Ep. 1175, The Mezzotint, by M.R. James
Summary
Host BJ Harrison introduces M.R. James’s classic ghost story, “The Mezzotint,” featuring an art museum curator who acquires a strange engraving of Anningley Hall. As the picture is examined, a sinister figure appears within the scene, crawling toward the house and eventually carrying off a child. The narrative reveals the dark history of the estate, linking the apparition to a vengeful poacher’s ghost. The episode concludes with the discovery that the figure has vanished, leaving the haunted print as a chilling artifact.
Topics discussed
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Introduction to The Classic Tales Podcast
Promotion for audiobook library subscription
Announcement of upcoming live performances
Definition of the word mezzotint
Narrator introduction of M.R. James story
Mister Williams and his role at the museum
Receiving the catalog and ordering the engraving
Examining the mezzotint and its initial appearance
Discussion with Professor Binks about the figure
Williams fails to identify the location
The figure appears in the engraving at night
Next morning: Williams prepares to investigate
Nisbet confirms the figure has entered the house
Gathering witness statements and photographing the art
Plan to observe the picture during the day
The servant's reaction to the changing image
The figure carries a child in the evening view
Identifying Anningley Hall in Essex
The backstory of the poacher and the heir
Conclusion and current status of the engraving
Outro and recommendation for next story
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