Podcast Summary: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Lot 132 by The Price Of Fear
Release Date: July 19, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Introduction
In the chilling episode titled "Lot 132," hosted by RelicRadio.com and featuring the iconic Vincent Price, listeners are plunged into a tale of art, obsession, and supernatural terror. This story, expertly dramatized by Elizabeth Morgan and produced by John Dyess, explores the dark consequences of acquiring a mysterious portrait with a malevolent presence.
Story Overview
Vincent Price narrates his personal experience with an enigmatic painting that leads to a series of tragic events involving murder and inexplicable behavior. The narrative unfolds with Price detailing how his passion for art leads him to purchase a disturbing portrait at an auction in Winchester. Unbeknownst to him, this acquisition sets off a chain of horrific incidents affecting his acquaintances, culminating in a confrontation with the painting's evil influence.
Detailed Summary
A Fateful Purchase
The story begins with Vincent Price reminiscing about an incident 20 years prior in Winchester, where he impulsively buys "Lot 13 2," a portrait of a man clad in a crimson riding jacket. Price describes the subject as a 45-year-old with a bony face and unsettling eyes, noting an inherent unease he felt upon viewing the painting.
Vincent Price [00:41]: “Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the macabre.”
Despite his initial discomfort, Price secures the painting, dismissing his instincts as mere hypersensitivity. He places the artwork in his gallery's anteroom, inadvertently setting the stage for the ensuing horror.
Unraveling Mystery
A few days later, Price meets with an old friend, Michael Emsley, who becomes inexplicably fixated on the very portrait Price purchased. During their tour of the gallery, both Price and Emsley find themselves drawn to the painting, despite reservations.
Vincent Price [03:16]: “I moved forward to take a closer look. The portrait was of a man in a crimson riding jacket. He looked about 45, with black hair, a large bony face and small, closely set eyes.”
Price discovers that the subject of the painting, Nathaniel Jeremiah Blackwell, was a real person who met a gruesome end in the early 19th century, including the murder of his family. This revelation heightens Price's sense of dread.
Vincent Price [11:18]: “It was you who raised the alarm, wasn't it?”
Tragedy Strikes
Shortly after uncovering the painting's dark history, Price is horrified to learn that Michael Emsley has murdered his wife and children, using poison to kill them before gruesomely disposing of their bodies. The timing and details suggest a sinister connection to the portrait.
Chief Inspector Lowther [09:35]: “It happened about 10:30 last evening, sir. It seems that Mr. Emsley, for no apparent reason, suddenly went berserk and attacked his wife with a hatchet, then threw her body into the swimming pool.”
Price's investigation leads him to believe that Blackwell's malevolent spirit or influence persists, manifesting through the portrait and affecting those who possess it.
Confrontation and Revelation
Determined to prevent further tragedy, Price attempts to retrieve the painting from Peter Smythe, who has recently acquired it. Upon meeting Smythe, Price senses the painting's evil presence, especially when Smythe exhibits uncharacteristic violent behavior.
Vincent Price [21:54]: “Peter, do you feel all right?”
A climactic confrontation ensues as Smythe, under the painting's influence, becomes aggressive, wielding a hatchet. Price battles to subdue Smythe, ultimately destroying the portrait in the process. The act of destroying the painting appears to release Smythe from its grip, dissolving the evil influence.
Vincent Price [22:17]: “If I didn't destroy the portrait, this would have happened to you too.”
Aftermath and Reflection
In the aftermath, Price reflects on the supernatural events, noticing inexplicable blood on his hands that cannot be explained by the mere destruction of paint. This gruesome detail underscores the painting's true nature as a vessel of evil.
Vincent Price [25:30]: “Old paint should flake or powder, but this was wet, very wet. When I washed my hands a few moments later, I knew why. It was. It wasn't paint. It was blood.”
Price warns listeners about the dangers of seemingly innocuous artworks, hinting at the lingering presence of Blackwell's malevolence.
Vincent Price [26:00]: “Do any of you listening at home have portraits hanging on your walls? Are they of unknown cities? Be careful how you look at them. You never know. Goodbye.”
Notable Quotes
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Vincent Price [00:06]: “By telling a story, we are meant to call from out of the past.”
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Chief Inspector Lowther [09:35]: “It happened about 10:30 last evening, sir. It seems that Mr. Emsley, for no apparent reason, suddenly went berserk and attacked his wife with a hatchet, then threw her body into the swimming pool.”
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Mrs. Smythe [12:05]: “Oh, yes, Mr. Price. I heard this strange sobbing noise, you see. More like. More like an animal in pain.”
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Vincent Price [22:17]: “If I didn't destroy the portrait, this would have happened to you too.”
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Vincent Price [26:00]: “Do any of you listening at home have portraits hanging on your walls? Are they of unknown cities? Be careful how you look at them. You never know. Goodbye.”
Insights and Themes
"Lot 132" delves into the concept of cursed or haunted objects, particularly artworks that carry a sinister legacy. The narrative examines how obsession with art can lead to unforeseen and dire consequences. Vincent Price's portrayal adds a layer of authenticity and gravitas, making the horror elements more impactful. The story also touches on themes of fate versus free will, suggesting that certain objects may carry inherent evil that influences those around them despite their intentions.
Conclusion
"Lot 132" serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers that can lurk within seemingly ordinary possessions. Through Vincent Price's compelling storytelling, listeners are immersed in a world where art becomes an instrument of horror, leading to tragic outcomes. This episode reinforces the show's overarching theme of exploring the unexplained and the macabre, leaving audiences both captivated and unsettled.
Produced by: John Dyess
Dramatized by: Elizabeth Morgan
Featuring: Vincent Price, Elizabeth Morgan, Douglas Blackwell