Podcast Summary: "Haunted 80-06-21 (01) Little Girl Lost"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Haunted 80-06-21 (01) Little Girl Lost
• Release Date: February 7, 2025

Overview: "Little Girl Lost" is a gripping episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, set in the atmospheric era before television dominated family entertainment. This episode masterfully blends elements of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and familial tension, drawing listeners into the haunting narrative of the Grove-Lake family.

1. Introduction to the Haunting

The episode opens with a narration setting the eerie tone:

• Narrator [00:21]: "We present haunted stories of the supernatural. LITTLE Girl Lost by Rosemary Timperley Adapted for radio by Derek Hoddinott Starring Jenny Linden as Sally, John Carson as Herbert and Ruth Dunning as Mrs. Grove. Haunted."

This introduction primes listeners for a tale filled with mystery and supernatural elements.

2. Characters and Their Dynamics

Main Characters:

• Sally Lake (Jenny Linden): Daughter-in-law concerned about her mother-in-law's (Mrs. Grove) mental state.
• Herbert Lake (John Carson): Sally's husband and Mrs. Grove's son.
• Mrs. Grove (Ruth Dunning): The elderly widow who communicates with her deceased husband, John.
• Dr. Raven (Adrian Egan): The family's physician attempting to address Mrs. Grove's behavior.
• Janet Lake (Bernadette Windsor): Sally and Herbert's young daughter.

Character Relationships:

• Sally and Herbert are grappling with the challenges of integrating Mrs. Grove into their household.
• Mrs. Grove is depicted as a strong-willed widow clinging to the memory of her deceased husband, John, causing strain within the family.
• Janet serves as the innocent bystander whose relationships with her mother and grandmother become central to the unfolding drama.

3. Plot Progression

a. The Doctor's Visit and Initial Tensions

The episode kicks off with Sally bringing Dr. Raven to assess Mrs. Grove's mental health:

• Sally Lake [01:12]: "Mother, I brought Dr. Raven to see you."

Mrs. Grove dismisses her condition, but Dr. Raven insists on an examination:

• Dr. Raven [01:37]: "Maybe, but there's no need to take risks, is there? An examination won't go amiss now, will it, Mrs. Grove?"

Mrs. Grove reveals her habit of conversing with her deceased husband, John:

• Mrs. Grove [02:56]: "He left the world a year ago... I got accustomed to talking to John at the cottage, so it's difficult to remember not to know."

b. Unraveling Family Struggles

Sally discusses the uneasy atmosphere Mrs. Grove creates, especially regarding their daughter Janet:

• Sally Lake [04:45]: "My husband Herbert laughs it off and says it's harmless. But then she doesn't do it so much when he's around."

Herbert expresses frustration over his mother's inability to accept John's death:

• Herbert Lake [07:01]: "We can't have you upsetting Janet, can we?"

Mrs. Grove defends her actions, believing her conversations with John are real:

• Mrs. Grove [08:14]: "He is there. John is not a fantasy."

c. Escalation and Suspicion

Tensions rise when Dr. Raven visits again, and Sally confides her fears about Mrs. Grove's influence over Janet:

• Sally Lake [11:13]: "My mother in law is gaining too much influence over my daughter. She spends nearly every evening in her room. They laugh together."

Mrs. Grove accuses Dr. Raven of conspiring against her:

• Mrs. Grove [12:57]: "You're conspiring with my daughter in law to have me put away. And that's the truth."

Dr. Raven attempts to steer the conversation towards professional help, but Mrs. Grove remains defiant.

d. The Tragic Revelation

A pivotal moment occurs when Herbert confronts Sally about Dr. Raven's suspicions regarding Mrs. Grove's death:

• Sally Lake [16:08]: "He said there's reason to believe that your mother died from an overdose of those tablets the psychiatric clinic gave her."
• Herbert Lake [16:58]: "We should never have sent her to that damn clinic. All she needed to keep her happy was a harmless girl."

The tension culminates in Herbert accusing Janet of indirectly causing Mrs. Grove's death, leading to further familial fractures.

e. Janet's Disappearance

The narrative reaches its climax when Janet vanishes from the household:

• Janet Lake [25:16]: "Listen, damn you."

Sally and Herbert frantically search for Janet, leading to a chilling conclusion:

• Herbert Lake [26:53]: "She's gone."
• Sally Lake [26:54]: "She's gone."

The episode concludes with the haunting uncertainty of Janet's whereabouts, leaving listeners in suspense.

4. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Mrs. Grove’s Defiance:
  "He is there. John is not a fantasy." [08:21]

• Dr. Raven's Professional Concern:
  "Well, it's not unusual for someone recently bereaved to feel the presence of a dead spouse." [04:32]

• Sally’s Plea:
  "Please, now. Something has got to be done." [07:01]

• Herbert’s Revelation:
  "When Gran asked you to keep the tablets for her, did you know she wanted them saved?" [20:16]

• Janet’s Final Words:
  "Listen, damn you." [25:16]

These quotes encapsulate the escalating tension, the supernatural elements, and the tragic unraveling of familial bonds.

5. Themes and Insights

a. Supernatural vs. Reality: The episode deftly blurs the lines between supernatural phenomena and psychological distress. Mrs. Grove’s interactions with her deceased husband raise questions about the nature of her experiences—is it genuine haunting or a manifestation of grief-induced insanity?

b. Family Dynamics and Estrangement: The strained relationships highlight how past grievances and unresolved emotions can fracture familial ties. Herbert's resentment towards his mother for her departure with John Groves underscores deep-seated conflicts.

c. Mental Health Stigma: Dr. Raven’s involvement reflects societal attitudes towards mental health, juxtaposing professional concern with familial denial and misunderstanding.

d. Tragedy of Loss: Janet’s disappearance serves as the tragic fallout of the family's inability to reconcile with their loss, emphasizing the devastating impact of unresolved grief.

6. Conclusion

"Little Girl Lost" is a compelling narrative that intertwines elements of the supernatural with intense family drama. Through its rich character portrayals and suspenseful plot, the episode explores themes of loss, mental health, and the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. With expertly woven dialogues and poignant moments, it leaves listeners reflecting on the intricate dynamics that bind a family and the haunting consequences of unresolved grief.

Listeners who delve into this episode will be captivated by its emotional depth and eerie ambiance, making "Little Girl Lost" a standout story in the Golden Age of Radio collection.