
On this episode of The Horror, Dark Fantasy brings us its story from May 22, 1942, titled, Dead Hands Reaching. Listen to more from Dark Fantasy https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/TheHorror1219.mp3 Download TheHorror1219 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Horror If you enjoy The Horror and would like to help support it, visit donate.relicradio.com for more information. Thank You!
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Frank
Oh, stories, real stories.
Alan Blaine
And murders do.
Frank
Turn out your legs. Turn them out.
Alan Blaine
Good evening. Come in, won't you? Why? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous.
Frank
Perhaps you can't. By telling a story, we are meant.
Alan Blaine
To call from out of the past.
Aaron Blaine
Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and.
Narrator
Terror by radio's masters of the macabre.
Alan Blaine
Story of the supernatural, the supernormal dramatized fantasy. The mystery of the unknown.
Frank
We tell you this Frank, frankly.
Alan Blaine
So if you wish to avoid the.
Frank
Excitement tension of these magnet play, refer to our theory to turn off your radio.
Host
Welcome back to the Horror. Thanks for joining me. Once again we're gonna hear from Dark Fantasy this week. An NBC series that aired from November of 1941 through June of 1942 only produced 31 episodes. Our story today is from May 22, 1942. It's titled Dead Hands Reaching.
Alan Blaine
Dark Fantasy. Dead Hands reaching.
Aaron Blaine
Alan. Alan. Alan Blaine.
Alan Blaine
I thought I heard someone.
Aaron Blaine
Listen to me, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Someone did speak.
Aaron Blaine
I spoke to you, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Who's that?
Aaron Blaine
Don't be alarmed.
Alan Blaine
There's no one here. No one in this office but myself.
Aaron Blaine
I am here.
Alan Blaine
Am I losing my mind? There's no one.
Aaron Blaine
Listen to me, Alan.
Alan Blaine
I hear you, but where are you?
Aaron Blaine
I am here. But you can't see me.
Alan Blaine
Why?
Aaron Blaine
Listen to me, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Yes?
Aaron Blaine
How much money are you making?
Alan Blaine
Not much.
Aaron Blaine
How much?
Alan Blaine
$25 a week.
Aaron Blaine
You're worth more.
Alan Blaine
I know I am.
Aaron Blaine
Then why haven't you done something about it?
Alan Blaine
There are hundreds of men who could do my work. I can't afford to lose my job.
Aaron Blaine
You won't lose your job, but you will get a better one.
Alan Blaine
What do you mean?
Aaron Blaine
Go talk to your employer. Today, Alan. Today, you hear?
Alan Blaine
Yes.
Aaron Blaine
There's a position open.
Alan Blaine
Assistant manager.
Aaron Blaine
Exactly.
Alan Blaine
That's too big a position for me.
Aaron Blaine
You're capable of handling it. Go in, ask for it.
Alan Blaine
Ask for job of assistant manager.
Aaron Blaine
Yes. You'll never get it unless you ask for it.
Alan Blaine
Look here. Who are you? Where are you?
Aaron Blaine
You cannot see me, Alan, because I am not of your world.
Alan Blaine
Are you some devil? Some evil spirit?
Aaron Blaine
I assure you I am not.
Alan Blaine
Why don't you show yourself to me?
Aaron Blaine
I am not permitted to do that. Be thankful that I am able to advise you.
Alan Blaine
Why do you advise me?
Aaron Blaine
Because there is much I can do for you.
Alan Blaine
I don't understand. Your voice out of nowhere.
Aaron Blaine
That must not worry you, Alan. Do as I say. Go now. Ask for assistant managership. Go, Alan. Ask for it now.
Alan Blaine
Wait.
Aaron Blaine
Don't wait, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Wait. I want to talk to you some more.
Aaron Blaine
Don't wait until it's too late. I warn you.
Alan Blaine
Come back. Come back.
Judith West
Look here, what's all the commotion about?
Alan Blaine
Sit down, Mrs. Evans. What? I said, sit down, ma'am. Here, I have something to talk to you about.
Judith West
I want to know what the shouting out here was about.
Alan Blaine
Never mind that, Mrs. Evans. I have something much more important to discuss with you.
Judith West
And just what's that, Mr. Blaine?
Alan Blaine
It's about the assistant managership. Well? Well, you see, I was just thinking.
Judith West
Go on.
Alan Blaine
No, I was just thinking that perhaps I.
Aaron Blaine
Go ahead. Go ahead, Alan. Tell her you want the job.
Alan Blaine
Did you hear something, Mrs. Evans?
Judith West
I'm waiting to hear you. Who you have in mind for the job that's open.
Alan Blaine
I'll take that job, Mrs. Evans.
Judith West
What? What did you say?
Alan Blaine
I said I'll take that job.
Judith West
Why, I. I hadn't thought of that. You might handle the job all right.
Alan Blaine
Yes.
Judith West
Yes, you might. Come on in the office, Blaine. Let's talk this thing.
Alan Blaine
Assistant manager's office. Oh, Judith, darling. How are you? You coming down to see my new office? Why, I thought you said you'd try to make it today. Well, I've had my new job for two weeks now and I. All right, dear. Yes. Goodbye. I can't understand Judith lately. Seems like she's avoiding me.
Aaron Blaine
Don't trust her, Alan.
Alan Blaine
You will.
Aaron Blaine
The end don't trust her, Ellen. Don't trust her.
Alan Blaine
What?
Aaron Blaine
Don't trust her. Don't trust her, Ellen. I warn you, she's not to be trusted.
Judith West
Oh. Oh, it's you, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Hello, darling. May I come in?
Judith West
Yes, I suppose so.
Alan Blaine
My, you are beautiful tonight.
Judith West
Am I?
Alan Blaine
Oh, that dress looks wonderful on you. I'm glad you're all dressed up, honey. We're gonna celebrate. Alan, I've just been promoted, darling. Now I'm making enough for us to live on. Come on, let's paint the town. And when we find just the right spot, I'm going to ask you to marry me again. Aren't you going to say something, Judy?
Judith West
I have an engagement tonight, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Oh, but you can call it off.
Judith West
No, I'm afraid I can't.
Alan Blaine
Think what's happened to us. Now I'm making the money you always wanted me to make.
Judith West
You'll have to go now, Alan.
Alan Blaine
What?
Judith West
I've just a few minutes to finish with my makeup. You'll have to go now.
Alan Blaine
But, Judith.
Judith West
Please, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Now, wait a minute, Alan, really.
Judith West
I've asked you to go. I haven't much time.
Alan Blaine
Oh, so you haven't much Time. Well, let me tell you something. Judith West.
Aaron Blaine
No, Alan.
Judith West
Yes, Alan. Let you tell me. What?
Aaron Blaine
Don't say it, Alan. Don't.
Judith West
Well, Alan?
Aaron Blaine
Don't say it, Alan. I warn you, there'll be a quarrel. You'll kill her this time if you quarrel.
Judith West
I'm waiting, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Never mind. Just forget it. Good evening, my dear.
Judith West
Alan. Perhaps I should have told you last night. I didn't, so I'm writing to you now. You have made quite a fool of yourself over me for some time now. I've only permitted you to believe I loved you because I've always felt sorry for you. Now you're successful and so I write you the truth. I'm being married tomorrow to a man from South America. I've never loved you. I know that. I never can. And so I'm writing.
Alan Blaine
Miss Adams, you please call me at 11:30. I have a 12:00 luncheon date. Letter from Judith. It's probably an apology for last night. I wonder what she said. Alan. Perhaps I should have told you, writing to you now. Quite a fool of yourself. Always felt sorry for you being married tomorrow. I have never loved you. Never loved me? Oh, she can't mean that. Yet. She wrote it. Yes, she wrote it. Oh, so she's been playing ball with me all these years. Felt sorry for me, did she? Sorry? Well, I'll make her sorry. I'll show her. I'll kill her.
Aaron Blaine
No, Alan.
Alan Blaine
Yes, I'll kill her.
Aaron Blaine
Don't go to her, Alan.
Alan Blaine
I'll show her. I'll show her she can't toss me off like an old glove.
Aaron Blaine
Put that gun back, Alan.
Frank
No.
Aaron Blaine
Put it back in the drawer, I say.
Frank
No.
Alan Blaine
No.
Aaron Blaine
I warn you, you'll be sorry if you don't put the gun away and calm yourself.
Alan Blaine
I won't. You can't stop me.
Aaron Blaine
No, I can't stop you.
Alan Blaine
Nothing can stop me. Nobody. Not now. So she feels sorry for me. Well, I wonder if she'll feel sorry for herself with a bullet in her cheating heart.
Judith West
All right, darling, I'll meet you at 8. Yes, I've written a note to Alan. I've broken things off completely. All right, dear. Goodbye.
Frank
Yes.
Judith West
Who's there? Who's there? Who is it? Alan. What do you want? Alan.
Aaron Blaine
Oh, no.
Alan Blaine
Alan. Alan.
Aaron Blaine
Alan. Alan, listen to me. Go sober yourself up. Alan.
Alan Blaine
Go away.
Aaron Blaine
You've lost your job, spent all your money. This is no way out.
Frank
Leave me alone.
Aaron Blaine
I want to help you.
Alan Blaine
Help me? Why didn't you leave me alone to begin with?
Aaron Blaine
I warned you not to Go to her apartment. You're a murderer now, Alan. You're wanted by the police.
Alan Blaine
Oh, go away. Go away.
Aaron Blaine
You should have listened to me. I was trying to guide you.
Alan Blaine
Leave me alone. Leave me alone.
Aaron Blaine
I know what you're thinking. You're tired. The spirits aren't enough for you. Now you want something else.
Alan Blaine
Yeah.
Aaron Blaine
Don't do it, Alan. Stay away from it.
Alan Blaine
No. I'm not listening to you anymore. I'm not listening. Do you hear me? Go away. I'm not listening to a thing you say.
Narrator
Please to come in.
Alan Blaine
Friend of mine sent me. Jake Mullins.
Narrator
Oh, Honorable Mr. Mullins. So young seafo. Glad to help. Any plan? Hon. Mr. Mullins.
Alan Blaine
He said I could forget my troubles here.
Narrator
Trouble? You have trouble?
Alan Blaine
Please.
Narrator
You want maybe sleep? Sleep.
Alan Blaine
Anything. Anything to stop this awful burning in my mind. You smoke?
Narrator
Maybe. Me fix bill. You sleep?
Alan Blaine
Yes, Sleep.
Narrator
You lie here, please. Stretch out. Make comfortable.
Alan Blaine
Yes?
Narrator
Yeah.
Alan Blaine
You smoke?
Narrator
Piss, Take pipe. You sleep.
Alan Blaine
Yes.
Narrator
So you feel better by and by. No, no, no, no. Please do lie down. You smoke. Pretty soon. Sleep.
Alan Blaine
Sleep.
Aaron Blaine
Don't, Alan. I beg you. Don't smoke that.
Alan Blaine
Go away.
Narrator
Please not push out.
Alan Blaine
Tell him to go away.
Narrator
There is no one.
Aaron Blaine
Don't do it, darling.
Frank
You hear him?
Narrator
I hear no one. Now, please to be quiet. Just smoke plenty soon.
Alan Blaine
Sleep. Sleep.
Aaron Blaine
It's too late now, Alan. I tried to warn you, but it's too late now.
Alan Blaine
Where am I? So strange. Quiet. Peaceful. What's this book? Old writing by a diary. Aaron Blaine. Aaron Blaine. That was my great grandfather's name. This was his diary. Where am I? Seems like. Like a cave. Yeah. It is a key. My clothes. So neat and so clean. Yesterday, yes, Even today, I. I was almost ragged. I remember too. I was tired, worn. Now. Now I feel refreshed. How did I get here in this cave? That life. From a fire. I can read the book by the fire. Yes. We are now in the midst of a dreadful civil war. I fear everything I own is lost. I have only managed to save my gold. Gold? I figure its value at more than $80,000. I have buried it today beneath the horse stall at the east end of the barn. It will never be found there. Cold, buried beneath a horse stall in the barn. At. What barn? It's daylight. Perhaps if I get out of this cave. Yeah. There's the opening. Yes, it is daylight. And there's the farm over there. It's an old farm. Maybe if I go over there, I'll find what I want. You say this farm did belong to O. Aaron Blaine?
Frank
That's right, Boss Man. About the time of the Civil War was. Reckon my pappy done work for him.
Alan Blaine
Who owns the place now?
Frank
I reckon Uncle Sam do. Now, boss Man. I pays the taxes when I can and they lets me live here. Got myself a horse out there in the barn. Yeah, good old raisin Hosey. Is that barn about fall down?
Alan Blaine
Yeah, I see it is.
Frank
Over this way, boss.
Alan Blaine
All right. Are you sure this barn's been standing since the Civil War?
Frank
Sure has, boss Man. I asked to prop it up here and there once in a while. Going go to pieces any day now. Yeah, there's old Thunderbolt. Oh, that old Thunderbolt. You was asking about a spade here, master? Well, there's one right over here.
Alan Blaine
Yeah, I'll set the lantern down right there. Keep that animal back. I'm going to start digging.
Frank
Digging bows, man?
Alan Blaine
Yes. And if I find what I'm looking for, you and I are going to be rich. There it is.
Frank
Louder.
Alan Blaine
Mercy.
Frank
Balls, man. Something bad there.
Alan Blaine
Yeah, a metal box. Come on, help me get it out of there.
Frank
Okay, Boss Man.
Alan Blaine
Did you get a hold of that corner?
Frank
I think so. The fool's hardness. Good work.
Alan Blaine
Yeah, I got a lock on it. You'll fix that. Golly, it's heavy. There we are.
Frank
Lord a mercy. Boss man, look at that. Gold.
Alan Blaine
Yeah, gold. $80,000 worth of gold. What's that?
Frank
Must be the Pearson boys.
Alan Blaine
Who?
Frank
Pearson boys, Boss Man.
Alan Blaine
Who are they?
Frank
They've been trying to get this farm where we ain't got enough money to pay to back taxes. Folks around here always said they know there was gold bad here someplace. They must have seen you nowadays. Trying to scare y'all.
Alan Blaine
It's a good thing. It's nice. I was going to come down here this afternoon, but I decided to stay in the cave till dark.
Frank
Cave in Saint Boss Man.
Alan Blaine
Yeah, over toward the hills.
Frank
We better get ourselves over there, Boss. Who's going to keep us here? Gold. Damn Pearson, boss. Been looking for it for 10 years. They catch us with it, they want to take it away from us. Boss, I reckon I can't stay much longer.
Alan Blaine
We've got to stay here.
Judith West
I was hungry.
Alan Blaine
And so am I. We can't leave this cave until those murdering thieves out there go away.
Frank
Boss, we done been here two nights in a day.
Aaron Blaine
They've gone now, Alan.
Alan Blaine
You again. Who, Boss? Me.
Aaron Blaine
It's safe now, Alan.
Frank
Boss man, what you looking so funny about? You look like you done hit a spook or something. Talking.
Aaron Blaine
You can go out now, Alan. They've gone. Away.
Alan Blaine
Come along, Sam.
Frank
Are we gonna leave you, boss man?
Alan Blaine
Yeah, help me carry this box.
Frank
How come you to change your mind?
Alan Blaine
I didn't. It was changed for me. Come along. Careful there.
Frank
Sure, we'll be good to wrap this old boy around a good thick old steak. Or maybe a fat old chicken.
Alan Blaine
Easy now. Careful. Let's scout around behind this tall grass.
Frank
All right, Boss man. You ought to watch your step out here. There's lots of snakes over here.
Alan Blaine
Snakes?
Frank
Yes. Wiggins too, boss man.
Alan Blaine
And pies and Come on over this way. Wait a minute.
Frank
Huh?
Alan Blaine
Look over there, boss Man.
Frank
That's old Green.
Alan Blaine
Yeah. Come on. Good Lord.
Frank
Look, Bo man. Looky over there.
Alan Blaine
A bony, fleshless hand reaching up out of the grave.
Frank
Bo man, how come you had a hand over there?
Alan Blaine
Whoever that was, they buried him alive.
Frank
Come on, boss man. I don't feel none too comfortable around here.
Alan Blaine
Wait a minute. Something scratched into this tombstone. I can't quite make out what it said. Yeah, that's better.
Frank
What do you say, boss? I can't read.
Alan Blaine
It says Aaron Blaine.
Aaron Blaine
Aaron Blaine.
Alan Blaine
Died August 16, 1861.
Aaron Blaine
August 16, 1861.
Alan Blaine
My great grandfather buried alive.
Frank
Lord a mercy. Your grandpappy.
Aaron Blaine
I didn't die then. I was only unconscious from exhaustion. They thought I was dead, so they brought me here.
Alan Blaine
Where are you?
Aaron Blaine
I brought you here to show you this.
Alan Blaine
How did I get here?
Aaron Blaine
The opium removed the spirit from your body. I brought it here.
Alan Blaine
Oh, take me back.
Aaron Blaine
You can never return.
Alan Blaine
Yes. Take me back. I have the gold. Now I'll be wretch.
Aaron Blaine
No.
Alan Blaine
Yes. Take me back. Take me back, I say.
Frank
Boseman, look at that. There's knee rotten Boseman. He done bitch up. Can you Poison.
Alan Blaine
I've been poisoned by that snake. I can't.
Judith West
Help me. Help me.
Alan Blaine
I can't get.
Aaron Blaine
No. Alan and I warned you. Now you'll never get back.
Alan Blaine
Dark fantasy.
Narrator
You have heard dead ends reaching. Tonight's original tale of dark fantasy by Scott Bishop. Originating in the studios of wky, the picturization story of dead ends reaching appears in the May 16 issue of Movie Radio Guide. Ben Morris was heard as Alan Blaine. Eleanor Naylor Corin played Judith West. Muir hype was young Sifu. Georgiana Cook played Mrs. Evans. And Daryl McAllister was Aaron Blaine, the voice from beyond. Next Friday, listen to dark fantasy 35 minutes earlier at 11:30pm Eastern. Wartime. 10:30 Central War Time. Listen for Rendezvous with Satan, another unusual adventure by Scott Bishop. Tom Paxton speaking. Dark fantasy comes to you each Friday night from Oklahoma City. This is the National Broadcasting company.
Host
That's the Horror for this week. You can find more from Dark Fantasy, this podcast and all of the other Relic Radio shows at Relic Radio Show. You'll find our shoutcast stream there as well, with even more old time radio 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.
Alan Blaine
It.
Podcast Summary: "Dead Hands Reaching" by Dark Fantasy – The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Release Date: March 15, 2025
In the March 15, 2025 episode of The Horror! (Old Time Radio), hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported back to the early 1940s through the chilling tale "Dead Hands Reaching" by Dark Fantasy. This episode delves into themes of the supernatural, family legacy, and the haunting consequences of unresolved guilt. With atmospheric storytelling and evocative dialogue, the episode promises to leave listeners both enthralled and unsettled.
"Dead Hands Reaching" centers around Alan Blaine, a man grappling with financial struggles and personal insecurities. His mundane existence is disrupted when he becomes haunted by the ghostly presence of Aaron Blaine, his great grandfather. As the story unfolds, Alan is drawn into a supernatural mystery involving hidden gold from the Civil War era, deceit, and the malevolent intentions of his spectral ancestor.
The Haunting Begins ([00:25] – [04:25]):
Alan Blaine is introduced in his workplace, expressing frustration over his meager earnings of "$25 a week" ([03:04]). He is suddenly confronted by the voice of Aaron Blaine, urging him to seek a better position, specifically the assistant manager role ([03:33] – [03:38]). Despite initial skepticism, Alan follows the spectral advice, leading to his promotion.
Rekindling Tensions ([06:23] – [08:44]):
Alan interacts with Judith West, who congratulates him on his new position. Their conversation takes a dark turn when Judith reveals her impending marriage to another man, shattering Alan's expectations. Overwhelmed by betrayal, Alan contemplates revenge, leading Aaron Blaine to warn him against such actions ([07:55] – [11:18]).
Descent into Madness ([09:11] – [13:39]):
Judith attempts to communicate her feelings to Alan through a letter, revealing she never truly loved him. This revelation drives Alan to the brink, as he expresses intentions to "kill her" ([10:00] – [11:10]). Aaron Blaine intervenes, trying to calm Alan and prevent him from committing murder, but Alan's resolve hardens, escalating his instability ([11:20] – [13:39]).
Supernatural Intervention ([14:01] – [24:31]):
Alan seeks refuge in a mysterious cave, encountering apparitions and remnants of his family's past. He discovers a buried box containing significant gold, linking back to Aaron Blaine's Civil War history. The narrative intertwines time, as Alan seemingly communicates with his ancestor, revealing that Aaron intended to guide him but now serves as a malevolent force. The story culminates in a tragic confrontation where Alan is trapped by supernatural forces, unable to escape his haunted legacy.
Alan Blaine on Self-Worth ([03:04]):
"Not much. $25 a week."
Reflecting Alan's financial struggles and low self-esteem.
Aaron Blaine on Opportunity ([03:08] – [03:10]):
"You're worth more. Then why haven't you done something about it?"
Aaron's attempts to push Alan towards self-improvement, masking his ulterior motives.
Judith West's Revelation ([09:11] – [10:00]):
"I've only permitted you to believe I loved you because I've always felt sorry for you."
This confession is the catalyst for Alan's descent into vengeance.
Aaron Blaine's Warning ([11:02] – [11:03]):
"Don't go to her, Alan."
Highlighting the spectral influence over Alan's decisions.
Climactic Confrontation ([23:25] – [23:38]):
"You can never return."
Aaron's final declaration sealing Alan's fate in the supernatural realm.
Supernatural Influence: The episode explores how spectral entities can manipulate and influence the living, using Alan as a vessel for unfulfilled desires and ancestral grudges.
Family Legacy: The haunting legacy of Aaron Blaine symbolizes the burden of family history and unresolved conflicts passed down through generations.
Desperation and Morality: Alan's financial desperation drives him to the brink of moral collapse, illustrating how personal struggles can lead to catastrophic decisions.
Isolation: Throughout the narrative, Alan's isolation—both emotionally and physically—serves as a breeding ground for his eventual downfall.
"Dead Hands Reaching" masterfully intertwines elements of horror, suspense, and tragedy to narrate the story of Alan Blaine's haunted journey. Through evocative dialogue and a meticulously crafted plot, the episode underscores the lasting impact of the past on the present. As Alan becomes ensnared in Aaron Blaine's dark legacy, listeners are left contemplating the thin veil between the living and the dead, and the profound consequences of ignoring the warnings from beyond.
For fans of old-time radio horror, this episode of The Horror! offers a compelling blend of supernatural intrigue and human vulnerability, staying true to the genre's rich tradition of storytelling.
Notable Performance Credits:
Looking Ahead:
Stay tuned for next week's episode featuring "Rendezvous with Satan," another spine-tingling adventure by Scott Bishop, available at an earlier time slot of 11:30 PM Eastern. Don’t miss the continuous stream of old-time radio horrors and mysteries on Relic Radio Show, available 24/7 for your listening pleasure.