Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (09) The Writing On The Wall

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (09) The Writing On The Wall
Air Date: January 13, 2026

This episode of Unsolved Mysteries dives into an enigmatic tale from the golden age of radio, exploring the chilling question: is there truly a link between our world and those who have passed beyond? Set around a post-dinner fireside, the group discusses the existence of ghosts, leading to the gripping recounting of a real-life premonition tied to the sinking of the Titanic.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Eternal Question of the Unknown

• Opens with philosophical musings on mankind’s ongoing quest to understand the unseen and the possibility of life after death.
  • "With all our science, we're as far from answering that question as man was in the beginning." (00:05)

2. Ghosts: Belief vs. Skepticism

• The host and guests discuss if people genuinely believe in ghosts or just claim skepticism out of pride.

  • "I suppose in their heart of hearts, most men, while they won't admit it, do have a secret belief in ghosts or something similar." (01:10)

• Debate centers on whether true disbelief in ghosts even exists, or if everyone harbors some secret suspicion.

3. Jackson's True Ghost Story

• Setting: Jackson, a seasoned newspaper man, visits a friend’s ancestral home in Northumberland.

• The Family Legend: The house is said to be haunted by Lady Evelyn’s ghost, who appears to warn of impending disaster.

  • "You see, Mr. Jackson, Lady Evelyn's ghost is a very special ghost. She always warns us of any impending disaster." (06:32)
  • The family tradition dates back hundreds of years, with actual incidents cited (e.g., a forewarning before the father’s death).

• Jackson in the Haunted Wing:

  • Jackson is persuaded to sleep in the "haunted" part of the house.
  • Experiences a ghostly apparition who writes a warning on the wall. The warning reads: "Beware of the Titanic".
    • "A woman stood against the far wall... started to write on the wall. For a moment the warning message blazed out in letters of fire... Beware of the Titanic. Nothing more." (07:27–09:10)

• Aftermath:

  • The family's intervention (sabotaging the car) prevents Jackson from sailing on the Titanic, which later sinks with massive loss of life.
    • "His lordship drove me to the boat, or I should say he tried to. But the car broke down, I missed the boat... Steamship Titanic sunk. All on board lost... I might have been one of the more than thousand who were lost." (08:40–09:32)

4. Group Reflection on the Supernatural

• The group wrestles with whether Jackson’s experience was supernatural or either psychological or coincidental.
  • Some suggest collective belief in a haunt could impress upon visitors a sense of the supernatural.
    • "The older these buildings are, the more vibration of previous happenings there will be to make their effect upon you." (11:48)
  • Others point to the power of concentrated belief or emotional impressions producing manifestations.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Theoretical Opener

• (00:05) Host:
  "Down the ages, man has been seeking the answer to the riddle, what happens in the unseen realm beyond?... there is a link joining us mortals with those who have passed this way before."

On Universal Belief in Ghosts

• (01:10) Burke:
  "I suppose in their heart of hearts, most men, while they won't admit it, do have a secret belief in ghosts or something similar."

Introduction to the Legend

• (06:32) Evelyn’s Family Member:
  "Lady Evelyn's ghost is a very special ghost. She always warns us of any impending disaster."

The Ghostly Encounter

• (07:27) Narrator (Jackson):
  "A woman stood against the far wall... started to write on the wall. For a moment the warning message blazed out in letters of fire..."

• (09:15) Jackson:
  "Beware of the Titanic. Nothing more."

The Aftermath

• (09:32) Jackson:
  "I might have been one of the more than thousand who were lost."

Group Analysis—the Nature of Hauntings

• (11:48) Guest:
  "The older these buildings are, the more vibration of previous happenings there will be to make their effect upon you."

• (12:35) Group consensus:
  "I really do think that if a sufficient number of people all think along one line, something is going to result. And of course, you were thinking of your trip on the Titanic. As well as the ghost. So we are willing to admit that concentrated thinking will produce a manifestation."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05 – Opening philosophical context: Why are ghosts so persistent in our myths?
• 01:10 – Table discussion: Do we truly disbelieve in ghosts?
• 03:55 – Jackson’s story begins: Invitation to the haunted house.
• 06:32 – Introduction to Lady Evelyn’s ghost and her role in the family.
• 07:27 – Jackson’s eerie night in the haunted wing.
• 09:15 – The ghostly message: "Beware of the Titanic."
• 09:32 – Realization: Missing the Titanic saved Jackson’s life.
• 11:48 – Post-story analysis: Power of belief and collective memory.
• 12:50 – Closing thoughts: Can belief alone create supernatural experiences?

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Summary Flow & Tone

• The episode masterfully blends suspenseful storytelling with rational debate. Jackson’s tale is told in the tone of a fireside confession, rich in period detail and rising tension. The wrap-up shifts to a more philosophical and almost skeptical reflection, leaving listeners pondering the boundary between coincidence, psychology, and the supernatural.

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Conclusion

Unsolved Mysteries delivers a classic tale with a dramatic twist: a ghostly warning averts a trip on the doomed Titanic. Through engaging storytelling and spirited debate, the episode invites listeners to examine not just whether ghosts exist, but how our collective memories and beliefs might shape reality itself.

“If a sufficient number of people all think along one line, something is going to result.” (12:35)

Transcript

[A]

Unsolved mysteries. Down the ages, man has been seeking the answer to the riddle, what happens in the unseen realm beyond? With all our science, we're as far from answering that question as man was in the beginning. But with the accumulated records of the past, the conviction is borne strongly upon some that there is a link joining us mortals with those who have passed this way before. Sa. Sam. The scene is a famous American newspaper correspondent's home. It is evening and a group of guests are seated around the table enjoying their after dinner coffee and cigars. The log fire casts a ruddy glow over the room and the soft candlelight throws grotesque shadow shapes on the walls and ceiling as the guests settle themselves more comfortably in their chairs. Seriously, Burke. Well, that was a good story. Well told. You. You don't really believe in ghosts? Before I answer that question, let me ask you one. Go ahead. Do you completely, wholly and absolutely disbelieve in them? Why, Joe, when you put it that way, I'm not sure that I can answer you. Burke. I suppose in their heart of hearts, most men, while they won't admit it, do have a secret belief in ghosts or something similar. What do you say, Jackson? You're a newspaper man of wide experience. Have you ever run into what you might call a true ghost story in your newspaper work? Yes, I have an experience of my own and one, in fact, to which I owe my life. Exactly, Jackson. It was that experience of yours that I had in mind. What is that, Jackson? Something we haven't heard about. I didn't tell it to many people, but you. You will tell it was, why don't you, Jackson? It's going to be published next month anyway. All right. Now, you fellows know I was foreign correspondent of the Sketch Mirror Group and one of my assignments was to interview celebrities before they became celebrities. Well, I had to make a quick trip to England. It looked very much as if the Asquith government was about to fall and that Lloyd George would be in the saddle. So I had to interview Lloyd George before the news broke. I. I concluded my interview and was all ready to leave when I met an old friend. He had become a lord since I first knew him, but that made no difference to him. And the result was that I found myself in their Northumberland home being greeted by her Ladyship and her very charming daughter. Cheerio there, Mater. Hello, sis. I want you to meet a very old friend of mine, Jackson.

[B]

Well, not the Mr. Jackson.

[A]

The very same.

[B]

I'm so glad to meet you, Mr. Jackson. Keith has spoken of you so much.

[A]

And I'M delighted to meet Keith's mother and sister.

[B]

Oh, Evelyn. And dear, we mustn't keep Mr. Jackson standing in the cold.

[A]

We shan't want the carriage anymore tonight, Dobbs. Very good, sir. All right, next door. Take your traps up, come right into the hall and get your bones torn out. Thanks, old man. It is a bit silly riding up to the house.

[B]

Here in the carriage is an experience to one accustomed to riding in a closed car. We don't use the car much up here and tonight Arthur has it down in the village getting him some supplies.

[A]

It was charming, even if chilly. But then this open fire makes up for all the cold. Drink? Texas. Thanks. Yes, they. Wayne. Thanks. Well, here's.

[B]

How did you boys have dinner tonight?

[A]

Thank you, we did, on the train. And by the way, I take back all I've ever thought or said about dinners on an English train. That was one of the best meals I ever had.

[B]

Certainly you were more hungry than usual.

[A]

There's something I must say. Even if all the books ever written on etiquette say that it's contrary to good taste.

[B]

What is that? Mr. Jackson, I'm sure we'll forgive you.

[A]

Your home. It is without question the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Why, when we were driving up the hill, it looked like some picture out of a children's storybook. A picture of an old medieval castle. The drawbridge, the portcullis, the moat, the towers and the turrets. It is somewhat of a medieval castle. The north wing was built in the days of Henry ii. And each generation since, it's added its little bit. And we. We added electric lights and plumbing.

[B]

The plumbing, with the devout approval of the family. The electric lights, against my own most ardent objections.

[A]

Well, with electric lights and plumbing, I can't think of anything more to be desired.

[B]

We even have one of the best ghosts in all England.

[A]

Yes, by Joseph. You might at least give a chap time to warm his feet before you drag out the family skeleton.

[B]

Our ghost is not a skeleton. You shouldn't say things like that. You must forgive Evelyn, Mr. Jackson, but Lady Evelyn's ghost is a. Well, almost an obsession with Evelyn.

[A]

Well, I'm sure that if Lady Evelyn's ghost is half as charming as you are. Ms. Evelyn, and she's a ghost I'd like very much to meet.

[B]

Thank you. Let's go to the gallery and show Mr. Jackson maybe Evelyn portrait.

[A]

Oh, no, my God, I'd be delighted. Really, if it isn't too much trouble. No trouble at all, Jackson. In fact, we're all Tired, since the gallery is on the way to the bedroom.

[B]

Come along, Mr. Jackson. You come with me. You see, Mr. Jackson, Lady Evelyn's ghost is a very special ghost. She always warns us of any impending disaster.

[A]

And do you always heed her warning?

[B]

We do now, since she warned mother about Father. Father paid no attention. He was killed just as the ghost warned mother he would be.

[A]

Is that the only instance?

[B]

No, it's a family tradition dating back several hundred years. Near the gallery. I'll switch on the light.

[A]

No need to tell me which one. There she is.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Why he could be a portrait of you. I say, old man, don't pay too much attention to what Evelyn tells you about the family skeleton.

[B]

You know, Keith is quite right, Mr. Jackson. Evelyn is unduly.

[A]

And she's not any more enthusiastic than I am. I'm enjoying the whole thing immensely. Fact is, I'd rather like to meet this ghost, Lady Evelyn.

[B]

Then. Then why don't you sleep in the haunted wing? Oh, my dear, my dear.

[A]

Yes. By Jo. Invite a fellow up here and the first night you want to sleep him in the haunted wing. But Jackson did sleep in the haunted wing. The wind howled dismally among the turrets and the along the roof leads the oak paneled walls creaked as night wore on and the cold became more intense. One by one the sounds in the old castle died away and soon Jackson fell into a sound sleep. He wakened with a feeling that someone was in the room, sat up in the big four poster bed. A woman stood against the far wall. Ms. Evelyn dressed in old fashioned clothes, playing the part of the ghost. But the figure shook its head, turned a pair of luminous eyes on him and started to write on the wall. For a moment the warning message blazed out in letters of fire. Jackson closed his eyes and looked again. A trick. He's writing with phosphorus or something. Again the figure shook its head, gave him a searching look that went right through him and turning, walked out of the room through the three foot stone wall. My George, 8 o'. Clock. I didn't realize I was taking so long to tell this story. We'll be late for the theater. Oh, hang the theater. Finish the story. Yes, sure. Well, I did my best to disregard the ghost's warning. His lordship drove me to the boat, or I should say he tried to. But the car broke down, I missed the boat and two days later Keith, with a face as white as a sheet, handed me the morning paper. In glaring headlines I read Steamship Titanic sunk. ALL on board lost. Well, that was an exaggeration. But I might have been one of the more than thousand who were lost. Good Lord. What did the warning that was written on the wall say? Beware of the Titanic. Nothing more. I told her ladyship next morning and she was the one who instructed the chauffeur. When she found I was determined to sail, she instructed him to break the car if necessary to prevent my sailing on the Titanic. Now, do you fellows believe in ghosts? Imagination is not. Jackson, old boy, we're glad you missed the Titanic. And we're darn glad you're here to be our host at this dinner party. We've got time for one toast and off to the theater. Out of deference to people who are still alive, character names in these unsolved mysteries have been changed. Inasmuch 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.

[B]

Sam.

[A]

Ladies and gentlemen, the solution for which you've been waiting. Of course, I don't blame you for believing in ghosts after an experience like that. But just the same, you can't really explain it. I think I can. I'd like to hear you. Have you ever met a perfect stranger and had the strange sensation of having met him somewhere before? Yes, certainly. Well, the same thing applies to buildings. And the older these buildings are, the more vibration of previous happenings there will be to make their effect upon you. You mean to say that if I go into a building where a murder has been committed, I'll be aware of a strange feeling? You will, if you're sufficiently sensitive. I'll agree there. But that doesn't explain actually seeing what is generally called a goose. If you have ever tried lying down in perfect ease and comfort, allowing your imagination to drift back to some particularly memorable scene, the picture will come to you as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. Or take an author writing a story. The characters are just as real in his mind as any group of living people about whom he has only read. I'll agree to all that. Very well. Don't you think that if over a period of centuries people living in a certain house are all agreed that the ghost of a beautiful woman haunts the house, don't you think that that impression will impress itself very strongly upon a stranger who sleeps in the so called haunted room? Yes, I think that's perfectly reasonable. I really do think that if a sufficient number of people all think along one line, something is going to result. And of course, you were thinking of your trip on the Titanic. As well as the ghost. So we are willing to admit that concentrated thinking will produce a manifestation. And if that's the case, why deny that an extremely emotional incident would produce a similar manifestation? There's something with that, isn't there? You've got me almost convinced. But just the same, I'll have a stronger belief in ghosts when I meet one face to face. Well, if I ever meet a ghost, I hope it will be like the ghost of the Lady Evelyn. One that will have such good intentions bred in it that even if I'm a stranger, it will warn me of any impending disaster. Of course, the ghost of Lady Evelyn would have warned anyone who had been in the room whether or not they had had any intention of sailing on the Titanic. That part of it, I think, is coincidence. Do you, Sam? It.