The Cat 46-10-21 (Audition)

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Episode Summary: "The Cat 46-10-21 (Audition)" Release Date: February 16, 2025

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Introduction

"The Cat 46-10-21 (Audition)" marks the intriguing debut of Harold's Old Time Radio's new mystery horror series, "The Cat." Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, this episode immerses listeners in a tale of darkness, mystery, and supernatural elements. As family members gather around the radio, the story unfolds with characters entangled in eerie dreams, unexplained phenomena, and the enigmatic presence of a malevolent cat.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with a brief advertisement for VRBO’s long stay discounts before transitioning into the eerie storyline. The narrative centers around Jabez, a mysterious figure who sits by the fire in his library, meticulously documenting events in his "Chronicles of Mystery Evil." Accompanied by Zora, Jabez delves into themes of good versus evil, highlighting the internal conflicts within a man's heart and mind (00:21 - 01:11).

As the story progresses, Carol, a central character, grapples with her inexplicable attraction to Jabez, a man shrouded in mystery. Her feelings create tension with Phil, her longtime companion, and her father, who expresses concern over her infatuation (02:42 - 06:21). Nancy, the family maid, introduces a supernatural element with recurring dreams of a giant cat with shining eyes, which soon transcends into reality when she claims to see the cat outside her window (07:13 - 09:30).

The plot thickens as Nancy vanishes mysteriously, only to return the next day unharmed, further deepening the unsettling atmosphere. Meanwhile, Carol contemplates her growing fascination with Jabez, sensing that there is more to his allure than meets the eye (09:41 - 11:13). The narrative takes a darker turn when Zora arrives, frightened by the cat, and seeks Jabez’s help. Confrontations ensue, revealing that Nancy has committed a murder under the cat’s influence, now irrevocably tied to the shadows—forever a part of "us" (11:37 - 14:29).

The episode concludes with Carol reflecting on her intense emotions and the ominous presence of Jabez, setting the stage for future developments (14:41 - 16:06). The narrator teases the continuation of the story, promising more suspense and revelations in the next installment (16:06 - 16:19).

Character Highlights

• Jabez: The enigmatic protagonist whose deep knowledge and mysterious aura draw Carol towards him. Jabez appears to possess supernatural insights, evidenced by his ability to perceive Nancy’s actions and his control over the unfolding events (00:45 - 13:26).

• Carol: A conflicted character torn between her longstanding relationship with Phil and her inexplicable attraction to Jabez. Her internal struggle underscores the theme of desire versus duty (02:42 - 14:05).

• Phil: Carol’s companion, whose concern for her well-being introduces familial tension. Phil’s skepticism towards Jabez adds to the narrative’s suspense (05:34 - 06:21).

• Nancy: The maid whose supernatural experiences with the cat bridge the gap between dreams and reality. Her mysterious disappearance and subsequent return deepen the plot’s mysterious and horror elements (07:13 - 09:30, 09:41 - 14:29).

• Father: Represents traditional authority and skepticism, questioning Carol’s feelings for Jabez and highlighting generational conflicts (03:43 - 04:16).

• Zora: Accompanies Jabez in his writings and later seeks his help against the cat, embodying fear and the struggle against dark forces (11:37 - 14:29).

Themes and Motifs

• Good vs. Evil: The episode consistently explores the internal and external battles between good and evil, embodied by characters like Jabez and the malevolent cat.

• Supernatural Influence: The recurring presence of the giant cat with shining eyes introduces a supernatural motif, symbolizing the inescapable pull of darkness.

• Mystery and Horror: Elements of mystery are woven throughout, with unexplained phenomena and character disappearances enhancing the horror aspect.

• Conflict of Desires: Carol’s emotional turmoil between her loyalty to Phil and her attraction to Jabez highlights the complexities of human desires and moral dilemmas.

Notable Quotes

• Jabez on Good vs. Evil:

  "Another story of darkness, of shadows or up. Another story of mystery and horror. Come here, my dear. By my side." (00:21)

• Carol on Her Attraction to Jabez:

  "I want to understand you, Jabez. I want to understand this hidden secret cord that brings us closer and closer to each other." (02:42)

• Nancy Describing Her Dream:

  "She sits all by herself in the middle of a dream. Sitting on air, her black tail curled around her. And her eyes steady, staring at me. Into me." (08:00)

• Jabez Confronting Nancy:

  "Why did you kill him? Don't you know you have no right to kill? You plunged a knife into his heart. Your husband, whom you had promised to honor and cherish." (12:26)

• Narrator Teasing the Next Episode:

  "Tomorrow night at this time, we will bring you the next chapter in this week's story of the cat included." (16:06)

Conclusion

"The Cat 46-10-21 (Audition)" serves as a captivating introduction to Harold's Old Time Radio's new series, blending classic radio storytelling with modern themes of mystery and horror. The episode masterfully sets up a complex web of character relationships and supernatural elements, leaving listeners eager for the next chapter. As Carol grapples with her enigmatic attraction to Jabez and the sinister presence of the cat looms, the stage is set for a thrilling continuation of the Chronicles of Mystery Evil.

Listeners who appreciate the rich, atmospheric narratives of old-time radio dramas will find "The Cat" both nostalgic and fresh, promising an engaging auditory experience that harkens back to the golden age while introducing contemporary storytelling twists.

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Tune in next week to uncover more secrets and unravel the mysteries that "The Cat" holds in store.

Transcript

[VRBO]

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[Jabez]

Another story, Zola. Another story of darkness, of shadows or up. Another story of mystery and horror. Come here, my dear. By my side.

[Narrator]

The cat. Instrument of evil. Pawn of the devil. Another story in the weekly series heard each night at this time. Time. The forces of evil are everywhere. For in a man's heart and mind there dwells an endless conflict, whether for.

[Jabez]

Good or evil, whether for right or.

[Narrator]

Wrong, and how shall he know which is which until he must make the fateful decision? And now the cat Jabez sits before the fire in his library. The library filled with volumes written by his hand. Zora sits beside him as he pens this day's events. Another chapter in the latest edition through his Chronicles of Mystery Evil.

[Jabez]

In a moment, Zora, a few more words. There. I'm finished. How else would I fill our shelves? Or if I did not write today's events in our books? Yes, I know. I promised you something, Zora. I will keep my word. Soon. But first, the night is cool. And Carol, lovely Carol lies in bed and thinks of me. Lovely Carol, lying in bed, thinking of me.

[Carol]

Jabez. Jabez, are you thinking of me tonight? Are you remembering? I never knew there was such a thing in all the world. This strange, irresistible force that draws me to you, Jabez. Knowledge so deep in you, mystery in your eyes. I want to understand you, Jabez. I want to understand this hidden secret cord that brings us closer and closer to each other. You know, when I'm near you, my hands tremble and my heart leaps and I feel that strangeness that I sound, like an overwhelmed child hit me so suddenly. Even Father doesn't understand. Father was angry about it because.

[Father]

What do you know about him?

[Carol]

I know all I want to know. I know that he has some deep and strange attraction for me.

[Father]

But who is he?

[Jabez]

What is he?

[Father]

Where does he come from? What does he do?

[Carol]

I don't know, Father, and it doesn't matter.

[Father]

It doesn't matter. How can you feel this way about a man who's practically a stranger?

[Carol]

He's gentle with me and wise.

[Father]

How old is he? He looks like. Like he might be any age when you look at him closely.

[Carol]

Jabez has had a hard life. He's seen a lot of the world. That's all.

[Jabez]

Carol, child.

[Father]

There's something about him, Father.

[Carol]

You met Jabez just once.

[Father]

Perhaps. Perhaps it's just my imagination, but. But I. I'm afraid for you.

[Carol]

Something wonderful. Something strong and deep and powerful in it.

[Father]

I don't know what it is, but I want to know more about this man. I want to know more about him, and yet. Yes, Father, I'm afraid to know.

[Carol]

Oh, Father, what nonsense.

[Father]

No, no, Carol.

[Carol]

You don't understand in the way I do, Father. That's all.

[Father]

Carol, what about Phil? What will Phil?

[Carol]

I had to think about Phil. I was impatient with the thought. Phil should understand. Phil should remember that although we've grown up together and thought about marriage. And everything seemed settled, it was more a habit of being together than being in love. It isn't that I'm in love with Jabez. It's more that I no longer feel the same way about Phil. But the way Phil took it puzzled me.

[Jabez]

That's how you feel, Carol.

[Phil]

I won't stop you.

[Carol]

I knew you'd understand, Phil. This is something I have no control over it. It just happened to me. Swept me off my feet.

[Phil]

Don't you think he's a little old for you?

[Carol]

I'm not thinking of marriage, Phil. I'm just terribly attracted to Jabez. Besides, how old do you think he is?

[Phil]

I don't know. That's got me puzzled. He could be 60. And he could be 40.

[Carol]

There's a look that's not very kind of you, Phil.

[Phil]

I'm only interested in your welfare, Carol.

[Carol]

Of course you are, Phil. But there are depths to Jabez that you don't understand. He's so alive, so clever, so. No, clever isn't the word. He's deep, as though he knows everything.

[Phil]

I'd like to meet someone who knows everything.

[Carol]

I thought would have protested, Would have told me how much he was in love with me and wouldn't let me go. But he didn't. There wasn't any unpleasantness. I got the feeling that there was something hidden in his acceptance of Jabez. As though he knew more about Jabez than I did. But that was silly. How could anybody understand the strong, deep attraction he has for me? Nancy's reaction to Jabez was just the opposite. You see, you can't trust a man's judgment about another man. Nancy is only our maid. But she's a woman. She put her finger on it right away.

[Nancy]

I tell you, Miss Carol, it's just that men don't trust other men who got personality.

[Carol]

Yes, yes, Nancy. That's it.

[Nancy]

Well, don't you worry, Miss Carol. Your father will like him.

[Carol]

Oh, I hope so. Nancy, I'm worried about you. You haven't been looking well.

[Zora]

Her.

[Carol]

It's.

[Nancy]

It's just those dreams.

[Carol]

Are you still having them?

[Nancy]

Oh, Miss Carol, they've been getting worse. Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I kept seeing the eyes shining in the dark, steady staring at me. They were blinking, shining big and shining, as if they was asking me a question.

[Carol]

Poor Nancy. You're tired.

[Nancy]

No, Miss Kelly. If only I could stop seeing them looking and asking.

[Carol]

Asking you what, Nancy?

[Nancy]

Well, that's what.

[Carol]

I don't know.

[Nancy]

She sits all by herself in the middle of a dream. Sitting on air, her black tail curled around her. And her eyes steady, staring at me. Into me.

[Carol]

And that's all, Nancy. No.

[Nancy]

That's the way it was two nights before last. The eyes is always the same, but she changes her position. Night before last, she was walking in space. Her tail flicking and her head turned to me without ever looking away.

[Carol]

How long does the dream last, Nancy?

[Nancy]

Forever, it seems like. I try to shut my eyes to it, but I can't. Pretty soon I begin to get frightened. I try to wake myself up, but it's hard. Something keeps pulling me back into the dream.

[Carol]

Big cat, you say?

[Nancy]

It's a giant cat, Miss Carol.

[Carol]

Oh, now, Nancy, I think we ought to see Dr. Lacey about it. Perhaps it's something he can explain very simply. And you won't have those dreams anymore.

[Nancy]

Well, it ain't only dreams now, Miss Carol.

[Carol]

What do you mean? I. I saw her, Nancy.

[Nancy]

Miss Carol, I swear, I ain't one for fancies. I couldn't fall asleep last night. I was so worried. I lay in bed and tried to put it all out of my mind, but I couldn't. And my heart was going something awful.

[Carol]

And then.

[Nancy]

Then I was looking out the window. Something drew me to look there and.

[Carol]

Oh, Nancy, I think your imagination is running away with you.

[Nancy]

Well, no, Miss Carol. No. She was there, the cat. She was sitting on the ledge. And her eyes looked straight at me. Just like in the dream.

[Zora]

Oh, Miss Carol, I'm so afraid. I'm so afraid.

[Carol]

It'll make you feel better. I'll stay with you in your room tonight, Nancy.

[Nancy]

Oh, would you, Miss Carol?

[Carol]

Would you? Of course, Nancy. We'll soon put an end to those dreams of yours. Just before dinner, Nancy disappeared. When Jabez left, I thought Nancy would have started dinner. And I went into the kitchen. Nancy wasn't there. She wasn't in her room, either. We couldn't find her anywhere. She just disappeared. We didn't get very upset about it because it had happened twice before. And Nancy had turned up the next day. Still, I was a little puzzled. Anyway, here I am in my own room and I can't sleep. But it's because of something different than what troubled Nancy. This is something exciting. This feeling of great knowledge and wisdom, of dark secret and fulfillment. Strange how he draws me to him. Jabez. Jabez, where are you now?

[Narrator]

You are listening to another chapter in our new mystery horror series, the Cat. And now back to our story.

[Jabez]

Well, Dora, as I promised, Nancy is waiting. I told you she'd be here, didn't I?

[Zora]

Mr. James, I'm frightened.

[Jabez]

Yes, Nancy, what is it?

[Zora]

The cat. That's the cat. Mr. Davis, keep her away.

[Jabez]

Listen to me.

[Zora]

Yes, but Keep the cat away. I'm afraid.

[Jabez]

Patience, Zora.

[Zora]

You're a gentleman, Mr. Jadis.

[Nancy]

You promised to help me.

[Zora]

That's why I came here. You won't let her hurt me, will you? You'll protect me.

[Jabez]

Nancy.

[Zora]

Oh, please, Mr. Jabis.

[Jabez]

Nancy, look at me. Nancy. Why did you kill him? Don't you know you have no right to kill? You plunged a knife into his heart. Your husband, whom you had promised to honor and cherish.

[Carol]

How do you know?

[Jabez]

How do I know? It's on your face, Nancy. It's in your eyes. Those things always stay in your eyes. Didn't you know that once you stepped into the shadows, there was no turning back?

[Nancy]

I couldn't help myself.

[Jabez]

While he was asleep, Nancy, while your husband lay in sleep, you went to the kitchen and found the bread knife and went back to his room. There were shadows in the room. And the moon came through the window. Did you think you could just forget about it? You're one of us now, Nancy. Forever.

[Zora]

You promised to help me. You said you would take me from the cat.

[Jabez]

I said I would make sure everything turns out right. Nancy. I'm going to keep that promise. When you saw Zora in your dreams, it was the beginning.

[Carol]

No.

[Jabez]

I don't want any misunderstanding, Nancy. I want you to know why you are here.

[Carol]

I swear I'll give myself up.

[Zora]

I'll tell the police. I'll take my punishment. But don't let that cat come near me.

[Jabez]

You don't have to go to the police.

[Carol]

Your eyes.

[Jabez]

Yes, Nancy.

[Carol]

You.

[Nancy]

You're not Mr. Chase.

[Jabez]

I'm not.

[Zora]

You're.

[VRBO]

I.

[Zora]

They're just.

[Jabez]

Nancy, look at me.

[Carol]

Keep away.

[Zora]

Keep her away.

[Jabez]

All right, Zor.

[Carol]

Who's there? Father? Is anyone here? I saw a cat. I must have been three. Thinking of Nancy and the cat. Looking at me with green eyes. Never looking away. Just looking straight at me. I must be letting Nancy's imagination get the best of me. Oh, Jabez. Jabez. I miss him so. Oh.

[Jabez]

Well, Zora. Oh, you did. You enjoyed tonight's chapter? This is just the beginning, Zora. We did well with Nancy. But tomorrow. Tomorrow I see wonderful things, Zora, for me and you and Carol.

[Narrator]

Tomorrow night at this time, we will bring you the next chapter in this week's story of the cat included.

[VRBO]

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