Episode Summary: "Ripley's Believe It Or Not - For the Sake of Art"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: November 16, 2025
Episode Focus: A true and startling story from history revealing the extraordinary lengths an artist went to in pursuit of realism.

Overview

In this brief and compelling episode of "Ripley's Believe It Or Not," the host presents two fascinating historical anecdotes illustrating the show's signature theme: truth is often stranger than fiction. The main focus lies on a shocking tale of artistic ambition leading to cruel deception, all "for the sake of art."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Continuity of Design: The High Chair of King James I

• [00:12] Fact: The high chair once used by King James I of England as a baby—now preserved in Alloa, Scotland—closely resembles modern high chairs, despite being nearly 400 years old.
  • Significance: Showcases how some aspects of human design and utility remain unchanged over centuries.

2. Art and Cruelty: Francisco Zarcio and "La Dolorosa"

• Main Segment [00:25–01:20]:
  • The episode recounts the extraordinary tale behind "La Dolorosa," the Lady of Sorrows statue residing in the Cathedral of Mercia, Spain.
  • Artist Involved: Francisco Zarcio, a celebrated Spanish sculptor.
  • Method: To capture genuine grief for the statue's expression, Zarcio used his own daughter as a model and orchestrated a cruel trick.
  • How: He handed his daughter a forged letter, falsely stating that her fiancé had committed suicide.
  • The emotional shock deeply wounded her, causing the authentic display of grief Zarcio wanted.
  • During her moment of intense sorrow, Zarcio made sketches for the statue.
  • Only after recording her expression did he reveal the truth behind the deception to his heartbroken daughter.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Statement:
  • B [00:00]: "Truth is stranger than fiction, and this is the proof. This is Ripley's Believe it or Not."
• Artistic Deception Described:
  • A [00:41]: "He used his daughter as a model in order to trick her into registering the proper amount of grief."
• The Cruel Method:
  • A [00:48]: "The artist handed his daughter a forged letter announcing the suicide of the man she was engaged to marry. The shock nearly broke the young woman's heart."
• Revelation:
  • A [01:03]: "Zarcio sketched his daughter's sorrow and then explained the trick. Believe it or not."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Opening theme: Truth is stranger than fiction
• [00:12] – King James I's high chair and enduring design
• [00:25] – Introduction to Francisco Zarcio's statue, La Dolorosa
• [00:41] – The trick on Zarcio's daughter
• [01:03] – The aftermath and artist's reveal

Conclusion

This episode underscores the lengths to which some have gone for the sake of artistic authenticity, provoking both awe and discomfort. Through its bracing anecdotes—told in the timeless, matter-of-fact "Believe It Or Not" style—the episode leaves listeners with a sense of wonder at the peculiarities of human history and creativity.