I read this chilling story many years ago. It was published on Christmas Eve in The Independent newspaper around 1990. I cut it out and kept it for years, such was the effect it had. I thought it was so eerie and yes, it frightened me. I’ve never forgotten it. When I hear the name ‘Kidman’ and ‘ Punch & Judy’ I feel a genuine shiver. Never heard of the story since, until now. What an absolute delight to hear this story again and read so well by Tony.I still think it’s a remarkable story and you’ve done it great justice. Your analysis at the end has helped me understand the story in more depth too.Thank you Tony for this wonderful reading.
Again---wonderful story, love your reading. Learned things about the Punch & Judy puppet shows---which, as an American, have always freaked me out. Thanks Tony.
Listening on my tv hurrying here to my pc to give lots of thumbs up (before my computer gives up) Masterful presentation, entertaining, wise,informative commentary. Thank you!
M.R. James is, in my opinion, the greatest writer of ghost stories ever! I hope you also someday read some of the tales from A MIRROR OF SHALOTT by R.H. Benson, a Catholic monsignor and son of an Archbishop of Canterbury. The setting is fictional, but I suspect the stories themselves are slightly disguised versions of actual accounts he was told.
James was a big fan of Dickens, which may explain Mr Bowman, a very Dickensian character. I believe the narrator even mentions reading some Dickens early on. Great story.
I love M.R. James as well and who better to hear read him than Tony ? Turns out he's a giant influence on some of the very best contemporary British supernatural writers and his influence is impossible to miss. I don't know if it's comparable to the effect Lovecraft had on American writers but discovering his work had been a joy - making my skin crawl exactly as it should. Maybe it's culture clash or James' life in academia but I don't think I have ever read any fiction quite so liberally adorned with footnotes. They very rarely illuminate anything to me but being a Yank may be a factor. What a chilling story this is.
That is a completely new M. R. James for me! What a creepy story, and read beautifully, as always. I loved the line about the old vicar, who had little to recommend him in his profession, could be excused for his lack of lengthy prayers, because then, how would the Chapel keep going?
What a brilliant reading of a brilliant story, and how wonderful to listen to you discuss this story afterwards. I try not to listen to other readers of M. R. James, as I am a devotee of Michael Hordern's readings. Thankfully, he neglected this one, which meant I was able to listen to you just now. I agree with you emphatically about the element of melodrama in James' stories. I had never thought of this, but after listening to your analysis I think it's why I revere James as one of the greatest ghost story writers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Just as engrossing and brilliant presentation and commentary 2nd time around. But Goya comes to mind more than the surrealists I can come to think of. James' Collected Ghost Stories just came, so I look forward to getting better acquainted with M. R. James. Thank you for introducing us. Better late than never!
Mr. Bowman is an old fashioned red herring…his behavior is meant to make you think he’s suspicious and believe he may be the killer. The narrator even says Bowman probably thinks he suspects him, even though he doesn’t. (Which is a fun little joke in itself!) So the twist of the dream and the real killers can come as more of a surprise. This is more of a fun story and very well told and read!
I believe Mark Gatiss planned to release The Mezzotint this Christmas for BBC. I've read the announcement some months ago, though I haven't heard any new details regarding the production or about the cast, etc.
Mark Gattiss ruins everything he puts his hands to. ! He should rather try coming up with some original material of his own instead of " re - interpreting " classic works by others !
I like that photo a lot, life is a bit like Punch and Judy tbh. I know of "men" who have acted like them all because they couldn't have sons of their own. That mini theatre is warning but also entertaining the kids. You can find reflections of life in the weirdest places
Very thoughtful, Angelo. I wanted to be a Punch & Judy man, but my partner wouldn't let me buy the kit because she said I'd need 'training'. As if. But still, I always do as I'm told.
@@ClassicGhost training takes the fun out of everything. I think it would take up a lot of cupboard space... But you can't put a price on making people happy.
To me Punch was himself a chaotic, irrational character - bashing normality in the head whenever he could. I think children are more appreciative of his actions than adults; To kids he is less a killer than he is a symbol of freedom and funny retribution. They cheer his mischief as an element that moves the story along and disposes of the more mundane (and parental) 'puppets'.
Goodness. I had completely forgotten about the Box of Delights. Just listened to the opening here ruclips.net/video/-BxxdE9GvZc/видео.html and maybe realised why I still love The First Noel and wolves. What a blast from the past: sitting with mum and dad when TV was a family affair and life was good. Thank you so much for that moment. Great story as well!
That TV series is embedded in the minds of a generation. I seem to recall the final episode being broadcast on Christmas Eve. It felt like the perfect childhood Christmas. In my probably false memory we had snow...
Even M. R. had his off days obvs. No criticism of the reading at all but I'm not surprised I hadn't heard it before - like the one about the Maze you don't often hear (also poor). Still he did write some cracking stuff. You can't win 'em all. Just my opinion. ;)
Lots of associations here. Man with a bag on his head, Bagman. A Morris dancing side has a bagman who is an enforcer of discipline making sure people are where they're meant to be...
I read this chilling story many years ago. It was published on Christmas Eve in The Independent newspaper around 1990. I cut it out and kept it for years, such was the effect it had. I thought it was so eerie and yes, it frightened me. I’ve never forgotten it. When I hear the name ‘Kidman’ and ‘ Punch & Judy’ I feel a genuine shiver. Never heard of the story since, until now. What an absolute delight to hear this story again and read so well by Tony.I still think it’s a remarkable story and you’ve done it great justice. Your analysis at the end has helped me understand the story in more depth too.Thank you Tony for this wonderful reading.
Ditto, Tony! Love MR James! Truly surreal! Punch&Judy always freaked me out. Even now.
Smart dog. Great informative, interesting commentary. Thank you, Tony!
You and me both!
@@ClassicGhost Much appreciated
I'm so glad to have found this channel. Fascinating, very well read, and great to hear stories I never would have found otherwise.
Again---wonderful story, love your reading. Learned things about the Punch & Judy puppet shows---which, as an American, have always freaked me out. Thanks Tony.
Listening on my tv hurrying here to my pc to give lots of thumbs up (before my computer gives up) Masterful presentation, entertaining, wise,informative commentary. Thank you!
I was always a bit puzzled by this one too.
Brilliant! Held my attention the whole time, and I thought the style was incredible! Mr. James put a force to be dealt with!
I really love M.R Jamez stories.This was great
M.R. James is, in my opinion, the greatest writer of ghost stories ever! I hope you also someday read some of the tales from A MIRROR OF SHALOTT by R.H. Benson, a Catholic monsignor and son of an Archbishop of Canterbury. The setting is fictional, but I suspect the stories themselves are slightly disguised versions of actual accounts he was told.
Engrossing,surreal. Brilliant presentation and commentary. Thank you for your hard work.
Ditto x3. Just as engrossing and presentation and commentary just as brilliant. Pure Goya. Meeting M.R. James now as an old friend!!! Thank you!
Just so many stories and so little time
@@ClassicGhost True, so true. Thank you!
James was a big fan of Dickens, which may explain Mr Bowman, a very Dickensian character. I believe the narrator even mentions reading some Dickens early on. Great story.
Thank you for this comment. I really like this story but it gets overlooked
One ofJames's very weirdst stories. I've always loved it. THANK YOU for posting!!
'begging bowl' ... well the squeaky wheel does get the grease...THX *Tony Walker* for your story & time involved
I like that phrase. I think I'll use it.
I love M.R. James as well and who better to hear read him than Tony ? Turns out he's a giant influence on some of the very best contemporary British supernatural writers and his influence is impossible to miss. I don't know if it's comparable to the effect Lovecraft had on American writers but discovering his work had been a joy - making my skin crawl exactly as it should. Maybe it's culture clash or James' life in academia but I don't think I have ever read any fiction quite so liberally adorned with footnotes. They very rarely illuminate anything to me but being a Yank may be a factor. What a chilling story this is.
No, they are more to look good. Did you ever read Susannah Clarke Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell? Full of footnotes
And I appreciate the time after the story (kind of like a one sided discussion, though thought provoking). I consider it a highlight...
Weee!
He'll yea right on time!!!
That is a completely new M. R. James for me! What a creepy story, and read beautifully, as always. I loved the line about the old vicar, who had little to recommend him in his profession, could be excused for his lack of lengthy prayers, because then, how would the Chapel keep going?
Posting time is 3am my time (apparently), and I'm here for it! 💗
Solid
Bless you! 👍🏼 ❤️
What a brilliant reading of a brilliant story, and how wonderful to listen to you discuss this story afterwards. I try not to listen to other readers of M. R. James, as I am a devotee of Michael Hordern's readings. Thankfully, he neglected this one, which meant I was able to listen to you just now. I agree with you emphatically about the element of melodrama in James' stories. I had never thought of this, but after listening to your analysis I think it's why I revere James as one of the greatest ghost story writers. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Have subscribed, many thanks for your efforts.
Welcome aboard! I'm very pleased to have you here.
Looooove MR James!
Just as engrossing and brilliant presentation and commentary 2nd time around. But Goya comes to mind more than the surrealists I can come to think of. James' Collected Ghost Stories just came, so I look forward to getting better acquainted
with M. R. James. Thank you for introducing us. Better late than never!
First 🤘
Love this one...
*Box of Delights* was on YT ...all of it...still on here *free* I think...I watched it a few years ago on here
ExccccccceeelllllllleeeennnnnT !! MuhaHAHAHAAA !!!
Mr. Bowman is an old fashioned red herring…his behavior is meant to make you think he’s suspicious and believe he may be the killer. The narrator even says Bowman probably thinks he suspects him, even though he doesn’t. (Which is a fun little joke in itself!) So the twist of the dream and the real killers can come as more of a surprise. This is more of a fun story and very well told and read!
The first thing I thought of was, "So M.R. James is the one who started the whole "Bro" thing." My brain goes to weird places.
He was pretty streetwise
J Bos IKR ?! 😂 🙋 ✔ 💯 👊 😊
OK, good.
Yes, I noticed that. I was like, "Did I just hear that?"
Thanks.
Antiquary in the sheets gangster I'm ye olde streets?
I believe Mark Gatiss planned to release The Mezzotint this Christmas for BBC. I've read the announcement some months ago, though I haven't heard any new details regarding the production or about the cast, etc.
Mark Gattiss ruins everything he puts his hands to. ! He should rather try coming up with some original material of his own instead of " re - interpreting " classic works by others !
I like that photo a lot, life is a bit like Punch and Judy tbh. I know of "men" who have acted like them all because they couldn't have sons of their own. That mini theatre is warning but also entertaining the kids. You can find reflections of life in the weirdest places
Very thoughtful, Angelo. I wanted to be a Punch & Judy man, but my partner wouldn't let me buy the kit because she said I'd need 'training'. As if. But still, I always do as I'm told.
@@ClassicGhost training takes the fun out of everything. I think it would take up a lot of cupboard space... But you can't put a price on making people happy.
@@angeloofpalermo2612 too true
Marry Christmas everybody 🥳
🌳🌳🌳🌳🥀
Thank you Roxana
To me Punch was himself a chaotic, irrational character - bashing normality in the head whenever he could. I think children are more appreciative of his actions than adults; To kids he is less a killer than he is a symbol of freedom and funny retribution. They cheer his mischief as an element that moves the story along and disposes of the more mundane (and parental) 'puppets'.
This is great . I’d like to read more about this
@@ClassicGhost There is an interesting introductory video to the matter titled: The Real Meaning of Punch & Judy
Unheimlich manoeuvers.
I've just read out The Hospice by Robert AIckman. Unheimlich de Majeure
@@ClassicGhost OK will go and have a listen thank you
Goodness. I had completely forgotten about the Box of Delights. Just listened to the opening here ruclips.net/video/-BxxdE9GvZc/видео.html and maybe realised why I still love The First Noel and wolves. What a blast from the past: sitting with mum and dad when TV was a family affair and life was good. Thank you so much for that moment. Great story as well!
That TV series is embedded in the minds of a generation. I seem to recall the final episode being broadcast on Christmas Eve. It felt like the perfect childhood Christmas. In my probably false memory we had snow...
Even M. R. had his off days obvs. No criticism of the reading at all but I'm not surprised I hadn't heard it before - like the one about the Maze you don't often hear (also poor). Still he did write some cracking stuff. You can't win 'em all. Just my opinion. ;)
Lots of associations here. Man with a bag on his head, Bagman. A Morris dancing side has a bagman who is an enforcer of discipline making sure people are where they're meant to be...
"I know authors who use subtext - they are all cowards, especially M R James"
Garth Marhengi, probably:)
M r James having a rambl e..Bro..
I am struggling with the speed of speech on this one so will butt oot.
NOT A criticism, just me.
ALL kind wishes x
I tried it twice but I couldn't get through this one. It's like you forget to breath and talk faster.
Sorry.
@@ClassicGhost That's okay, every time you upload something I don't like I just repeat The Room In The Tower.🙂
It's odd because I enjoyed it very much and didn't notice what you mentioned.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...... ty