M.R. James - A Warning to the Curious read by Michael Hordern

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2018
  • This classic ghost story by M R James is based in the fictional town of Seaburgh, which is Aldeburgh in disguise. Many features in the book such as William Ager's house (Sluice Cottage), the Church, The Bear - in reality The White Lion and the Martello tower are still to be seen in this seaside town.
    I was on holiday in Aldeburgh recently and the photo is of the Martello tower that I took whilst there.
    In this description I am adding the link to a TH-cam video uploaded by mrjamespodcast of the various locations in the story.
    • A Visit to M.R. James'...
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ความคิดเห็น • 82

  • @jerribee1
    @jerribee1 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    A wonderful telling of this
    M.R.James ghost story, marred only by the number of intrusive ads that had to be skipped.

    • @matiasdelgado7011
      @matiasdelgado7011 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I read the story in anthology called The Mammoth Book of Zombies, and I fallen in love with M R James tales abouth vengeful corpses. I see this "avenging zombies" much interesting than the anthropofagus corpses from Night of the Living Dead.

    • @T11639
      @T11639 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The crassness of the adverts is so jarring. A wonderfully erudite tale interrupted by ghastly vulgarity.

  • @MrButterscotch1
    @MrButterscotch1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Frankly puzzled why people would give this a thumbs down. A fantastic story that is wonderfully well told.

    • @spencerhardy8667
      @spencerhardy8667 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The kind of people who deface the statue of Winston and the Cenotaph.

    • @johncarlisle621
      @johncarlisle621 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Michael hordern was a fantastic actor. His acting in whistle and I'll come to you my lad was brilliant

    • @MrButterscotch1
      @MrButterscotch1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Anonymous-ib8so 🤣🤣 it's hardly a documentary is it?

    • @mikelheron20
      @mikelheron20 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Anonymous-ib8so I lived in that part of the world and I can assure you the accents are absolutely fine.

    • @mikelheron20
      @mikelheron20 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@spencerhardy8667 One short sentence but it speaks volumes about you ... Nothing good!

  • @andrewlane4766
    @andrewlane4766 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    The voice of Paddington Bear, the voice of Gandalf and THE voice for M.R.James - we were very lucky to have Sir Michael...

    • @DrDespicable
      @DrDespicable 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      A truly gifted artist, in *any* medium! Films, TV, radio - supremely talented!

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I really enjoy the original 60s adaptation of Whistle and I come that BBC did staring Michael Hordern.

    • @T11639
      @T11639 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      But most importantly..... the voice of Mr Badger. We were very lucky indeed!

  • @johnappleby405
    @johnappleby405 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great story well read by the late great Michael Hordern

  • @patricaomas8750
    @patricaomas8750 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Micheal Horden is so good.

  • @chazbrennan9632
    @chazbrennan9632 5 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    A sad, sad story. You really feel James's sorrow for all the young men killed in the Great War. Two crowns lost and the guardians all dead.

    • @wmnoffaith1
      @wmnoffaith1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yes, As a segue I remember reading that when fighting became very intense and it looked as if Britain might fall, the MacLeod of MacLeod offered to wave the fairy flag to summon help. Legend has it that the fairy flag, still located on the Isle of Skye, in the possession of the Laird, has one more wave left, and can be waved in dire need. Whether the se crowns are real, I don't know, but I know the flag is. It wouldn't surprise me if the MacLeods waved the flag to turn the tide and didn't tell anyone. I know that many soldiers claim also to have seen St. George come to their rescue against the Germans when several British soldiers, outnumbered, called out and prayed to St. George to intercede. Who can say that these things are purely fiction? If I had the fairy flag I would've waved it, and I would never have touched the crown either. :)

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes you really do feel James' sadness.

  • @tabongaproductions
    @tabongaproductions 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    no diggin ere! classic ghost story, love this and Whistle and I'll Come to You. Thanks for the upload

  • @susanbeesley8299
    @susanbeesley8299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Poor Paxton x beautifully read by Michael Hordern x

  • @kristinastinson6335
    @kristinastinson6335 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    It is my ambition to reserve a sitting room in a hotel but they don't do them anymore (sigh) just bars and lounges today.... wonderful story read by a superb narrator master

    • @2msvalkyrie529
      @2msvalkyrie529 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Claridges ?

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There may be a few hotels left where you can reserve a sitting room. I know my NLP trainer booked a sitting room in a Malvern hotel for our training. This was in 2006.

    • @kristinastinson6335
      @kristinastinson6335 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulgoddard I suppose if I really went all out for some research, there might be the odd survivors tuck away - 'till then I needs must hope ....

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@kristinastinson6335 If I come across one in a lovely seaside town I will let you know 🙂

    • @kristinastinson6335
      @kristinastinson6335 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@paulgoddard Thank ye kindly sir :)

  • @carlhiley2491
    @carlhiley2491 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Listening to this during lockdown on the patio with a beer .one of my favourite authors the reader's not bad either.

    • @shakeybill82
      @shakeybill82 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Reader's not bad? I should think is isn't either! It's Michael Hordern, one of the best actors of stage and screen!

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Michael Hordern is amazing. He always delivers and whether it's these stories, seeing him in Shakespeare or reading Paddington Bear.
      I love all ghost stories but you can't beat M.R. James.

    • @wmnoffaith1
      @wmnoffaith1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I think the reader is outstanding. His portrayal of the old man's accent in the story's beginning is so realistic that sometimes you forget that this is just one person narrating; it really is more like standing there listening to a conversation. His accents are exceptional, as was his acting. His portrayal of the main character in Oh Whistle and I'll Come to you is one of the best bits of character acting I've ever seen. I know everyone has his own preferences, but to say he's "not bad" makes him sound as if he is in the Librivox volunteer category; but to each his own idea of what constitutes greatness. I guess to some people, he's just "not bad".

    • @jackiewhite4204
      @jackiewhite4204 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shakeybill82 hear, hear!

  • @dmmchugh3714
    @dmmchugh3714 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    One of my favorite M.R. James stories.
    "Rats" and "Lost Hearts" are also scary with unforgettable mental imagery.

  • @markoutram7589
    @markoutram7589 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I personally LOVE Christopher Lee's rendition of this on BBC"'s 'Ghost Stories For Christmas' series but I'd say THIS is an extremely close second, proving what a truly mesmeric story this is, especially in its 'believe-ability'. Many thanks for posting.

  • @mrblaxto
    @mrblaxto 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    To cheerful of a reading for a ghost story for my taste.

  • @catherinedoyle1194
    @catherinedoyle1194 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    A lovely way to end a summer's evening, before you turn in for the evening.

    • @MrButterscotch1
      @MrButterscotch1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed! Though in my case a Winter's evening, as the children are asleep and a fresh glass is charged. The story of the found crown has left a chill in the air. Perhaps a light will be left on to cast a reassuring glow after all...

  • @5wanderers8
    @5wanderers8 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Wonderful. Lovely way to end the evening. Many thanks for these.

  • @terencecorr8439
    @terencecorr8439 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent, man, that's it. ✌️💚

  • @mikestanmore2614
    @mikestanmore2614 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Michael Hordern will always be the voice of Gandalf to me. This was excellent, thankyou.

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Mike Stanmore Thank you for your positive comment. I haven't heard the radio play of Lord of the Rings. However after reading your post I will listen very soon ☺

    • @mikestanmore2614
      @mikestanmore2614 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Paul Goddard it's the BBC version. I hope you enjoy it.

    • @11lillith
      @11lillith 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      For me too.......wonderful voice.......the BBC adaptation included many fantastic actors!

    • @gerry5134
      @gerry5134 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      For me his voice makes me think of Paddington lol

    • @chazbrennan9632
      @chazbrennan9632 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      YES. The deinitive adaptation. Even now, with the films in the bag, it's still my-go to for the best Gandalf, the best Frodo, the best Sam and the best Smeagol.

  • @davidandrews8963
    @davidandrews8963 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    LOVE THIS MANS VOICE ALSO DID PADDINGTON BEAR I KNOW ALDEBURGH REALLY WELL IN FACT SUFFOLK COAST WAS MY PLAYGROUND IN 70S EARLY 80S ME AND MY LATE DAD WENT SEA FISHING A LOT BEAUTIFUL COAST IM ON NORTH NORFOLK COAST NOW CROMER SUFFOLK MUCH NICER THOUGH SORRY FOR CAPS BUSTED GLASSES GETTING SOME NEW ONES ASAP ❤️😎🤓

  • @Nyctophora
    @Nyctophora 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you! I do love some M R James.

  • @bentavener254
    @bentavener254 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    ‘That wasn’t my coat ...’
    Classic.

  • @chazbrennan9632
    @chazbrennan9632 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    If you've never heard Hordern doing 'You Cannot Pass' as Gandalf at the bridge of Khazad Dum, do so immediately.
    Unbelievably spine-chilling: so desperate and tired and proud.
    The whole sequence from the chamber of Mazabul to the fall is incredible.

    • @czypauly07
      @czypauly07 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I would love to hear this, but all recordings have been expunged from the public domain - apparently Peter Jackson hasn't made enough money. I wonder if the books will be next.

    • @2msvalkyrie529
      @2msvalkyrie529 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's actually the Tolkien family who have an army of lawyers permanently on look out for breach of copyright. They are VERY litigious !! Their earnings from their great grandfathers books total millions of dollars but
      that's not enough apparently ?

    • @horrorfanandy4647
      @horrorfanandy4647 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@2msvalkyrie529Yes I was just about to say as much. I’m sure Jackson would be delighted to have them available himself, but the Tolkien family seem a rather needlessly overprotective bunch. Overprotective of money that is.

  • @hooch304
    @hooch304 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great stuff.

  • @gerry5134
    @gerry5134 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    That story would put you off digging sand castles wouldn't it !? 😱

  • @ElvishJumpSuit
    @ElvishJumpSuit 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The B E A R ! 3:33 Brings back memories. Come on, who noticed it?

    • @willhuey4891
      @willhuey4891 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      the lost crown a ghost hunting adventure.

  • @boxfox2945
    @boxfox2945 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    One of tbe better, of these stories' 🕯

  • @andrewmurray5542
    @andrewmurray5542 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Spoiler alert...
    I was hoping that Agar might accept Paxton putting the crown back, but it seems he wasn't at all happy with that. Perhaps he could have just haunted Paxton for a few months then popped back to the mound to continue guarding the crown. Ghosts can be very fickle, it seems.

  • @andrewward8692
    @andrewward8692 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I spent a week in that building in February 2019. I massively recommend it.

    • @paulgoddard
      @paulgoddard  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I must try it sometime 🙂

  • @iananderson3799
    @iananderson3799 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I always felt, if Ager was doing his job properly, he should have taken care of all three men.

    • @horrorfanandy4647
      @horrorfanandy4647 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      True, but they swore not to tell anyone and never actually touched it themselves. Ager isn’t a fair guardian persay, but he’s bound by a seeming code of conduct, touch the crown yourself and it’s game over for you, but your friends had nothing to do with it, so they have nothing to do with me. So long as they keep their mouths shut.
      The short film adaptation Ager is not so forgiving, for it seems that Dr Black may suffer a similar fate to Paxton when the guard opens the door of the train carriage, thinking someone was about it get in it… a chilling antagonist whether on page or screen, truly frightening!

  • @NancyDrewe
    @NancyDrewe 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the saddest story in this book.

  • @stephenjones7040
    @stephenjones7040 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Other readings say it's April 1920

  • @robertmiller5258
    @robertmiller5258 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Seaburgh must be Aldeburgh

  • @benwinter2420
    @benwinter2420 ปีที่แล้ว

    Roman tiles not

  • @lundondadony2618
    @lundondadony2618 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This british story is better

  • @angelaclark4132
    @angelaclark4132 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    B