"The Ballad of Mr. Budokai" - Chilling Tales for Dark Nights
Summary
In this 1988 horror story, a twelve-year-old boy named Charlie reluctantly joins his friends in bullying a mysterious local man named Mister Budokai, accidentally knocking him down with a tomato. Seeking to make amends, Charlie visits Budokai’s home, where the man reveals he is a war veteran who cannot frown due to nerve damage. The visit turns deadly when Charlie discovers six shrunken heads and the preserved bodies of his missing friends hidden behind a wall. After Budokai strikes him with a cane, Charlie escapes, leaving the killer to await police with his signature eerie smile.
Topics discussed
Thumbtack ad for home repair services
Amex Gold Card promotional segment
Introduction to the mysterious Mr. Budokai
Introducing the 3 Musketeers: Charlie, Ricky, and Dom
Summer of 1988 and the start of harassment
The plan to prank Mr. Budokai at the market
Waiting for the target and buying tomatoes
The tomato attack and Charlie's accidental hit
The aftermath and the silence of the crowd
iHeartRadio Alter Ego promotional segment
Charlie's guilt and isolation after the incident
Deciding to apologize and preparing to meet him
Following Mr. Budokai to his home
The apology and acceptance at the front door
Tea and conversation about his perpetual smile
Revelation of war injuries and hidden trophies
iHeartRadio Alter Ego promotional segment
Discovering the hidden room with shrunken heads
Finding Ricky and Dom preserved in the room
The attack, escape, and police arrest
Listen ad-free on Castria