Out Of The Past 19xx.xx.xx The Werewolf

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Out Of The Past 19xx.xx.xx The Werewolf"

Introduction

"Harold's Old Time Radio" takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with its enthralling adaptation of classic radio dramas. In the episode titled "Out Of The Past 19xx.xx.xx The Werewolf," released on March 4, 2025, the host delves into a chilling tale of family, curses, and supernatural terror set against the backdrop of the haunting Harz Mountains.

Arrival of the Hunter and His Daughter

The story unfolds in a secluded cottage nestled among the tall firs of the Harz Mountains, inhabited by Father Krantz and his three children: Herman, Caesar, and Marcella. Their tranquil, albeit isolated, life is disrupted one snowy night when Father Krantz opens the door to welcome Wilfred, a hunter, and his daughter, Christine.

At [06:33], Marcella describes the newcomer, saying, "See how the moon shines on her white face. And that lovely flaxen hair." Despite the warm reception, an undercurrent of unease is palpable as the family invites Wilfred and Christine to stay, marking the beginning of unsettling events.

Unsettling Marriage

Over time, Father Krantz becomes increasingly attentive to Christine, leading to a controversial marriage proposal. At [11:30], Wilfred presents a solemn oath to marry Christine: "I swear by all the spirits of the hart's mountains. I take Christine for my wedded wife." Although Father Krantz hesitates, he ultimately consents, binding Christine to the family with an ominous pact involving ancient spirits.

The Werewolf's Howls

Shortly after the marriage, strange occurrences begin to plague the household. Each night, a mysterious wolf howl reverberates outside their windows. Marcella warns, "The open grate is the home of the evil ones," hinting at dark legends surrounding the region ([09:18]). The family's fear intensifies when their stepmother, Christine, exhibits bizarre behavior—late-night wanderings in what appears to be the guise of a wolf.

Suspicion and Tragedy

The tension reaches its peak when their younger brother, Caesar, grows suspicious of Christine's nocturnal activities. One fateful night, as chronicled at [17:53], Marcella announces her intent to follow Christine, leading to a confrontation that results in Caesar's tragic death. Herman reflects, "I wanted to tell Father all we knew. But Marcella held my arm and looked so imploringly at me that I kept silent." The family's anguish deepens as Father Krantz grapples with the loss of his son, convinced that a wolf was responsible.

The Final Confrontation

As spring arrives, the supernatural menace appears to abate, with Christine ceasing her nightly departures. However, the false sense of security is shattered when Marcella vanishes, leaving behind a trail of blood that points to Christine's transformation into the very creature threatening their lives. At [25:54], Father Krantz confronts the horrifying truth: "The body you've killed is not my stepmother. It's not Christine." In a heart-wrenching revelation, Father Krantz realizes that his oath to the spirits has inadvertently condemned his family to the wrath of the supernatural.

Conclusion

"Out Of The Past 19xx.xx.xx The Werewolf" masterfully intertwines themes of familial loyalty, betrayal, and the supernatural. The episode culminates in a tragic denouement where Father Krantz's desperate attempts to protect his family lead to irrevocable loss. The tale serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences that arise when ancient curses and human frailties collide.

Notable Quotes

• Herman at [02:34]: "Because my father is free of the evil one and his curse."
• Marcella at [03:30]: "Poor motherless little one."
• Wilfred at [11:16]: "I will take Christine for my wedded wife. I will ever cherish and love her."
• Father Krantz at [25:17]: "She's throwing the stones behind her."
• Herman at [25:41]: "No. No. Look, Father. The body on Marcella's grave. The body you've killed is. Is not my stepmother. It's not Christine."

Final Thoughts

This episode stands out as a quintessential example of old-time radio horror, blending suspenseful narration with dramatic dialogues that keep listeners on edge. "The Werewolf" not only entertains but also immerses the audience in a bygone era's storytelling prowess, making it a must-listen for aficionados of classic radio dramas.

Transcript

[Ella]

How did Ella bake her way to the top? It all started with one smart decision. She test drove a certified used truck from her local Ford dealer. It was inspected, backed by a Ford warranty, and fit her budget. A Carfax report was the cherry on top. Soon a pinch of confidence became a truckload of ambition. Cupcakes became customers. Customers became regulars.

[Caesar]

Hola.

[Ella]

Turns out Ella's next great investment was herself. Ford Blue Advantage used car buying that's built for you. See dealer for full program and limited warranty details.

[Wilfred]

Out of the past. Phantoms of a world gone by. Speak again. The IMMORTAL tale THE WEREWOLF.

[Father Krantz]

It's a wolf.

[Herman]

A wolf. Don't let it get me. It's a wolf. A wolf.

[Christine]

There, boy, there. Don't be frightened. It's only our neighbor's dog baying at the moon. Go to sleep. You are safe here with my husband and me.

[Father Krantz]

Where are you, good wife?

[Herman]

Here.

[Father Krantz]

Shh.

[Christine]

The boy is trying to sleep. What news of his father?

[Good Wife]

Peace to his soul. He was raving mad. By the time I got him to the hospital, it was brain fever. How's the boy?

[Christine]

Poor little lad. He says they walked all the way from the Harz Mountains. And he's only 11. He was starved, ate his supper as if he'd never seen food.

[Good Wife]

There's tragedy back of all this, good wife. When the boy stopped me on the road and asked for help, there was terror in his eyes.

[Father Krantz]

The wolf.

[Herman]

Help me. Oh, help me.

[Good Wife]

Quiet, boy, quiet. Nothing to fear. You're safe here by the sea. There are no wolves here. Just lie quietly, boy. I want to talk to you.

[Herman]

Yes, sir.

[Good Wife]

By what name are you called?

[Herman]

Herman. Herman Krantz.

[Good Wife]

Well, Herman, I'm afraid I have sad news for you.

[Herman]

My father is dead.

[Father Krantz]

Yes.

[Herman]

That is not sad news. I thank heaven.

[Father Krantz]

What?

[Marcella]

Why?

[Herman]

Because. Because my father is free of the evil one and his curse. Now there's only me. But I must go. I must hurry. I must get far away from the forests and the mountains.

[Good Wife]

Lie back, child. Wait a bit. There are no mountains or forests here. Only the calm sea.

[Christine]

What do you fear, Herman? Let me sit beside you. Don't be afraid.

[Marcella]

You.

[Herman]

You kissed me.

[Christine]

Is that so strange?

[Herman]

Oh, it is very strange. You're kind and good, and yet you are a woman.

[Christine]

Poor motherless little one.

[Good Wife]

It might help you lose some of your fears. Boy, if you told us something about yourself. You were born in the Harz Mountains?

[Herman]

No, Mynheer. We lived in Hungary on the state of a great noble. My father was Stuart.

[Christine]

And what about your Mother.

[Herman]

She ran away from us when we were very small. My brother Caesar said it was because of her that my father killed his noble lord.

[Good Wife]

Oh, I see. Now go on with your tale.

[Herman]

Father took all the money we owned and put us in the sleigh. We drove fast and far until we were out of Hungary. Then he bought a cottage among the tall firs deep in the Harz Mountains. And there we grew up.

[Good Wife]

Your brother and you?

[Herman]

And our little sister Marcella. We loved her very much.

[Christine]

Weren't you very lonely?

[Herman]

The winters were long and dark. Father went hunting every day, but shut us indoors for safety from the wolves. He also forbade us to light the fire. So we used to creep under heaps of bear skins to keep warm. We talk of that happy time when. When the snow would melt. The leaves burst out, the birds sing again, and we could go outdoors and play in our garden.

[Good Wife]

A sad life for children.

[Herman]

No, not sad. We were happy with each other, we three, until.

[Christine]

Yes, Herman.

[Herman]

Until the howl of wolf. Father had come from his hunting and had kindled a fire. And we were sitting around it when suddenly a wolf howled close under the window. My father seized his gun, looked to the priming and ran out, shutting the door behind him. We waited hours, and it was nearly midnight when my brother Caesar went to the door.

[Marcella]

I've heard no report of a gun.

[Herman]

Father must have chased the wolf a long way, or else. Oh, no. Father's all right, Marcella.

[Marcella]

I will look out and see if he's coming.

[Caesar]

Take care, Caesar. The wolves may be closed, and we cannot kill them.

[Marcella]

I'll be careful.

[Herman]

Hmm.

[Marcella]

I see nothing but moonlight and snow.

[Herman]

Come in, Caesar. Father will come when he can.

[Caesar]

I'm hungry.

[Herman]

We've had no supper, but we'll be punished if we do not wait.

[Caesar]

Father will be glad to have food ready. Let's cook it for him and for ourselves.

[Marcella]

Very well. I'll get down some venison. But, Marcella, can you dress it?

[Herman]

Surely.

[Caesar]

Haven't I often helped Father? Get the iron pot, Herman.

[Marcella]

There. I've cut off lots of slices. Now put the fat in the pot.

[Herman]

Oh, be careful of the fire, little sister.

[Marcella]

Look out the window, Herman, someone's coming.

[Herman]

It's Father. And there's a man with him, leading a horse.

[Marcella]

Yes, and there's a lady in the saddle. See how the moon shines on her white face. And that lovely flaxen hair.

[Caesar]

I'm frightened.

[Marcella]

Why, sister darling. She's beautiful.

[Father Krantz]

Hola. Hola. Caesar, open the door. We have guests. Enter, good sir, I have little to Offer. But you and your daughter are welcome, Friend hunter.

[Wilfred]

It was good fortune for us that you were out so late. We had ridden far in fear of our lives.

[Stepmother]

And we would have died of cold and hunger in those mountains had you not heard our horn and saved us.

[Father Krantz]

Come, mistress. Seat yourself by the fire.

[Stepmother]

The warmth is pleasant, and the smell.

[Wilfred]

Of food is pleasanter still. You have young cooks here, mein Herr.

[Father Krantz]

Yes, these are my children, Caesar, Herman and Marcella.

[Marcella]

Welcome, sir.

[Herman]

We have supper already, Father.

[Wilfred]

Before I eat, I must put up my horse.

[Father Krantz]

I will take care of him.

[Wilfred]

Let me go with you.

[Father Krantz]

You needn't trouble. But if you like, come along. I have a shed outside.

[Stepmother]

What fine boys you are. Come close to me.

[Father Krantz]

Mmm.

[Stepmother]

Good strong arm, Sturdy shoulder. Why do you tremble, lad?

[Marcella]

You are so white and shining.

[Stepmother]

There's no reason to fear me.

[Herman]

You're a stranger.

[Stepmother]

I'm not Strange. We shall be friends. But where's the little girl?

[Marcella]

She's afraid. I think she's hidden herself in bed.

[Stepmother]

Gone to bed? Without any supper? She must have been a bad little girl.

[Herman]

She is not bad, lady.

[Marcella]

No, she's good.

[Wilfred]

You say you were lured away by a large white wolf which howled at this very window?

[Father Krantz]

Yes, I saw it about 30 yards off. The animal retreated slowly, and I followed. I didn't like to fire until I was sure that my shot would take effect.

[Stepmother]

A white wolf. Of course. You were anxious to shoot such a very rare animal.

[Father Krantz]

The wolf would leave me far behind, then stop and snarl defiance at me, then start off at speed again. As I neared it, it led me further and further up the mountain to an open space in the forest. There it stopped and growled. I raised my gun to shoot, when suddenly the wolf disappeared.

[Stepmother]

Disappeared?

[Christine]

How strange.

[Father Krantz]

I thought the moonlight on the snow was playing me some trick. But no, she was gone. That's when I heard your horn.

[Stepmother]

The creature passed us just as we came out of the woods into that glade.

[Wilfred]

I nearly shot it myself. But since she led you to our rescue, I'm glad I let the wolf escape.

[Marcella]

Father, that open grate is the home of the evil ones.

[Wilfred]

Evil ones? What does the boy mean?

[Father Krantz]

Oh, superstition has it that strange and wicked beings haunt these mountains.

[Stepmother]

Oh, I must hear more of these legends. Evil spirits interest me.

[Father Krantz]

I confess I was glad to see that you were mortals.

[Wilfred]

My daughter Christine and I are just creatures of flesh and blood.

[Stepmother]

Yes, I assure you I'm only a woman with very human appetites. And right now I. I have a great desire for sleep.

[Herman]

My father made room for all of us. And we crept into our beds. But we couldn't sleep. Father and the strange hunter sat up all night before the fire, drinking and talking. Our ears were ready to catch the slightest whisper.

[Father Krantz]

You say you come from Hungary?

[Wilfred]

Even so, mein Herr, I served a noble house. But my master was cruel. It ended in my giving him a few inches of my hunting knife. So we fled for our lives.

[Father Krantz]

Why? We are countrymen then, and brothers in misfortune. I too have fled for my life.

[Wilfred]

Your name, man?

[Father Krantz]

Krantz.

[Wilfred]

What? Krantz. I. I have heard your story. I am your kinsman, Wilfred of Barnsdorf.

[Father Krantz]

Well, a toast. And to welcome you, cousin. You and your daughter must stay here as long as you choose.

[Herman]

So the huntsman and his daughter Christine stayed on in the cottage. The two men hunted each day, and Christine stayed with us and did the household duties. Father was becoming very attentive to Christine. They would often sit up at night, talking in low tones before the fire. Then, several weeks later, we learned that Father had asked Christine in marriage.

[Wilfred]

You may take my child, Krantz, and my blessing with her.

[Father Krantz]

I will duly value her. But there is no priest in this wild country.

[Wilfred]

Well, there must be some ceremony between you to satisfy your father. Will you. Will you both consent that I marry you after my own fashion?

[Stepmother]

I will.

[Father Krantz]

I will.

[Wilfred]

Then take her by the hand and swear. I swear by all the spirits of the hart's mountains.

[Father Krantz]

Nay, nay. Why not, by heaven?

[Wilfred]

Because it is not my humor. Surely you will not thwart me.

[Father Krantz]

Yes, but why swear by that in which I do not believe?

[Caesar]

Father, no, please don't marry her.

[Father Krantz]

Please.

[Stepmother]

Still, Marcella, this is scarcely any affair of yours, child.

[Wilfred]

Well, will you be marri, or shall I take my daughter away with me?

[Father Krantz]

Proceed.

[Wilfred]

Here is the oath writ out on this parchment. Read it and swear by all the slow spirits of the heart smelten I take Christine for my wedded wife. I will ever cherish and love her. My hand shall never be raised to harm her. And if I fail in this my vow, may all the vengeance of the spirits fall upon me and upon my children. May they perish by the vulture or by the beasts of the forest.

[Father Krantz]

Poor fool, mortal. Who had a werewolf, Your beautiful Christina. Werewolf. A werewolf. Stop, demon, stop. I shall go mad. Come, my son. My little Herman, you at least may escape this awful curse. We must free for our lives away from these evil forests to the sea. There you'll be safe, my son. There you will be safe.

[Wilfred]

From the time worn pages of the past. We have brought you the Werewolf del Keeper.

[Father Krantz]

Holy spirits of the Heart's mountains, I take Christine for my wedded wife. I will ever cherish and love her. My hand shall never be raised to harm her. And if I fail in this my vow, may all the vengeance of the spirits fall upon me and upon my children. May they perish by the vulture or by the beasts of the forest. Why. Why, this is horrible. I. I can't swear. Swear all. All this. I. I swear.

[Stepmother]

Strange behavior from your children. My husband, on our wedding night.

[Father Krantz]

Stop crying, Marcella. I'm sorry, Christine.

[Stepmother]

Never mind, my dear husband. I'm not angry. But from now on, the children are my concern. They shall obey me. And I shall. Love the little darlings.

[Narrator]

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[Father Krantz]

O'Reilly Auto Parts.

[Herman]

The next morning, Wilfred the hunter mounted his horse and rode away. Things went on much as before the marriage, except that Christine showed us no kindness now. She often struck us and took special pleasure in ill treating Marcella. One night, my little sister shook us as we slept.

[Caesar]

Wake up, brother.

[Herman]

Wake up. Herman.

[Marcella]

What's the matter? Marcella.

[Caesar]

She has gone out.

[Herman]

Gone out?

[Caesar]

Yes, in her night clothes. I saw her get out of bed. Then she looked at father to make sure he still was asleep. Then she went out the door.

[Herman]

A wolf.

[Marcella]

She'll be torn to pieces.

[Caesar]

Oh, no. Much as I hate her, that would be too horrible.

[Herman]

What could have made her go out all undressed in the deep snow?

[Marcella]

She's strange.

[Caesar]

She's dreadful. Her eyes flash fire when they look at me. Her teeth are like an animal's.

[Herman]

She certainly eats queerly. Have you noticed she doesn't like to sit at the table while getting supper? I've seen her tear at a piece of meat that wasn't even cooked.

[Father Krantz]

Sh.

[Caesar]

There she is in the firelight.

[Marcella]

She's in her white nightdress.

[Herman]

Washing her face and hands in the water pail. Father hasn't even waked up.

[Father Krantz]

Shh.

[Caesar]

She's going back to bed.

[Marcella]

We might as well go to sleep now. But we'll watch again tomorrow night.

[Herman]

The next night and every night, our stepmother rose from bed and left the cottage. And every night the wolf howled under our windows. And always on her return, Christine washed herself, then crept back to bed and Always my father slept soundly. Well, the time came when my brother could stand it no longer.

[Caesar]

Caesar, why have you come to bed all fully dressed?

[Marcella]

I'm going to find out about these midnight walks.

[Herman]

You'll tell Father?

[Marcella]

Not until I know where she goes and what she does.

[Caesar]

Caesar, you don't mean that you're.

[Marcella]

Yes. Tonight I'm going to follow her.

[Caesar]

No, Caesar, please don't. Please don't. I'm afraid.

[Herman]

I know you're brave, but I wish you wouldn't go.

[Marcella]

Brother, I'm going now. There's no use talking.

[Father Krantz]

Shh.

[Caesar]

She's getting up now.

[Herman]

Quiet, you two.

[Marcella]

There she goes. To the door.

[Herman]

Be careful, Caesar. Be careful. Stupid.

[Caesar]

Father's gun. Oh, I'm so frightened.

[Herman]

So am I. I'm shaking all over.

[Caesar]

I wonder how long we'll have to wait a shot. Father will surely wait now and find out about her.

[Herman]

No list. He's still asleep.

[Caesar]

Someone's coming.

[Herman]

Oh, I hope it's not Caesar. It's Christine. Look at her, Marcella. Her dress is all covered with blood. Now what's she doing?

[Father Krantz]

Who's there?

[Stepmother]

Lie still, dearest. It's only me. Oh, I'm just relighting the fire to warm some water.

[Father Krantz]

Hurry back, Christine. Mine. You should be asleep at this time of night.

[Herman]

We watched our stepmother change her linen and burn the garments. Her leg was bleeding. She bandaged it and sat before the fire. But where was Caesar? And how did Christine get the wound? Unless from his gun. Trembling in our bed, we waited. Waited till dawn. Father awoke. Father.

[Father Krantz]

What is it, Herman?

[Herman]

Father, where is my brother Caesar?

[Father Krantz]

What do you mean, son?

[Herman]

Oh, he went out in the night. Marcella and I waited for him. He's not come back.

[Stepmother]

Merciful heaven. I was restless last night and thought.

[Christine]

I heard someone lift the latch.

[Stepmother]

Dear me, husband, what has become of your gun?

[Father Krantz]

My gun? Great heaven, it's gone.

[Herman]

Caesar took it.

[Father Krantz]

Herman, get me the broad axe. I'm going to find Caesar.

[Caesar]

Oh, why did Caesar go out? What has happened to him?

[Herman]

Be still.

[Stepmother]

Whimpering will not help. Here comes your father now.

[Herman]

Father. Father's carrying Caesar.

[Caesar]

Torn to pieces.

[Herman]

Oh.

[Father Krantz]

Clear the table. There. The body of my oldest son.

[Stepmother]

Quiet, children. Husband. Your boy must have taken the gun to shoot a wolf. The animal must have been too powerful for him. Poor boy.

[Herman]

At that terrible moment, I wanted to tell Father all we knew. But Marcella held my arm and looked so imploringly at me that I kept silent. She and I were sure that Christine had some connection with our brother's death. Father dug A grave and piled stones on it. And for Daisy, he just sat and stared at the fire, mourning for Caesar. Our stepmother's wanderings continued. One day, Father again took down his gun to go hunting, but soon returned.

[Father Krantz]

Would you believe it, Christine? The wolves, perdition to the whole breed, have dug up the body of my poor boy. And there's nothing left of him but bones.

[Stepmother]

Indeed. Then you must build a new grave.

[Herman]

Father. A wolf howls under our window every night.

[Father Krantz]

Why didn't you tell me? Wake me the next time you hear it. I'll get that wolf.

[Stepmother]

Have you not yet learned that it is safest to leave wolves alone?

[Father Krantz]

Why, Christine, your eyes are wild and you're almost snarling at me.

[Stepmother]

But I'm so afraid for you, dear husband.

[Herman]

We never heard the wolf howl under our window again. When at last, spring came and I helped my father with our small farm, Marcella was always with us, for we couldn't bear to have her out of our sight. Our stepmother stopped going out on her nightly rambles. One day she came out to us and said she was going to collect some herbs Father wanted and that Marcella must go to the cottage to watch the dinner. Marcella obeyed, and we saw my stepmother disappear into the forest in the opposite direction, so felt no danger for my little sister. But about an hour later.

[Father Krantz]

Marcella.

[Herman]

She's by herself.

[Father Krantz]

Run, Herman, run. Great heaven.

[Herman]

Look. The white wolf slinking out of our cottage. Kill it. Father.

[Father Krantz]

I have no gun. We're too late. It's gone. Oh. Oh, my little Marcella.

[Herman]

The wolf has hurt her terribly. She's bleeding, Father.

[Father Krantz]

She's dying. Marcella. Marcella, my darling, speak to me.

[Herman]

Why? What's wrong?

[Stepmother]

Oh, how horrible. Poor child. Oh, it must have been that great white wolf which passed me just now and frightened me so.

[Herman]

She's quite dead.

[Stepmother]

Oh, my poor husband. How horrible. How horrible.

[Herman]

We dug a grave for my darling little sister and did everything we could to protect it against wolves. I was alone now, so, so awfully alone. But no longer afraid of my stepmother. My heart was full of hate and revenge. That very night I saw Christine get up and go out of the cottage. I dressed quickly and half opened the door. The moon was very bright, and I could see Marcella's grave. But I saw something else, something so horrible that I turned cold in my heart and ran to wake my father. Father.

[Father Krantz]

Father.

[Herman]

Get up and dress. Hurry.

[Father Krantz]

What? The wolves again? I'll be right there. Get my gun.

[Herman]

I. I have it, Father. Come.

[Father Krantz]

Herman.

[Stepmother]

Stop.

[Father Krantz]

Who is that crouching on? My sonna's grave. Christine?

[Herman]

Yes. In her white nightdress. She's digging with her hands.

[Father Krantz]

She's throwing the stones behind her.

[Herman]

Her face is as cruel as a wild beast.

[Father Krantz]

Oh, she's destroying Marcella's grave. Your grandfather shield. Yes, my son. Yes. Pray that my hand holds ste. Heaven forgive me. I have killed my beautiful Christine.

[Herman]

No. No. Look, Father. The body on Marcella's grave. The body you've killed is. Is not my stepmother. It's not Christine.

[Father Krantz]

No. No. It's the white wolf. The white wolf which lured me into the forest. The white wolf that killed my children. I see it all now. My oath. My oath to the spirits of the heart.