Fear on Four 88-01-03 (01) The Snowman Killing

Summary

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

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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.

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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])

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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.

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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.

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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])

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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.

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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

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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.

Transcript

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[The Man in Black]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the man in black saying, welcome to my open house of horror. Which brings me to number 12AMaple Drive. A nice house, three bedrooms through lounge, fitted kitchen, garage, bit of a garden front and back. Yes, a nice house, but it has a history that has led to a for sale sign being placed outside. A history you do well to know before you think of buying the snowman. Killing.

[Alex]

I'm cold. So cold. I'm cold.

[Anne]

So cold.

[Colin]

Let's build a snowman. A snowman? Yes. We'll build him on the lawn. I don't want to build a snowman. Why not? I don't know. I don't want to. Don't be silly. They're scary. They're not. They're fun. I don't want to. You do. You do want to. I don't. Yes, you do. You do want to. Please, Colin. Yes, you do. We're going to make a snowman, aren't we? Don't make me. Please don't make me. We can make him by the bird table. He can scare the birds. Yes, that's it. He can scare the birds. I don't want to. Come on. It'll be fun, I tell you. Fun. I don't want to. Wait for me. Mummy, can I play outside?

[Anne]

Oh, it's horribly cold, darling.

[Colin]

I'm bored.

[Anne]

Well, go and play with your tank. You're at a nice new tank from Auntie Joan. You've not played with it at all.

[Colin]

Don't want to.

[Anne]

Well, then, grab that cloth and help me dry up.

[Colin]

I'm not that bored.

[Anne]

Where's Alex?

[Colin]

I don't know. Playing or reading. He's always reading.

[Anne]

He likes reading.

[Colin]

Darling, he's a baby. He's wet. He never wants to do anything.

[Anne]

You mustn't bully him. We're all different. We all like doing different things. Just because he doesn't like doing the things you like doing doesn't mean to say. He's a baby.

[Colin]

He's a baby. If it really, really, really snows, then I'm going to build a snowman.

[Anne]

Why you.

[Colin]

Now a big One as big as me.

[Anne]

Well, you won't make one this afternoon, that's for sure.

[Colin]

Look at that, Mummy.

[Anne]

Look at what, darling?

[Colin]

The snowman, Mummy.

[Anne]

Snowman? What are you talking about?

[Colin]

Can't you see it, Mummy?

[Anne]

Colin, your imagination. You're as bad as Alex.

[Colin]

The snowman, Mummy. Can't you see the snowman at least? Look, Mummy. Come here and look.

[Anne]

What for? There isn't a snowman. She's been talking about building a snowman.

[Colin]

But you must see him, Mummy. You must. He's on the lawn. Look. He's on the lawn. Just by the bird table.

[Henry]

Look.

[Colin]

Just there. Look, you can see him.

[Anne]

I suppose you'll never be satisfied until I do. Look. Now, let's see, shall we?

[Colin]

He's just there. Look. Just there. You must be able to see him, Mummy.

[Anne]

There's no snowman on the lawn. You shouldn't tell fibs.

[Colin]

You saw him, didn't you, Mummy? Right by the bird table. He's scaring the bird.

[Anne]

You watch too much television. You do not stop playing.

[Colin]

I'm not playing.

[Anne]

The last time, there is no snowman. The snow is too light for a snowman. No. Where's your brother?

[Colin]

Asleep.

[Anne]

What? I thought you said he was.

[Colin]

He's sleeping. He's cold. Cold as ice.

[Alex]

That valve of yours.

[Anne]

I don't know where you get it from. Let's see where he is. Alex. Alex. Alex, darling. Dude, Darling. Darling.

[Alex]

Oh, God.

[Henry]

Who's so cold?

[Alex]

Oh, my God.

[Colin]

Told you.

[Anne]

Told you.

[Colin]

Cold as ice. Cold as ice.

[Anne]

I know. No. Shut up. Alex, darling, what's wrong with you? I'm cold.

[Colin]

So cold. He's only playing.

[Anne]

Alex, wake up, darling. Come on. It's Mummy.

[Colin]

Mummy.

[Anne]

Oh, thank God.

[Colin]

He's only playing. I said he's only playing.

[Anne]

Colin, go upstairs. Oh, Mummy. Go upstairs and go upstairs now, at once.

[Colin]

I haven't done anything.

[Anne]

Oh. You all right, Alex? You all right now?

[Colin]

I dreamt. I was dreaming. I didn't like it, Mummy. I didn't like it.

[Anne]

It's all right now. It's all right now. Shh, shh, shh. You're awake now.

[Colin]

I had spilled a snowman and he fell on top of me. And I was cold.

[Anne]

Cold as ice. It's all right now. You're okay now.

[Colin]

He didn't have any eyes. Oh, Mummy.

[Anne]

Mummy.

[Colin]

I don't want to be the snowman, Mummy.

[Anne]

I don't want to make you build anything down. You won't have to do anything you don't want to.

[Colin]

Promise?

[Anne]

Yes. Yes, I promise. It was only a Silly dream, anyway. And only a dream. And. And dreams don't mean anything. They can't hurt you. Okay.

[Mrs. McPherson]

He says the snow will continue. Might thicken up tomorrow.

[Colin]

Hmm.

[Mrs. McPherson]

The snow looks like it'll continue.

[Anne]

Oh, Alex had that dream again today.

[Mrs. McPherson]

What dream?

[Anne]

What dream? The same dream he's been having on and off for years. The one about the snowman.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Oh, that.

[Anne]

He's had it twice since we moved. Twice before we moved. He hadn't had it for two or three years.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Stress of moving. And moving's a stressful time.

[Anne]

Thing was, Colin said he saw a snowman.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Colin? I thought you said it was Alex.

[Anne]

Yes, but before that, it was Colin that said he saw a snowman. He kept on and on, and then he said that Alex was asleep. So I went to find him. And he was in here. In front of the fire. Asleep. Dreaming that dreadful dream. Henry, he was freezing in front of the fire.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Freezing.

[Anne]

Not just freezing. I mean cold. Really cold. Chilled like ice.

[Alex]

And he was white.

[Mrs. McPherson]

I'd probably been outside.

[Anne]

He hadn't. I know he hadn't. He was so cold. Henry, you must believe me. When I first saw him lying there, I thought.

[Mrs. McPherson]

You thought what?

[Anne]

I thought he was so white and still. So still. I didn't know what to think. And Colin had been saying these stupid things.

[Mrs. McPherson]

What things?

[Anne]

Oh, about. About the snowman. And I was frightened. I don't like that dream. It scares me. I. And seeing him there.

[Mrs. McPherson]

It was like seeing a ghost.

[Anne]

This house up, the whole place. It gets on my nerves. You don't know what it's like. The whole place is claustrophobic. It comes in on you.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Anne, look, ever since we moved, you've been preoccupied. About the twins or the house or both. We must have had this conversation. Or if not this particular conversation, then one like it. We've been going on about this sort of thing for weeks, and frankly, I'm rather fed up with it. I'm sorry.

[Anne]

It's all right.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Look, I said before, you should get out more.

[Anne]

Tell you what.

[Mrs. McPherson]

I'll leave the car tomorrow, and you go and do some shopping. Buy yourself a new dress. Mrs. McPherson will look after the boys. That'll cheer you up.

[Anne]

I don't like it here. I don't like it. This house gives me the creeps. I don't know. I better move.

[Mrs. McPherson]

In the first place we moved because, A, it meant I didn't have to commute, B, it's a bigger, better house, C, it was a very reasonable price, and D, house prices here are set to go through the roof. Not to mention there's a good school for the.

[Anne]

It's all right for you. You don't live here.

[Mrs. McPherson]

What do you mean, don't live here?

[Anne]

Not really, no. Oh, Harry. This house shouldn't just be a hotel for you. It should be a home.

[Alex]

For all of us.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Anne. When I've got there, got ahead, got the car when paying for the mortgage isn't such a struggle. Then I'll have your chance.

[Colin]

Yes.

[Anne]

Yes. Then you'll be able to spend more time at home.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Look, I really have to go through those figures. Jenkins asked me specifically. Maybe tomorrow.

[Anne]

Go on. Go on up. I'll wash up and watch a bit of television. Maybe do some mining. I'll keep myself occupied. Don't you worry.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Get out more. That's what you should do. Get out more.

[Colin]

I don't like snowmen. We're burning here. Right here? No, right near the bird table. He can scare the birds. It's cold. I don't want to. It's cold. Right. We'll start with a snowball. A big, big snowball. Mummy. Mummy.

[Anne]

What is it now? Colin? He's back. What?

[Colin]

The snowman's back.

[Anne]

What did you say?

[Colin]

He's back. The snowman's back.

[Anne]

Now, don't be silly.

[Colin]

He is. I can see him on the lawn.

[Anne]

The snow's gone. There is no snow.

[Colin]

You can't see him from here. He's on the lawn.

[Anne]

It's the last time.

[Colin]

Can I go and play with him?

[Anne]

There isn't a snowman. There never was a snowman.

[Colin]

Can I, Mum? Can I?

[Anne]

Can we what?

[Colin]

Go and play with him. The snowman. Can I, Mum? Can I, please?

[Anne]

Now come with me. Come on. Now, look. Look out there, Colin. There's just the lawn and the drive and the shed and the fence. Nothing more. No snowman. Nothing. It's not even snowing. Now.

[Colin]

There is a snowman. I can see the snowman.

[Anne]

Stop playing games. I don't like it.

[Colin]

I'm not playing. He's there. Alex has been playing with him.

[Anne]

What?

[Colin]

Alex. And now he's asleep.

[Anne]

Sleep?

[Colin]

He played with the snowman and now he's asleep.

[Anne]

What are you talking about? Where is he?

[Colin]

He's cold again. Like yesterday.

[Anne]

Where is he? Colin, where is Alex?

[Colin]

Cold as ice. Colin, where is Cold as ice and white as snow.

[Anne]

Colin, where is Alex?

[Colin]

Mummy, you're hurting.

[Anne]

Just tell me where he is. Tell Mummy where he is.

[Colin]

That hurt.

[Anne]

Is he upstairs? Is he in your bedroom?

[Colin]

You hurt me.

[Anne]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Just don't. Now, listen. Where is Alec? Just tell Mummy where he is.

[Colin]

I told you he played with the snowman and now.

[Anne]

Is he outside? Is that what you're saying? Is he outside?

[Colin]

It might be.

[Henry]

Where?

[Anne]

Where exactly?

[Colin]

With the snowman.

[Anne]

Colin. Now you will answer me properly. You will tell Mummy exactly where he is and you will tell Mummy Now. Colin.

[Colin]

He's asleep. Cold as ice. Cold as ice.

[Anne]

Colin.

[Colin]

He's in the shed, Mummy. In the shed.

[Alex]

Alex.

[Anne]

Alex, darling. Oh, you're so cold.

[Mrs. McPherson]

So cold.

[Alex]

Wake up.

[Henry]

Come on.

[Anne]

Wake up, darling. Come on. This is Mummy.

[Colin]

I told you, Mommy. I told you had been playing with the snowman.

[Anne]

Darling. I told you. Stay in the house. Get back in. That was.

[Colin]

He's only playing. He's only playing. He's only playing.

[Anne]

Oh, Alex, you're so cold. Here, come on now. I'll get you back to the house. Get you warm.

[Colin]

I was dreaming again, Mummy. I was dreaming.

[Anne]

It's cold, Mummy.

[Henry]

It's cold.

[Anne]

It's all right, honey. We're going inside now. We'll get you warm soon.

[Colin]

So cold.

[Anne]

It's just a stupid dream, darling. That's all. It's a stupid dream.

[Colin]

It's not a dream.

[Anne]

Mummy.

[Colin]

The snowman's here.

[Anne]

Don't. Don't be silly. Come on. Look at me, darling.

[Colin]

He's right there. I can see him.

[Anne]

You can't see anyone, darling. You can't say anything. Just stop staring, will you?

[Colin]

He's behind you, Mummy. And he wants his eyes. He wants his eyes.

[Anne]

Don't be stupid.

[Colin]

Now, run.

[Anne]

Mummy. He's coming. No, no. Don't be silly. Now, come on. It's just your dream, that's all. It's nothing.

[Colin]

Don't let him get me, Mummy. Don't let him get me.

[Alex]

Oh, God.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Henry. Make peace, Henry.

[Anne]

It's happened again.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Oh, look, I'm in the middle of the night.

[Colin]

The dream.

[Anne]

The dream happened again. Alex was in the shed, as cold as anything. And his. And his neck. I thought his neck had been broken.

[Mrs. McPherson]

What?

[Anne]

He looked all wrong and twisted.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Is he all right now?

[Anne]

Henry, I don't like it. It's creepy. There's something creepy going on. Sinister.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Is he all right now? What happened to him? Was he hurt?

[Anne]

Can you come home, please? I don't want to be here alone.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Look, I can't come home. It's impossible. I'm out of my eyes.

[Anne]

Please, Henry, I'm frightened.

[Mrs. McPherson]

I can't, I tell you. Look, the boys are okay now, aren't they?

[Anne]

Well, aren't they all right? They're indoors playing. Good.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Now, this is what you do. You get Mrs. McPherson to come in for a couple of hours to look after them. And you take the car. Remember I left you the car. And go into town. Get yourself a new dress. Nothing too pricey, but something nice.

[Alex]

Treat me like a child.

[Anne]

You always do this whenever wearing at work. I can just imagine you sitting there. Lifting your eyebrows towards the other men in the office. That silly wife's got herself into a state again.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Look, buy yourself a complete wardrobe if you like.

[Anne]

Or what?

[Mrs. McPherson]

Or go and see a doctor. Get yourself some tranquilizers or something. You have to do something and sort yourself out. Hello.

[Anne]

Yes.

[Mrs. McPherson]

When I get home this evening, we'll talk the whole thing through. All right? I mean, really talk it through.

[Anne]

There is something going on, something I don't understand. Henry, you must believe me. I am not going mad or anything. There is something going on.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Nothing's going on. It's all in your imagination. What you have to do is to get it into perspective. That's why you should get out. Give yourself a break. Look, I've got to go. Do you promise to do as I said? Go into town?

[Anne]

Promise.

[Mrs. McPherson]

You can spend as much as you like. Go on. And you know you need a break. And you know what I'm saying makes sense.

[Anne]

Good.

[Mrs. McPherson]

You feel all the better for it, believe me. All the better.

[Colin]

There. Can we go in now? No, I've told you now. We need another snowball for his head. A small one. When does Mummy get back? She's not back for ages. Ages. Are you going to make his head or not, or shall I use yours? You wouldn't. Don't be silly. You couldn't. I could twist it until it came off and then put it on top. You couldn't. Round and round it'd go, and then it'd break. Round and round. Snap. Please don't. You couldn't anyway. Oh, yes, I could. Now you're going to make his head. Or do you want me me to try?

[Anne]

I still can't believe it. Well, I suppose we were bound to bump into each other sooner or later. But I am glad it's sooner. Oh, yes. Me too.

[Henry]

God, how long's it been?

[Anne]

Well, it must be about seven years.

[Henry]

So, how's married life?

[Anne]

Oh, you know, okay. Boring at times. But then. Well, how about the children? Oh, it's still just the twins. They're 11 now.

[Henry]

God. Are they really?

[Anne]

Yes. And you?

[Henry]

Oh, no. No ring yet. You first.

[Anne]

Are you still with the paper?

[Henry]

Oh, yeah, still there. But now I'm a fully qualified local journalist. Covering weddings, staff dances, knickers, running off with milkman's wives, you know, all the.

[Anne]

Usual sort of stuff, nothing juicy for years.

[Henry]

You. You had plans to write sometime, didn't you?

[Anne]

Oh, yes. But that was before.

[Henry]

Before?

[Anne]

What do you think? Marriage and children and one's life just sort of fills up with things. It's never a dull moment.

[Henry]

What's wrong, Anne?

[Colin]

Nothing.

[Anne]

An overactive imagination, that's all.

[Henry]

What about Not Henry, surely?

[Anne]

Oh, no, no, not Henry.

[Henry]

You don't sound all that convinced.

[Anne]

Oh, Henry has his good points. He's got lots of good points. He's just very determined to follow the yuppie trend. So determined he doesn't have much time for anything else. And just gets me down sometimes. I am actually in town to buy myself a dress, or even a complete wardrobe if I wanted to. To cheer myself up, to give me a fresh perspective on things. Henry's idea. Everything can be sold with money.

[Henry]

Fresh perspective on what?

[Anne]

Oh, no. Nothing you can put your finger on. Well, I don't really like the new house we've got.

[Henry]

Where is it exactly? Maybe I know it.

[Anne]

It's on one of these anonymous estates out of knoll water. You know, that kind of thing. One part is all named after admirals, you know, Nelson Avenue, Hood Close. And another bit is all writers.

[Henry]

Dickens Way, Thackeray Drive. Shakespeare, Be a Road Boulevard.

[Anne]

There's a Jane Austen cul de.

[Henry]

Jeffrey Archer Lane.

[Anne]

God, no. No, Nothing so modern.

[Henry]

So which one are you in? The Admirals or the Writers?

[Anne]

No, neither. Neither. Trees. Trees. It's Maple Drive.

[Henry]

Maple Drive?

[Anne]

Yeah. Why, why.

[Henry]

Why do you say it like that? Well, a name from the past, that's all.

[Anne]

Go on.

[Henry]

Well, five or six years ago, I was sent to write something about Maple Drive. A very sad story, very sad.

[Anne]

What?

[Henry]

There was a family lived there when the estate was first built. I think they were called the Osbornes. Yes, that's it. Mr. And Mrs. Osborne. An ordinary family. The typical nuclear family. Mom, dad, two sons, aged, I don't know, 10 or 11. Twins, as it happened. Oh, look, look, maybe I shouldn't be twins. Well, it's just a coincidence what happened. God, I'm surprised you haven't found out about this before. I'm really surprised.

[Anne]

Just tell me, please, what happened.

[Henry]

All right. There was an accident. The boys were outside in the garden, playing in the snow, and one of them got hurt. Badly hurt, in fact.

[Anne]

It was fatal. How hurt? How did it happen?

[Henry]

Oh, look, Steady, on love. This was a long time ago.

[Anne]

This is important. It's important.

[Henry]

How does it happen? Well, remember you asked me. His neck got broken. He fell over something and his neck got twisted. It was very sad. But the reason why we got interested in it, the papers.

[Anne]

Why?

[Henry]

I remember it so well. The other boy panicked. He thought it was his fault, you see, and he panicked. So he built a snowman.

[Anne]

Snowman?

[Henry]

Yes, with the body, his brother's body, to hide it. I don't know what he thought he was doing, but it was a bit macabre and it made a good copy, so, of course we got interested. I hadn't realized until then how cynical a press can be.

[Anne]

Where did this take place? I told you, in the garden. No, what number? What number was the house, please, Helen, what number?

[Henry]

13.

[Anne]

You sure? Sure it wasn't 12 or. Or 12A?

[Henry]

Quite sure. I remember it gave me the title of the piece. Unlucky 13. It was number 13, all right.

[Anne]

There isn't a 13 now. It goes 11, 12, 12A and 14. They must have changed the number. They changed it from 13 to 12. Probably to help sell it. I bet they moved straight up.

[Henry]

Yes, I think they did. And listen, Anne. Listen to me. Look, it's a long time ago. It's all in the past. It doesn't mean anything now. Here and now. It doesn't mean anything. Anne. What are you looking at? You look like you've seen a ghost.

[Anne]

How long has it been snowing?

[Henry]

It started before I came in. I think. Two or three hours. Looks like it's settling, too. I should be careful. If you've got to drive home.

[Anne]

I have to make a call. I must make a call. Where are the phones?

[Henry]

Here?

[Anne]

Do you know where the phones are now?

[Colin]

Now, let's make his mouth. Then he'll be able to talk to you. Be able to tell things to you.

[Anne]

Come on, come on, come on, come on. Hello? Hello, Mrs. McPherson. It's Mrs. Makepeace. Oh, hello. How are the boys?

[H]

Sorry, dear, what did you say?

[Anne]

How are the twins, Colin and Alex? How are they?

[H]

Oh, they are fine, my dear, Quite fine. They're enjoying the snow.

[Alex]

What?

[H]

They're outside enjoying the snow.

[Anne]

As if. I told you not.

[H]

I made them wrap up well. And where they're willing to boo.

[Anne]

I said, I told you not to let them outside. I told you strictly not to let them.

[H]

Yes, but it's when it started snowing. It's different, isn't it? It's not every day we get snow like this. You must watch out when you drive back. It's really quite.

[Anne]

Where are the boys now? Can you see the boys now?

[H]

Yes. Yes, I can see them on the lawn. That's where they are.

[Anne]

Both of them?

[H]

No, not both of them. Just one of them. I can never really tell which one it is at this distance.

[Anne]

And what's he doing?

[H]

I think it's Colin, though. I think it was him that had the red woolly hat on. Or was it Alex? No one had a.

[Anne]

What is he doing? Mrs. McPherson, please. Just tell me what he's doing.

[H]

Doing? Building a snowman, of course. What else would a boy like that do in the snow?

[Colin]

Good. There. A nice big grin. Alex, I want your hat. I want your hat for the snowman.

[Anne]

No.

[Henry]

I'll get cold.

[Anne]

Come on.

[Colin]

Give it over. Or do I have to take it from you?

[Alex]

Hurry up.

[Anne]

All these lights, for God's sake.

[Henry]

And just calm down.

[Anne]

I didn't ask you to come. Sorry.

[Henry]

Just take it easy. Traffic lights are like kettles. They never change if you watch them.

[Anne]

Oh, find out, Scott.

[Mrs. McPherson]

Oh, God.

[Anne]

I never saw him. I never even saw him.

[Henry]

What are you scared of? Is it something I said? Something about what happened before? You've got to tell me.

[Colin]

Please.

[Anne]

I can't. I daren't.

[Henry]

Try me.

[Anne]

Well, later maybe. Not now. I've just got to get home. Okay?

[Colin]

I'm getting cold, Cole. I'm getting cold. No, you're not. Now we need something for his eyes.

[Anne]

No.

[Colin]

Oh, yes. He's got to be able to see you, hasn't he? I don't want him to have eyes. I want to go indoors. You can't you, baby, I'm frightened. When does Mommy get home? Not for hours and hours yet. I know. We use coal that's black. Go and get some coal. I don't want him to be able to see me. Go and get me some coal. Then he'd be a real snowman. A real, real snowman. Then he'll be able to see you.

[Anne]

Can you see them? Can you see the boys? They're probably on the lawn. There should be two of them on the lawn.

[Henry]

Slow down a bit.

[Anne]

Slow down a bit. Can you see them? You should be able to see them.

[Henry]

I can't see anything.

[Colin]

It's the snow.

[Anne]

There they are.

[Henry]

Find out.

[Anne]

We're sliding. Oh, God, we're gonna hit them.

[Colin]

No.

[Anne]

No. Oh, Alex, look out.

[Henry]

Turn the wheel on the wheels.

[Anne]

Left the B L.

[Alex]

Oh, God. Oh, God. Alex.

[Anne]

Alex.

[Henry]

Alex.

[Anne]

Alex.

[Colin]

Mommy. Mommy.

[Anne]

You nearly hit me. Oh, darling, I thought.

[Alex]

I need you.

[Anne]

I'm D I'm sorry.

[Colin]

I'm sitting in the D. Don't hit me, Mommy. You eat snow?

[Alex]

Oh, thank God.

[Anne]

Thank God.

[Colin]

Are you all right, Mommy?

[Anne]

Yes, yes, yes, I'm fine now. Oh.

[Alex]

Oh, give me a hug. Come.

[Anne]

Oh. You think I'm really stupid. But I was thinking. The snowman.

[Colin]

What, Mommy?

[Anne]

Oh, never mind. Just stupid, irrational fears, that's all. I was building it all up in my mind, some sort of great evil force. But now I've destroyed it and everything's all right now. Where's Colin?

[Colin]

Carl? Oh, he's asleep.

[Anne]

Asleep? What do you mean, darling? Where is he?

[Colin]

He's all right. He's just sleeping.

[Henry]

Anne, I think you'd better come over here.

[Anne]

Where, darling? Tell me where he is.

[Colin]

I didn't do anything. It was the snow.

[The Man in Black]

It was curious, the way the snowman had shattered. The scattered pieces remained somehow connected. The trunk, the legs, the arms, the head.

[Anne]

Oh, no. Please, God, no.

[The Man in Black]

All in proportion, all of a size, a small boy's size. From the end of one leg, one white leg protruding quite naturally, seeming so normal there that at first she didn't notice what it was, was a foot. A human foot. And from the head, the shattered, flaking head, the head that was set at a curious, awkward angle to the rest of the body. She could see the eyes. Not black pieces of coal, but blue, staring, human and dead.

[Colin]

Told you he wanted his eyes, Mummy.

[The Man in Black]

Thinking of moving. Well, as I said earlier, 12AMaple Drive is up for sale. A nice house. Three bedrooms through lounge, fitted kitchen, garage. Bit of a garden, front and back. Yes, bit of a garden front and back. It's a snip of the price. I'm glad hold. In fact, they're so keen to sell, they might even be open to offers. Imelda Staunton played Anne and Brian Hewlett, her husband, Henry. Alastair White was Colin and Alkis Constantorus was Alex. Eva Stewart played Mrs. McPherson. JCW Brooke wrote the story and Martin Jenkins was the director. 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.