Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-23 (04) "There Was an Old Woman"
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Adaptation: Based on the story by Ray Bradbury
Introduction
In the "Bradbury Thirteen" series, Episode 04 titled "There Was an Old Woman" transports listeners to an eerie, atmospheric narrative steeped in mystery and supernatural elements. This episode, adapted from Ray Bradbury's storytelling prowess, unfolds within the confines of an old house where past and present collide in unsettling ways.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens in a serene, old-fashioned household:
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Timestamp [00:00]: The listener is introduced to Aunt Tildy, a central character engrossed in baking and domestic chores. The setting is richly described with details like a "porcelain flowered clock" and "polished mahogany," establishing a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.
Aunt Tildy: "Mmm. Oh. Whatcha eating? The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors." [00:00]
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Narration: Ray Bradbury's voice sets the tone, inviting listeners on a "tour through time and space," hinting at the impending intertwining of reality and the supernatural.
Ray Bradbury: "Join me for the next 30 minutes on a tour through time and space..." [00:xx]
Introduction of Characters and Conflict
The narrative centers around Aunt Tildy and a young man entering her home with a mysterious wicker basket accompanied by four men dressed in black.
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Aunt Tildy: A widowed woman managing her household and grappling with the loss of her daughter, Emily. Her interactions reveal a deep-seated fear of death and an aversion to change.
Aunt Tildy: "Well, men don't pay you much mind. Oh, Papa, you kiss and skedaddle." [10:45]
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Young Man and Men in Black: Their arrival with the wicker basket introduces tension. The young man's presence unsettles Aunt Tildy, hinting at underlying secrets.
Young Man: "We don't need them carrying that basket. Why, it's light as thistles." [12:30]
Backstory and Emotional Depth
A significant portion of the episode delves into Aunt Tildy's past, revealing her strained relationship with her late husband and the loss of her daughter, Emily.
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Aunt Tildy’s Reflection: She reminisces about her father's disapproval of her lack of traditional values and her own philosophy opposing death.
Aunt Tildy: "I just like laughing and playing and singing too much to go and get married." [15:20]
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Emily's Influence: Emily's fear of death and refusal to marry deeply impacts Aunt Tildy's worldview, leading her to live a reclusive life in an antique shop until Emily's arrival.
Aunt Tildy: "Emily believes in dying and I don't." [18:10]
Supernatural Unfolding
The story takes a supernatural turn as Aunt Tildy interacts with Emily, who exhibits ghostly behaviors that blur the lines between life and death.
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Clock Anomaly: A recurring theme is the malfunctioning clock, symbolizing distorted time and the supernatural influence within the house.
Narration: "What's that? 3 o'? Clock? Wasn't it 3 o' clock just five minutes ago?" [25:50]
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Emily’s Apparition: Emily's ghostly presence becomes more pronounced as she interacts with Aunt Tildy, leading to revelations about Aunt Tildy's longing to reconnect with her daughter.
Emily: "Oh, child, get up. I need you." [30:15]
Climax: Confrontation with the Wicker Basket
The tension culminates at the mortuary, revealing the true nature of Aunt Tildy's obsession with retaining her body and defying death.
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Aunt Tildy's Desperation: Determined to reclaim her body from the morticians, Aunt Tildy employs supernatural means, threatening to haunt the mortuary with ectoplasm if her demands aren't met.
Aunt Tildy: "I can sit right here for the next 200 years, you listening?..." [40:00]
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Mortician's Resistance: The morticians, embodying the forces of mortality, confront Aunt Tildy's attempts to disrupt their function, leading to a supernatural standoff.
Mortician George: "This is no fit place for a lady." [42:30]
Resolution: Restoring Balance
The narrative resolves as Aunt Tildy manages to reconcile with the natural order, allowing Emily's spirit to rest and restoring peace to the household.
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Final Confrontation: Using a combination of determination and supernatural ability, Aunt Tildy forces the morticians to relinquish her body, symbolizing her acceptance of death.
Aunt Tildy: "Take it. I'll fix her up and it's a deal." [50:20]
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Peace Restored: Emily's spirit departs peacefully, and Aunt Tildy's home returns to its former tranquility, signifying the closure of her internal and external conflicts.
Emily: "Come on, let's go home." [55:15]
Themes and Insights
"There Was an Old Woman" explores profound themes such as:
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Fear of Death: Aunt Tildy's aversion to death and her desperate measures to avoid it highlight humanity's innate fear of mortality.
Aunt Tildy: "I just never had much to do with a dead person before." [22:40]
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Family and Loss: The strained relationships and loss within Aunt Tildy's family underscore the emotional weight of grief and the longing for connection.
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Supernatural vs. Reality: The blending of supernatural elements with everyday life creates a haunting atmosphere that questions the boundaries between life and death.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Aunt Tildy’s Defiance:
"I am mule stubborn. Never get me free of this house." [35:50]
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Reflection on Mortality:
"Death is ridiculous. It run off with Mama when we needed a most." [20:05]
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Emily’s Plea:
"Emily, get up off that floor. You broke my favorite face." [32:10]
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Aunt Tildy’s Resolve:
"I can’t work with a crank present." [48:25]
Cast and Production Credits
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Cast:
- Ruth Hale
- Nathan Hale
- Kim Jensen
- Tanya Neff
- Bob Nelson
- Dwayne Hyatt
- Morgan White
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Music: Roger Hoffman and Greg Hansen
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Production Assistant: Patrick Mead
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Associate Producer: Jeff Raeder
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Creator, Producer, and Director: Mike McDonough
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Executive Producer: Dean Van Itert
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Narrator: Paul Free
Conclusion
Bradbury Thirteen's "There Was an Old Woman" masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and the supernatural, inviting listeners into a richly textured world where time stands still, and the past lingers in the shadows. Through Aunt Tildy's poignant journey, the episode delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the lengths to which one might go to defy the inevitable and the ultimate acceptance that brings peace.
For fans of classic radio dramas and Ray Bradbury's storytelling, this episode offers a compelling blend of nostalgia, mystery, and emotional depth, beautifully capturing the essence of old-time radio.