[Governor]

What can I do for you, Jean Saint Marie?

[Jean Saint Marie]

Monsieur le Governor, my house is in the march to the west. Yes, the house, the march, the canal, they all belong to me. They come from my father.

[Governor]

Of course, monsieur.

[Jean Saint Marie]

But no street can pass there.

[Governor]

I don't believe I understand.

[Jean Saint Marie]

No street can pass my house, Monsieur le Governor.

[Francois Leblanc]

I believe I understand. The city is building roads out towards the west marshes. They plan to drain them. Fill in the Canals.

[Jean Saint Marie]

Your men, they are coming with sticks and string. They make lines through my marsh. You tell them to get out. No street can pass there, I'm afraid. Never, never. As long as I love, no street will pass my house.

[Governor]

I'm afraid, monsieur, this is a matter for the municipal government, not for me. However, I'm sure that you will be paid well if you're.

[Jean Saint Marie]

I want no money. No money and no street.

[Governor]

But a street would enhance the value of your land. A street.

[Jean Saint Marie]

You understand me? I shall go now.

[Governor]

Monsieur Saint Marie. I understand. Many strange stories are told about your house. You lend credence to them by your attitude.

[Jean Saint Marie]

I do not care.

[Governor]

Why are you so afraid of a street passing your house? What are you afraid people will see?

[Jean Saint Marie]

Adieu, Monsieur le Governor. Remember, no street shall pass my house.

[Governor]

Strange man.

[Francois Leblanc]

Yes, monsieur.

[Governor]

Of course, the land can be condemned. But it'll take time. Cost money, make considerable bad feeling. I wonder what he's afraid people will see.

[Francois Leblanc]

Did you notice how he looked at me when I spoke of his brother? Petit Pierre?

[Governor]

Yes. Murderous.

[Francois Leblanc]

Yet I cannot believe harm came to Petit Pierre through Jean. Never were brothers so fond of one another. Pierre was younger by over 15 years. I remember the day they sailed away. I was watching the final loading when Pierre and Jean arrived at the quay.

[Jean Saint Marie]

Come, Billy. Pierre, smile. I shall not be gone so long. It will be lonely in the big hagia. You have your books and the slaves. And those I have not gambled away. You are certain it is only to.

[Francois Leblanc]

Cuba that you go?

[Jean Saint Marie]

Would I lie to you, my brother? Yes. You know, if you went on a longer voyage, I should make you take me with you. Africa is not Africa.

[Francois Leblanc]

You are lying.

[Jean Saint Marie]

You are not going to Cuba at all, Petit Pierre. You will be gone a whole year.

[Francois Leblanc]

No.

[Jean Saint Marie]

I am coming with you. Pierre, come off the ship.

[Advertiser]

Pierre.

[Francois Leblanc]

Pierre. Pierre. Monsieur. The governor, despite his brother, Petit Pierre sailed with the ship. He was never seen again. Sometime later, it's not known. Just when Jean returned without his ship, no one saw him come. He was just suddenly there in the old house with the bridge across the canal boarded up and chains upon all the gates.

[Governor]

Strange. Very strange.

[Francois Leblanc]

It is said an old negro woman who speaks no French, no English, cares for him. Many people believe that together they practice Vodou. Myself, I do not believe such things.

[Governor]

I'd like to know what really happened to his brother and what goes on in that house. I too, if there really was something funny, oil pressure could be brought to bear. We could perhaps force Jean Saint Marie to sell the right of way for a Street and save the trouble of a lawsuit.

[Francois Leblanc]

Oui, Monsieur de Governor.

[Governor]

Of course. Now, I wouldn't want to authorize anyone to trespass.

[Francois Leblanc]

But I understand, monsieur. I will ask Captain west to join me. I will visit Jean Samari tomorrow night.

[Governor]

Good. But be careful, both of you. You may not be afraid of voodoo or ghosts, but the wrath of Jean Sama may be quite another thing.

[Captain]

Sure, Leblanc. I'll come with you.

[Francois Leblanc]

Thank you, Capitaine.

[Captain]

I reckon you know you aren't the only one interested in Jean Sainte Marie.

[Governor]

Oh?

[Captain]

Down in the free nigger section, they're in an uproar. Say they're gonna burn down the house.

[Francois Leblanc]

But why?

[Captain]

Seems one of the braver niggers was hunting ducks in old Jean's march. Got caught there after dark. Swears he saw the old nigger woman materialize a ghost.

[Francois Leblanc]

Voodoo?

[Captain]

Yep. The ghost of Petit Pierre. Now the niggers want to burn down the house. They think the old woman and Jean Sainte Marie are working charms.

[Francois Leblanc]

And what do you think, Captain?

[Captain]

Well, up in New York, we don't take much stock of ghosts or voodoo. But down here in all these swamps and rotten jungles. Well, I. I just don't know. Makes you kind of wonder. Maybe. Maybe in this country, the dead do walk Still. I'll take a look around the place with you. Meet you there at 9:00. Should be dark by then.

[Francois Leblanc]

Not a sound. Not a light showing.

[Captain]

The old house. Sure looks creepy, standing out against the moon. And no wonder the slaves say it's haunted. What's that?

[Francois Leblanc]

It's Jean. He's come out on the porch. He's calling. Calling his dead brother.

[Jean Saint Marie]

What is.

[Francois Leblanc]

What is that smell? That horrible smell?

[Captain]

I know that smell from the battlefield. It's the smell of death.

[Francois Leblanc]

Listen. Footsteps.

[Governor]

Look.

[Captain]

Something white. All white. I'm getting out of here.

[Francois Leblanc]

No. No. Wait.

[Captain]

I can't look. I can't.

[Francois Leblanc]

No. Oh, no. Monsieur le Governor, under no circumstances my Jean Sur may be crossed. His land must be left alone.

[Governor]

Monsieur Leblanc. You look as though you've seen a ghost, monsieur.

[Jean Saint Marie]

I have.

[Francois Leblanc]

The dead do. I will see nothing more. Nothing but leave Jean St. Marie alone.

[Governor]

I'm afraid the situation may solve itself.

[Francois Leblanc]

What do you mean?

[Governor]

I just received word that someone lay in wait by the old canal for Jean Saint Marie. They shot him?

[Captain]

No.

[Francois Leblanc]

Was he killed?

[Governor]

I don't know. The old voodoo woman dragged him inside and locked the gates. All over town. The slave quarters are seething. I'm afraid they'll try to burn the house tonight.

[Francois Leblanc]

You will Stop them.

[Governor]

Perhaps if you tell me what you saw.

[Francois Leblanc]

No, I'll never speak of what I saw. It was too horrible too. No, I couldn't. Well, but I shall stand guard at those gates myself. I shall not see a man like Jean Samari burned alive in his bed.

[Captain]

What's that awful noise, Leblanc?

[Francois Leblanc]

It's the old negro wailing.

[Captain]

Here comes the mob.

[Francois Leblanc]

You watch the house, Captain. Tell me when they are coming. I'll stop them up at the canal.

[Governor]

All right.

[Captain]

I. I wish that old woman would shut up. It gives me the creeps.

[Francois Leblanc]

Stay back. Do not cross the canal.

[Governor]

Go away, white man. We want Jean Samari, the witch.

[Francois Leblanc]

You are too late. Jean Samari is dead.

[Governor]

Don't lie, white man.

[Francois Leblanc]

Your assassins have done their work well, Jean Samari.

[Captain]

They're coming, Leblanc. They've loaded the coffin on an oxcart. The old negro walks behind.

[Francois Leblanc]

Stand back. A good man passes. And do no harm to the old woman. Leave her to her grief. Look, walking beside old woman. A ghost.

[Governor]

The ghost.

[Francois Leblanc]

A petit Pierre. Not a ghost. Petit Pierre is real. But now you know why Jean St. Marie has hidden him for 20 years. Petit Pierre is a leopard, white as snow. Hats off, all of you.

[Jean Saint Marie]

Without a backward glance, the old negro, the dead and the living dead moved down the darkened jungle path. Their destination was the place Jean Sainte Marie had given his life to save his brother from the leper's isle. Presently, a twist in the jungle path hid the tiny funeral cortege from the cringing mob. They were never seen again. We invite you to listen again to a further story, strange but true. From the four corners and the seven Seas.

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