Summary of "The Paxton’s House" Episode from The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: The Paxton’s House by Beyond Midnight
• Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction

In this chilling episode of The Horror! (Old Time Radio), RelicRadio.com delves into "The Paxton’s House," a story from the Beyond Midnight series originally airing in South Africa between 1968 and 1970. Hosted by Michael McCabe, Beyond Midnight is renowned for its atmospheric tales of mystery and terror. This episode, the second of the series, transports listeners to post-World War I England, where a seemingly tranquil countryside hides dark secrets.

Background of Beyond Midnight

Michael McCabe, the mastermind behind Beyond Midnight, previously produced the science fiction series SF 68. Beyond Midnight aired for 78 episodes, each weaving intricate narratives filled with supernatural elements and unresolved mysteries. "The Paxton’s House" stands out as a quintessential episode, blending family drama with eerie folklore.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The story centers around Reverend Arthur Maydew, a dedicated clergyman working tirelessly in a large parish. Seeking respite, Arthur exchanges his dark industrial town parsonage for a serene country house in Overbury, an English county setting shortly after the First World War. He is accompanied by his two daughters, Maggie and Alice, who are eager for a period of peace and quiet.

Narrator [00:06]: "From the gentle green acres the Meidu sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight."

The Arrival in Overbury

Upon moving to Overbury, the Maydew family is enchanted by the lush surroundings. However, their idyllic aspirations soon give way to unsettling experiences. The daughters, particularly Maggie, become fascinated with a mysterious house located at the bend of the road known as "brick at bottom."

Maggie [03:08]: "That's a quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right."

Discovery of the Paxton’s House

As days pass, Maggie becomes increasingly obsessed with the Paxtons, the supposed residents of the enigmatic house. Despite Alice's skepticism and their father's apprehensions, Maggie insists on visiting the house to meet its inhabitants, Colonel and Mrs. Paxton.

Alice [03:08]: "I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like."

Maggie [10:57]: "Oh, I saw the old lady and she is absolutely a darling. I believe she simply lives in that garden."

The Disappearance

Maggie's curiosity leads her to the Paxton’s House, where she interacts with Mrs. Paxton, an attractive elderly woman with silver hair. Encouraged by the warm reception, Maggie agrees to visit the house again. However, shortly after, Maggie vanishes without a trace.

Narrator [12:53]: "Where is Maggie, Father? Where is Maggie?"

The family and local authorities are baffled by her disappearance. Investigation reveals that the house previously belonged to the Paxtons, a retired military couple with a troubled history, including the mysterious death of their daughter.

Unveiling the Past

Through flashbacks and testimonies, the episode uncovers the dark history of the Paxtons. The Colonel, known for his violent temper, and his wife became reclusive after their daughter’s untimely death. Subsequent visits by other individuals to the now-demolished house ended in disappearances, including that of a young maid servant.

Narrator [20:00]: "I speak of certain events having taken place at the house and the old couple having died. It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting."

The Supernatural Element

The story suggests a lingering malevolent presence tied to the Paxton’s House. Maggie's disappearance mirrors past tragedies, hinting that the house may still harbor restless spirits or vengeful entities connected to the Paxtons’ tormented history.

Narrator [24:50]: "Miss, you must know the house, you really must. Why we saw it only the other day."

Key Characters

• Reverend Arthur Maydew: A diligent clergyman seeking peace in the countryside.
• Maggie Maydew: The elder daughter, whose curiosity drives the plot.
• Alice Maydew: The younger daughter, skeptical of the supernatural.
• Colonel Paxton: A retired Indian army officer with a troubled past.
• Mrs. Paxton: The enigmatic and charming wife of Colonel Paxton.
• Mr. Roberts: A local figure involved in the investigation of Maggie’s disappearance.
• Smith: The long-time servant with knowledge of the county’s history.

Themes and Insights

The Haunting Past

"The Paxton’s House" explores how unresolved histories and buried secrets can haunt the present. The Maydew family's move to Overbury brings old wounds to the surface, illustrating how places can retain the echoes of past tragedies.

Obsession and Curiosity

Maggie's relentless pursuit of the truth about the Paxtons highlights the fine line between healthy curiosity and dangerous obsession. Her disregard for warnings sets the stage for the unfolding horror.

Isolation and Loneliness

Both the Maydew family and the Paxtons grapple with isolation. Arthur’s desire for peace contrasts with the Paxtons’ reclusive existence, emphasizing how loneliness can lead to vulnerability and even madness.

Supernatural vs. Psychological Horror

The episode masterfully blends supernatural elements with psychological tension. While the house itself may harbor dark forces, the true horror lies in the mystery and the characters' internal struggles.

Notable Quotes

• Narrator [00:06]:

  "From the gentle green acres the Meidu sisters passed into the dark regions of terror that lie beyond midnight."

• Maggie [03:08]:

  "That's a quaint looking old fashioned house. Red brick, just where the road bends to the right."

• Alice [10:57]:

  "I was thinking nothing of the sort. I merely wondered what he was like."

• Narrator [20:00]:

  "It was sold by their heirs to Lord Carew, who shortly after pulled it down on the ground that it interfered with his shooting."

• Maggie [24:50]:

  "Miss, you must know the house, you really must. Why we saw it only the other day."

Conclusion

"The Paxton’s House" serves as a spine-tingling narrative that intertwines family dynamics with supernatural mystery. Through its rich storytelling and atmospheric tension, the episode leaves listeners pondering the thin veil between the living and the dead, and the shadows that the past can cast on the present. RelicRadio.com's The Horror! continues to captivate audiences with such masterfully crafted tales, ensuring that the chills linger long after the final word.