The Weird Circle (01) 1943 The Fall of the House of Usher

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Weird Circle (01) 1943 The Fall of the House of Usher
Release Date: January 12, 2025

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Introduction and Setting

In the premiere episode of "The Weird Circle," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a gripping adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, "The Fall of the House of Usher." The episode opens with the Bell Keeper setting a mysterious and eerie atmosphere:

Bell Keeper [00:38]: "THE weird CIRCLE in this cave by the restless sea we are met to call from out the past... the immortal tale the Fall of the House of Usher."

The story unfolds in the decaying mansion of the Usher family, a place shrouded in darkness and haunted by ancient curses.

Characters and Relationships

• Madeline Usher: A frail member of the Usher family, confined to bed, and waiting for death.
• Roderick Usher: Madeline's twin brother, burdened by a deteriorating mental state and a mysterious connection to his sister.
• Charles Wilson: Engaged to Roderick and later revealed to be involved in the family's dark secrets.
• Dina: A caretaker in the Usher household.
• Talbot: A reliable servant aiding the Ushers.
• Dr. Bain: The family doctor, attempting to mediate the escalating tensions.

The Usher siblings are bound not only by blood but by a supernatural bond that intertwines their fates, setting the stage for a tragic narrative.

Plot Progression

Madeline's Testament and Family Secrets

Madeline Usher begins by recounting the ominous prophecy that foretells the fall of their ancestral home when "the rains are blood red" ([02:00]). She describes the decaying state of the mansion and introduces the primary members of the family, emphasizing the tradition of intermarriage within the Ushers.

Madeline Usher [01:58]: "I am leaving it as my last will and testament... There are three members of the Usher family living two in direct descent."

Roderick's Desperation

Roderick Usher expresses his urgent desire to see Charles Wilson before his impending death ([03:00]). Their conversation reveals deep-seated fears and a complex relationship filled with distrust and hidden truths.

Roderick Usher [03:20]: "Afraid of the truth, Roderick? You've always been afraid of me."

The Red Rain Phenomenon

A recurring motif is the red rain, symbolizing the family's curse and the approaching doom. Roderick obsesses over the intensifying red rains, linking them to the crumbling house and his own deteriorating condition.

Roderick Usher [03:46]: "Look at the rain. Each day it will be redder and redder and darker."

Dina's Intervention and Family Dynamics

Dina attempts to intervene in the escalating tensions, urging Roderick to fulfill his duty without further disrupting the family's fragile state.

Dina [05:44]: "But, Lord Roderick, your own sister."

Revelation of the Supernatural Bond

As the plot thickens, Roderick reveals a shocking truth about his and Charles's connection. He claims that they share a single soul, with their physical forms being merely vessels.

Roderick Usher [12:20]: "Roderick and I are only one person, not two. We have two earthly bodies, but we share one soul."

This revelation heightens the tension, suggesting that their intertwined lives are the source of the mansion's decay.

Climactic Confrontation in the Catacombs

The narrative reaches its climax in the dark, damp catacombs beneath the Usher house. Roderick, obsessed with preventing his own "living death," confronts Charles in a harrowing showdown.

Roderick Usher [24:50]: "The reigns are blood red. And I've come to reclaim my soul."

In a frenzy, Roderick attempts to destroy Madeline's resting place, believing it will free his soul. However, his actions trigger the ultimate collapse of the house and his own demise.

Key Conflicts and Resolutions

• Supernatural Bond vs. Individual Will: Roderick's belief in their shared soul creates internal conflict, leading to his inability to distinguish between his desires and his sister's will.

• Madeline's Struggle for Autonomy: Madeline seeks to assert her own will against the oppressive traditions of her family, striving to break free from the cursed lineage.

• Red Rain as a Catalyst: The blood-red rains serve as a physical manifestation of the family's curse, accelerating the destruction of both the house and its inhabitants.

Notable Quotes

• Madeline Usher on Tradition and Fate:

  Madeline Usher [01:58]: "The House of Usher will crumble to the earth."

• Roderick's Desperation:

  Roderick Usher [03:59]: "Madeline?"

• Revelation of the Twin Bond:

  Roderick Usher [12:20]: "We have two earthly bodies, but we share one soul."

• Climactic Confrontation:

  Roderick Usher [24:50]: "I've come to reclaim my soul."

Conclusion

"The Fall of the House of Usher" episode masterfully weaves a tale of gothic horror and psychological drama, capturing the essence of Poe's original work while infusing it with rich dialogue and atmospheric soundscapes. The episode concludes with the complete downfall of the Usher family, as the house itself succumbs to the inevitable curse, leaving listeners with a haunting reminder of the fragility of sanity and the inescapable grip of fate.

Bell Keeper [26:09]: "From the time worn pages of the past, we have recalled the fall of the House of Usher."

This premiere episode sets a high standard for "The Weird Circle" series, promising more thrilling adaptations from the annals of old-time radio.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Bell Keeper]

THE weird CIRCLE in this cave by the restless sea we are met to call from out the past Stories strange and weird. Bell keeper, hold the bell so all may know we are gathered again in the weird circle out of the past. Phantoms of a world gone by speak again. The immortal tale the Fall of the House of Usher.

[Madeline Usher]

This is the history of the House of Usher. I am leaving it as my last will and testament. Because before this year is over, the cavernous tarn will close over the gables of our decadent home. It was written by our ancestors many years ago that when the rains are blood red, the House of Usher will crumble to the earth. There are three members of the Usher family living two in direct descent. The Lady Madeleine and her twin brother, Roderick. I was engaged to marry Roderick long before I knew my cousin. It is the custom for the Usher family to intermarry. The Lady Madeleine has been confined to bed these many weeks. Waiting for death. Waiting for the last days of her life to pass quietly.

[Roderick Usher]

I have so little time left, Roderick. I must see Charles before I die.

[Charles Wilson]

Charles Wilson is tied up in London on business. He can't come down here every time you've a whim to see him.

[Roderick Usher]

This is no whim. It's just a matter of days before I.

[Charles Wilson]

Don't be impatient with me, sister, please.

[Roderick Usher]

Afraid of the truth, Roderick? You've always been afraid of me. I can read your mind so easily. Look at me, brother.

[Charles Wilson]

Let's not argue again.

[Roderick Usher]

You've always wanted me to die. You've waited for it year after year, praying and hoping that I die. Leaving you free to inherit the house and the fortune. But you'll be fooled. Look. Look at the rain.

[Charles Wilson]

This isn't you speaking. It's the fever.

[Roderick Usher]

Fever or not, the rain is turning red, isn't it?

[Charles Wilson]

Yes. It seems that way at times.

[Roderick Usher]

Each day it will be redder and redder and darker and.

[Charles Wilson]

Madeline?

[Roderick Usher]

Afraid, brother? Are you afraid of blood red rains?

[Charles Wilson]

The doctor said you should have rest and quiet. You. You weaken yourself when you're excited.

[Roderick Usher]

Where's Dina?

[Charles Wilson]

I don't know. I'm not her keeper. She's downstairs. Probably buried in that romantic nonsense that.

[Roderick Usher]

She reads every Girl likes to read romantic stories, Rod. Heaven help her when she becomes your wife. Call upon me, will you?

[Charles Wilson]

The doctor's orders were that you're not to be disturbed.

[Roderick Usher]

Call her, Rod. Do as I say.

[Charles Wilson]

For your own good.

[Roderick Usher]

I. I'll get even with you someday. Dina. Dina. Dina.

[Charles Wilson]

Madeleine.

[Roderick Usher]

Dina.

[Madeline Usher]

Did you call me, Lady Madeline?

[Charles Wilson]

Yes.

[Roderick Usher]

Dina, child. Come here, my dear.

[Madeline Usher]

Is there something I can do for you?

[Roderick Usher]

Yes. I want to see Charles Wilson before. Before I die.

[Charles Wilson]

I told you he was busy.

[Roderick Usher]

Mattie, tell Talbot to hitch up the coach in Fordina. Go to London tonight. Tell Charles I must see him right away. Bring him back with you.

[Charles Wilson]

I'll not have Dina go out in this weather.

[Madeline Usher]

But, Rodney.

[Roderick Usher]

Dina, please go. Don't listen to Rod. Do this for me.

[Charles Wilson]

I will not have strangers dragged into our family secrets.

[Roderick Usher]

Charles Wilson is no stranger. He's the only one who knows the secret of the House of Usher.

[Madeline Usher]

I don't like leaving you, cousin.

[Roderick Usher]

The doctor will be here shortly. Hurry, my dear, and bring Charles back.

[Charles Wilson]

I forbid it, Dina.

[Roderick Usher]

If I don't see Charles tonight, I'll be buried alive. Not able to live. Not able to die.

[Talbot]

Here. We'll never get through to London tonight, Mum. Not in this weather. Not in a million years. It ain't a night for humans to be a bat.

[Madeline Usher]

The lady madam is dying. The least we can do is grant her her last wish.

[Charles Wilson]

Lena.

[Dina]

Lena.

[Madeline Usher]

Quickly, Talbot, before Lord Rick tries to catch up with us.

[Charles Wilson]

Nina, did you hear me call you?

[Madeline Usher]

Yes, I heard you, cousin.

[Charles Wilson]

Tried to protect you, child. Because I love you. I don't want any harm to come to my future wife.

[Madeline Usher]

Please run.

[Charles Wilson]

Why do you turn from me when I touch you?

[Madeline Usher]

I don't know.

[Charles Wilson]

Afraid of me?

[Roderick Usher]

I.

[Charles Wilson]

Answer me, Dina. Are you afraid of me?

[Madeline Usher]

Yes.

[Charles Wilson]

But you loved me once.

[Madeline Usher]

That was before we returned to the House of Usher.

[Charles Wilson]

And you're going anyway?

[Madeline Usher]

Yes, Roderick. For Madeline's sake.

[Talbot]

Are you ready, Mom?

[Madeline Usher]

Yes. Yes, Talbot. Ready. We'll be back by midnight, Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

Hurry, cousin. Or else the Lady Madeleine might not live long enough to get her last wish.

[Roderick Usher]

Did she leave, Roderick?

[Charles Wilson]

Yes, Madeline. Why don't you confide in me? Why must you call in strangers when you know how it humiliates me?

[Roderick Usher]

I can't trust you, Rodrigue.

[Charles Wilson]

Ever since we were children, you've kept one secret from me. What is that secret, Madeline?

[Roderick Usher]

That's one thing you'll never read aloud of me.

[Charles Wilson]

What is that secret, Maddie?

[Roderick Usher]

Leave me alone, brother.

[Charles Wilson]

I'm ill. You're dying, Madeline. You know you're dying. The secret Won't do you any good. Now. What is it?

[Roderick Usher]

Please, Roderick.

[Dina]

Tell me.

[Charles Wilson]

Madeline. Or you won't live to die the way you think you will.

[Roderick Usher]

Oh, have pity.

[Charles Wilson]

Tell me or by heaven, I'll force it out of. Oh.

[Dina]

Whoa there.

[Charles Wilson]

Whoa, boy.

[Talbot]

This is his house, mom.

[Madeline Usher]

Thank you, Talbot. Mr. Wilson. Is he here?

[Dina]

Yes, I. Why, Dean.

[Charles Wilson]

Aisha.

[Dina]

What are you doing in London at this hour of the night? Come in, my dear.

[Madeline Usher]

Lady Madeleine sent me.

[Dina]

Great heavens, child, your clothes are drenched. Come on in. Pa fix you some hot tea.

[Madeline Usher]

We haven't time. Charles. Madeleine wants to see you at once. Please come with me right away. The doctor doesn't think she'll live through the night.

[Dina]

Madeline dying?

[Madeline Usher]

She's been ill for months, Charles. You wouldn't know her anymore.

[Dina]

Why didn't you let me know before this?

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick wouldn't let me.

[Dina]

Roderick. But why?

[Madeline Usher]

I can't explain now, Charles. Believe me when I say it's important that you come at once. Talbot's waiting outside. I'm frightened for Madeleine. We've got to be back by midnight.

[Roderick Usher]

You gave in time, Doctor.

[Dr. Bain]

Lady Usher, you shouldn't allow your brother to excite you.

[Roderick Usher]

He has a cruel streak in him. At times, surprisingly like my grandfather. What time is it?

[Dr. Bain]

Midnight. Here, drink this. It will give you strength.

[Roderick Usher]

I can't move.

[Dr. Bain]

Lean against me. There.

[Roderick Usher]

Dr. Bain, you've attended all my family, haven't you?

[Dr. Bain]

Yes, Lady Usher.

[Roderick Usher]

You've been closer to us than almost anyone. If I ask you for an honest answer, would you give it to me?

[Dr. Bain]

That depends on the question.

[Roderick Usher]

How much longer have I to live?

[Dr. Bain]

Years, my dear.

[Roderick Usher]

No, Doctor. I want an honest answer. Please. It's imperative that I know.

[Dr. Bain]

I don't know. Really, my dear.

[Madeline Usher]

Hurry, Talbot. Please hurry.

[Talbot]

I'm going as fast as the horses can go.

[Charles Wilson]

Mum. Giddy up. Giddy up.

[Madeline Usher]

Faster, Talbot.

[Dina]

We won't accomplish anything at all if you lose self control. Venus.

[Madeline Usher]

Oh, I'm sorry, Charles, but I've the most dreadful foreboding.

[Dina]

Foreboding? I thought Madeline and Roderick were as close as brother and sister could possibly be.

[Charles Wilson]

They were.

[Madeline Usher]

Until about a year ago.

[Dina]

What caused the change?

[Madeline Usher]

Well, I've been living at the House of Usher for about four months when Roderick suddenly became, well, nervous, Jumpy. He'd lock himself up in his room for days. He was morbid. Frightfully morbid.

[Dina]

Sounds like a depression of spirit.

[Madeline Usher]

I always went deeper than that. Madman fell ill at the same time and then the horrible reddish rains began.

[Dina]

Red rain, Dina. Really?

[Madeline Usher]

Oh, you'll see. The first day those rains began to fall. The rift between Madden and Roderick widened until now. Their hate is a living thing. It fills the house. They seem to be battling constantly for possession of each other's soul. Charles, look. Look ahead. There's the house. And the rain. Look at the rain.

[Dina]

Yes. Red rain.

[Charles Wilson]

Well, Charles, do come in. We. We've been waiting for you.

[Dina]

Well, it's good to see you again, Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

Come in, Deena. Don't stand there staring at me.

[Dina]

It's been a long time since I've last seen you, Rod.

[Charles Wilson]

Yes, a long time.

[Madeline Usher]

Let me take a coat, Charles. I'll hang it up.

[Dina]

Thank you, dear.

[Charles Wilson]

My sister's waiting. Charles, you'd better go right up.

[Dina]

Yes, of course.

[Charles Wilson]

I'd better warn you. Meline's delirious. She doesn't quite know what she's saying.

[Dina]

Sometime, Rod, why don't you come up with me?

[Charles Wilson]

She expressed a desire to see you alone.

[Roderick Usher]

Charles. Oh, Charles, I'm so glad you came. I had to see you alone.

[Dina]

Madeline. Don't try to sit up. You'll only weaken yourself.

[Roderick Usher]

Sit over here, Charles, Next to me. You're the only person I can trust. And you must promise to do exactly as I say.

[Dina]

Of course. Of course.

[Roderick Usher]

Remember what I told you years ago? Remember? About Roderick and me? I told you then that he and I were more than twins.

[Dina]

Well, that was just childish fancy.

[Roderick Usher]

I wish to God it were. Those suspicions have all been proven these last few months. Roderick and I are only one person, not two. We have two earthly bodies, but we share one soul. When Charles and I were born, our shoulders were attached. The day of our birth, we were separated.

[Dina]

Well, that doesn't necessarily mean you share one soul.

[Roderick Usher]

I've never been able to feel anything for myself. His thoughts are my thoughts. His tears are my tears. His weaknesses are mine. Don't you understand, Charles?

[Dina]

Are you sure of this, Madeleine?

[Roderick Usher]

Positive. His mind has the initiative. He doesn't respond to my emotions because I had none. None. I'm cold without him. Don't you see? My earthly body is wasting away, but my soul is not my own. As long as he's alive, Charles, the power of his life will keep me living.

[Dina]

Madeline. Lady Madeline. You mustn't even think of it.

[Roderick Usher]

Oh, it's true, though. I'll have a living death. I'll be buried alive. Unable to live. Unable to die, Madeleine. That's why I called you here. Promise me now, Charles, you'll never allow my coffin to be sealed. Keep my body in this house.

[Dina]

You must rest. Madeline. Stop talking.

[Roderick Usher]

You promise, Charles? Promise Yes.

[Dina]

Yes, of course I do.

[Roderick Usher]

Don't tell Roderick, Charles. Ever. He'll seal me in my tomb alive.

[Dina]

Madeline, my dear, every model is entitled.

[Roderick Usher]

To his own soul. If I can't rest in death. If I can't rest in death, I'll return from the grave and take him with me. You've given me your promise, Charles. You won't forget it.

[Dina]

My promise is my word.

[Madeline Usher]

What are you doing standing outside this door, Roderick? Dina Madanasi. Charles. In privacy. Why do you insist on spying on your own sister?

[Charles Wilson]

Shut up.

[Madeline Usher]

I can't understand you, Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

There are many things you can't understand, Dina. Come with me downstairs. Let me go to the living room.

[Madeline Usher]

I'd like to go in and tell Madeline that you are spying on her again.

[Charles Wilson]

Tell her if you wish. She's a poor sick thing, unable to lift her arm against me.

[Madeline Usher]

I don't know how I ever loved you.

[Charles Wilson]

You'll learn to again after we're married.

[Madeline Usher]

I hate you, Roderick Usher. I'll never marry you.

[Charles Wilson]

I. In heaven's name, Roderick.

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick, what's the matter?

[Charles Wilson]

Pain. Inside me. Crawling like. Verbatim. Help me, Dina.

[Madeline Usher]

Of course.

[Charles Wilson]

Help me. Rodri. Dina. It's Madeline. She's dead. Here I am, Madeline, beside your bed. You're dead, Madeline. Dead. Two people fought for the possession of one soul and you've lost. You'd try to drag me to the grave with you. But you're weaker than I, Madeline. You'll never return. Never.

[Dina]

And that was her last request, Doctor.

[Dr. Bain]

It's a peculiar request, Mr. Wilson.

[Dina]

I know it is, Doctor. But it was the Lady Madeline's last wish. Oh, Roderick. What are you doing here?

[Charles Wilson]

Taking a last look at my beloved sister's face.

[Dina]

Oh, Doctor, I'm not quite sure that the Lady Madeleine is dead. Look at the flush of life in her cheeks.

[Charles Wilson]

Stop speaking like a fool, Charles.

[Dina]

Look for yourself. Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

What are you trying to do, frighten me? No.

[Dina]

I've asked the doctor to verify her death.

[Dr. Bain]

In cases of this kind, Mr. Wilson, death from catalepsy, the deceased often retains a lifelike flush, but it's merely symptomatic. Nothing supernatural about it, of course.

[Charles Wilson]

She's dead, isn't she, Doctor?

[Dr. Bain]

However, if you feel the slightest doubt.

[Charles Wilson]

No doubt at all.

[Dr. Bain]

I'd suggest delaying the burial for a week or two.

[Charles Wilson]

As her nearest of kin, I want the funeral held at once. She'll be laid to rest in the family catacombs beneath the house.

[Dina]

Roderick, I gave her my word.

[Charles Wilson]

Your word isn't valid. You're not one of the family?

[Dina]

But it was my word of honor.

[Charles Wilson]

Don't make some family affairs, Charles.

[Dina]

But the least you can do is grant her last wish.

[Charles Wilson]

Roderick, this is nonsense. The dead are best buried.

[Dina]

But, Rod, your own sister.

[Charles Wilson]

No.

[Dr. Bain]

As the doctor in the case, I don't feel justified in making out a death certificate. For two weeks, the Lady Madeline will lie in state in her coffin in the catacombs. The coffin will remain open.

[Charles Wilson]

For 30 years, these catacombs have been unused. Look at the wall, Steena. Time has encrusted them with Nitre.

[Madeline Usher]

It's cold in here. Cold and damp.

[Charles Wilson]

Let's take the coffin. This way. Talbot. Watch out, Charles. Don't fall. Be careful. Catacombs have always been soft with slime and Nitre. Hard to breathe in here at times, isn't it?

[Dina]

Where's the room, Roderick?

[Charles Wilson]

Ahead. The end of the corridor.

[Dina]

Are you positive we can keep a fire burning in there?

[Charles Wilson]

Yes, Charles. Talbot.

[Talbot]

Yes, sir?

[Charles Wilson]

Did you start the fire?

[Talbot]

Oh, yes, sir. I did that early this morning. The room ought to be warm by now, sir.

[Charles Wilson]

Talbot's a dependable man. He starts warm fires to bring life to death.

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick, how can you act like that? Your own sister?

[Charles Wilson]

Yes, my own sister. Dear, beloved sister. Hey, Charles, look ahead of you. Tiny room at the end of a corridor. The fire is blazing.

[Dina]

Careful.

[Charles Wilson]

Careful with the casket.

[Dina]

We'll place it on the table.

[Charles Wilson]

Center the room.

[Talbot]

All right, sir. We can place it down.

[Charles Wilson]

Yes, yes. Talbot.

[Dina]

Down there.

[Charles Wilson]

I know that my redeemer rest in peace.

[Bell Keeper]

And that we shall stop at the latter day upon the earth. And though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God, whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord giveth, and the Lord hath pity taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

[Lena]

Talbot.

[Madeline Usher]

Talbot.

[Talbot]

Yasmin. Why, Mum, what are you doing up at this hour of the night?

[Madeline Usher]

I can't sleep. I keep dreaming. The Lady Madeline is crying for help. Where's Lord Roderick?

[Talbot]

Oh, he couldn't sleep either, Mum. He said he was worried that his sister was cold. Mum, whatever does he mean by that?

[Madeline Usher]

Did he go down to the catacombs?

[Talbot]

Yes, ma'am, that he did. He said he wanted to stir the fires a bit down there.

[Charles Wilson]

Wait a minute, Mum.

[Madeline Usher]

Later, Talbot.

[Lena]

I must stop him.

[Madeline Usher]

I must.

[Charles Wilson]

I wouldn't go down there, Mum. It's ever so cold at night.

[Dina]

And damp.

[Talbot]

I wouldn't go down there myself. I advised Lord Roderick against it. Mum, I did.

[Charles Wilson]

I told him.

[Roderick Usher]

Roderick.

[Lena]

Roderick. Roderick.

[Madeline Usher]

The door. The door slammed shut. It's so dark in here. Cold and dark.

[Lena]

Roderick. Roderick. Roderick, where are you? Rod? Rod, answer me. Rod. Roderick. Roderick. I can't see. Please. Please help me. I'll get lost in the catacombs. Roderick. Rhetoric.

[Talbot]

I don't like these goings on at all. I don't. People dying and not getting themselves properly buried. It ain't normal. No, that it ain't.

[Dina]

Talbot.

[Talbot]

What are you up to, Mr. Wilson? Don't nobody sleep proper in this here house?

[Dina]

Where are Miss Dina and Lord Roderick Talbot?

[Talbot]

Well, I was sitting here as nice as you please, sir.

[Dina]

Where is Miss Dina Talbot?

[Talbot]

Well, yeah, that's what I'm getting to. I was drinking this here cup of tea when Lord Roderick comes in. A little past midnight. Or was it a little before, Miss?

[Dina]

Where is he?

[Talbot]

Well, I'm getting to that. He comes in and he says he does. He wants a flame.

[Dina]

Yes.

[Talbot]

Yeah, he says, as calm as you please. He wants to go down and keep his sister from getting cold.

[Dina]

And Miss Dina, well, as for her.

[Talbot]

She came down a little later and said she dreamt that the Lady Madeline was calling to her. So she follows Lord Roderick to the catacombs. It ain't proper, sir. It ain't proper.

[Lena]

Roderick. Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

Oh.

[Madeline Usher]

Oh, there's the light. There.

[Charles Wilson]

Are you calling me, cousin? Oh, Roderick.

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick. I was so frightened. I thought I was lost.

[Charles Wilson]

Why did you come down here?

[Madeline Usher]

I dreamt Madeleine needed me. Well, what did you do? Rod?

[Charles Wilson]

Be quiet. Dina.

[Madeline Usher]

You closed the coffin.

[Roderick Usher]

Oh, how could you?

[Charles Wilson]

Don't you approve?

[Dina]

You.

[Madeline Usher]

You were going to drive a stake through her coffin?

[Charles Wilson]

She was a witch, Dina. A witch. Isn't that the custom to drive a stake through the heart of a witch? Watch, Dina, Watch.

[Madeline Usher]

No.

[Charles Wilson]

Watch me drive the hammer through a heart.

[Dina]

Stop, Rod, don't.

[Charles Wilson]

Stop that.

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick, put that stake down. In heaven's name, down.

[Dina]

No, don't.

[Lena]

Leave it alone.

[Charles Wilson]

Take your hands off.

[Lena]

Oh, please, Roderick, please.

[Madeline Usher]

It's so horrible. Don't you understand?

[Lena]

It's your own sister. You're our sister.

[Charles Wilson]

We'll pay for this, Dina. You and Madeline together. Roderick Calvin, help me with this. Yes, sir. Pardon me, Lord Rodri, but.

[Madeline Usher]

Oh, child. Darling, you came just in time.

[Talbot]

He looks like he was dead, sir, lying there on the sofa.

[Madeline Usher]

No, no. He's beginning to stir.

[Dina]

Keep bathing his face in cool water, dear. He'll be all right. I'm afraid the shock of Madeline's death is too much for him.

[Madeline Usher]

The shock of her death? The Constant fall of the rain. It's getting redder all the time, Charles.

[Dina]

Yes, it is. That's just an electric phenomenon.

[Madeline Usher]

Oh, don't try to move, Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

Oh, it's you, Dina. You again.

[Madeline Usher]

Lie still, cousin. You'll feel better in a little while.

[Charles Wilson]

You're both fools. You shouldn't have stopped me. She's a witch. Don't you understand?

[Dina]

No, no, Roderick, listen.

[Charles Wilson]

Listen, Charles.

[Dina]

What?

[Charles Wilson]

Can't you hear it?

[Madeline Usher]

What are you talking about?

[Charles Wilson]

Listen. I told you once, my hearing was super acute. I can hear a heart beating.

[Dina]

You're over rot. Suppose I go for the doctor, Rod. He'll give you a sedative.

[Charles Wilson]

No. No, don't leave me.

[Dina]

But you need your sleep.

[Madeline Usher]

Of course you do. All this horror tonight will pass over when the morning comes and those infernal rains clear.

[Charles Wilson]

It's not in my mind. She's coming. She's coming for me. I can hear her in the catacombs. Listen, Charles.

[Dina]

Listen, Roderick, please believe me that you're simply overwrought and emotional.

[Charles Wilson]

I've got to get out of here. I must leave at once. She's coming for me. Coming. She swore she would. I know she did. I overheard. I overheard her talk with you, Charles.

[Dina]

Roderick.

[Madeline Usher]

Cousin, no. You're hearing things.

[Charles Wilson]

Now listen.

[Madeline Usher]

I can't hear anything.

[Charles Wilson]

She's leaving the catacombs. Now listen, Charles. Don't you hear her breathing? Can't you hear her footsteps? Her sighs? She's in the hallway, Charles. In the hall. Help me, Charles. Help me. Charles.

[Madeline Usher]

Roderick.

[Charles Wilson]

She's coming closer. Faster, Faster. Her feet are on the stairs. One by one, she's coming up those stairs. Listen. You can hear her now, can't you? You can hear her now.

[Madeline Usher]

Charles, look out the window. The rains are blood red.

[Charles Wilson]

She's outside the door. Listen. Listen, Cousin. Listen.

[Lena]

Madeline.

[Charles Wilson]

Oh, sister. No. Leave the House of Usher.

[Roderick Usher]

Charles. You and Dina leave this cursed house at once. The reigns are blood red. And I've come to reclaim my soul.

[Charles Wilson]

Adel. Oh, and you, Rodrik. You will be soulless forever.

[Madeline Usher]

From that chamber and from that mansion, Charles and I fled aghast. The storm was still abroad in all its wrath. As we crossed the park to the highway, the moon above the House of Usher was blood red. And Charles held me close as we walked on and on into the night.

[Dina]

Dina, my darling, don't look back. The house has crumbled to the ground. Crumbled into the cavernous tile.

[Madeline Usher]

Charles.

[Dina]

Little Dina, you'll always be safe with me.

[Bell Keeper]

From the time worn pages of the past, we have recalled the fall of the House of Usher. Bell keeper, hold the bell.