Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (07) Chinese Rug Mystery

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Unsolved Mysteries: "The Chinese Rug Mystery"

Date: August 24, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (07)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Unsolved Mysteries delves into the supernatural with a vintage radio dramatization set in colonial India. Titled "The Chinese Rug Mystery," the episode explores themes of cultural respect, black magic, and the clash between Western rationality and Eastern mysticism. Colonel George recounts a chilling personal story to Buckley about an encounter with a fakir (a holy man) and the mysterious events surrounding a Chinese rug, threading suspense, local color, and cautionary wisdom.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Colonial India

[00:36]

• The narrator paints a vivid picture of India as a place where mystery abounds and where European colonials interact uneasily with local customs and beliefs.
• The setting: United Services Club in Simla, with officers relaxing as native servants attend to them, creates an atmosphere blending comfort with subtle tension.

2. The Warning Against Skepticism

[03:00]

• Buckley, a newcomer, questions the mystique of India:

  "It's all right to stuff the folks back home with all the tommy rot about India's lure and India's mystery, but...the natives here are just ordinary human beings, no different from anyplace El." – Buckley [03:15]

• Colonel George cautions against underestimating local beliefs or ridiculing customs, especially regarding fakirs.

3. The Story of Dorothy and the Fakir

[04:16]

• Colonel George narrates his earlier days as a newly married officer stationed in Bangalore.
• His wife, Dorothy, is immediately unsettled by the local fakir seen near their quarters.

  “Something came over me. What? I don't know. It seemed as if someone were trying to compel me to do something. I grew cold all over. Afraid.” – Dorothy [04:43]

4. The Tense Encounter

[06:23]

• Dorothy, alone and scared, confronts the fakir who asks for a strand of her hair, claiming it is needed for a charm for his ill nephew.
• Instead of giving her own hair, Dorothy cuts a strand from a Chinese rug that closely matches her hair’s color, tricking the fakir.
• Afterward, she experiences dizziness and faints, suggesting strange forces at play.

5. The Supernatural Attack

[09:09]

• Soon after, chaos erupts as something writhes in the passage—the Chinese rug appears to move of its own accord, seemingly under a malign influence.
• Colonel George fires his gun at the rug, which “dances” out onto the veranda. The servants believe the rug has been possessed.

  “It is a Chinese rug, sahib. Two bullet holes in it. It saved Imam sahib's life.” – Lal Singh [09:35]

6. The Climax: Fate of the Fakir

[10:03]

• The next morning, the fakir is found dead, strangled by the folds of the very rug to which his magical attack had been unknowingly redirected.

7. Explanation and Reflection

[12:09]

• Buckley presses for an explanation; Colonel George discusses the concepts of black magic and sympathetic magic (using personal objects to cast spells).

  “All the concentration, all the pent-up fury...of the fakir was leveled at the object most closely connected with that strand of hair.” – Colonel George [12:31]

• Colonel George references scientific debates about telekinesis and teleplasm, quoting the Encyclopedia Britannica.

  "Telekinesis, or the movement of objects at a distance other than by ordinary physical means...Phenomena of both these kinds have long been familiar." – Colonel George [12:52]

• Buckley concedes to the unexplained but remains deeply unnerved.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Respect and Belief:

  “Never curse the native, never laugh at his fears, never ridicule his ideas. And above all, don’t try to show your superiority by trying to expose one of their sakuras.” – Colonel George [03:28]

• Dorothy’s Terror:

  “Send him away. He’s doing this to me, I know he is.” – Dorothy [05:03]

• Fakir's Request:

  “One strand of my hair. What on earth for?” – Dorothy [06:57]

• Supernatural Occurrence:

  “It is a Chinese rug, sahib. Two bullet holes in it. It saved Imam sahib’s life.” – Lal Singh [09:35]

• Rationalizing the Unbelievable:

  “Scientists are divided in their opinion as to how such things are possible...” – Colonel George [12:52]

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Important Timestamps

• 00:36 – Introduction and atmospheric setup by narrator
• 03:00 – Buckley and Colonel George discuss Indian customs and skepticism
• 04:16 – Colonel recounts his assignment and Dorothy’s unease
• 06:23 – Dorothy’s confrontation with the fakir; the fateful exchange
• 09:09 – Supernatural attack: the Chinese rug moves
• 10:03 – The fakir is found dead, entwined in the rug
• 12:09 – Discussion about black magic, telekinesis, and explanations

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Tone and Final Thoughts

The episode seamlessly blends suspense with colonial attitudes, and a respectful, if awed, stance toward the unexplained. Colonel George's tale, full of eerie events and inexplicable phenomena, serves as a cautionary fable about the importance of respecting local beliefs, no matter how inscrutable. The dialogue maintains a period-authentic flair—formal, clipped, and occasionally patronizing—true to the era of its broadcast.

Listeners are left with a lingering sense of mystery and an invitation to acknowledge that not all mysteries yield logical explanations. As Buckley sums up with nervous humor:

“Thank you, Colonel, but after hearing your story, I really don't believe that I want to [see more of these demonstrations].” – Buckley [13:39]

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Unsolved Mysteries. Tonight's unsolved mystery is laid in that land of many mysteries, India, where squalor and wealth side by side. Bow the head and bend the knee to strange gods. India, where every bazaar, every temple, every compound has its fakir or holy man, a sort of privileged beggar whom white men and black alike fear more than they admit. The scene is the United Services Club in Simla. Officers in their stiffly starched tropical mess dress sit around the veranda cooling off under a waving punka, while barefooted native servants carry trays of glasses which resound to the musical and appetizing tinkle of cubes of ice.

[Buckley]

By Jove, Colonel, I'll say this for India. You certainly know how to make yourselves comfortable.

[Colonel George]

We have to, Buckley. If we didn't, we wouldn't be able to stick it out in the hot season. But tell me, Buckley, what exactly did you mean when you said, I'll say this for India?

[Buckley]

Oh, nothing in particular, Colonel.

[Colonel George]

Of course, you fellows don't realize it.

[Buckley]

But you're always prefacing a remark or following it with, but this is India.

[Colonel George]

Well.

[Buckley]

Well, I mean, it's all right to stuff the folks back home with all the tommy rot about India's lure and India's mystery, and it couldn't happen anyplace else but India, but after all, you know, the natives here are just ordinary human beings, no different from anyplace El.

[Colonel George]

Listen, Buckley, you've been out here exactly four months now. You will if you're wise. Never curse the native, never laugh at his fears, never ridicule his ideas. And above all, don't try to show your superiority by trying to expose one of their sakuras.

[Buckley]

You actually mean, Colonel, that you believe in their superstitious bunk.

[Colonel George]

Listen, Buckley, I like you. Pull your chair over this way a little, and I'll tell you something. A good number of years ago, I was promoted to captain. I had three months leave in England. I was young, very proud of my captain's lips. I fell in love with every pretty girl I saw back home, well, I fell hard for a school day sweetheart. We were married. And Dorothy. I sailed on the P and O. Had a marvelous trip. Landed at Bombay and I found orders waiting for me to proceed on duty at Bangalore. I wired Lal Singh my bearer and told him to get everything ready. Caught the train and just at dusk we pulled up at my quarters.

[Narrator]

Greetings, Captain sahib.

[Colonel George]

Cheerio, Lalithing. Well, Singh, here's the new men's side.

[Narrator]

The servant is honored.

[Colonel George]

And this, darling, is what we call the living room. And in there behind the bead curtain in the combination smoking room, den, library, card room and general sort of get together plan.

[Dorothy]

Books, books and more books. I'm going to spend hours in there when you're on duty. Oh, and a complete set of Kiplings.

[Colonel George]

Yes, and anything you want that isn't there, why, just ask for it.

[Lal Singh]

Why?

[Colonel George]

Why Dorothy, what's wrong?

[Dorothy]

Oh, Georgia, I'm fate. Something came over me. What? I don't know. It seemed as if someone were trying to compel me to do something. I grew cold all over. Afraid. Look, George. Who's that out there in the compound in front of that clump of tamarisk?

[Lal Singh]

Where?

[Colonel George]

Oh, oh, the old fakir. He hangs around here quite a bit. Harmless old duffer.

[Dorothy]

Send him away. He's doing this to me, I know he is.

[Colonel George]

Oh my dear, you're tired.

[Dorothy]

Please George, send him away. I can't stand to even see him.

[Colonel George]

But Dorothy, I can't do that. I can't send him away.

[Dorothy]

Why can't you? Why can't you tell someone to get.

[Lal Singh]

Off your own ground?

[Colonel George]

It's a little bit hard to understand, Dorothy, for a stranger. But one doesn't order Fakir to do anything.

[Lal Singh]

It.

[Colonel George]

Well, the natives would be offended. It might incur some of the natives dislike.

[Dorothy]

You can offer that and my fear of him.

[Colonel George]

Now, my dear, listen to reasons. We're in India now, not jolly old England, you know, and we must do things according to the country.

[Dorothy]

And telling a dirty smelly native to get off your own property is against the custom of the country, is it?

[Colonel George]

By Jove, yes. You know, it really isn't done, don't you see? Yes, sir. Oh, yes sir. Oh, too bad. Why yes, of course. Just as soon as I can slip into service dogs. Why yes. Oh, right. Oh, I won't bother to change. Old Tubby's down with a touch of fever. I have to take guard duty tonight. Thou sing.

[Fakir]

Yes, I am sword and service cap.

[Dorothy]

Oh, George, I don't want to be left alone.

[Colonel George]

Oh, but you're not alone, my dear little ous sing. And Achmet is in the compound. And the bestie and the water carrier sleeps all night on the veranda.

[Dorothy]

I wish you didn't have to go.

[Colonel George]

Oh, it's got to help out when a chap goes down with fever, don't you know? Might be my turn someday. Oh, cheerio.

[Dorothy]

Goodbye. Let me see. Oh, here's Kipling's at the end of the passage. That ought to be a good test for nerves.

[Fakir]

Samzaim.

[Dorothy]

Yes, Lalsim. Oh, you the fakir. What do you want? Get out. You've no right coming into this room.

[Fakir]

Imam Sahib does not like old Rassam.

[Lal Singh]

No, no, I don't.

[Dorothy]

And I don't want you near me.

[Lal Singh]

Now go.

[Dorothy]

I'll call Lal Singh.

[Fakir]

Lal Singh. A simple child. He would not dare enter the room while. Rasam.

[Dorothy]

Will you please go?

[Fakir]

And the mem sahib has given to me the thing which I desire.

[Dorothy]

What do you want? I'll give you anything to get you out of here.

[Fakir]

Rah. Beg one so little one stand of the mem sahib's hair. No more.

[Dorothy]

One strand of my hair. What on earth for?

[Fakir]

The mem sahib would not understand. It is for a charm. A charm for my nephew who is in the ill country and very sick.

[Dorothy]

All right, I'll give you a scent of my hair. Go out in the veranda. I bring it.

[Fakir]

The man I be very kind. Although I will not forget. I wait on the veranda.

[Dorothy]

I'm not being kind. I'm doing it to get rid of you ridiculous idea. Strand of my hair. I'd like to make a fool of him and his charm. And I can too. That Chinese rug. It's made of hairs almost the identical color of mine. I understand. Here. Here's your stand up here.

[Fakir]

Oh, there are some. Thanks. And now for the present. Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Dorothy]

Thank goodness he's gone. I wonder where Lal Singh can be. Why didn't you keep that faqir out of the bungalow? Lal Singh. No answer. What can have happened? Lal Singh.

[Lal Singh]

Lal Singh, where are you?

[Dorothy]

Something's wrong. I know it is Lao Tsing. Everything's going round, turning black. The clock is bling at me. The hands are spinning so fast it makes me dizzy. Dizzy.

[Colonel George]

Come on, Lal thing. Dorothy. Dorothy, where are you? Oh, good God, she's fainted. Here, Lal Sing. Help me lift her onto wicker coat. Saeed that easy way.

[Fakir]

Yes.

[Dorothy]

What happened? Where am I? Oh, George, don't leave me.

[Colonel George]

You're right, darling. Tell, tell Me? If you can. What happened?

[Lal Singh]

Why did you come back?

[Colonel George]

Lal Singh ran down to the barracks for me when he saw the fakir come on to the veranda.

[Lal Singh]

Why?

[Dorothy]

Why didn't his tin help me?

[Colonel George]

He couldn't raise his hand against a fakir, my dear. But never mind. Tell me what happened.

[Dorothy]

Fakir came in here. He wouldn't leave till I gave him his 10 in my hair.

[Colonel George]

You gave him one?

[Dorothy]

No, I didn't. I fooled him. I gave him his friend from that Chinese rug in the other room.

[Colonel George]

Oh, that's not tough, darling. That's sticking on your feet.

[Dorothy]

But what could he want of a strand in my hair?

[Colonel George]

I don't know. But this I do know when I lay hand on him.

[Dorothy]

What about the natives, my dear, you can't even touch a sakia, you know.

[Colonel George]

Can't I? Who? Just wait and see whether I can.

[Lal Singh]

What's it?

[Colonel George]

It's all right, my dear. Something in the back room fell down.

[Dorothy]

But I know it isn't all right. I've got that horrible feeling again.

[Lal Singh]

Look in the passage. Something moving, writhing. A twisting chest.

[Colonel George]

I got my gun. Now, don't faint when I fire.

[Lal Singh]

You didn't touch it.

[Colonel George]

But I know I hit it. Good Lord, it's dancing out on the veranda.

[Lal Singh]

It's a Chinese rug.

[Dorothy]

Right through the mosquito curtains.

[Lal Singh]

Hey, come on, sit by me. Lausing. Yes, sahib. Halem, hurry. Jelly.

[Dorothy]

What?

[Lal Singh]

I said look. Look. There he sit on the ground, just.

[Colonel George]

In front of the tamarisk. Rising on the ground.

[Lal Singh]

Show the love of that lamp. Here it is, sahib.

[Dorothy]

I can't believe it.

[Lal Singh]

It's impossible.

[Colonel George]

Oh, no, my dear, not impossible. Not impossible.

[Narrator]

It is a Chinese rug, sahib. Two bullet holes in it. It saved Imam sahib's life.

[Colonel George]

Yes, Lao, the Chinese rug. And it saved more than the mem sahib's life.

[Buckley]

Well, that is an amazing story, that Major.

[Colonel George]

Happened to Dorothy and me. We never talk of it. But you see, old chap, I never sneer at native beliefs.

[Buckley]

But, Colonel, you didn't finish our story.

[Colonel George]

What do you mean?

[Buckley]

What about the fakir? Did you horse his in?

[Colonel George]

I didn't have to.

[Buckley]

No, no.

[Colonel George]

Next morning, Lao Tsing came and got me. We went out into the compound. And there, right in front of that clump of tamarisk, wrapped in the strangling folds of the Chinese rug, lay the old fakir dead.

[Narrator]

Out of deference to people who are still alive, character names in these unsolved mysteries have been changed in as much as any solution must of necessity be supposition. Liberties of time Place and character exist in the solution that will be presented after you have heard from your sponsor.

[Dorothy]

It, Sam.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the solution for which.

[Colonel George]

You have been waiting.

[Buckley]

But tell me, Colonel, didn't you ever try to find out how such a thing could be possible?

[Colonel George]

You understand, of course, that workers in black magic, whether they be in Haiti, Africa or India, believe that something personal, a strand of hair, fingernail clipping and such like, are an essential ingredient of the formula of their black art.

[Buckley]

And your wife Dorothy, in taking a strand of hair from the Chinese rug and giving that to the Parker, prevented his powers from controlling her.

[Colonel George]

Exactly. All the concentration, all the pent up theory, the hatred and diabolical cunning of the fakir was leveled at the object most closely connected with that strand of hair.

[Buckley]

I can understand that. And I can understand, since you say it so, that the fakir might have done harm to Dorothy, who was a living being. But that such power could really affect a thing like a rug is something else again.

[Colonel George]

Scientists are divided in their opinion as to how such things are possible. But here, let me show you a brief quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannica. Physical phenomena can be grouped under two main heads. Telekinesis, or the movement of objects at a distance other than by ordinary physical means, and teleplesmy, or the extrusion from the body of the medium of a substance, sometimes amorphous, sometimes resembling portions of the human body, or even complete figures. Phenomena of both these kinds have long been familiar. I end the quotation then.

[Buckley]

Telekinesis, the movement of an object, is recognized by scientists as being possible.

[Colonel George]

Decidedly so. And I can assure you that if you live in India long enough, you will see more than one demonstration of the power of concentrated mind over purely inanimate matter.

[Buckley]

Thank you, Colonel, but after hearing your story, I really don't believe that I want to.

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