"Prunes" by C. P. Howard / Horror at the Poles

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ค. 2024
  • HORROR AT THE POLES
    Episode 5: "Prunes" by C. P. Howard
    “The water between the lighthouse and the island started to freeze, and the lone watchman looked on in horror.”
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:54 - April 17
    04:18 - April 19
    06:30 - April 20
    08:42 - April 21
    13:22 - April 22
    19:28 - April 23
    28:42 - April 24
    33:28 - April 29
    39:07 - Further Listening
    How about some Lovecraftian artifacts?
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    Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
    Music and production by Ian & Jennifer Gordon
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  • บันเทิง

ความคิดเห็น • 140

  • @HorrorBabble
    @HorrorBabble  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +55

    Regarding the author: everybody loves a good mystery, don't they?!
    It would seem PRUNES wasn't previously published. Apparently the author is still alive, and has several other unpublished works, including at least one other involving the 'watchmen'.
    More to follow.

    • @jdsteppenzyde
      @jdsteppenzyde 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Good catch, HB! Maybe more newbies soon???

    • @PoffinFresh
      @PoffinFresh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I think you are the author.

    • @jdsteppenzyde
      @jdsteppenzyde 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@PoffinFresh Ha! I wish.

    • @PoffinFresh
      @PoffinFresh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@jdsteppenzyde I didn’t mean you, I was referring to Mr. Gordon as the author writing under the pen name C.P. Howard.

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I really liked this - it is great Lovecraft and I love the punch line. Would love more CP Howard and more snowy business at the poles. Makes me want more Algernon Blackwood enjoying the outdoors!

  • @joz6683
    @joz6683 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +145

    The last time I was this early, Warren was still alive, 😂

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Technically Warren is alive still. The one telling us "you fool, Warren is dead" is in fact Warren. Well physically he lives but his soul has been sundered and his body is being piloted. You could say he is in a superposition of alive and dead. Lol

    • @AcornElectron
      @AcornElectron 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      …I do not know what has become of Harley Warren, though I think (almost hope) that he is in peaceful oblivion….

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@AcornElectron You can rest, either easy or no, knowing that in the ways that actually matter "Warren is dead". What has become of his commandeered vessel remains a topic of much speculation and will forever be shrouded in mystery

    • @av7501
      @av7501 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

      You fool

    • @howardhavardramberg7160
      @howardhavardramberg7160 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      😂🥶😅🥲

  • @JT_Soul
    @JT_Soul 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +56

    I'm a retired lighthouse cat and my wife is a soul-devouring trans-dimensional aurora being of the polar wastes. We both quite enjoyed this story.

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      Dear Mr Fluffypaws, I regret to inform you your colleague and sometime lover, Warren, is dead. Yours sincerely, Ewe Fuel

    • @CountingHouse
      @CountingHouse 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      What a charming couple.

    • @jackdare
      @jackdare 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Trans-dimensional? Oh man, those never work out because you can't see enough of each other.. literally!

  • @BigTuk
    @BigTuk 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +18

    I get the feeling the Cat's diary be like. "Human going crazy. Need help. Should have paid attention to how he opened the food tins."

  • @oldsoldier64
    @oldsoldier64 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +37

    As a senior citizen, I clicked on this story with great anticipation

    • @SueCooke
      @SueCooke 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      😂😂😂

    • @taterpussy3825
      @taterpussy3825 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      As a frequenter of gentleman's clubs, I did as well

    • @Driven2Beers
      @Driven2Beers 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Does the 64 in your handle denote that you were born in 1964? I was also born that year, but I'll be damned if I'm calling myself a senior! I was a senior in 1982. That summer I graduated high school and I haven't been a senior since! 😁

    • @oldsoldier64
      @oldsoldier64 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​@Driven2Beers I am actually 64 years old. (1959) not really a prune fan

  • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
    @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    This is my favourite of all of the Horror at the Poles stories; deeply atmospheric, claustrophobic and tense. I love the diary format, it feels like an old-fashioned, proto version of "found footage" horror.

  • @kathbaker1550
    @kathbaker1550 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Lair Island - people who don't have scots/lallans may not be aware that lair is the word for burial place or plot of ground. One can purchase single, double or family lairs in cemeteries :) Thought people might find this interesting?

  • @linelizwalker
    @linelizwalker 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Always listen to the cat!

  • @milkom2021
    @milkom2021 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I love it. Anything concerning the poles and the sense of isolation and the unknown gives me chills. The howling wind effect was an exquisite touch

  • @AcornElectron
    @AcornElectron 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Whilst I love ‘The Mound’, it’s always comforting to hear these more obscure stories. Especially when there’s a cat involved 😂
    Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe!

    • @lastofthe4horsemen279
      @lastofthe4horsemen279 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The Mound and Shadow out of Time are the only two Lovecraft stories l havent read or listened to

  • @1701EarlGrey
    @1701EarlGrey 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    "Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death..." I wonder if George R. R. Martin took an inspiration from it when he thought out "Song of ice and fire" ? After all this story too have watcher, observing frozen wetland where ice-zombie delve... I only wonder why this author and his story is not better known, since this is surprisingly well written, atmospheric tale

  • @cynthiahawkins2389
    @cynthiahawkins2389 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Whenever I want to escape political rivalry/mud slinging, and derring do..., etc I put on HORROR BABBLE and I am in seconds, transported to another world of mystery, scary events and fantastical narratives. Bravo...

  • @tomkerruish2982
    @tomkerruish2982 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Dana Andrews said prunes gave him the runes.

  • @GrubbsandWyrm
    @GrubbsandWyrm 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Not on goodreads. You found a truly hidden gem

  • @robertwalker-smith2739
    @robertwalker-smith2739 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Kept me rapt until the very end. Didn't know, couldn't guess.
    Another triumph of yours, sir.

  • @jeffhaley2706
    @jeffhaley2706 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    A very well written story..and great narration as usual Mr. Gordon..thank you and God bless you and anyone reading this..have a good night. 🐧

    • @Boogie_the_cat
      @Boogie_the_cat 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Right back atcha, chief. 👍🏽

  • @0therun1t21
    @0therun1t21 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    How can I not clixk on something with such a dubios title?
    That was awesome, thanks!

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      dubious. your welcome. hehehehe

    • @0therun1t21
      @0therun1t21 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@kgreen242424You're the author? I love the story! The ice bridge is perfect, and there's no way to stop it.

  • @AKKK1182
    @AKKK1182 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Excellent work by the author, definitely gives off major Lovecraft vibes. And of course a great execution on the narration.

  • @donaldmccleary9015
    @donaldmccleary9015 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Awesome story and narration! I absolutely love the plot!
    I had to wait to start this until I finished "The Three Imposters". It is really "short", so I was delayed in listening to this.
    The rhyme towards the end is really neat. That is some great writing. Way to sneak that in there!

  • @tamlandipper29
    @tamlandipper29 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    A very tidy tale, well anchored by the cat.

  • @Lacoleccionistamisterios
    @Lacoleccionistamisterios 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent. I love the ambient and the gradually revelation of the truth. Great story and great narrative.

  • @johnnyblaze4546
    @johnnyblaze4546 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Knocked it outta the park. As usual thanks so much !!!

  • @thefisherking78
    @thefisherking78 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

    These beautifully disturbing stories are helping get me through a dark time of the year and of my life. Thank you as always

    • @jeffhaley2706
      @jeffhaley2706 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hope things get better for you and God bless you. Praying always helps me..God is always listening and Jesus loves you

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I love Algernon Blackwood and Clark Ashton Smith to get absolutely lost in. The Willows and The Abominations of Yondo are good starts. The Lovecraft Investigations on BBC Sounds is also possibly the only other media up to HorrorBabble standards :)

  • @keltaruusutravels4024
    @keltaruusutravels4024 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    This story is wonderful. Amazingly talented author. ❤

  • @MrsCaranAmy
    @MrsCaranAmy 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This was an amazing story tonight. Excellent narration. Thank you very much. 🤗💖🌟

  • @Oraphel
    @Oraphel 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great suggestive moments of chills. Also some fabulous allusions between the noises heard here and the strange piping in ‘At the Mountains of Madness’. The author had to be privy to Mr. Lovecraft, either on a conscious or unconscious level. And is there a slight allusion to the Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy?
    Much gratitude to you Ian. You bring exposure to these rather talented authors who were once’s forgotten, and that is invaluable.

    • @Tacklepig
      @Tacklepig 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That "strange piping" in Mountains of Madness was intended by Lovecraft himself to be a reference to a Poe story, so it might also be referencing that.

  • @suzannef138
    @suzannef138 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great series, many thanks

  • @andreasfilis9001
    @andreasfilis9001 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Well, this was amazing!

  • @teslastellar
    @teslastellar 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Amazing story and narration 👍 Thanks Ian 😊

  • @consuelaofthenorth4768
    @consuelaofthenorth4768 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Haven't listened yet, but "Prunes?!" If you ever find a story entitled "Lima Beans," I'm never going to recover! 🤢 Still traumatized from childhood.

  • @kgreen242424
    @kgreen242424 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    The word "Bothy"(probably spelled that wrong) makes me laugh. I don't know why but I AM COLD! "How am i gonna survive the next eight weeks?" Listen to @HorrorBabble

  • @trishbirchard1270
    @trishbirchard1270 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Oh, boy!
    This will set the tone of the day!
    🥰

  • @guapodesperado2822
    @guapodesperado2822 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Best horror narrator on youtube, no doubt about it.
    Thanks for all you do, spreading these wonderful stories.

  • @soulreaver1983
    @soulreaver1983 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Many thanks Ian 😎👍

  • @suedavenport8208
    @suedavenport8208 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Out with the moisturiser, lol. Fabulous story, beautifully read.

  • @nathanharper5670
    @nathanharper5670 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Ian, your reading of "heck" @19:00 is the closest I've ever heard it sound to useful adult profanity. Well done.

  • @Wombats555
    @Wombats555 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This plus Io the doggy from Night of the Nucklavee = new horror paws expanded universe. Inform Hollywood.

  • @Driven2Beers
    @Driven2Beers 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Prunes are a horror story in themselves. 😝

  • @robbabcock_
    @robbabcock_ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Absolutely wonderful! While I do support some creators on Patreon, HorrorBabble is undoubtedly one of the most impactful for my daily life. I listen to something Ian has narrated nearly every day! Thanks for all you do, HB. 👿🧛‍♂🦇🔥👏

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    WOW IAN I DONE THE ZETLAND HOTEL LAST NIGHT AND MY MIND IS MANGLED WHAT A YARN..I MAY BE OK IN A WEEK OR SO......OUTSTANDING. PART 2?

  • @brocknyren
    @brocknyren 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    POOR EMERY!! 😭😭💔💔

  • @2001Tavis
    @2001Tavis 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I really really like this story 🥰 it shares the pedestal with Ice Demon .... the only thing that is mystifying is What is King Leer story who ruled the ice island ? 🤔

    • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
      @miarencrowsdaughter6434 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That particular spelling is also the German word for 'empty' - kind of fitting for dessication.

  • @ryanrobison8973
    @ryanrobison8973 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Holy crap!!! I absolutely loved this story! I always love lighthouse horror, but this one was so atmospheric and fun to listen to! I really hope this author could possibly get some more unpublished works to you lol!
    Especially the other watchmen one!

  • @ronaldwilliamson7963
    @ronaldwilliamson7963 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Unusually clever plot and ending. Better than some of Lovecraft.

  • @jordannewland5848
    @jordannewland5848 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    They did Emory dirty

  • @PoffinFresh
    @PoffinFresh 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I suspect the narrator is the author. 🤔

  • @Soma-dr4jm
    @Soma-dr4jm 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great story! I hope little Emery made it…

  • @KeksosDerGrosse
    @KeksosDerGrosse 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great setup and execution, loved every minute of it!

  • @Drifter2025
    @Drifter2025 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Let's goooo!

  • @unclevlad3357
    @unclevlad3357 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yep, too many prunes will leave you desiccated.

  • @Stratollac
    @Stratollac 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love stories based on journals or letters, and this one was highly enjoyable. The ending, unfortunately, was unsatisfying, as was the reveal of the reason for the title. Still, there was much to recommend, and I'll be interested to read/hear other works by the author.

  • @Boogie_the_cat
    @Boogie_the_cat 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I enjoyed this one, and Emory the smarty-qat.
    Best New Year wishes to the whole Gordon household (and pets)

  • @user-ow9xv6bg7d
    @user-ow9xv6bg7d 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This was an excellent story with quite a funny ending :)

  • @ericbouchard9744
    @ericbouchard9744 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice one Ian, as always

  • @MrWarbreed02
    @MrWarbreed02 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The man who saw the lights was fire bro bro

  • @adamwoodhouse7865
    @adamwoodhouse7865 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So good as always

  • @iandalzell1226
    @iandalzell1226 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's 0. F degrees here
    So this story is very appropriate for here.
    Thanks again HB

  • @ellkat3
    @ellkat3 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Ooh, this was good! Something about it felt quite Skyrim-y, for lack of a better word 😂

  • @blurryface9597
    @blurryface9597 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! That was a great story! What a way to end this series! Thank you as always for your fantastic narration!

  • @magnuskallas
    @magnuskallas 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's sounds as if Mr. Bane was deserted at the polar wasteland :)

  • @mortuarycookiezshane4192
    @mortuarycookiezshane4192 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Was gonna hold off on listening to this til tomorrow after I get a tooth pulled but it was too tempting

  • @anthonybarnwell767
    @anthonybarnwell767 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Your storys are amazing 😊

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    THANKS I FEEL A LITTLE BETTER NOW 👍

  • @MatthewTheWolf2029
    @MatthewTheWolf2029 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great stuff!

  • @awarningtothecuriouswerewolves
    @awarningtothecuriouswerewolves 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Minus 20 Celsius! That ain't nothing! It's currently minus 34 Celsius here at the Old Regina Cemetery, where I'm currently vacationing! Warren!

  • @tishahouse846
    @tishahouse846 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Listening from the ukwales ❤

  • @Kitsaplorax
    @Kitsaplorax 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm surprised that few of these tales have gotten a movie. Three or four of the more obscure tales would make a great anthology movie. Amicus and Hammer, I hope your new studio heads are paying attention.

  • @fredg.sanford634
    @fredg.sanford634 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am doing night watch duty for a friend of mine at a COMPLETELY deserted industrial park that will be repurposed one of these days. It has an underground tunnel complex that connects every old building in the park to each other. There is an entrance to the tunnels in the decrepit guard shack where my ass is seated.
    I must ensure that the buildings don't burn down and that no one squats in them.
    The tunnels are empty. However, the wind howls through them, and the door in the shack creaks incessantly.
    This was not the best story for me to hear tonight...

  • @linnmatthews8615
    @linnmatthews8615 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Good story. Abrupt ending. Good endings are hard to write.

  • @camojoe83
    @camojoe83 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Isn't there another lighthouse story like this?
    I'd take the job, tho. Seems cool.

    • @CJM-rg5rt
      @CJM-rg5rt 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      He's got one where rats attack a lighthouse of three guys, I wish I could remember what it's called.

    • @HorrorBabble
      @HorrorBabble  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Three Skeleton Key.

    • @camojoe83
      @camojoe83 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@HorrorBabble There it is. Thank you!

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

  • @justicepie314
    @justicepie314 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great story and reading! Cats! Am I right?! Never trust the things...but always trust them. 🤷‍♂ I agree with something someone mentioned previously, it definitely holds some similarities with 'the Night's Watch'. Who inspired who...?

  • @DrBrothBaist
    @DrBrothBaist 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ads? Damn i always liked how these narrations didnt have interpretations.

  • @jamesshepherd5805
    @jamesshepherd5805 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That ending, damn

  • @JamieAsareZiegler
    @JamieAsareZiegler 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Unsolicited Advice: Never trust a corporation called The Corporation.

  • @maxscherzer9521
    @maxscherzer9521 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's odd that the author brought a feline companion with him to the lighthouse. Most people would have brought a pet cat instead.

  • @lindaloe
    @lindaloe 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    T
    Terrific!!😂😊!!

  • @ers5072
    @ers5072 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you know of any other stories by P.P. Howard? I can find nothing on him. Was this a Weird Tales story. Did he have any novels or other stories in any anthologies? Great story by the way and of course your narration was impeccable as always!

  • @guilledcf1547
    @guilledcf1547 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    not the electric ones

  • @madderhat5852
    @madderhat5852 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Frozen prunes?

  • @furtivedolus2504
    @furtivedolus2504 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What year was this published?

    • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
      @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I'm wondering this too. The writing seems slightly more modern in style than the usual 1930s/40s, but I might be wrong.

    • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
      @miarencrowsdaughter6434 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@EndOfSmallSanctuary97 The text summary on the click-through says that this recording is the first publication.

  • @patkelly8309
    @patkelly8309 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Boss

  • @gwcrecords9630
    @gwcrecords9630 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you know anything about the author?

  • @Padoinky
    @Padoinky 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    They tell y’all not to do anything but observe… they do that for a reason, but no, y’all had to go out and leave the bldg and likely let it unsecured… now y’all got uninvited guests…

  • @RedPilledAsFuck
    @RedPilledAsFuck 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    i’m annoyed cuz my dumb brain can’t focus on the words with the howling wind sound affect in the background. i think it’s cause adhd idunno.

  • @user-dw8wt2cr9k
    @user-dw8wt2cr9k 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A good narration as always, sadly these "obscure tales" are "obscure" for very good reasons. Can't upvote tales of this "class" but I shan't down vote as this is horrorbabble.

    • @camojoe83
      @camojoe83 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Wtf is your problem?

    • @evelanpatton
      @evelanpatton 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It’s good to have standards. To see the best & the …not so best of literary work so as to know the difference, yes?

    • @AcornElectron
      @AcornElectron 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      🧐 My supposition is that your watch time and comment will help the algorithm nonetheless. The ‘like’ helps the channel grow and reach other potential listeners and even a ‘dislike’ gives metrics. Is it uncomfortable on that fence?