Podcast Summary: "Beyond Midnight - Hobart aka A Man Called Hobart"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 12, 2026
Original Airdate (Radio Play): N/A
Episode: Beyond Midnight - Hobart aka A Man Called Hobart

Overview

This episode showcases a suspenseful, supernatural radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, "Beyond Midnight: Hobart aka A Man Called Hobart." The story revolves around a couple, Arthur and his wife, who find their dream home by the water turning into a place of growing dread after they receive a mysterious letter from Australia. The letter claims rightful ownership of their house, leading to eerie hauntings by the supposed heir, P. St. J. Hobart, whose tragic fate escalates the haunting and ultimately leads to a chilling confrontation. The episode expertly blends elements of legal intrigue, supernatural suspense, and psychological drama.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. An Idyllic Start and Sudden Disruption

• Settling Into the New Home
  The couple moves into a charming house near the sea, surrounded by the joys of new beginnings and the promise of comfort and happiness.

  • "Those early weeks were proof that it had all been worth it. Then the letter came." (03:29, Narrator/Wife)

• The Disturbing Letter
  A letter from P. St. J. Hobart in Australia arrives, declaring that the house rightfully belongs to him according to his late uncle’s will. Doubts are cast on the legitimacy of the ownership.

  • "This house has no business to be disposed of. He says it is under. Under his late uncle's will." (04:02, Arthur)

2. Legal and Ethical Uncertainty

• Debating the Claim

  • Arthur and his wife, with help from Lizzie, puzzle over the letter, debating whether the claim is real or the writer an imposter.
  • Questions of legal confusion and family secrets emerge.
  • "He can't make up his mind whether to insult us so that we clear out or to make us feel bad, preying on our feelings." (05:32, Arthur)

• Decision to Involve Lawyers

  • They agree to forward the letter to the lawyers but wrestle with feelings of doubt and anxiety about their future in the house.
  • "Let these lawyers who arranged everything write to this P.J. Hobart." (06:20, Narrator/Wife)

3. Atmosphere of Growing Dread

• Arthur's Determination

  • Arthur pledges not to give in to intimidation or vague claims.
  • "We're not moving out either. It's our house. Bought fair, square and above board with cash." (06:16, Arthur)

• Villagers' Attitudes and Isolation

  • The villagers seem to know more than they admit, feeding fears and alienation.
  • "They are smugglers, that's what they are. They're in league with the Hobarts. I tell you that for nothing." (08:52, Arthur)

4. The Supernatural Turn

• The Fatal Plane Crash

  • Hobart reportedly dies in a plane crash en route from Australia. The couple feels reluctant relief mingled with guilt.
  • "We were ashamed to voice our relief. We were ashamed." (10:41, Narrator/Wife)

• Unexplainable Disturbances

  • Despite Hobart's death, ghostly disturbances begin: floorboards torn up, objects moved, strange sounds. Neither Arthur nor his wife can catch the culprit.
  • "I heard him. Arthur heard him. It went on night and day, but neither of us caught him at it." (11:06, Narrator/Wife)

• Open Confrontation

  • Arthur appeals directly to the ghost, expressing empathy but insisting the haunting must end.
  • "We're sorry, P. St. J. Hobart. But you've got to stop frightening my wife now and go away. Go where you belong." (14:28, Arthur)

5. Attempt to Seek Help

• Turning to Spiritual Guidance

  • Lizzie suggests visiting the vicar, but he is away; their attempt at finding help only leaves them more isolated and fearful.
  • "You know what he's looking for, don't you? ... How about the will? The one that the old man destroyed?" (15:35, Narrator/Wife)

• Psychological Strain

  • Fear and uncertainty begin to create tension and rifts between Arthur and his wife.
  • "P. St. J. Hobart brought about a rift between my dear husband and me. I never thought such a thing possible." (22:36, Narrator/Wife)

6. The Ghost's Vengeance and Tragic Climax

• Manifestations Intensify

  • The ghost appears more frequently, always at a distance with a sinister smile, refusing direct confrontation.
  • "He was everywhere. And always the same queer smile upon his face. P. St. J. Hobart brought about a rift between my dear husband and me." (22:29 - 22:52, Narrator/Wife)

• Ultimate Confrontation

  • During a stormy night, the ghost enters the house, moving through Arthur, instigating an ill-fated chase to the jetty.
  • "Hobart walked straight through Arthur and the door and disappeared." (24:39, Lizzie)
  • Arthur pursues the ghost through the storm; he falls into the estuary and perishes.
  • "Arthur followed and fell where the jetty end. What remained was the roaring storm in the racing water into which my dear had gone like a stone." (26:13, Narrator/Wife)

7. Resolution and Reflections

• Aftermath
  • Arthur's wife leaves the haunted house with her relative Mary, never to return, unsure who or what now possesses the house.
  • "So there is the place for whoever wants it once again for sale. For I need the money. Empty or not empty, I cannot say who is in possession. I do not ask." (26:44, Narrator/Wife)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Arthur on the Letter:
  "He sounds like a... like a maniac. I just wanted to let him know the place was in good hands." (08:02, Arthur)
• Arthur Summoning Courage:
  "We've got to fight this. Please say you're fighting. Please. Please tell me you'll try. Try not to be too afraid. We'll fight this together. It's got to end somehow." (16:19, Arthur)
• The Supernatural is Made Real:
  "He was everywhere. And always the same queer smile upon his face... This was evil." (22:29, Narrator/Wife; 23:34)
• Arthur’s Defiance:
  "All I ask is a living man to deal with. Well, as it is, I... I call this a dirty treat." (21:04, Arthur)
• Narrator/Wife on Loss:
  "Not till the following day did they bring Arthur home. His poor face was strangely peaceful." (26:13, Narrator/Wife)
• On the Possession of the House:
  "Empty or not empty, I cannot say who is in possession. I do not ask." (26:44, Narrator/Wife)

Key Timestamps

• [03:29] – Settling into the new house, the idyllic beginning.
• [04:02] – The letter from Hobart arrives, the central dilemma introduced.
• [08:02] – Arthur’s skepticism and reaction to Hobart’s claims.
• [10:41] – Discovery of Hobart’s death, the relief and guilt.
• [11:06] – Unexplained disturbances begin.
• [14:28] – Arthur’s direct plea to the ghost.
• [16:19] – Arthur and his wife vow to fight the haunting together.
• [22:29 - 22:54] – The supernatural presence drives a wedge between the couple.
• [24:39] – The haunting reaches a climax with Arthur’s failed confrontation.
• [26:44] – Aftermath; the wife leaves, unsure who owns the house next.

Conclusion

"Beyond Midnight: Hobart" is a classic example of atmospheric horror and psychological suspense from radio’s golden era. Through the haunted house trope, it explores the anxieties of ownership, guilt, invasion, and marital strain. It leaves listeners with chilling ambiguity—the house, haunted by both legacy and loss, remains for someone else to claim, echoing the unresolved fears of its former occupants.

Listeners are left with the unnerving question:
Who truly possesses a place—those who buy it, those who inherit it, or the ghosts of the past who cannot let go?