The Demon Tree by Dark Fantasy

Summary

Summary of "The Demon Tree" Episode from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: The Demon Tree by Dark Fantasy
• Release Date: July 12, 2025
• Description: Delving into ghost stories, monsters, and unexplained phenomena, this episode explores a chilling tale born from the depths of dark fantasy.

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Introduction

In this episode of The Horror! (Old Time Radio), hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported into a spine-tingling narrative titled "The Demon Tree." Originating from the Dark Fantasy series that aired on NBC between November 1941 and June 1942, this story is the fourth installment, first broadcasted on December 5, 1941. Set against the backdrop of the ominous Barlow Forest, the tale weaves themes of ancestral curses, supernatural entities, and the inexorable pull of dark legends.

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Characters

• Humphrey Garland: A central figure eager to uncover the truth behind the forest's legends.
• Clara: A pragmatic and skeptical member of the group, questioning the validity of the supernatural tales.
• Danvers: Initially dismissive of the legends, his experiences shift his perspective.
• Crane: A weary traveler who becomes the first victim of the Demon Tree's curse.
• Narrator: Guides the audience through the unfolding events, setting the scene and providing context.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The story begins with four friends—Humphrey Garland, Clara, Danvers, and Crane—staying at an inn near Barlow Forest. Dissatisfied with their stay, they discuss the unsettling tales they've heard about the forest, particularly the legend of a cursed tree that predicates the demise of the Wakefield descendants.

The Legend of the Demon Tree

Humphrey uncovers an old newspaper clipping detailing the mysterious strangulation of Sir Horace Wakefield in Barlow Forest on April 21, 1857. The clipping references the Witch of Barlow Forest, who cursed the Wakefield lineage, planting a blood-smeared acorn that birthed the Demon Tree—an oak so malevolent it moves and strangles its victims.

Humphrey Garland [05:38]: "What an extraordinary story. Don't you see?"

The Expedition into the Forest

Fueled by a mix of skepticism and curiosity, the group decides to explore the forest. As they navigate the dense woods, they experience an unnatural chill and a sudden onset of darkness, despite it being mid-afternoon.

Danvers [08:05]: "The chill. I feel like. Like it's 20 degrees colder in this place."

Confrontation with the Demon Tree

Deep within the forest, the group encounters the Demon Tree. Its bark feels unnervingly like human skin, and it exhibits signs of life, moving ominously. Crane becomes the first victim as the tree ensnares him, leading to his gruesome demise.

Clara [09:24]: "But he talks through his nose. People should talk through their mouths."

Descent into Despair

The remaining members struggle to find their way out as supernatural forces impede their escape. Humphrey grapples with the reality of the curse, while Clara and Danvers face the horrifying truth of their situation. The Demon Tree's influence becomes more pronounced, culminating in a final, terrifying encounter that suggests their ordeal is far from over.

Danvers [16:12]: "We've got to keep our heads."

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Themes and Insights

Ancestral Curses: The episode delves into the idea that past grievances can have dire repercussions on future generations. The Wakefield family's misfortunes are a direct consequence of ancestral actions, embodied by the Demon Tree.

Supernatural Manifestation: The Demon Tree serves as a physical manifestation of dark magic and curses, emphasizing the tangible impact of the supernatural on the natural world.

Fate vs. Free Will: The characters' attempts to escape their doomed fate highlight the struggle between trying to change one's destiny and being bound by cursed legacies.

Isolation and Despair: Stranded in an eerie forest, the characters experience profound isolation, amplifying their psychological torment and desperation.

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Notable Quotes

• Humphrey Garland [00:06]: "Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out."

• Danvers [04:54]: "London, England, April 21, 1857. It is reported that Sir Horace Wakefield, Earl of Dorshaw, was found strangled last night in Barlow Forest."

• Clara [09:27]: "I just touched the bark of that tree. And it didn't feel like bark at all. No, it felt like. Like human skin."

• Danvers [23:16]: "Any descendant of Sir Thomas Hurley Wakefield who enters Barlow Forest is doomed to die. And all who enter the forest with him are likewise doomed."

• Humphrey Garland [21:11]: "I have a feeling that this whole business isn't over yet."

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Conclusion

"The Demon Tree" masterfully intertwines elements of horror and dark fantasy to narrate a tale of curses, supernatural forces, and the inescapable grip of dark legends. Through the characters' harrowing journey, the episode explores the depths of human fear and the age-old struggle against malevolent forces beyond comprehension. As the characters barely escape the forest, lingering hints suggest that the curse's shadow continues to loom, leaving both characters and listeners with a lingering sense of unease.

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Closing Remarks

Listeners are invited to explore more spine-chilling tales from Dark Fantasy and other installments of The Horror! by visiting RelicRadio.com. Each episode promises to deliver unique adventures that delve into the mysterious and unexplained, ensuring a captivating experience for aficionados of the macabre.

Transcript

[Humphrey Garland]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out.

[Clara]

Good evening.

[Humphrey Garland]

Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous? Perhaps you can't by telling a story.

[Clara]

We are meant to call from out of the past.

[Humphrey Garland]

Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and.

[Clara]

Terror by radio's masters of the macabre.

[Humphrey Garland]

Story where supernatural the supernormal dramatized fantasy the mystery of the unknown.

[Danvers]

We tell you this Frank Franklin.

[Humphrey Garland]

So if you wish to avoid the.

[Danvers]

Excitement tension of these magnet rail referred.

[Humphrey Garland]

To our radio theory to turn off your radio.

[Narrator]

This is the horror. Welcome back. Thanks for joining me this Saturday. Our story comes from Dark Fantasy this week, a series that aired over NBC stations for 31 episodes between November 14th of 1941 and June 19th of 1942. Our story today is the fourth in the series from December 5th, 1941. Here's the demon tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

Dark Fantasy.

[Danvers]

I am the spirit of the demon tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

£3 on the jack of diamonds.

[Clara]

You should tear your money up, Humphries. It would last you longer.

[Humphrey Garland]

Perhaps you're right, Crane, but this way I get a sense of honest toil. I say, isn't anyone else betting?

[Crane]

Oh, let's quit. I'm tired of losing.

[Clara]

Oh, look here, old girl, could I loan you a few pounds?

[Crane]

No, thank you, Crane. I have enough to get me back to London if we ever do get back.

[Clara]

Now, why do you say that, Clara? It's only a matter of a stage getting through here to the resort, taking us out of this beastly place.

[Crane]

Beastly place is right. Why people come here for a rest is more than I can determine. Honestly, I've never spent such an uncomfortable week in all my life.

[Danvers]

Well, think of me.

[Clara]

I've been here three. So have you, Humphreys.

[Humphrey Garland]

Look here, you two, it's three o'. Clock. They're expecting the stage around eight to nine. What do you say the three of us go for a bit of a walk through the forest?

[Clara]

I say, why not? Here comes Danvers.

[Danvers]

Perhaps he'll join us.

[Crane]

Anything to get away from this place. Good afternoon, Danvers.

[Danvers]

Greetings, good people. I take it you're no happier than when I left you a while ago.

[Clara]

The place is as gloomy as a morgue. We've just agreed to take a walk in the forest back of the inn. Invited to come along if you like.

[Danvers]

Sounds like a good enough way to pass the time.

[Humphrey Garland]

Good. We all go together. Besides, I'm quite interested in that forest out there. You remember, of course, the story the night clerk told us last Evening.

[Clara]

Yes. I don't like him. He talks through his nose. People should talk through their mouths.

[Humphrey Garland]

No, no, no. I mean what he told us about the forest.

[Crane]

What about the forest? I didn't hear it, Humphreys.

[Humphrey Garland]

Well, the clerk said it was a gorgeous place. Lots of beautiful foliage, vivid colors, clear water, lakes.

[Crane]

But nobody goes there. It's so beautiful.

[Humphrey Garland]

That's just it, Clara. You see, people have gone there and never come back.

[Clara]

Rubbish.

[Danvers]

A lot of nonsense. Why, the clock is just superstitious, that's all.

[Clara]

I'm inclined to agree with you, Danvers. Why, he even told us an absurd story about a tree out there in that forest that's supposed to strangle people.

[Crane]

Strangle them? How?

[Clara]

Oh, I don't know. With its branches, I suppose. Just some absurd legend that people around here like to believe.

[Humphrey Garland]

I believe it's more than just a legend, Crane.

[Danvers]

What makes you say that? Old man here.

[Humphrey Garland]

I talked to the clerk again later last night. He dug out this old newspaper clipping for me. Read it, Danvers. Aloud.

[Danvers]

Old is right. Almost illegible.

[Crane]

Well, read.

[Danvers]

Says. London, England, April 21, 1857. It is reported that Sir Horace Wakefield, Earl of Dorshaw, was found strangled last night in Barlow Forest. His body was discovered entangled in the branches of a huge oak tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

Go on, read the rest of it.

[Danvers]

Earl's death recalls to mind the weird tale of the Witch of Barlow Forest, who is said to have lived in the 16th century. An evil old hag who, upon having a falling out with Sir Thomas Holly Wakefield, cursed him and warned him that any of his descendants who entered Barlow Forest would surely perish.

[Clara]

Charming old girl, wasn't she?

[Humphrey Garland]

No, no, no. Don't scoff until you've heard the rest of it.

[Crane]

Go on, Danvers.

[Danvers]

She also added that any person of persons with the Wakefield descendant would also die. She is said to have planted an acorn smeared with her own blood. The acorn is supposed to have grown into a towering oak, capable of moving about from place to place in Barlow Forest. Sir Horace is the sixth of the Wakefield line to have perished by strangulation in the forest.

[Clara]

Thomas Hurley Wakefield.

[Humphrey Garland]

I wonder. You wonder what, Crane?

[Clara]

My mother's name was Wakefield. I was just wondering if she was related to Sir Thomas.

[Crane]

Oh, of course not, Crane. It's just a story.

[Humphrey Garland]

What an extraordinary story. Don't you see?

[Crane]

Yes. Wouldn't do very well as a bedtime story, would it?

[Humphrey Garland]

A demon tree.

[Danvers]

I wonder if we could find it.

[Clara]

Well, let's have a try, shall we?

[Danvers]

I'm game.

[Crane]

Don't let anybody say I'm not.

[Clara]

Then let's go. Humphrey's going along. I say, Humphreys, are you daydreaming?

[Danvers]

Hmm?

[Humphrey Garland]

I was just thinking.

[Danvers]

Wouldn'T it be.

[Humphrey Garland]

Odd if the whole thing were true, if we all went in there and didn't come?

[Crane]

Well, do you gentlemen see any way we can get into that forest?

[Clara]

It's as dense as Father Time's beard. Doesn't seem to be an opening anywhere.

[Unknown]

I think we can get in over here.

[Clara]

Oh, all right. Coming down first.

[Unknown]

There seems to be a footpath over here.

[Danvers]

Only one along this line of the forest there seems.

[Humphrey Garland]

Yes, you're right. Come on. I'll leave. We'd better remember the way back. It'd be hard to get out of here if we didn't know where this opening is.

[Crane]

Don't worry, I'll remember it. I'm good at landmarks.

[Humphrey Garland]

Go ahead, Clara.

[Clara]

I'm right behind you.

[Danvers]

I say, do any of you feel that?

[Clara]

Feel what, Danvers?

[Danvers]

The chill. I feel like. Like it's 20 degrees colder in this place.

[Crane]

I feel that way, too.

[Clara]

So do I.

[Humphrey Garland]

It's naturally cooler in the woods where the sun doesn't shine.

[Danvers]

But not this much cooler.

[Crane]

I don't like this place. I'm for going back to the inn.

[Clara]

Oh, let's get on ahead a little ways. I say, it is pretty in here.

[Crane]

Pretty or not, it gives me the creeps.

[Danvers]

It isn't the kind of cold caused by climatic changes.

[Humphrey Garland]

What was that, Danvers?

[Danvers]

I said it's a different kind of cold. It's the kind that creeps up your spine when some. Some evil comes over you.

[Clara]

Oh, now, Danvers, we're just letting that newspaper story play on your mind.

[Danvers]

Wait a minute here.

[Unknown]

Look.

[Danvers]

That tree there in front of us, it looks like a human giant.

[Clara]

Jove, you're right, Danvers.

[Danvers]

I couldn't swear it moved. Just a moment ago.

[Crane]

It did move. I saw it, too.

[Danvers]

That's the strangest looking tree I ever saw.

[Clara]

Look at that bark. I wonder if.

[Danvers]

Crane, what's wrong, man?

[Clara]

I. I just touched the bark of that tree. And it didn't feel like bark at all. No, it felt like. Like human skin.

[Humphrey Garland]

Yeah.

[Danvers]

Let me feel it.

[Humphrey Garland]

By heaven, it's true.

[Danvers]

It does feel like skin. Warm and smooth and soft.

[Crane]

Yes, it feels that way to me, too.

[Danvers]

Humphries, you touch it.

[Humphrey Garland]

No, thanks.

[Danvers]

Go ahead, Humphries, Feel it.

[Humphrey Garland]

I have no desire to. You see, I'm sure you're right.

[Danvers]

What's that?

[Humphrey Garland]

I feel that. This is the Demon Tree of Barlow. Forest.

[Danvers]

I think we've seen enough of this place, haven't we? Let's get back to the end.

[Crane]

Yes, let's.

[Danvers]

All right.

[Clara]

Come on.

[Danvers]

White A. Wait a minute. Have you noticed how dark it is all of a sudden?

[Humphrey Garland]

The sun's behind a cloud, probably.

[Clara]

It's impossible to see the sky through this foliage.

[Crane]

It is darker. I can hardly see where I'm walking.

[Clara]

Are you quite sure this is the right way? I don't remember this clearing.

[Danvers]

I don't either.

[Humphrey Garland]

Wait a minute.

[Unknown]

By heaven, this isn't the way.

[Danvers]

It must be. We're on the path, aren't we?

[Crane]

No. No, I don't think we are. So, Doc, do any of you have a flight?

[Clara]

I certainly don't remember this clearing. I think.

[Unknown]

What was that?

[Humphrey Garland]

What was what? Crane, you.

[Clara]

You'll think this is foolish, but I swear I felt the branch of a tree brush across my face and shoulder.

[Danvers]

That's. That's impossible. There's not a tree within 50ft.

[Clara]

But I felt it, I tell you. It rustled like a branch covered with leaves. And yet it. It felt warm and soft, like human flesh.

[Crane]

Crane, are you sure?

[Unknown]

Yes. Look.

[Clara]

We're lost here. It's dark. Dark as night. Right in the middle of the afternoon. And we've lost the path in that tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

Easy, Crane. Keep your head, man.

[Clara]

I'm getting out of here. I'm not going to stay here and be murdered.

[Danvers]

Crane, stay with us.

[Crane]

No.

[Unknown]

No.

[Clara]

I'm going to find the path and.

[Unknown]

Get out of here.

[Crane]

Crane, stay here. We'll find a way back.

[Unknown]

I don't want to stay here and die. I want to get away from this place. Crane. Don't be a fool. Crane.

[Crane]

He's gone.

[Danvers]

Now he's in for it. We're better off by staying together.

[Humphrey Garland]

I don't know whether we are or not.

[Unknown]

Listen.

[Crane]

It's great.

[Humphrey Garland]

Sounds like he's strangling.

[Unknown]

Come on. We couldn't have gotten far. Right over here, I think.

[Humphrey Garland]

But take it easy now. Be careful. Oh, there he is.

[Danvers]

Yes. Stretched out on the ground like. Like he was dead.

[Humphrey Garland]

Look.

[Danvers]

Look at him. Marks on his throat, like hands would make.

[Crane]

That wasn't done by hands. See? Stains on his skin. Green stains.

[Humphrey Garland]

Thomas Wakefield. Crane.

[Crane]

Oh, what a horrible way for him to die.

[Danvers]

Clara, that tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

This is where we first saw it. Now it's gone.

[Crane]

Humphreys, you're right. This is where it was. I'm sure of it.

[Danvers]

Then what's happened to him?

[Humphrey Garland]

The important question is, what are we going to do with Crane?

[Danvers]

We'll have to leave him here until we can find a way out of this place.

[Crane]

Poor Crane. It happened so quickly. One minute he was with us and.

[Humphrey Garland]

The next we warned him not to leave us. Now the three of us had better stay close together.

[Crane]

Oh, yes, for heaven's sake, let's not.

[Danvers]

Get separate and do. Come on. There's nothing we can do for Crane now. We've got to find our way out of here.

[Humphrey Garland]

It just doesn't seem right leaving him there.

[Danvers]

It's all we can do. Come on.

[Crane]

How do we know which way to go?

[Danvers]

We don't. All we can do is keep moving and hope to find the bath again.

[Humphrey Garland]

Horrible.

[Crane]

Wandering about like this like. Like nothing but a group of marionettes.

[Humphrey Garland]

Controlled by what strange puppeteer. What? What's that?

[Danvers]

Humphreys.

[Humphrey Garland]

I said, controlled by what? Strange puppeteer?

[Crane]

Humphreys. Surely you don't think we've been purposely led into this?

[Humphrey Garland]

Who can say?

[Danvers]

Oh, now, Humphreys, Crane went off the deep end. We've got to keep our heads.

[Crane]

We found a way in. Surely we'll find a way out.

[Humphrey Garland]

Yes, we did find a way in. But what about the chill, the darkness?

[Danvers]

There's some explanation. Perhaps a storm is coming up. Yes, that could be it, couldn't it?

[Humphrey Garland]

Storms don't rise that quickly in this part of the country.

[Crane]

In the darkness. It came down on this forest like a shroud.

[Humphrey Garland]

Yes, came so quickly. Reminded me of how a corpse must feel in his coffin when the lid is put over him.

[Danvers]

Look here, Humphries. I'm about fed up with that sort of talk.

[Humphrey Garland]

Only a fool refuses to face the facts, Danvers. You know this isn't any ordinary situation. We're in the chill of winter in the summertime, darkness in mid afternoon.

[Crane]

And.

[Humphrey Garland]

A tree that strangles.

[Danvers]

It was probably just an. An accident. Crane's death.

[Humphrey Garland]

Why don't you stop trying to tell yourself that the tree was only an imaginary thing? We all know that it's real, Humphries. And as alive as any of us. The bark did feel like human flesh.

[Crane]

Danvers. Humphries, look.

[Humphrey Garland]

What?

[Danvers]

What is it? A glow of light. There ahead of us.

[Crane]

It's the tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

There now. What do you think, Danvers? Look. The tree moving along in a glow of phosphorescent light.

[Danvers]

Good heavens. It's the same tree.

[Crane]

It looks like a human giant.

[Clara]

It was nowhere near here. It was back there.

[Humphrey Garland]

Do you two see what the tree is carrying?

[Danvers]

It's carrying Crane. It's got him tucked up under that huge branch that looks like a human arm.

[Humphrey Garland]

It's fading now. Disappearing again.

[Danvers]

Fading away. Yes, Gone.

[Unknown]

It's gone.

[Humphrey Garland]

Now do you believe, Danvers? Now do you admit that the tree is alive?

[Unknown]

What else can I believe?

[Danvers]

I don't know.

[Unknown]

Danvers, look up.

[Humphrey Garland]

He's fallen into a water pit.

[Unknown]

Hell, Hushley. It's quick down.

[Crane]

I'm really thinking.

[Unknown]

Help. I'll head into my ways. Get me out of here.

[Humphrey Garland]

Stand still, Danvers.

[Unknown]

You'll just sink deeper. Quick, help me out of here. Get something I can get. I'll do. Here is Danvers. Danvers, grab the end of that pole. He'll let you help on me. Grab it, Danvers. Grab it. Oh, Danvers. Grab the end of the three branch. It's burying me. Good Lord.

[Humphrey Garland]

Listen, Clara.

[Crane]

A tree branch.

[Unknown]

But we can't see him. I can't get near the pole. The branch keeps begging me back. Humphrey, do something. He's up to his shoulders now. I can't. I can't make it. I can't. Help. Save me. Take me. You go onto. The quicksand is to Triangle Danvers.

[Humphrey Garland]

There's nothing I can do.

[Unknown]

That dream the demon dream. There's no shaving from it.

[Crane]

He's gone.

[Humphrey Garland]

Poor devil didn't have a chance.

[Crane]

Oh, please. We've got to get out of here. We're all doomed.

[Unknown]

It's the weight for your curse.

[Humphrey Garland]

Let us stop it.

[Crane]

It is the curse. We're helpless. There's nothing we can do to save ourselves.

[Unknown]

Clara, stop it. Our prison now.

[Humphrey Garland]

We can't give up. We've got to find a way out of this place. Be careful where you step. Whatever happens, keep your head. Clara, for heaven's sake, it.

[Crane]

Oh, Humphries, I'm so tired. We've walked for hours.

[Humphrey Garland]

I say, it's getting a little lighter, Clara. Up ahead, there. Isn't that a path?

[Crane]

What? Oh, you're right, Humphreys. It's the path we came in on.

[Humphrey Garland]

And look. There's an opening through the trees.

[Unknown]

Yes, I remember the landmarks.

[Crane]

Oh, thank God for the light.

[Humphrey Garland]

Come on, Clara, out of this place. There's nothing we can do for Danvers or Crane now. Clara.

[Crane]

Yes?

[Humphrey Garland]

I. I wonder if you feel as I do. I thought we'd be safe back here in the hotel. I don't know how to describe it, but I have a feeling that this whole business isn't over yet.

[Crane]

I know. I've had the same feeling. A feeling that we're not finished with the demon tree.

[Humphrey Garland]

Or that it's not finished with us.

[Crane]

Yes, exactly.

[Humphrey Garland]

Yeah. My room. Better go in and have a Drink, Clara? Heaven knows we need one.

[Crane]

Yes, I certainly do.

[Humphrey Garland]

What's worrying me is how we're going to explain what happened to Craig and Danvers. Wait a minute. I'll get the light.

[Crane]

There, Humphrey, on the bed. There.

[Humphrey Garland]

Good Lord. The branch of a tree about two feet long.

[Unknown]

Humphrey, don't touch it. Look at it. Look at it.

[Humphrey Garland]

A fresh, living branch.

[Unknown]

Put it down. Oh, Humphreys.

[Danvers]

I'm getting out of here.

[Humphrey Garland]

Where are you going?

[Unknown]

Down to the lobby and wait for the stage. Hold on.

[Humphrey Garland]

I'll go with you.

[Unknown]

Wait, Clara, wait.

[Clara]

It's three flights down.

[Humphrey Garland]

Let's take the elevator.

[Crane]

All right. We can get the thing up here.

[Humphrey Garland]

It's automatic. Just push the button. It'll come up.

[Crane]

Humphreys, look. Someone left the steel gate open.

[Humphrey Garland]

I say that's dangerous.

[Crane]

It certainly is.

[Unknown]

Humphreys, that branch is pushing. Stop it, Humphreys.

[Humphrey Garland]

Good Lord.

[Unknown]

Trevor. Clara. That branch. It pushed her down the shaft. It's after me. Get away. Get away. Help me. Help me, somebody. The tree. The cemetery. It's chalky.

[Danvers]

Any descendant of Sir Thomas Hurley Wakefield who enters Barlow Forest is doomed to die. And all who enter the forest with him are likewise doomed.

[Humphrey Garland]

Dark fantasy.

[Clara]

You have just heard the Demon Tree, an original tale of dark fantasy by Scott Bishop. Tonight's cast included Eleanor Naylor Corin as Clara. Ben Morris, who was Humphrey's garland.

[Humphrey Garland]

Moss took the part of Danvers and.

[Clara]

Murillo Schofield was heard as Crane. Next Friday night at this time, the National Broadcasting Company will bring you another unusual and fantastic adventure thriller, Men Call Me Mad. The story of another world and the.

[Humphrey Garland]

People who inhabit it.

[Clara]

An exciting and weird tale of dark fantasy created by Scott Bishop. Dark Fantasy originates in the studios of station wky, Oklahoma City.

[Narrator]

You can find more from Dark Fantasy, the Horror and all of the Relic Radio podcasts at the website Relic. If you'd like to help support Relic Radio, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Saturday. Be back tomorrow with Strange Tales next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.