Detailed Summary of "They Call Me Howie" by Theater Five
Podcast Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Episode: They Call Me Howie
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of The Horror! titled "They Call Me Howie," listeners are transported into a chilling tale that intertwines childhood innocence with supernatural intrigue. Produced by Theater Five, this story delves into themes of reincarnation, lost history, and the eerie connections between past and present.
Setting the Scene
The narrative unfolds in a quaint, old-fashioned household celebrating the birthday of a young boy named Howie. The atmosphere is festive yet subtly tense, hinting at underlying mysteries.
- Kathy: "Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out." (00:06)
This opening sets a foreboding tone, blending normalcy with an undercurrent of dread.
The Birthday Celebration
The family gathers to celebrate Howie's birthday, complete with candles, presents, and well-wishes. Uncle Steve arrives, bringing with him an array of gifts that seem peculiarly antique.
As candles are blown out and presents are opened, Howie begins to exhibit unusual behavior, signaling the onset of the supernatural elements.
Strange Behavior Emerges
Post-celebration, Howie starts acting out of character. He laments not having received any presents from a previous year, referencing an event from when he was eight years old—a time his parents believe predates their current home.
- Howie: "I didn't get any presents." (03:12)
- Kathy: "Darling, you got some lovely presents. A nice new freight car for your train and a baseball bat." (03:18)
His insistence on past events that no one remembers raises alarm bells within the family.
Uncovering the Past
Driven by concern, Holly begins to investigate the history of their new home, uncovering connections to a figure named Captain Marmado, an 18th-century militia captain who died in a tragic accident.
- Holly: "Well, how could Howie give him the name of an obscure captain who died over 200 years ago?" (11:45)
Simultaneously, Steve discovers historical records that mirror Howie's recollections, suggesting that Howie may possess memories from a past life.
- Holly: "Cotton Merryweather. Born 1742. Died 1750." (13:03)
These findings deepen the mystery, indicating a supernatural reincarnation or lingering spirit within Howie.
Family Confrontation
The family confronts Howie about his strange statements and knowledge of the past. Howie's revelation shocks them further when he insists that his real name is Cotton Merryweather, a boy who died centuries ago.
- Howie: "My name isn't Howie. It's Cotton." (08:21)
- Howie: "I died a long, long time ago, but I didn't stay dead. I woke up and came." (08:37)
The tension peaks as the family grapples with the possibility that Howie is the reincarnation of Cotton Merryweather, bringing historical tragedies into their present lives.
Discovering Historical Artifacts
In their quest for answers, the family discovers a hidden diary belonging to Abigail Marmadux, detailing the hardships of life in the 18th century, including the death of Cotton Merryweather.
- Kathy: "There's something written here in the fly leaf. Abigail Marmadux. Her diary. 1750." (17:15)
These artifacts provide tangible evidence of the connection between the past and Howie's current existence, solidifying the supernatural elements of the story.
Supernatural Interaction
Howie's interactions with a boy named Adam, who reveals himself to be Cotton, further blur the lines between past and present.
This encounter underscores the family's realization that their home is a nexus of historical spirits, with Howie at the center of these ethereal connections.
Resolution and Reflection
As the episode draws to a close, the family faces the reality of living with Howie's dual existence. They decide to keep his past life a secret to protect him from social ostracization, accepting the supernatural disturbance as a part of their lives.
- Kathy: "I want you to promise us that you won't tell anyone else what you remember." (16:15)
- Howie: "Okay, Mom. I won't talk about it if you don't want me to." (16:38)
The family's decision reflects their struggle to balance normalcy with the haunting presence of history within their home.
Notable Quotes
- Kathy: "What's the matter, Howie? Probably having a nightmare." (07:35)
- Howie: "When's lunch? I'm starving." (16:43)
- Steve: "He's a perfectly normal kid. All right, maybe he's a little more imaginative than most." (09:12)
- Holly: "Well, now we're getting someplace." (17:18)
These quotes highlight the characters' evolving understanding and reactions to the supernatural events unfolding around them.
Conclusion
"They Call Me Howie" masterfully blends the everyday occurrences of family life with the eerie mysteries of past lives and historical hauntings. Through Howie's journey, listeners explore the thin veil between the present and the remnants of a troubled past, leaving them pondering the possibilities of reincarnation and the lingering spirits that may inhabit our world.
Production Credits:
They Call Me Howie was written by Hal Hackerty, produced and directed by Warren Somerville, featuring a talented cast including Elliot Reed, Evelyn Juster, Stan Watt, and S.S. Melvin. The atmospheric soundscapes were crafted by audio engineers Neil Paltz and Marty Folia, with original music by the Alexander Vlastotzenko Orchestra under Glenn Oss.
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