The Four-fifteen Express | A Ghost Story by Amelia B. Edwards | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2020
- On a grey and foggy December afternoon, a traveller finds himself sharing his private compartment on the four-fifteen express train out of London...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Amelia Ann Blanford Edwards (1831-1892) was a prolific journalist, traveller and Egyptologist, as well as a hugely popular English novelist of the Victorian era. Born in London she was well educated at home by her Irish mother, and showed early promise as a writer as well as demonstrating skill in several other areas, including painting and musical composition. She devoted herself to writing professionally from the early 1850s, producing novels including 'My Brother's Wife' (1855) and 'Barbara's History' (1864). She also travelled widely and published several travelogues, including 'A Thousand Miles up the Nile' (1877), which is still widely read and admired today. Aside from her travel writing she is best remembered today for her many short stories with ghostly, supernatural and mysterious themes, many of which were contributed anonymously to literary magazines. Charles Dickens regularly invited her to compose seasonal tales for his annual Christmas numbers of 'All the Year Round' between 1860 and 1866.
'The Four-fifteen Express' was first published in December 1866, and may have been written for the celebrated 'Mugby Junction' 1866 Christmas issue of 'All the Year Round' which featured a number of ghost stories by various authors set in and around the railway, the most famous of which is Dickens's own 'The Signal-man'. However, for some reason (perhaps due to space, as it is relatively long for a short story) it did not appear in that issue, and went instead to a rival periodical, 'Routledge's Christmas Annual', in December 1866.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020. - บันเทิง
I waited all day long today for my three-fifteen train which never showed. After I spent an hour walking home, this story arrived. The narrator, the professional and highly sophisticated driver of the train, took me on a free journey of imagination with my friend Amelia. He is the king, this channel is his kingdom, and blessed are we his subscribers!
You're very kind Stephen, thank you! So glad to know you enjoyed this one. Makes me realise how long it is since I was last on a train! (I used them regularly until a few months ago...)
Great one! Detail detail detail kept in sensible order by wonderful narration. Thank you thank you thank you ❤️
I DO so enjoy your comment...extending for me the
Dark, wondrous, HALLOWEEN atmosphere which is my most deeply- enjoyed of the entire Year. Simon's cultured voice is of the sort which lends itself most appropriately to such tales..ENJOYED MOST DEEPLY.
Insomnia makes me go insane listening to these helps
It all just THE FACTS .😂😂😂
Woo-Hoo! Every time you release a reading is like a little bit of Christmas!!
How lovely. A great time for ghost stories, Christmas!
No one else can deliver so much Christmas joy without driving a team of reindeer through the sky.
Yes. The story selection and the vocal interpretation are top notch. I love Victorian ghost stories. Amelia Edwards is one of my favorites.
I was not sure, confused I was, about what direction this story was trying to take. I have to say the story took a turn for the great!
Simon Stanhope, my favourite narrator, did this particular story justice. Thoroughly enjoyable.
A neat, enthralling and perfectly wandering ghost story, with lovely images of all things trains - the glimmer of book kiosk lights in some filled stations, ticket collectors peering at tickets, jostling crowds boarding and de boarding, stern directors of railways and of course …the ghost! First class!
I think I can state without fear of contraception, cher Simon, that your back catalogue is beyond compare. One always a joy to revisit and a pastime in which I frequently indulge. ❤
Don't you mean... 'contradiction'?
@@debbiehenri345 I quite like the idea of stating things without fear of contraception!!!
@@debbiehenri345 it’s a double-entendres joke from a 70s British Sitcom. Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served used to say it.
Forkishism maybe 😮
@@misswormI am unanimous in that!
This has got to be in my top 5 favourite stories of all time, I have listened again and again, even the way it rolls you along to the end, like riding a wave that builds onto the beach, doesn't dull after hearing it many times, wonderfully written, perfectly executed. Thank you.
How wonderful, that's lovely to know. Thanks for your support Tracy
@@BitesizedAudio your very welcome.
My VERY favourite ghost stories always include trains. (Steam preferably!) From Charles Dickins to LTC Rolt and all inbetween. My forebears included many a railway company employee & my own maternal great grandfather was mown down by the Edinburgh to Perth Express whilst inspecting the sleepers & ballast in 1907. Perhaps his unquiet spirit still wanders the tracks, looking for faults? (I'll write that short story one day!)
Ghostly porters, ethereal drivers and long dead passengers still waiting for their trains on abandoned, ruinous stations. This is an excellent story and one I wasn't familiar with. Expertly read and totally compelling.
Happy to have discovered you. Thank you! ❤️
Thank you Gill, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I love stories involving (steam) trains too, although sorry to hear about your sad family history involving one! That does sound like a good story, worth writing
My research has now educated me as to the nature of this life preserver with which the victim was murdered. When listening to the story, I imagine the victim being struck with a quotation ring and was thinking what a clumsy and inefficient murder weapon that must be
Flotation?
I suspect a life preserver might have been dock slang for a cudgel used by longshoremen to resolves disputes. Nobody in their right mind would turn up at a railway station with a rubber ring…
@@Paxtonparsnip Thanks for this info I've been wondering a long time about it🤔
Can't help thinking of the canoe scene in the Marx Brothers' Horse Feathers (1932) with its play on yet another sense of Life Preserver!
Brilliant as always. Heard and read this many times but your vocal gymnastics make it so real
Kind of you to say so, thanks Lee!
Like your accent and voice modulations very much. As a non-native speaker, I have much to learn from you. Thank you.
Glad to know it helps! Thanks for listening
As a proud and native-born speaker of proper English I can attest that the enunciation of the reader is of the highest order, and one could do no better than follow his exemplary example, if a student of the subject.
That locomotive is Furness Railway (FR) No’ 20 which was built in 1863 by the Sharp Stewart & Company of Manchester for the FR. in present day it is the oldest operational steam locomotive in the UK
Wow. Might I say it looks like a very interesting railway engine. And I really love the Railway Series.
She is one my favorite ghost story writers. She put her heart into her work.
Yeah!!! Perfect timing for my beddy bye story.
Darn it. Why did I expect this to end like a Sherlock Holmes story when it’s a ghost story. Very intriguing though! Great listen
An interesting observation, thank you Heather. There's a very close overlap between the genres of detective/mystery tales and ghost stories, especially in this era, with many authors (including Conan Doyle of course) writing both types of stories. This one is an interesting example of the crossover...
At last one I'm familiar with (and quite like) but your reading/rendering of it is exquisite. I am only sorry I didn't listen to it sooner (may fault probably though I have the bell activated and all). Thank you for this Gift.
Thanks HerrCrankzy; actually not your fault at all, I didn't set the bell to ring for this one as it was a re-upload of one of my earliest narrations, re-recorded due to errors and glitches in the original audio. I turned the bell off as I didn't want to clog up everyone's notifications with stories they might already have heard. Glad you enjoyed it, I like Amelia B. Edwards and think she's rather overlooked as a ghost/mystery story author, overshadowed by some of the big names which came after her, but she's amongst my favourites of the mid-Victorian era.
I touched the 🔔, but don't understand what it does, or where I find the info? These readings are life-changing for me, the plays on the wireless are so few, and so depressing! With these, I know I will have hours of pleasure as I go about my chores.
I enjoy these stories. I sometimes feel are part of “time” spent in the era. Everything springs from imagination. Amazing author and and most excellent reader!
Another Blessing from this wonderful man !! I enjoy his story telling so much I listen several times !! God Bless You for sharing your talents with us.
Thank you Bonnie
A most remarkable “ghost” story, the best I have heard so far. Thank you for its resurrection, and for breathing such wonderful air into it.
Another first-rate reading. I love classic railway stories, and this is one of the best!
@alannothnagle Wonderful, thank you! Yes, I enjoy a good railway mystery too
This was genius. She is a solid writer! I look forward to finding more of her work!
Thanks @BlaqueCzar Yes indeed, she wrote some excellent early detective and ghost stories, amongst the best of her era I think
Thanks for all of these, Simon!
This is one of my favorite stories. I love everything about it and being read to me by my absolute favorite voice actor... Well, life is good! Thank you Simon! ❤
Extraordinary that you’ve been able to find, and so beautifully present all of these stories! Thank you!
Thanks for listening!
Oh my! This took my breath away!
As always, you bring a great story to life. Congratulations on 10k plus subs!
Thanks Emily, appreciated!
Great story. I had heard of it before but never actually read it. Intriguing, perfectly paced, and I like the suggestion of a wry tone from the narrator as well. Thanks once again!
Appreciate your comments, thanks Jade!
Excellent as always. I’ve heard this read before but yours are always preferable! Thank you.
Wonderful, thanks Nancy!
Great story, very absorbing mystery akin to a “locked room mystery” in that what appears to have happened can’t have happened. How disappeared the passenger of railway car and what happened to the missing company funds? Was he an specter, or as real as the cigarette case left behind in the compartment? All the fine elements are present: trains, absconders, loot, missing persons, apparitions (or not?), clues and a battle between two startling differential accounts of a single short journey and the interactions between the characters within.
@grimtt Ah yes, the railway, especially the Victorian railway, is a fabulous atmospheric setting for supernatural stories
Divine intervention! Thank you for sharing!
Yes indeed... something more than just a ghost story, this one: Amelia Edwards's supernatural tales often seem to have an element of seeking justice, or exposing wrongdoing. Thanks for listening!
I got goosebumps twice! Great job!
Love your channel.
What a superb story - and so well read! Many thanks! How did I not know of A.A.B. Edwards till your readings of these stories?
Great story and so beautifully read as always, thank you so much, can’t wait for Christmas ghost stories 😉
Thanks Elizabeth. Yes, I like this time of year, the traditional ghost story season, Hallowe'en to Christmas period. A very strange year this one, though! Thanks for listening
I love this channel so much! 🥰
Thank you! So well done!
@H Mark Glad you enjoyed it, appreciate your kind feedback
Wow, that was amazing... I love your channel so much since finding it, please continue to narrate more short ghost stories
Thank you! I've got lots more stories I'm hoping to read in the coming months, so do stay tuned. Thanks for listening
@@BitesizedAudio Yes please! I certainly will stay tuned.
Thoroughly enjoyable once again. Thank you.
A haunting, and a temporal echo.
Great story 😊 The more it went on, the more questions there were isnstead of answers. It just had to be a ghost story; it's the only way the tale makes sense.👏👏
Thank you Nancy. Yes, I'm fond of this particular story, indeed Amelia B. Edwards must rank as probably my favourite author of ghost stories in the Victorian era. Glad you enjoyed it
@@BitesizedAudio I'm glad you know who the best authors are, 'cause I don't. I'll continue to trust your judgement, and keep on listening. Thanks again for sharing your great talent with us.❣️❣️❣️👻👀
I loved and enjoyed listening, thanks a lot for the upload
You're welcome, thanks for listening and commenting Frances. All best wishes
Wow!! What a story! And beautifully narrated. Thank you very much for this.
Many Thanks - loved this!
Good collection of material; thank you for posting them for us.
Wonderful narration. I'm hooked to your channel. Thank you so much for bringing these stories to life. Love from New Zealand :)
Thanks Liz, glad to know you're enjoying them! All best wishes to you.
Wonderfully read, as ever. Your voice really suits the prose of this era.
(spoilers) It may have been a lifetime spent reading science fiction that helped me to guess the ending... all the particulars matched up if you allowed yourself to transpose the appropriate events by three months. ;)
This list is fantastic for wrapping time.
Edwards is my favorite 😍.
Wow another great story!!
Excellent. Thanks. So enjoyable with such a twist at the end.
Excellent... Thank You!
Thank you KiKi, I see you've been listening to quite a few stories over the last few days. Glad you enjoyed them - thanks for the comments, much appreciated
I stopped rehearsal for an hr so I could listen to this in one bite sized helping. Love it
I’m finally getting to all of your wonderful authors & performances….Amelia B Edwards is a truly superlative writer-especially regarding storyline & characterization ….A widely-traveled & brilliant woman, she is someone I would like to have known ….
Btw, Simon, you have a particular talent for voicing weasely, whining scoundrels….😂. Gayle Loveland
Marvelous reading...thank you.
This was good!
Excellent, thank you. 👌💕
You're welcome, thanks Mary Mary
Dastardly crime 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😳😳😳 thanks again for a wonderful reading. Cheers Rosemary Perth Western Australia (71 yrs)
You're most welcome, thank you Rosemary!
Fantastic!
Loved it! Thank you.
Excellent, thanks Lilly. I see you've been listening to a few today, appreciate your comments
@@BitesizedAudio Yes, I am binge listening. I love these classics and always looked forward to stories on radio four. Thank you for making these readily available. I have just introduced your channel to a couple of young people. I hope they introduce others too.
Thank you so much for spreading the word!
Your annunciation is perfect...Such a pleasure listening to well spoken english...❤
Another brilliant story
Thanks for listening and taking the time to comment, much appreciated
Wonderful. I was transported to a simpler time......
Love your vids! I'm going to listen to them when I wrap soaps with my mum
Thanks Miss Darling! That sounds like a lovely occupation
Great story, thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks Steven
Merchant Taylors in Crosby Liverpool………oh deary me
How we loved to give their rugger team a good drubbing in those far off halcyon days of the 1970’s………most enjoyable 😉👍
Even better the Second time! The first time I heard this Was long before I left my first comment on TH-cam! At least now I can say thank you! Flawlessly read and well acted! What a fantastic writer!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks Maria, I'm glad you've been inspired to comment!
I love this writer.
She's one-of-a-kind
@@Charles-oo8bq You should check out her personal life. I don't know why she isn't in history books.
@@code-52 will do. Thank you
"The phantom coach" of hers that Simon read is my favorite
I listen to it often lol
Great story😊 you have an excellent voice much love from across the water the motor city Detroit!
Thank you Tracelle, very kind of you to say so. Best wishes to you!
Yay Detroit City MOTOWN!
Thank you
What an interesting story. Very much enjoyed, thankyou.
Thanks for listening Catherine
Oh oh! How interseting story!! I can t stop listening! I love your chanel! I love your voice!! Thank you!
Well narrated
Hello, dear Simon.Thank you so much for posting.How long have you been having this business in hands?When is the birthday of your incredibly interesting channel?
Enjoy your Tuesday.🇷🇺
No birthday in particular, it sort of happened gradually over the last 18 months or so when I started uploading some old recordings to see whether people might like listening....and the reaction was quite positive, so now I'm recording new ones as and when I can
@@BitesizedAudio Dear Simon, You've invented and actually perform the best way for listening and watching.Everything is comfortable.You're wise, aren't you?
Goodness me, this was fascinating
Glad to know you enjoyed it, thanks for listening
I like yalls style...makes me feel like im there
Thank you Thomas, appreciated!
Wonderful reading.
Thanks Geoff, glad you enjoyed it!
I'm going to save this for bedtime.
With gratitude 💫✨
You're very welcome!
Excellent
Another great reading.
Thank you.
Another triumph!
Thanks Graham!
Excellent ghost story ... Thank You *Simon* obv a relisten for me & I'm still wondering what kind of *life preserver* was the weapon🤔 must Google this
I made a somewhat long comment about this then added spoiler alert now I can't find the comment. Hope it is still here ...somewhere
Thanks!
Thanks so much for your support
Great narrator.
CONGRATIOLATIONS!!! I HAVE NEVER, BUT NEVER READ A NEGATIVE COMMENT ABOUT YOUR SITE, IT SEEMS AS IF YOU JUST CAN NOT FAIL. WELL DONE
Thank you Michelle, kind of you to say! There are a few negative comments to be found on some of the stories, but I'm glad that most people do seem to enjoy them
It said they were carving a turkey for Christmas, I was surprised as it was usually goose that was served in Victorian times.
I think it depended somewhat on class/income and the size of family concerned. Goose was popular with smaller families and poorer people would save up for it as their Christmas treat, but it wouldn't provide enough meat for a large meal for lots of people. In 'A Christmas Carol', the Cratchit family are expecting to eat a small goose, until the reformed Scrooge sends them an enormous turkey (bigger than Tiny Tim!), and Mrs Beeton wrote in 1861 that "A Christmas dinner, with the middle classes of this Empire, would scarcely be a Christmas dinner without its turkey", so it seems that turkey was very much the traditional "big" bird for Christmas festivities, in the Victorian era and earlier (I think the tradition actually began in Tudor times, IIRC).
Top marks for the word 'anent'.
Yes, rarely heard these days
Hell yeah! Me love you long time!
Thanks Adam!
I PARTICULARLY LIKE THIS STORY. A GHOST MYSTERY STORY. ;-))
Excellent, glad you enjoyed it. Yes, Amelia Edwards wrote some interesting mystery tales as well as ghost ones, and this one covers both...
This story is at least equal to Dickens' work. The narration is, of course, perfect!
Christmas turkey in victorian England? I didn't know that was a thing.
Yes, very much so. It featured in Mrs Beeton's famous 1861 book, I believe, but apparently was established in England from the 17th century onwards
@@BitesizedAudio Thank you, thank you. I suppose it's as they say "What's good for the goose.."
This one certainly is a tad tedious... so many details pertaining to little matters. But we'll read as always, dear Simon.
Gosh, at times it seemed like a foreign language the words used and pronounced were so eloquent.
Hospitable..hispitable ....?...messing with my brain lol
💐💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Dear Rose, I see that you have joined as a channel member. Thanks so much for your kind support, it's much appreciated. Best wishes to you
@@BitesizedAudio thank you for having me. I love listening to you read.
Dankon!
You're welcome (Ne dankinde?)
@@BitesizedAudio Jes! Ĝi estas bonega rakonto, legita de bonega rakontanto!
Tim Hopper Ho! Mi estas ankaŭ esperantisto! Tre feliĉa renkonti vin!
@@possumaintdead Saluton Nancy. Se vi havas Twitter-konton, vi plejparte povas trovi min tie @ eonomojTim
A very handsome lady, with a devilish imagination.
Also does Bitesized audio have an app for Iphone?
I don't, although of course they should be listenable through the TH-cam and Audible apps. I'm also looking into options for a podcast which would be available on more platforms. Interesting question about having my own app, I'd not thought of it! I shall investigate...
Sooooo . . . did Cousin John show up for Christmas???
Good question! Perhaps not, if all had been satisfactorily resolved by then.....?
@@BitesizedAudio Perhaps the ghost latched onto the narrator as someone who could get bring him to the attention of his family, and so bring peace to his restless spirit. Who knows?
Bit Darleky
What is the name of this reader? He is my very Favorite!