Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Fear on Four 88-01-03 (01) The Snowman Killing
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio

Introduction

"Fear on Four 88-01-03 (01) The Snowman Killing" is a chilling episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, transporting listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. This episode masterfully blends suspense, supernatural elements, and psychological horror, reminiscent of classic radio dramas like The Shadow and Dragnet. Hosted by the enigmatic "Man in Black," the story unfolds in the seemingly tranquil setting of Maple Drive, where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with the Man in Black (Edward D'Souza) welcoming listeners to his "open house of horror" at 12A Maple Drive. He describes the house as an ideal family home with three bedrooms, a lounge, a fitted kitchen, a garage, and gardens both front and back. However, beneath its charming exterior lies a dark history that has compelled the owners to place a "for sale" sign outside.

“Which brings me to number 12AMaple Drive. A nice house... but it has a history that has led to a for sale sign being placed outside.” ([00:45])

The Modern-Day Family

The narrative centers around Anne and Henry McPherson and their sons, Colin and Alex. As the family grapples with the bitter cold, Colin becomes obsessed with building a snowman, despite his mother's objections.

“Let's build a snowman... We can make him by the bird table. He can scare the birds.” ([01:32])

Anne's reluctance and Colin's persistent insistence set the stage for escalating tension within the household. Colin's fixation on the snowman grows, leading him to claim he sees one even when there's no snow—a harbinger of the supernatural events to come.

Unraveling Mysteries

Anne confides in Mrs. McPherson, revealing that her son Alex has been experiencing recurring nightmares about a snowman. These dreams began after the family moved into Maple Drive, coinciding with Colin's strange behavior.

“Alex had that dream again today... The same dream he's been having on and off for years.” ([06:24])

Mrs. McPherson suggests that the stress of moving might be the cause, but Anne remains unconvinced, sensing a sinister presence tied to the house's past.

Revelation of the Snowman Killing

The plot thickens when Henry recalls an old story he covered as a journalist about the Osbornes, a previous family who lived at 13 Maple Drive. The tragedy involved the deaths of the Osbornes' twin sons, where one brother fatally injured the other while playing in the snow. In a panic, the surviving brother built a snowman from his deceased sibling's body to conceal the accident—a gruesome act that the press sensationalized.

“The other boy panicked... he built a snowman with the body, his brother's body, to hide it.” ([20:21])

This revelation links the McPherson family's current experiences with the dark history of their home, suggesting that the snowman haunting Colin and Alex is a manifestation of the Osbornes' tragic past.

Supernatural Escalation

As snow begins to fall again, Colin's delusions intensify. He claims the snowman is back, and Anne becomes increasingly distressed as her fears seem to materialize.

“The snowman's back.” ([10:44])

In a climactic sequence, Anne attempts to drive home amidst the growing snowstorm, fearing for her children as Colin insists they are outside building the snowman. The tension peaks when Anne narrowly avoids hitting Alex on the lawn, only to realize that the snowman has shattered, revealing a horrifying presence:

“Not black pieces of coal, but blue, staring, human and dead.” ([27:08])

Conclusion and Aftermath

The Man in Black concludes the episode by reiterating the haunted nature of 12A Maple Drive, emphasizing the tragic legacy that continues to haunt new inhabitants. The chilling narration leaves listeners pondering the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.

“It's just a snip of the price... My name is Edward D'Souza. The man in Black. And until the same time next week, I too like the garden Snowman. Must melt away.” ([27:50])

Character Analysis

• Anne McPherson (Imelda Staunton): The matriarch struggling to maintain her family's safety and sanity amidst supernatural disturbances. Her fear and desperation reflect a deep maternal instinct to protect her children.

  “I don't like the new house we've got. It's all right for you. You don't live here.” ([09:09])

• Henry McPherson (Brian Hewlett): Anne's husband and a journalist who becomes increasingly aware of the house's dark history. His professional detachment contrasts with Anne's emotional turmoil.

  “It's all in the past. It doesn't mean anything now.” ([21:30])

• Colin McPherson (Alastair White): The older son whose obsession with building snowmen serves as a conduit for the house's haunting presence. His visions blur the line between dreams and reality.

  “He wants his eyes. He wants his eyes.” ([13:32])

• Alex McPherson (Alkis Constantorus): The younger son plagued by nightmares, symbolizing innocence caught in the supernatural crossfire of the family's cursed residence.

• Mrs. McPherson (Eva Stewart): A neighbor or family friend who interacts with Anne, providing insight into the house's history and the psychological strain on the family.

Key Themes and Motifs

1. Supernatural Haunting: The snowman's eerie presence symbolizes unresolved tragedy, embodying the lingering pain of the Osbornes' past.

2. Psychological Horror: Anne's descent into fear highlights the fragile boundary between reality and madness, a common trope in classic radio dramas.

3. Family Dynamics: The strained relationships within the McPherson family underscore themes of control, protection, and the impacts of external trauma on familial bonds.

4. Historical Resonance: The backstory of the Osbornes provides depth to the narrative, illustrating how past events can haunt the present.

5. Isolation: The setting of Maple Drive as a seemingly perfect yet claustrophobic environment amplifies the characters' sense of entrapment and helplessness.

Notable Quotes

• Man in Black: “A nice house... but it has a history that has led to a for sale sign being placed outside.” ([00:45])

• Colin: “He wants his eyes. He wants his eyes.” ([13:32])

• Anne: “There is something going on, something I don't understand... I am not going mad or anything. There is something going on.” ([15:25])

• Henry: “It's all in the past. It doesn't mean anything now.” ([21:30])

• Man in Black: “All in proportion, all of a size, a small boy's size... blue, staring, human and dead.” ([27:08])

Conclusion

"Fear on Four 88-01-03 (01) The Snowman Killing" stands out as a compelling installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series, seamlessly blending classic radio storytelling with modern horror elements. Through its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and haunting atmosphere, the episode captivates listeners, leaving them both entertained and unsettled. The integration of notable quotes and precise timestamps enhances the narrative's authenticity, making it a must-listen for fans of vintage radio dramas and supernatural thrillers alike.

Credits:
Cast:

• Imelda Staunton as Anne McPherson
• Brian Hewlett as Henry McPherson
• Alastair White as Colin McPherson
• Alkis Constantorus as Alex McPherson
• Eva Stewart as Mrs. McPherson

Crew:

• Story: JCW Brooke
• Director: Martin Jenkins

Narrator: Edward D'Souza, the Man in Black

Stay tuned for next week's episode, where the mysteries of Maple Drive continue to unravel under the watchful eye of the Man in Black. Until then, keep your radios tuned and your imaginations wary.