Detailed Summary of "Man-Size In Marble" Episode from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
- Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
- Episode: Man-Size In Marble by The Hall Of Fantasy
- Release Date: January 4, 2025
- Description: Dive into the eerie world of Old Time Radio filled with ghost stories and supernatural tales. This episode explores the haunting narrative of Man-Size in Marble, adapted by Bob Olson from E. Nesbit's original story.
Introduction
In the The Horror! (Old Time Radio) series, RelicRadio.com brings to life classic supernatural tales through immersive dramatizations. The episode "Man-Size In Marble" transports listeners to the quaint village of Brenzett, where newlyweds Vance Langen and Laura embark on a seemingly idyllic life that soon spirals into darkness and mystery.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens with Vance Langen inviting listeners into a world of real stories and supernatural events [00:06]. The setting is established in Brenzett, a picturesque village with a rich history and an old church that becomes the focal point of the unfolding horror.
Notable Quote:
- Vance Langen [00:20]: "Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous? Perhaps you."
Characters and Relationships
Vance Langen and Laura
Vance, an aspiring painter, and his wife Laura, a magazine writer, seek a serene life away from the bustle of the city. Their harmonious relationship is evident in their mutual support for each other's artistic endeavors.
Notable Quote:
- Laura [03:31]: "We'll get along if we're careful. You can paint and I'll write articles for the magazines."
Mrs. Dorman
Mrs. Dorman, the housekeeper, is introduced as a pivotal character whose departure sets off a chain of unsettling events. Her mysterious reasons for leaving add to the village's enigmatic atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
- Laura [06:49]: "Mrs. Dorman. She's leaving us."
Dr. McCarthy
Dr. McCarthy, the jolly Scotch neighbor, becomes an ally to Vance as supernatural occurrences escalate. His skepticism contrasts with the growing evidence of the supernatural.
The Haunting Begins
The Antique Cottage
Vance and Laura settle into their cottage, adorned with antique furnishings they scavenged from secondhand shops [05:35]. The cottage, while charming, harbors secrets tied to the village's dark past.
Notable Quote:
- Vance Langen [05:35]: "What are you painting, Vance?"
The Old Church and Marble Knights
A stroll to the old church reveals two marble statues of knights, locally rumored to awaken on All Saints' Eve. The statues, symbols of the village's tumultuous history, are believed to roam the Beer Path, leaving eerie footprints.
Notable Quotes:
- Vance Langen [08:57]: "The peasants say they were marauders, bandits. That they were the scourge of their day."
- Laura [11:08]: "The bodies drawn out man size in marble had actually disappeared from the church."
Escalation of Supernatural Events
Mrs. Dorman's Departure
Mrs. Dorman's abrupt departure raises suspicions. She hints at dark happenings, mentioning the violent deeds performed in the house's past [11:14]. Her insistence on Laura locking the door and making the sign of the cross suggests a looming threat.
Notable Quotes:
- Laura [13:07]: "Don't try to do too much, Mrs. Dorman."
- Laura [13:38]: "Whatever you do, lock the door early tomorrow night. And make a sign of the cross over it."
The Disappearance of the Marble Statues
On All Saints' Eve, Vance witnesses the inexplicable disappearance of the marble knights from the church [14:37]. His initial disbelief shifts to terror as he confronts the reality of the supernatural.
Notable Quotes:
- Narrator [21:09]: "They're gone."
- Vance Langen [21:11]: "The marble figures have gone from the church. They've disappeared, I tell you."
The Climax: Confronting the Supernatural
Laura's Death
Returning home, Vance finds Laura lifeless, clutching a marble finger [26:52]. This horrifying revelation confirms the existence of the supernatural forces at play, merging the legends with grim reality.
Notable Quotes:
- Vance Langen [26:52]: "What we saw was no hallucination."
- Narrator [26:52]: "And so runs the tale of man size in marble."
Themes and Insights
The Intersection of Folklore and Reality
Man-Size In Marble explores how folklore and local legends can influence perceptions and realities. The story delves into the thin veil between the natural and supernatural, questioning the reliability of human perception when faced with inexplicable phenomena.
The Fragility of Rationality
Vance's initial skepticism represents the struggle between rational thought and supernatural belief. His journey from disbelief to acceptance mirrors the internal conflict often experienced when confronted with the unknown.
Conclusion
"Man-Size In Marble" is a masterful adaptation that encapsulates the essence of Old Time Radio horror. Through vivid narration, compelling dialogue, and a tightly woven plot, the episode draws listeners into a world where ancient legends come to life, and the supernatural invades everyday life. The story serves as a chilling reminder to heed warning signs and the dangers that lurk when the past refuses to remain buried.
Listeners are left with a lingering sense of unease, perfectly encapsulating the show's motto: "Be afraid! Be very afraid."
Production Credits
- Adaptation: Bob Olson
- Actors:
- Carl Green as Vance Langen
- Beth Calder as Laura
- Phyllis Perry as Mrs. Dorman
- Archie Huly as Dr. McCarthy
- Musical Background: Earl Donaldson
- Technical Supervisor: Nephi Sorenson
- Producer & Director: Richard Thorne
Additional Information
For more thrilling episodes and to explore a vast collection of Old Time Radio shows, visit RelicRadio.com. You can also find the shows on Spotify by searching for "Relic Radio Network." Support the podcast by donating through their website to help keep these classic stories alive.
Note: This summary has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the Man-Size In Marble episode for those who haven't listened, ensuring clarity and engagement while highlighting key moments and themes from the story.