Genius Brothers Have A Terrible Compulsion

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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    #1 -- "My Brother's Keeper" -- 1:09 -- A very famous street has a very dark history.
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ความคิดเห็น • 4.9K

  • @Geronimo2Fly
    @Geronimo2Fly ปีที่แล้ว +301

    Such a sad story. The brothers certainly had psychological issues, but they were not bad people. They never hurt anyone. They did not deserve to die how they did.

    • @Redington931
      @Redington931 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Technically, yes, no one was else was harmed. But they are actual booby traps that would have harmed or killed people that triggered them. What if someone did venture inside the mansion and get ambushed by such a trap? What would Langley have done then? Try to smuggle the body out in the middle of the night to be disposed of in some nondescript location? he certainly wouldn't call the cops and be met with a lot of questions he probably wouldn't want to answer...

    • @sgshaday
      @sgshaday 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The trap didn't kill him. It was possible he would have helped the man out. Help the thief out even...

  • @blakesutton4287
    @blakesutton4287 ปีที่แล้ว +975

    I felt legitimately sad at the end when he mentioned the tiny park in their memory. What an interesting, heartbreaking, and tragic story.

    • @Adrienne-wv7qo
      @Adrienne-wv7qo ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Yea, that’s all they got in their memory; sad.

    • @durgadivinewrath8879
      @durgadivinewrath8879 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      ​@Adrienne-wv7qo but now they're remembered, and discussed!

    • @ginnydare13
      @ginnydare13 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I haven't looked for their memorial park yet, but the brownstone is still standing.

    • @cas4040
      @cas4040 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@ginnydare13there’s a store named Collyer’s mansion in Brooklyn. That isn’t the same area, and not the site where the house stood. It has been demolished and that’s where the park it is 2078 5th avenue.

    • @Adrienne-wv7qo
      @Adrienne-wv7qo ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@durgadivinewrath8879 the small park in their name is still sad; it reflects the isolated life they lived. And why are you yelling at me with exclamation marks?

  • @whitewolf152
    @whitewolf152 ปีที่แล้ว +1205

    When Langley hands officer the check for the entire mansion is such a boss move like- “yea I stopped paying, but I definitely have the money to pay for it.”

    • @larissacroan7150
      @larissacroan7150 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      I know, that was awesome. 😂

    • @Hosanna0077
      @Hosanna0077 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      spirits, angels and demons are real, God is real
      ❤️“GOD LOVES YOU AND HE WANTS YOU TO BE SAVED.”❤️
      We all have sinned, no one is perfect, and God doesn’t want anyone to die in their sins and go to Hell. So God sent his Son Jesus into the world to died for our sins, Jesus was buried and raised to Life again on the third days. God can forgive all our sins and we can be saved from Hell if we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ and what he did for us. Jesus is the only way to Salvation and Heaven. Accept Jesus today before is too late.🙏🏻

    • @candaceroman584
      @candaceroman584 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Right!? They were inconvenienced making out the bill when all along they could have owned the place. 😂

    • @JanetBuchalla-tu2cj
      @JanetBuchalla-tu2cj ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yep, just did the same… in my trailer’hood. Lol tho seriously, I did😝

    • @redarrowplayz4538
      @redarrowplayz4538 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Hosanna0077prove it

  • @Qichiquiche
    @Qichiquiche ปีที่แล้ว +1127

    Man that’s so sad. These brothers clearly needed help and they really cared for each other.

    • @greenwave819
      @greenwave819 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      4 story mansion = sad? you must not be from 2023

    • @Qichiquiche
      @Qichiquiche ปีที่แล้ว +50

      @@greenwave819 pointless

    • @5koby4
      @5koby4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

      @@greenwave819 Yes because it's much better to be crushed or starved to death in a mansion than any other type of home.

    • @janedoex1398
      @janedoex1398 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Noctislolig Oh I would be MUCH happier if I could afford therapy specialised on Trauma, PTSD etc but they all are private and one 50 min session costs more than I have to spend per month . And I am on REHAB - money , but no options were advised or where I could go to . I was just told to " relax" .
      Sure, with anxiety, OCD, depression + 4 1/2 autoimmune disorders.
      My " Therapy sessions" have been shortened to 30 mins every 2 weeks 2 months ago btw. But sure after I get Rehab - money ( I get not actually, but on paper, since 1.8.2022 ) I couldn't afford one EDMR ( a special trauma therapy technique) once every month.
      I' ve jet to see
      "how much more I'll get now that I get Rehab money" instead of - Idk what it's called in English- I get until now, despite getting said to get "more money since 1 8. 2022 " and have not seen a Cent.
      And the "huge difference I'll get because now that I get more money" - to make up for the difference since 1.8. 2022 - I have yet to see too....
      IS Nowhere in sight.
      I signed the paperwork to apply on the 24/ 6/ 2022...
      Still waiting.

    • @cosmos1487
      @cosmos1487 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      But he could have given his brother fresh oranges instead of oranges from the dumpster

  • @michelehughes51
    @michelehughes51 ปีที่แล้ว +770

    I grew up on 5th Ave in Greenwich village. I was told this story about the brothers as a child,but always as a scary story. Thank you for presenting their story in a way that was compassionate and did not rob them of their dignity.

    • @stevenalton
      @stevenalton ปีที่แล้ว

      U77 I u77 u77 u77

    • @michellefucile7426
      @michellefucile7426 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      He would never be disrespectful ❤ Mr. B is the best.

    • @cosmosadorabilis7677
      @cosmosadorabilis7677 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Must have been nice.

    • @michelehughes51
      @michelehughes51 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      It was nice when my grandparents were still alive. It is not the same without family.

    • @garygood6804
      @garygood6804 ปีที่แล้ว

      They became worm food none the less.

  • @GameDjeenie
    @GameDjeenie ปีที่แล้ว +3318

    So sad for these two brothers... They had severe mental issues but they minded their own business. What a sad fate for both of them...

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +164

      The great depression affected them I think. Also, greed and fear of being robbed. Imagine, picking up oranges from dumpsters.

    • @danaernst922
      @danaernst922 ปีที่แล้ว +145

      It obviously started with their upbringing, being so macabre and who else knows, and then being genuis', they say it's only 1 step away from madness, they didn't stand a chance, I think they did as well as they could for a very very long time

    • @colemanwalsh7477
      @colemanwalsh7477 ปีที่แล้ว +98

      I agree I actually feel bad for them. They (even tho incredibly smart, in there ways ) were suffering from mental illness they really weren't bad people they just needed psychiatric help.... but to be fair at the time psychiatric assistance was terrible.

    • @SignOfTheTimes008
      @SignOfTheTimes008 ปีที่แล้ว +44

      @@purnimaamin4085 Especially with all the money they had, and they are bringing home trash

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@SignOfTheTimes008 ikr.

  • @savannahmusladin7238
    @savannahmusladin7238 ปีที่แล้ว +224

    So sad 😢 What a good brother he was trying to be… I imagine their father keeping a bunch of body parts around the house didn’t do good for their mental health growing up..

    • @Bise270
      @Bise270 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For sure

    • @alexmcvey1609
      @alexmcvey1609 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Idk, when you grow up with death as a normal thing it loses it's creep factor. They for sure had mental health issues though and it's just real sad all around

  • @TWCH
    @TWCH ปีที่แล้ว +828

    I was a Firefighter and Officer in FDNY in Manhattan from 1982 to 2002. It astonished me how many dwellings I have encountered in a condition similar to the Collier brothers home. It is not an uncommon mental illness. You can imagine how dangerous such places are if they catch fire. We had procedures in place for when we discovered such places that we called "Colliers Mansions." It was a descriptive term we all understood. I recently was chatting with my nephew, a Firefighter in Brooklyn. He told me the term "Colliers Mansion" is no longer in use in FDNY.

    • @Johnnyrocks34
      @Johnnyrocks34 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      Really? I retired 10 yrs ago and it was still called colliers mansion. I wonder why they changed it?

    • @NikkiDoesStufff
      @NikkiDoesStufff ปีที่แล้ว +80

      So you were there for the worst day. I’m glad you are alive. Thank you for your service. 💛🫡

    • @tylerthompson1842
      @tylerthompson1842 ปีที่แล้ว

      Were you in 9/11?

    • @AlexanderStudios450
      @AlexanderStudios450 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @NikkiDoesStufff
      I was just about to say that.

    • @WitchidWitchid
      @WitchidWitchid ปีที่แล้ว +24

      The actual.spelling was "Collyer". But yeah, I remember hearing the FDNY describing places as."Collyer Mansions". I think they were using that term until some time in the 1990s.

  • @TheOneTrueClovehitch
    @TheOneTrueClovehitch ปีที่แล้ว +179

    Damn…I feel so bad for them. I know they’re both long gone, but just imagining my brother suffering either of those fates…

  • @JoyKeaton
    @JoyKeaton ปีที่แล้ว +716

    This story had a real impact on people at the time. My dad was 20 years old in 1947. Then, decades later, when I was a kid and my room was a mess, he would say, "what is this, the Collyer brothers?" 😊

  • @christianneseeram3994
    @christianneseeram3994 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Wow. May these brothers RIP.
    Two sibling stories always get to me because they remind me of my own sibling-family situation. My sister and I became each other's only immediate family since our parents died when we were teenagers. We raised each other, as no one else stepped in. We often joke that we'll end up living together peacefully with our cats and dogs in our golden years.
    Thank you for sharing this story MrBallen!

  • @WinterLoveSpirit
    @WinterLoveSpirit ปีที่แล้ว +391

    This is so sad. The fact these brothers felt that they had to board up their home like that and the fact that all Langley was doing was trying to heal his brother is so heartbreaking.

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Right! He was definitely "healing" his brother by feeding him oranges from the dumpster. And his brother 's condition grew worse.With siblings like these, who needs enemies.

    • @wobblyjelly345
      @wobblyjelly345 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@purnimaamin4085 Yeah it seems like at least one of them or both were mentally ill.. nothing about that situation is within a normal / sound range.

    • @davidpichardo9230
      @davidpichardo9230 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Sad indeed

    • @dpducks2723
      @dpducks2723 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      ​@@purnimaamin4085 back in the day they prescribed smokes, bloodletting and cocaine. you really think they knew what they were doing? at least oranges made sure he didnt get scurvy lol

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@dpducks2723 I'm just reiterating what Mr B said. That older brother's condition got worse by the oranges.

  • @Luvley_.1
    @Luvley_.1 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Mr ballen, I am a 13 year old girl and for the last three or four years I have been so happy to watch your videos. My older sister had introduced your channel to me and ever since I had been obsessed with watching your videos. It has inspired me to become a detective or an investigator or have anything to do with forensic evidence. I want to solve cold cases or just cases in general. I have never thought I would love true crime the way I do now. I love mysteries and I am extremely interested in it. I always watch your videos knowing I’ll learn something new about crime that I’ll just end up becoming excited learning more about! You have inspired me to learn more about crime and I’m so glad I found your channel. I hope you read this message from me to you. Thank you! 😊

    • @kanedaku
      @kanedaku ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Go for it, dudette!!! 😀

    • @NoraTurman
      @NoraTurman ปีที่แล้ว +5

      ​@@kanedaku"dudette"😭😭😭 LMAO

  • @SMGSuperStar
    @SMGSuperStar ปีที่แล้ว +4046

    Let's just give MrBallen a trophy for the best scary stories that are actually true

    • @rex22305
      @rex22305 ปีที่แล้ว +90

      I'm in your house

    • @mulewinter6830
      @mulewinter6830 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Yes

    • @chuckkincaid986
      @chuckkincaid986 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      ​@@rex22305I bet you're not

    • @brandonayong5823
      @brandonayong5823 ปีที่แล้ว +98

      Plot twist
      This channel's last video ever will be from the like button about how he committed a crime against mrballen 😂

    • @weknowdarkness
      @weknowdarkness ปีที่แล้ว +15

      🏆

  • @shawnfurness
    @shawnfurness ปีที่แล้ว +167

    For as well spoken this guy is, it really gave me a tickle to hear him describe the father's outfit as "fancy doctor clothes."

    • @Aubz_on_pawz
      @Aubz_on_pawz ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I love when he does his little jokes on how to like his videos 😂😂❤️

    • @forwardtranslator6083
      @forwardtranslator6083 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Their dad canoed to work. That’s so crazy.

  • @JFletcher915
    @JFletcher915 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Hoarding is no joke. I haven't heard these brothers stories before. Thanks for sharing Mr. B!

  • @SylviaM.2204
    @SylviaM.2204 ปีที่แล้ว +99

    I love this story. So tragic. And how terrible it must have been for the one brother who sat in the chair waiting.....

    • @levi_carter
      @levi_carter ปีที่แล้ว +11

      so sad honestly

    • @SmilingIbis
      @SmilingIbis ปีที่แล้ว

      @@susie4938 I can't get enough of bot comments.

    • @maryanne7161
      @maryanne7161 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@susie4938How do u know she's a bot?

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

  • @ryanrents126
    @ryanrents126 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    My man walked 16 miles in a night for oranges. That's dedication to frugality.

    • @shadowlouise
      @shadowlouise ปีที่แล้ว +14

      And so very sad. He had all the options wealth allows, but he chose that one. Truly pitiful story about the "evil" mental illness.

    • @Channel24377
      @Channel24377 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@shadowlouiseso weird he could do many normal things but at the same time did some really rare things? 🤔

    • @shadowlouise
      @shadowlouise ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Channel24377 Not weird at all. If you think about it, that's the human condition. When a mental illness or disability is part of the mix, the contrasts can be shocking.

    • @dogmapile5832
      @dogmapile5832 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ...and walked in the wintertime in NYC no less...

    • @trawlins396
      @trawlins396 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      And With all his money he was too cheap to just go BUY oranges.

  • @julienelson6506
    @julienelson6506 ปีที่แล้ว +2315

    ** SPOILER ALERT**
    I did a study on these two brother's years ago. The caller that called in the tip about the dead body is believed to have been a local teen that broke into the home and actually saw him sitting there. The family was eccentric but rather respected in the neighborhood. As New York grew other families began moving to the suburbs but the Collyer's did not want to leave their beloved home. Gradually the neighborhood declined and was actually part of the Harlem area. Their being afraid of people breaking into their home was not unfounded. There were rumors passed around among their neighbors that they kept treasures and riches inside the home so they periodically had people breaking it, thus the reason for the boobytraps. It is believed what we now refer to as hoarding started after the brother had his stroke. The brothers are the first recorded case of hoarding in the US. When they emptied the house of debris I think it was something like 10 full dump trucks to haul the junk away. It has been a long time since I have done any research on them but their story is a fascinating one (Update: my memory had faded and just looked on Wiki and i guess it was about 120 tons removed from their home and @Luv2Ski4500 says that family was located and inherited most of the treasures)
    Additional thoughts:
    I made a casual comment that I never expected so many to read. As stated before I did my research years ago and have forgotten a lot of the finer details. Here is my take-away on the story. First I Do Not think MrBallen used click-bait as some have suggested. This house was evil. 100 years ago it was common for families to stay in their home for generations. It was even common for several generations to live together in one home. This was their home and they stayed. It eventually is what cut them off from society, imprisoned them, ensnared them, and entombed them. So I am going to say that in my research I really came to respect and have a bit of fondness for these quirky men, but there is so much that cannot be discussed today. There is so much that MrBallen could not cover because if he had the video would have been 3 hours long, dozens would have been offended and then the video would have gotten demonetized because someone would have gotten their feelings hurt. In our society it is so easy to judge others from the safety of our anonymity that we forget to empathize with others. I think that is a big part of what caused these brothers to withdraw. The more things change the more they stay the same. I do not want to start a debate over race. The facts are that 100 years ago society was different than it is today. This is a huge basis for this story. And no matter how you present it someone is going to be offended. I am about to offend some of you right now even though I am attempting to choose my words very carefully. The facts are that the brothers grew up on a very affluent street with the leading socialites of their day. Was their dad a bit odd? Sure... miserly even. He was too cheap to pay a cab to take him to work so he canoed to work. Odd yes, but so what? He was not harming anyone. New York is a city of immigrants and as more people began to move into the city the rich fled. That is nothing new. 100 years ago you lived in neighborhoods that were segregated (I did not make those rules and I was not alive then). As the working class moved closer the rich moved away, but not the Collyer brothers, they seemed to welcome their new neighbors. I kind of liked them for being a bit ahead of their time... maybe they just did not want to move.. who knows. The point is they stayed. But as happens when there is someone that has something that others around them do not; resentments breeds. They were wealthy and it was known. First you get resentment of why do they have something I do not, then you see it move to why do they not give to those who have less, and eventually you get to someone thinking they have a right to it because someone else does not deserve it. Growing up these brothers and their parents were well respected and an active part of their community, but as the area around them changed so did attitudes. As the working class moved in there were some that were resentful. They would make comments. Some threw bottles at the brothers when they were walking on the street. The brother became fearful and withdrew. However, the more they withdrew the odder they seemed. Eventually the brothers were afraid to go out during the day and took to scavenging at night. Then the rumors started that they were hiding treasures in their house. Sure they had money and the accumulation that comes with wealth. But now they had people breaking into their home and trying to find this hidden "treasure" so they walled themselves away and set up booby traps. This is before the days of GrubHub and home security. This was the only option they thought they had. There is no evidence that the brother who had the stroke was a hoarder. It may have been that he was just a willing victim, but the hoard grew. This was not something that happened over night. So if you have read all of this thank you. Please as you go forward think of these brothers as you sit safely behind your keyboard and pass judgment on others. Take a moment to see the world through their eyes. It is so sad to see our world divided. The internet could be such a wonderful thing. It could bring us closer together, but really it has made it so much easier to forget that there is another human being on the other end of our comments. These men hurt no one but themselves. I did not set out to hurt anyone, trick anyone, or present false information. I was just making a casual comment on a topic i find fascinating. We really need more empathy in our world today. So please before you comment here or on any other video just try to see the world from the view point of someone else before you comment. (yep there are probably mistakes... go ahead and point out all of my spelling and/or typing errors and my lack of knowledge but does that really add to the conversation?) Hats off to MrBallen for being able to put out content we can all enjoy. I do not know how he does it because people on the internet can be incredibly kind but equally as cruel if they want to be. I for one just hope he continues
    Added more:
    Ahhh... look he changed the title just for all of you who asked for it. ❤

    • @montauk081
      @montauk081 ปีที่แล้ว +141

      Thanks for sharing this with us. Very interesting.

    • @Nanzi007
      @Nanzi007 ปีที่แล้ว +103

      Thanks for sharing the additional context!

    • @kkittycatkat1990
      @kkittycatkat1990 ปีที่แล้ว +116

      Thanks for that! I love additional information and yours really put a more human aspect on the brothers mindset.

    • @talkingcrow
      @talkingcrow ปีที่แล้ว +46

      This has been fascinating to me for a very long time. What a story.

    • @lesliebblack
      @lesliebblack ปีที่แล้ว +38

      Thanks for the background, fascinating!

  • @jacquelinelovell2073
    @jacquelinelovell2073 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You do a great job telling these true stories. I was watch your channel for about two or three years. You give these ghosts a voice so you can tell us their stories. Keep up the great work.

  • @ritemolawbks8012
    @ritemolawbks8012 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    @17:50, I'm here to confirm that Charles Smith was indeed a real person. That was my grandfather, and he said that in March 1947, he smelt the worst hot, swampy, and skunky odor he'd ever experienced. He called the police because the stench got stuck in his clothes, and he didn't want people assuming it was coming from him. All he could smell was ass, rat poison, and citrus fruits.

    • @Rippinkitten18
      @Rippinkitten18 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      LOL!

    • @mrs_maverick1121
      @mrs_maverick1121 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How freaking cool! If he hadn't called who knows how long they would have been there... Such a sad story!

    • @joejohnnys
      @joejohnnys ปีที่แล้ว

      Really??

    • @ritemolawbks8012
      @ritemolawbks8012 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@joejohnnys No. I think there was a gas leak in my home when I made that fictional story up.

  • @TheElbowMerchant
    @TheElbowMerchant ปีที่แล้ว +270

    Time for a nice, healthy dose of the strange, dark, and mysterious. And as always, thank you for your service, Mr. Ballen!

    • @LavaCreeperPeople
      @LavaCreeperPeople ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ok

    • @brandonayong5823
      @brandonayong5823 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      But before watching the video if you're a fan of the strange dark and mysterious then you came to the right place because that's all he does and he uploads twice a week. So if that's of interest to you tell your lover the like button to stop by so that you two can play house together and when it arrives ready for a passionate evening play some house music through your stereo 😂

    • @TheElbowMerchant
      @TheElbowMerchant ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@susie4938 Thanks for pointing that out. Just an embarrassing autocorrect situation, and I'm too obsessive to not fix it.

    • @Ebmoclas19
      @Ebmoclas19 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@susie4938 That completely explains the creeped out "uncanny valley" feeling I got reading these comments.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

  • @notsureiL
    @notsureiL ปีที่แล้ว +175

    The case was referred to in one of the episodes of the sitcom Frasier S6E17
    "-Frasier: Dad, do you think we're odd?
    -Martin: No, you're not odd. You're just special. Your mother told me that when you were kids, and I still believe it.
    -Frasier: Yes, but do you think we spend too much time together?
    -Martin: What kinds of questions are these? You're close. Lots of brothers are close.
    -Frasier: Yes, I suppose you're right about that. I mean, the Gershwins, the Wright Brothers.
    -Niles: I told you we were getting upset over nothing.
    -Martin: [laughs] Course, then there were the Collyer brothers.
    -Niles: Collyer brothers?
    -Martin: Oh, yeah. A couple of nutsos that shared an apartment in New York their whole lives. They even built a maze out of newspapers in there that only they knew how to get through. It collapsed on one of them and the other one just sat there with the dead body until the neighbors complained about the smell. [laughs] Pretty crazy story, huh? You recycle right, Niles?"
    When TV educates.

    • @LadyTygryComics
      @LadyTygryComics ปีที่แล้ว +27

      Ah, yes. The outro for that one was Frasier discarding his old newspapers. :D

    • @justindunlap1235
      @justindunlap1235 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Martin was great.

    • @JonnyKlin8
      @JonnyKlin8 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      "Just sat there coz he was a nutzo"... The dude was old, blind and trapped ffs... When TV misinforms.

    • @gillianwells5702
      @gillianwells5702 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😢

    • @TiffanyStarr2141
      @TiffanyStarr2141 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@JonnyKlin8Just another reason to love Mr Ballen.

  • @frizzmuffin7449
    @frizzmuffin7449 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Sad story, people like the brother's do slip through society and get left behind and forgotten and live like they did alone 😔

  • @omizj6951
    @omizj6951 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    The best story teller of all time, man seriously.

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Thank you!!

    • @desiairel6637
      @desiairel6637 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      How do you feel to have Mr ballen talk to u😂😊

    • @omizj6951
      @omizj6951 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@desiairel6637 He’s responded to me before, he actually read comments from fans which is surprising since he has so many subscribers.

  • @MsTemptation
    @MsTemptation ปีที่แล้ว +396

    That thin line between being brilliant and crazy was definitely in place and crossed many times when it came to this family.

    • @julierobinson3633
      @julierobinson3633 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Got to admire their Dad though...

    • @scoper7897
      @scoper7897 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@julierobinson3633 for keepin it in family?

    • @julierobinson3633
      @julierobinson3633 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@scoper7897 Well I WAS thinking of him canoeing to work each day and wanting to set up a sanatorium in his own mansion...
      And he married his cousin not his sister - that is legal in most places including here in the UK. It becomes genetically dodgy when you get many first cousin marriages within the same family, down through the generations.

    • @fisty539
      @fisty539 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@julierobinson3633 **cough** royal family **cough**

    • @julierobinson3633
      @julierobinson3633 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@fisty539 And the famous Habsburgs. It is also common in Pakistani families. The iedea -for them and for wealthy/titled/royal families is to keep the wealth and property within the family. Especially for those who only have daughters. marry them off to a first cousin and the money and property doesn't go off to another family...

  • @TheSkeletonJr
    @TheSkeletonJr ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Seeing a new upload from MrBallen is like waking up on Christmas morning! It just makes my day so much better. Thank you for all the work you do!

    • @laurenk6741
      @laurenk6741 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sigh. what do you think about the story? you like it? Worship comments are killing the comment section don't you think?

  • @xciteful
    @xciteful ปีที่แล้ว +119

    You're such an amazing storyteller. It's an art form.

    • @evershade.after.dark.
      @evershade.after.dark. ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm giving your comment a like due to your correct usage of "you're" and "it's". Thank you for this!

    • @janedoex1398
      @janedoex1398 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@evershade.after.dark. This is all it takes ?
      To differenciate: "there, their and they're , then / than , to/ too" ?
      Have / had been - depending on the verb used before to describe previous events ? Isn't this tought in schools , where English is the first language?
      I might stil make many mistakes, mostly because sentence structures change completely if you decide to add or delete one word , but this is basic English after elementary school in Austria. And the more you are on social media, the more you can learn - if you know the basics.

    • @kaderichardson3287
      @kaderichardson3287 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I prefer to listen. He over-gesticulates when he speaks which I find distracting and extra.

  • @frenchy1987
    @frenchy1987 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    50,000 views a hour wow this man is loved by so many ❤thanks Mr Ballen for all that you do

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Thank you!

    • @Youcanttouchmyhandle
      @Youcanttouchmyhandle ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MrBallen thank🫵🏼

    • @christanevans4505
      @christanevans4505 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@MrBallen @frenchy1987 is exactly right. you are def loved by many, many people! Thank you for your amazing stories I look forward to them every week.

  • @giancedrick507
    @giancedrick507 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    It's 5 am binge-watching the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format. While I was dozing off a notification popped up and here I am, this is undoubtedly an act of great providence.

  • @joshuat5140
    @joshuat5140 ปีที่แล้ว +230

    I remember him before 200k subscribers. Crazy to see you at almost 7.75 million. Salute to MR Ballen. He deserves it.

    • @cathyf.2672
      @cathyf.2672 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Nice signature.

    • @ashnicole6096
      @ashnicole6096 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      man I remember him under 50k it's wild. he was my best kept secret back then. I miss the daily uploads.

    • @OldsmobileCutlass1969Va
      @OldsmobileCutlass1969Va ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Approximately 1 year ago he was around 4.5M!

  • @zevytv2477
    @zevytv2477 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    For those of you that actually watch and not just listen. The hand movements are so on point lol 😂😂 love MrBallen

  • @Mel-wq9wu
    @Mel-wq9wu ปีที่แล้ว +18

    This reminds me of another story that you told where there was a wealthy, eccentric genius with a trashy house full of tunnels and a dead body.

  • @ashfox710
    @ashfox710 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I love your videos, each week I tune in to hear these crazy stories. I love the spooky stuff! And you’re doing an amazing job telling it!

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Thank you so much!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @ditzygypsy
      @ditzygypsy ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 Stop spamming.

  • @spaceman4149
    @spaceman4149 ปีที่แล้ว +109

    This was a really good video. I never knew that story. It’s crazy how people’s paranoia can end up being their unfortunate downfall.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Narcolexis999 Hehehe always positive feedback, I like that

  • @nickotten1358
    @nickotten1358 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Mr.B!!! The way you tell these stories is unmatched!! Congrats on the success!!

  • @brendatomlinson
    @brendatomlinson ปีที่แล้ว +105

    The Collyer brothers are the most famous hoarders known. I knew about the boobytrap killing Langley but the rest is new to me. Great telling of the story, Mr Ballen.

    • @bennyboogenheimer4553
      @bennyboogenheimer4553 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The Best "Get to Know Your Neighbors" proverb ever.

    • @brendatomlinson
      @brendatomlinson ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@bennyboogenheimer4553 IKR?!!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @KatrinaJoseph
      @KatrinaJoseph ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ​@@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366ikr. How is mansion evil for the stupidity done by the brothers?

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@KatrinaJoseph Exactly

  • @Pink_penn
    @Pink_penn ปีที่แล้ว +215

    Can we just appreciate the fact that he will tell us some really scary stories and then turn around and tell us to body slam the like button into the Bermuda triangle, let's be honest he's a legend.

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +41

      Hahah thank you!!

    • @Asher-jh8vv
      @Asher-jh8vv ปีที่แล้ว +5

      :D

    • @slim9978
      @slim9978 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      He is as good as it gets

    • @DD-qk2jj
      @DD-qk2jj ปีที่แล้ว +3

      ​@@MrBallenWhat's on the front of your hat? Can you wear it forward in one video? Please! 🙏🏻

    • @mousemd
      @mousemd ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂

  • @Aaron-bg4hx
    @Aaron-bg4hx ปีที่แล้ว +31

    As a truck driver who works 13-14 hours a day, I listen to MrBallen all day. I love the stories, the background affects and the way he tells the stories. Just amazing!

    • @GanjaLady
      @GanjaLady 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree ❤

  • @calmlake1616
    @calmlake1616 ปีที่แล้ว +147

    The saddest part about this is two unmarried brothers who fell into the sickness of hoarding. They could have had a maid or housekeeper, they surely had the means, but in the end there was just nobody there to prevent their untimely deaths or even look after them.

    • @gillianwells5702
      @gillianwells5702 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      So true. They really needed just one person to care enough to advocate for them. Very sad

    • @emilylucena4027
      @emilylucena4027 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      they didn’t have anyone to tidy their house bc they didn’t trust anyone. 😭

    • @trawlins396
      @trawlins396 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      They were way too cheap to have a maid.

    • @trawlins396
      @trawlins396 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      ​@@gillianwells5702it's not sad at all. they didn't want anyone else around.

    • @theautisticsuperhero
      @theautisticsuperhero ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Now even though they could afford to hire help they were paranoid and trusted no one they would think they were stealing from them

  • @ecthelion222
    @ecthelion222 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    All content creators with a devotion to their fans are impressive. Every single one. Everyone has a unique style and it’s lovely to watch all of their takes on the same stories and new ones! I also enjoy ThatChapter,True Crime with Elenor Neil, Danielle Chirsty, and many more. I love to watch the same stories over and over as I go through each channel to see who has done the most research. W each story I can tell who has. This Is Monsters does an absolutely PHENOMENAL job with minor details. I learn so much more about old cases through them. True Crime fans unite. 👊

    • @maryeckel9682
      @maryeckel9682 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love Danielle when she gets spicy!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @ecthelion222
      @ecthelion222 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@maryeckel9682 lol me too. “Oh my gawd I can’t even. “Sharp breath” no don’t even get started!” She’s the best. I cry w her a lot too bc she’s so deep, caring so much about every single victim.

    • @albtckl
      @albtckl ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366Agree 💯. This channel is turning into a snoozefest 🙄

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@albtckl It's so sorry to witness such transformation happening to the once great story teller... But it's happened and he has gone full speed at it.

  • @herojeannabomb9802
    @herojeannabomb9802 ปีที่แล้ว +313

    One of the sweetest yet saddest stories you have ever told Ballen! I love it that there is nothing in that park in memory of them except a bench, how fitting.

    • @valentinamasei7777
      @valentinamasei7777 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Love it?

    • @deepg7084
      @deepg7084 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      @@valentinamasei7777 Sounds like a nice quiet place where people can be alone. Probably how the brothers would've wanted it.

    • @ginnydare13
      @ginnydare13 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I'm looking up the park right now, the brownstone at 2087 5th Ave is still standing.

    • @ginnydare13
      @ginnydare13 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The park is on the corner near the brownstone, a very tiny little park. A nice place to sit and read or chat.

    • @kennnnn999
      @kennnnn999 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@ginnydare13my name is vievul

  • @natashamiller4860
    @natashamiller4860 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I remember hearing about this story but Mr Ballen’s telling was much more captivating!

  • @moonp
    @moonp ปีที่แล้ว +32

    You do really good at telling stories and its even better when they are stories barely anyone has heard of

    • @laurenk6741
      @laurenk6741 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sigh. what do you think about the story? you like it? Worship comments are killing the comment section don't you think?

    • @ilovecupcakke
      @ilovecupcakke ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ⁠@@laurenk6741 why cant viewers voice their appreciation to ballen’s story telling? ur weird

    • @Hi-cm1cj
      @Hi-cm1cj ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ​@@laurenk6741 They are just being nice to the creator. There's nothing wrong with that.

    • @ilovecupcakke
      @ilovecupcakke ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@laurenk6741 also literally one the main purposes of the comment section is to voice ur support and critiques to the creator

    • @BrittMFH
      @BrittMFH ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@laurenk6741While I agree with you, this is not the worst of them. The hero worship and praise sure does get sickening.

  • @Elio-cm7rp
    @Elio-cm7rp ปีที่แล้ว +4

    its going to be a good day when MrBallen post
    Keep up the good work!!!

    • @stomper2888
      @stomper2888 ปีที่แล้ว

      18 min it ain't shit

  • @codymueller7733
    @codymueller7733 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    I love how we went from practically killing the like button to just giving it slight inconveniences 😂

  • @stevemontandon3730
    @stevemontandon3730 ปีที่แล้ว

    Who would have known. I'm a long time fan and I listen to you every day. If I don't hear a "Mr. Ballen" story, I consider it a wasted day. Thank you.

  • @nichole8609
    @nichole8609 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    This needs to be a movie or a several episode series. The time period, the father bringing home body parts in jars, eccentricity of the family , very fascinating.

    • @marquismcghee
      @marquismcghee ปีที่แล้ว

      It would be so fabricated because there's not enough pictures, interviews, and evidence... probably not worth it

    • @Krullmatic
      @Krullmatic ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Indeed! I was thinking the same thing, but nowadays they want to make shows and movies, as to set them up for sequels, so they can keep making money on the franchise. They wouldn't make enough on this story. Plus, Hollywood always glams the true stories up by putting content in there that didn't happen.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @DFSLJC
      @DFSLJC ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Krullmaticeah they do. All of a sudden the exact same story has content jammed in like
      “the Collier brothers’ maid is transgender and the Butler (a Russian immigrant who is fleeing an evil dictator named Putin.)
      I didn’t mention that the Maid (Mizz Jizz) has a Library Story-Hour she has to get to and she wants to bring her boyfriend who just happens to be an immigrant from Zimbabwe (Mullabukma Okeuneke) fleeing the horrors of MuH colonialism.”
      That sound about right to you?

    • @mariecolette9066
      @mariecolette9066 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 how sad of you to say something negative about a person who everyone likes and actually helps victims of the stories he tells and others who are suffering..Clickbait isn’t that serious everyone does it on youtube same way ppl and media exaggerates stories. Websites report a story that’s interesting, but include like 1 paragraph per page making you click thru several pages to get to the point. Seriously If something that small bothers u so much why bother with the internet at all? 😅

  • @HeidiSue60
    @HeidiSue60 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I read the book My Brother’s Keeper in the mid 70’s before hoarding disorder was a known diagnosis. Horrific

    • @marysmith7765
      @marysmith7765 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me too. It was a really heart wrenching telling of this story. I’ve never forgotten it.

  • @ricardomorillo7922
    @ricardomorillo7922 ปีที่แล้ว +221

    this guy has no idea how amazingly good he is with gestures, specially with his hands and arms omg

    • @green_eye_shy_guy
      @green_eye_shy_guy ปีที่แล้ว +22

      He has better hand gestures than hip hop artists.

    • @michellefucile7426
      @michellefucile7426 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      He would have been the best history teacher right 😊 he’s amazing always draws me in.
      I can’t believe the walls inside sooooo weird

    • @That_Son_Ofa_Itch
      @That_Son_Ofa_Itch ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yup body language is Uber important for conveying details that your non Vocal side of your brain is like *ah I gotcha now I’m following along too*
      Johns got the way he actually does it down though. It’s just right not to abrasive yet not to over bearing with it.
      Perfect like he’s actually engaged into a one on one convo with us. Like we specifically are there not just a camera

    • @michellefucile7426
      @michellefucile7426 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@That_Son_Ofa_Itch Well said 💯🫶🏼

    • @melissabarham4837
      @melissabarham4837 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      As an Italian who talks a lot with my hands, I absolutely agree! ❤😂

  • @BrightlyMoonlit
    @BrightlyMoonlit ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I swear, you make every story so much more interesting than they would be if I were reading them, and I love your hand and arm gestures, you're one of my favorite storytellers :)

  • @markunger1098
    @markunger1098 ปีที่แล้ว +239

    Once again demonstrating that Mr Ballen is a master storyteller!

    • @dizzy3342
      @dizzy3342 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Amen

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +44

      Thank you!!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @Sandwich13455
      @Sandwich13455 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ​@@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366that's subjective

    • @kelsielovesbbu
      @kelsielovesbbu ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 Calm down. It's an adjective, and Mr. Ballen has a team - he doesn't decide every title of every single thing

  • @alexisalltop9355
    @alexisalltop9355 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I waited so long for this video! You're the best story teller ever!

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

  • @StrangeBarAndGrill
    @StrangeBarAndGrill ปีที่แล้ว +26

    This story was sad. I felt bad for the 2 brothers. Sounds like that genius/mental health issues ran in the family. Sounds like the father was a strange guy. As always great storytelling, thanks.

  • @margaretadami6358
    @margaretadami6358 ปีที่แล้ว

    You have the most interesting stories. I’ll never get smart talented ppl who live this way. Crazy

  • @ttentionpls
    @ttentionpls ปีที่แล้ว +176

    I think one of the most understated elements of Mr Ballen's storytelling is that he motivates every character's actions and intentions in a relatable and empathetic way, painting in figures (in particular, police, tribes people etc) in ways that relate to contemporary ways of thinking and acting, never condescending different societies and periods and creating a real sense of connectedness to the present. It's very subtle, but masterfully done.

    • @MinaOmega
      @MinaOmega ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The biggest problem with this strength, though, is that he may be putting emotions and intentions into people that are maybe just completely wrong or opposite of what the very real people were thinking/feeling/experiencing. It's a dangerous road.

    • @ronaldpettifurd5957
      @ronaldpettifurd5957 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree 💯

    • @ttentionpls
      @ttentionpls ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@MinaOmega i hear you. That's what every film or novel based or inspired by a true story has always done, to a far greater degree. It's mentioned only as a virtue of strong storytelling, not investigative analysis.

    • @katieb1300
      @katieb1300 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      The backstory and details in the emotions of the characters gives each story context, thus engaging the audience in a way that you feel like you know the person. Truly painting a picture. 🖌️

    • @MinaOmega
      @MinaOmega ปีที่แล้ว

      @@joshisajedi2461 silly jedi. These stories are real. And adding your own spin to things can have real world consequences.
      I'm not saying he should stop. I'm just saying we should keep in mind that he can pretend to know, but no one can really tell what's going on inside another's heart or head.
      Except 'The Shadow'. I hear he knows.

  • @J-Sin
    @J-Sin ปีที่แล้ว +43

    7.72 million now!? Your growth has been astounding, John. Bravo; well deserved 👏 I hope you and your family are doing well, especially during the last 2 explosive years of growth!

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @GiraffeLoverJen
      @GiraffeLoverJen ปีที่แล้ว

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 someone is on a trolling roll! At least be more creative than the same copy & past shit.

    • @Catquick1957
      @Catquick1957 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 Unsubscribe and go away. You are wrong, and a pest.

    • @michaelshepherd6229
      @michaelshepherd6229 ปีที่แล้ว

      It😊hh

  • @Snowfox1357
    @Snowfox1357 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    There’s nothing longer than the minute between 2: 59 and 3pm (central time) when waiting for Mrballen’s post
    Thanks for posting! I love your channel and your podcast.

    • @xyz-bl6ii
      @xyz-bl6ii ปีที่แล้ว

      It's past 1am here haha,

    • @Edward.Rippett.
      @Edward.Rippett. ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You should probably find something to do with your life, you won't be so focused on a TH-cam video. Lol

    • @rex22305
      @rex22305 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm in your house

    • @xyz-bl6ii
      @xyz-bl6ii ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Edward.Rippett. I have a lot to do in my life, what and when I do things shouldn't be of your concern. Maybe you should find something too, so you won't be commenting under some stranger's comment

  • @shielapike3993
    @shielapike3993 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sundays are my favorite days because I get to listen to your stories. Thank you I love your stories and soothing your voice is. Big fan

  • @AlizabethSmith08
    @AlizabethSmith08 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Mr.ballen never disappoints in his stories ❤️

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

  • @concernedemployee5406
    @concernedemployee5406 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great story telling as always. Mr Ballen could make reading a phone book interesting and exciting.

  • @ahmedsido5838
    @ahmedsido5838 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Mr Ballen has come a long way. Who else remembers when he used to say " we upload 4 or 5 times a week" those were the good times.

    • @DanielleTodd13
      @DanielleTodd13 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ahhh, the good old days. We were so spoiled!

    • @jamierupert7563
      @jamierupert7563 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, I miss those days.😭😭😭😭

    • @Cinder4123
      @Cinder4123 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yea he always SAID THAT… he never ONCE uploaded 4 or 5 times ANY WEEK. 😂🤣😂 he WAS NEVER TRUE TO THAT

    • @kcbh24
      @kcbh24 ปีที่แล้ว

      Geez
      Get a life

  • @holly5926
    @holly5926 ปีที่แล้ว

    This guy is one of the best storytellers. Can’t stop watching. I had to subscribe! Keep up the great work, Mr B.

  • @ogenevieve
    @ogenevieve ปีที่แล้ว +18

    How in the Hoarders Hall of Fame, did the male version of Whatever Happened to the Baby Jane Brothers, not know anything about the value of cash and jewels? Such a fine line between genius and insanity. Another home run.

    • @johndough8115
      @johndough8115 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Its not that they didnt know. Its that they didnt care. They had more than enough wealth, and never intended on selling any of it.
      A hoarder finds equal value in EVERYTHING.. and on an Obsessive level. Some of them dont like seeing things being thrown away.. feeling like they are seeing "People" being thrown away. They can often attach these exaggerated Emotions, to these various Items.
      My grandmother didnt want me to throw away these ancient and broken Ice Scrapers. Even though she had a brand new one, which was superior, in her car. She flipped out, and dug them out of the trash bin. I later had to start dumping things out, by hiding them deeper in the trash... little by little, so that she wouldnt notice.
      There is no rationality and or logic to it. Its more of a Compulsion, and an emotional connection... than about actual usefulness of these items.

    • @kkittycatkat1990
      @kkittycatkat1990 ปีที่แล้ว

      They did, it wasn't was valuable to them though. This really isn't reminiscent of Baby Jane at all. They loved each other.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @phaedrapage4217
      @phaedrapage4217 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Omg, the phrasing of your comment here made me laugh so hard I snorted and startled one of my cats!

    • @ogenevieve
      @ogenevieve ปีที่แล้ว

      @@phaedrapage4217 tysm for understanding the humor in what I was saying and that I did know what was really going on by adding the last bit.

  • @c33raven
    @c33raven ปีที่แล้ว +694

    Mr. Ballen is SUCH a talented storyteller that he doesn't need to resort to click bait like the title of this story. Nothing evil, only sad.

    • @FitzgeraldStanburyWeissV
      @FitzgeraldStanburyWeissV ปีที่แล้ว +30

      @@Violetbunnyfish I was gonna comment the same thing. I kinda expected a haunted mansion from the title. Lol.

    • @WokeBegone
      @WokeBegone ปีที่แล้ว +22

      The trap to crush unknowing people does, in my opinion, seem a bit evil. I don't know, maybe you have one of those at home?

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Instead of using evil mansion title and putting images reminding us of Jack the ripper, he could have just said that " these 2 brothers are totally effed up." Or, " the consequences of great depression." Mr Ballen would have still got the viewers ' attention.

    • @houseofschenck6230
      @houseofschenck6230 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @c33raven Agreed. This channel is better than clickbait.

    • @nobody7817
      @nobody7817 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@WokeBegone LOL My late (and now former) Mother-in-law would have been right at home there. When she died sometimes around 2005, she had every TV guide and Reader's digest from the 1950s on. She thew NOTHING away.

  • @kyacarlson3590
    @kyacarlson3590 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    you’re videos are always so amazing, i love you mr.ballen ❤️❤️❤️

  • @thaxbutcher
    @thaxbutcher ปีที่แล้ว

    Mr.John B Allen! The one the only! Much love my brotha! God bless you and your family!!

  • @birdie6359
    @birdie6359 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    The Collyer brothers are the most complex case of hoarding I have ever come across. It wasn’t just the amount of items they collected, but also the fact that they essentially rigged the entire mansion with a myriad of booby traps like something straight out of a Legend of Zelda dungeon. As sad as their deaths were, it’s also fascinating to learn about what led them to do this. Idk that’s all I got

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

  • @Orpilorp
    @Orpilorp ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've heard of the brothers before. You always put so much of your heart into the stories and really bring them to life.

  • @tishuanrichards1077
    @tishuanrichards1077 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Mr Ballen is simply the best story teller ever. I love how he keeps me aching and hanging for more. You just have to find out how the story ends. ❤

  • @staceywatson1921
    @staceywatson1921 ปีที่แล้ว

    You’re storytelling is *chef’s kiss!!

  • @ankylosaruswrecks3189
    @ankylosaruswrecks3189 ปีที่แล้ว +136

    I read a book on the Collyers years ago. That Langley was trying to cure Homer with oranges always made me a little sad.

    • @sy_dianne5224
      @sy_dianne5224 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Mental illness is a terrible thing

    • @mdj-ie7rj
      @mdj-ie7rj ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agree, terribly sad

    • @EIRE55
      @EIRE55 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@sy_dianne5224
      Their mental illness was most likely inevitable, due to their parents being first cousins.

  • @bmom3191
    @bmom3191 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’m from New York and I was made aware of the Collyer brothers from my Mom. I was very lazy about cleaning my room and one day she said “Clean this room, it’s starting to look like the house of the Collyer brothers! Obviously it wasn’t THAT bad but it made me look them up and I cleaned my room from then on! It actually was such a sad case..a fine line between genius and insanity

    • @joanhoffman3702
      @joanhoffman3702 ปีที่แล้ว

      I had a problem with clutter, and my mother would bring up the Collyer brothers all the time! Our mothers must have compared notes. 😂😂😂😂😂

  • @AsteroSSB
    @AsteroSSB ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey John, it is 2am right now and i can't stop watching your videos, video after a video and i will have a very bad day tomorrow at work. I simply don't know what to say to you right now, except to live long and prosper.

  • @WillowMckenzie-hz8qk
    @WillowMckenzie-hz8qk ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I love how he tell all of the stories. He was made for telling stories, his way of using his hands and body language he really gets into it making you feel like you are in the story too.

  • @tjbriggs303
    @tjbriggs303 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the show... Sometimes just too sad. Appreciate all your research and stories. Even my 74 yr old Dad knows who Mr. Ballen is.

  • @charlesclager6808
    @charlesclager6808 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Great, and detailed story of the Collyer Brothers.
    The first time I had ever heard of the Collyer Brothers was in the 1950's when my father called my brother and me "the Collyer Brothers" if we didn't clean up our bedroom.
    We questioningly looked at each other and asked dad who were the Collyer Brothers.
    He briefly explained who they were and what happened to them.
    We kiinda laughed to ourselves but saw what his point was. I'm not saying that our bedroom was always clean after his lesson but I have never forgot the Collyer Brothers.
    By the way today is my brother's 76th birthday (I am 79) and I'm dedicating my comment and your video Mr. Ballen, to my brother. Happy Birthday Kip !!!

    • @Soma_109
      @Soma_109 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Happy birthday Kip 🎉

    • @crazydoglady103
      @crazydoglady103 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Happy birthday 🎉

  • @rinraiden
    @rinraiden ปีที่แล้ว +235

    Not exactly sure what made this mansion "evil", but it was still a fascinating story to listen to! 😁

    • @sami8571
      @sami8571 ปีที่แล้ว +55

      I was wondering the same thing! Sounds more tragic or mysterious tbh

    • @kaylab.296
      @kaylab.296 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      I was curious as well. I was bracing for something along the lines of H.H. Holmes.
      Even so, still a very well told story of a very heartbreaking event.

    • @RobertStewart-i3m
      @RobertStewart-i3m ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I wonder if the park is haunted 👻

    • @Pixdust77
      @Pixdust77 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      Yeah..a bit click baity

    • @kathleenohara6152
      @kathleenohara6152 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@kaylab.296 same

  • @DrFeelGood9189
    @DrFeelGood9189 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Posted this video 50 minutes ago and already has 70k views. That's crazy and awesome at that same time. Granted I don't personally know Mr. Ballens personally but he just gives me the vibes that he is great person and he deserves it. I mean he set up a program to help people in need that have and are going through horrible things and need the help. 100% of the proceeds go to the ones in need and the fact he won't except any of it for himself says alot. You rock Mr Ballens I'm happy and grateful to see theirs still great people out there during these strange times. Your like the Gandhi of these times. My hats off to you sir.

    • @JillianVSJill
      @JillianVSJill ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That’s the number of followers he has

    • @JillianVSJill
      @JillianVSJill ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It’s 70k views

    • @jillwiegand4257
      @jillwiegand4257 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      No, those are his subscribers!

    • @tzm-13
      @tzm-13 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂

    • @thesius186
      @thesius186 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      7.7 mil less than an hour 😂😂😂 that would be a new world record.

  • @yipflaptheexecutioner6519
    @yipflaptheexecutioner6519 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I just say that you've come such a long way in such a short amount of time. i remember back before you even had 1 million Subscribers and now look, well over 7 million and counting.
    The way you tel stories is unlike anything else on this platform and you deserve every little bit of recognition.

  • @KristenDilligaf
    @KristenDilligaf ปีที่แล้ว +122

    That's so sad. These guys could have done some amazing things with how incredibly intelligent they were, but the paranoia got the best of them. This is truly heartbreaking 💔

    • @brandonayong5823
      @brandonayong5823 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      At first I thought it was those 2 guys that hosted a party with their former teacher invited and a body inside the house the whole time just to show off that they could pull it off but I remembered that mrballen told that story already

    • @jenicdarling9425
      @jenicdarling9425 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I really wanna kno more of their childhood, dad sounds super eccentric like I wonder what happened behind closed doors that both brothers turned out like this, sounds like either childhood trauma or shared delusion for both of em to be like this to dumpster dive, changing the house for robbers, hoarding so bad.

    • @viktorcheng2061
      @viktorcheng2061 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      They were children of incest which explains their paranoia and strange behaviours. Many supers hoarders has made their homes into a death trap but this was probably the first time it happened

    • @brandtwebber5761
      @brandtwebber5761 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I was gonna say something like this but you did it better than I could

    • @KristenDilligaf
      @KristenDilligaf ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @jenicdarling9425 Same!! I'd love to hear more about how they grew up, their attachment style, the psyche behind everything. I have a DSM-5 and would like to learn what diagnoses they would have been given. Very fascinating stuff.

  • @blake1896
    @blake1896 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I thought this story was gonna be completely different and I thought the brothers were gonna be monsters. But that’s just proof to never judge a book by its cover! I feel so sad for the brothers. They seemed like legit respectable people. They didn’t deserve what happened to them at all. *REST IN PEACE to the COLLYER BROTHERS🥺🙏🏻*

    • @debrajones4010
      @debrajones4010 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I wonder what they did with all of the valuables that the brothers had. They might have been auctioned off but who would get the money or most likely it was stolen. They were truly smart, they just needed guidance.

  • @johnbest1978
    @johnbest1978 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Awesome story like always Mr. Ballen great stuff. Thank you so much for sharing these amazing but horrific stories with us all. Have a great day and thank you again.

    • @StrangeScaryNewEngland
      @StrangeScaryNewEngland ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You didn't even get to watch it yet.

    • @TyeArtisik
      @TyeArtisik ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@StrangeScaryNewEnglandhow do you know they didn't?🤣

    • @StrangeScaryNewEngland
      @StrangeScaryNewEngland ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TyeArtisik Because when they comment 3-4 minutes into a newly uploaded 18 minute video, that's not possible.

    • @StrangeScaryNewEngland
      @StrangeScaryNewEngland ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TyeArtisik In other words, math.

  • @maryblair3618
    @maryblair3618 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember, as a child, my mom once looked at my room, that i needed to clean, and she told me i should read a book called "My Brothers Keeper". I did eventually read it and it was this story. It's an interesting but sad and tragic story but a very good book. Thanks for the memory! Well done!

  • @xChronicx
    @xChronicx ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I like how he’s ends the story with silence into the photo and leaves you thinking about the whole story again..

  • @Clairvoyant70
    @Clairvoyant70 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Mrballen is unarguably one of the best storytellers on youtube!

  • @jewelhaines8842
    @jewelhaines8842 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    What a strange tale. It's very sad..to think of the Brother laying there being eaten by the rats, and the other Brother was sitting in the chair, unable to help himself...damn!😔
    I wonder who inherited the money and treasures?? 🤔
    Great Video Mr. Ballen!! 😊

  • @EE-in7su
    @EE-in7su 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    5:16 So interesting to stumble upon this video today, the birthday of a kid I used to work with at a camp who used to kayak there! Thanks, Universe!

  • @oliviajeanne7709
    @oliviajeanne7709 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I actually saw something similar to this with 911! Brother was trapped under the garbage and he called 911 while he also kept talking to his brother and making sure he was ok. Traps almost killed a 911 fire fighter they got them safely out of the house!

    • @tiatelevision678
      @tiatelevision678 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I was thinking the same thing

    • @llamattude
      @llamattude ปีที่แล้ว +6

      When he said the blind guy in his chair dead and all the trash I knew that episode was based off this story.

    • @Murgoh
      @Murgoh ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think I have seen the same episode as this story sounded so familiar.

    • @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      @acknowledgedofalltheconseq366 ปีที่แล้ว

      How is this mansion evil? It is a sad but beautiful story, and it was burnt down only because it was fire hazard. The clickbait has gone insane and Mr. Ballen's abused his credibility really hard this time. With the recent constant noticeable degradation of content, Mr. Ballen can no longer hold his channel as the anticipated weekly content.

    • @klau88873
      @klau88873 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@acknowledgedofalltheconseq366
      With references to death and booby traps.
      “A mansion so evil…” they literally tore it down so no one would go into it and never come out.

  • @StrangeScaryNewEngland
    @StrangeScaryNewEngland ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Let me jump in like everyone else and comment how awesome this video and story is and how I've never heard of it before, even though it's only been uploaded for 4 minutes and it's 18 minutes long so there's no way anyone has even made it a quarter of the way. But anyways, love your stories.

    • @susie4938
      @susie4938 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah something's off with this channel now.

  • @sk3tchinatortv733
    @sk3tchinatortv733 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What exactly is evil about the mansion. Sure it’s creepy and eccentric but I doubt the body parts would be murder victims. None of the brothers were murdered either, it was just awful luck from their habits

  • @zubnasty
    @zubnasty ปีที่แล้ว

    Healing Restoration And Longevity for MrBallen! MAY GODBLESS YOU MR.BALLEN!

  • @brenda1005
    @brenda1005 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thanks for keeping me company on my way back home from a long weekend 😊 I ❤you Mr. Ballen, great story telling, you never disappoint me 😊

  • @LifeMotivations64
    @LifeMotivations64 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    English is not my 1st language but mr.ballen's talent storytelling skill, I'm able to understand most of his story, keep up good works, mr.ballen ❤

  • @kbrock9146
    @kbrock9146 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    Before this even started, I said "This is gonna be about the Collyer Brothers." Everyone looked at me weird until they heard you say that it *was* about them.
    Thanks for telling this story. My mom told me this story before she passed away, so it was nice to hear you tell this story.

    • @kcbh24
      @kcbh24 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah. 1 billion channels have told these stories.

    • @brandonayong5823
      @brandonayong5823 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      Crazy story however I'm not gonna lie. Having the police come to evict you from your house for not having paid anything and paying on the spot to buy the whole place is the most badass anecdote I ever heard 😂

    • @kbrock9146
      @kbrock9146 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      @@kcbh24 hmmm. 1 billion, huh? Could you please site each one for me? Plus my mom was there. Didn't need someone else to tell her the story. But wow, what an *OUTSTANDING* comment. Thank you!!!! Such a contribution.

    • @Rotorhead1651
      @Rotorhead1651 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I grew up knowing this story. A truly tragic tale, and another example of why you shouldn't marry your cousins.

    • @Dr.White_PHD
      @Dr.White_PHD ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yeah right. Mr know it all😒

  • @cocoloco109
    @cocoloco109 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This man presents the strange dark and unusual and brings light into it with his foundation, good job mate!

  • @iamSimplyAJ
    @iamSimplyAJ ปีที่แล้ว +45

    It made me sad. These poor guys. Who knows when their hoarding influence started: they relied on each other for survival. And when one went, the other followed. How unfortunate. I feel their memorial is just too small.

    • @Lil_lioness
      @Lil_lioness ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Also, the oranges 😢 they really loved each other but were ill informed

    • @S.Lethrud
      @S.Lethrud ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I think so too their memorial is too small. It should be bigger especially with the actual treasures they had... A huge park with orange trees of sorts. (Ok maybe not due to new York but I don't know what the weather is like there...)

    • @timafiggy
      @timafiggy ปีที่แล้ว

      @@S.Lethrud actually A willow or Cherry blossom tree would Suffice. An orange blossom or citrus tree will not survive in brutal Ny Winter weather

  • @turquoisetranquility
    @turquoisetranquility ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Mr. Ballen, you’ve simply outdone yourself this time! This story checks every box-strange✅, dark ✅ and mysterious ✅. I would also call it bizarre, disturbing and incredibly sad. Unfortunately no one is immune to mental illness, doesn’t matter how wealthy or genius you are and a couple of hoarders left with no assistance ended their lives in such horrible untimely manner.
    The fact that I live in Brooklyn, NY makes me want to go and see that park. Maybe one day.
    Thank you, Mr. Ballen! Happy 4th July to everyone who celebrates🇺🇸!
    I love oranges 🍊🧡

  • @TheRetroEngine
    @TheRetroEngine ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I still can't get enough of MrBallen. Awesome presentation. Gripping stories.

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!

  • @R2Bl3nd
    @R2Bl3nd 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The more I learn about my newly diagnosed autism and ADHD, the more I realize that neurodivergent people have of course always been hiding in plain sight. But we just called them weird or eccentric. I think this family was no exception. Being geniuses, having a father who was a doctor, doctors themselves being more typically neurodivergent, it all makes sense but it's just all the more sad.