A View from a Hill | A Ghost Story by M. R. James | A Bitesized Audio Production
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- Опубліковано 3 вер 2020
- When Mr Fanshawe visits his new friend, Squire Richards, he is entranced by the spectacular scenery and determines to explore the countryside. But the binoculars he borrows prove less than ideal for his purpose...
A new, original recording of a classic public domain text, read and performed by Simon Stanhope for Bitesized Audio.
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Montague Rhodes James (1862-1936) was a medievalist and scholar, and is probably the best known and most celebrated English ghost story writer of the 20th century, although he actually began composing supernatural tales in the late Victorian era, beginning with 'Canon Alberic's Scrap-Book' (1894). He was born in Kent, but spent most of his childhood in Suffolk, a county which features prominently in many of his stories, including perhaps his most famous 'Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. Several of James's protagonists also reflect his own antiquarian interests, with academics and historians featuring regularly. During a long academic career which encompassed several positions at King's College, Cambridge, and Eton College, M. R. James developed a tradition of reading ghost stories aloud to a group of friends, most famously on Christmas eve, and the majority of his stories were first heard in that setting.
'A View from a Hill' first appeared in print in the London Mercury in May 1925, and was subsequently included in the anthology 'A Warning to the Curious and Other Ghost Stories' later the same year.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2020. - Розваги
There is something soothing , magnetic and spine-chilling in M.R. James stories at the same time . A quiet and temperate life in old Victorian mansions, glum and lovely English nature and The Darkness that lurks around every corner. The extreme frightening and unexpected things happen routinely , with no sense of a fairy-tale, just like if it was a reliable eyewitness account .In these stories everything literally rustles .Every tree, old tombstone , even field glasses are fraught with peril.
Agreed. Also an imaginative range of bogies, and heroes who are not idealized English gentry. The actors are frequently rude, crossgrained, eccentric, awkward, cowardly, or self-absorbed. I feared our narrator and the Squire might come to blows at one point.😄
BTW, can we appreciate the extra effort Mr Stanhope puts into the display screens for these stories? Dunno if they are illustrations from the original publication, or more likely stock photo sepia-ed up with the author's cameo inset. Or maybe SS got an ordinance map and some binox and photographed them himself. Anyhow, always tasteful and appropriate for the text.
Simon Stanhope's inflections and characterisations are second to none. My absolute favourite reader.
Thank you so much Archibald, I really appreciate your kind comments! Also, thank you for your channel membership - I hope you see the membership updates which I post on the community tab, I know some people can't access them on certain devices, which is a shame as it's my only way of communicating with members at the moment (other than by replying to individual comments). Thanks for your support anyway. Best wishes
Can't wait to get into bed, turn out the lights and meander into a wonderland of mystery.
Do that right know
Sounds like when i was first married!
With head phones on aswell, sitting by a glowing fire and candle light, listening to a really good ghost stories, narratoredby a actor with lovely story telling and listening voice, drifting into your own little fantasy world,what more could you want?
I almost watched this immediately.
Then I thought - no, I’m going to save this for tonight when I can really savor it.
Listening to it during the day would be like gobbling down a gourmet dinner in my car.
Thanks Chris. Hope you enjoy whenever you listen!
Getting settled in to listen, right now.
I could have read this story myself and been merely satisfied - but why settle for that when you make it come alive in all it’s eerie glory?
Thank you!
You're most welcome, glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your kind words
I've got to ask, what exactly is so wrong with, "gobbling down a gourmet dinner in my car," the single best meal that I've had in my entire life was in the back of a caravan in the Scottish Highlands.
Whatever you like; wherever you can get it.
But I digress.
I’ve actually never heard this story as an audio, but I love the tv adaptation. I can’t get enough M.R. James! I bought you 3 coffees as a way or showing my sincere appreciation!
Thank you so much for your kind support Angela, it's hugely appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the story - I've more M. R. James planned for future uploads!
Wonderful! You’ve got such a good voice for MR James. It’s a niche few can fit. Love this.
Thank you A S, good of you to say so, appreciated. Thanks for listening
Thank you so much. Just discovered your channel and I'm having to resist the temptation to binge listen.
Welcome! Thanks for listening Beth, I hope you enjoy...
Dear Simon , you have a gift for giving of yourself to others . I really appreciate listening to the stories you choose to tell . This particular one shall give myself a really delightful reason to just sit down quietly and enjoy . Bless your dear heart , you're a real treasure . 💝
Very kind of you Christine, thank you!
Enjoy these mysteries they are great thanks for sharing
It is indeed a tale by the Master , and it was impeccably retold ,as always by your good self , I am indebted to you, many many thanks RNK.
Appreciate your kind words Bob, thank you!
A few of his stories were made into movies: *A Warning to the Curious* scared the hair off me & I won't watch it anymore; however, I loved *The Stalls of Barchester* & watched it many times; also, *Lost Hearts* is one of my favorites
Yes indeed, the majority of the BBC series 'A Ghost Story for Christmas' has been made up of M. R. James stories, including the three you mention. I've done readings of 'Barchester' and 'Warning to the Curious', but haven't got around to 'Lost Hearts' as yet. I hope to do some more M. R. James in the future. The four I've recorded so far are collected on a playlist, which I'll add to as and when: ua-cam.com/play/PLi95qAoufCZJNKedIOCTyWlvJTmG0ku2o.html
I see from the reply that this was the Good Old Beeb. I grew up with them. Bit sad what happened to that once wonderful institution- but fully appreciate how equally wonderful it is that our reader can entertain us so wonderfully without 'em. Bravo!
The more recent Mark Gatiss version of The Tractate Middoth is very good in my opinion .
Now I have to read that one too. A Warning to the Curious!
Possibly the best of them all, is the atmospheric, “ O Whistle My Lad”, made for the TV in the 1960s.
It is perhaps just a little old fashioned for todays sophisticated viewers, but worth watching, but of course, just about all of them are best read, “When the wind is high, but chiefly in the month of February”!
This particular story is also very good….
Best narrator ever, and great accents. Becoming a member.
Another one by the master of ghost stories (well up there with E.F. Benson for me) masterfully read. Read doesn't really do you credit a view (not a pun would be lousy if pun-like at all) I believe I have expressed here often. Also: I belong to at least 3 M. R. James societies(fan clubs, something like that) and this story is so underrated and unappreciated. I am not of that vi..opinion at all. So thanks for that as well as everything else. I do love the story, the choice, the voice. Perfect too as where I'm at we're back in partial lock-down. I just know this will keep me sane.
@HerrCrankzy Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated. I agree this is a rather underrated/overlooked one, glad to know you enjoyed it. Sorry to hear about your local lockdown... do hope it eases up soon!
@HerrCrankzy I agree . I happen to really like the subtlety of this story and it's nice to know it has other fans.
Definitely! For me Benson and James lead the genre - beautifully constructed chilling tales.
Ok, can’t wait till bedtime. Sharing my feather pillow with my iPhone. Thank you Mr. Stanhope. 😌
You're welcome... hope it didn't keep you up! Thanks for listening
I just heared a documentary about the recordings of the Germarns of voices and accents of English war prisoners in world war I. And now rediscovered by a modern english Linguist and even played to the families of these soldiers today in their home area. A wonderfull impression about how ordinary people in this aera realy spoke. A real teeasure. I only wish it were made under happier circumstances. I could hardly stand the thought how the poor lads must have felt when they were recorded right then and how homesick they must have been...
Magnificent!! So well performed and a brilliantly written tale as well. Frightened me thoroughly!
What an amazing talent this narrator has to make this excellent story come to life! I stumbled across it in search of a short story to keep me company while I was ironing. After listening for just a few minutes I turned off the iron, and turned my attention to the story. Terrific, in the word's truest meaning. Thank you so much for the best 50 minutes I had in a long time. I shall be looking for other stories, not just when I am ironing, but for the pure pleasure of it. And oh yes, of course I will subscribe!
Wonderful, thank you! I'm so glad you found the channel and enjoyed the story. Thank you so much for subscribing, and for taking the time to make such a lovely comment, it's hugely appreciated.
So nice to see this at the end of a rough week. I got a nice glass of wine, put my feet up and took IMHO a well-deserved break nice break. I find this story has kinship with The Mezzotint and The Rose Garden. They creep up on you, in a very good way. Thanks so much.
Wonderful, thanks Angela - glad you enjoyed it.
This narrator is so perfect and easy to listen to
Thanks Janet, appreciated
I love my Bitesized audios!! Simon is top shelf. Pay attention you tube.
Just found you wow 😮 I’m blown away thank you 🙏🏻 good evening for a story ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wonderful, glad you found your way here! Thanks for listening
Simply marvellous! The reading is superb,flawless.
Look forward to watching / listening to more such classic Ghost stories
Thanks and regards
Really enjoyable rendition.
I do find a certain sameness to a number of MR James' stories - old scholar unearths (deliberately or otherwise) some old relic/document or other, which sets off a chain of events which generally do not end well for someone.
But this one has always stood out for me. 😊
a new one!! you made my entire weekend 😇😇😇
Glad to help! Thanks Foof y
It's taken me all day to listen to this for one reason or another. Simon you are a master of voices!
Thank you Catharine, very kind of you to say so!
mr james is one of my top favs. so thank you so much.
You're welcome, thanks for listening
@ Bitty Bitty💓😸hello luv!
Let be these stories. Narrator’s voice is mesmerising and confidential😌
Glad you enjoy them, thank you for your kind feedback!
Bedtime , lights out and going to some other dimension before sleep comes which brings me also to Another dimension . Thank you so much 💜
Wonderful! Thanks Patrick
Your voice acting and James’ stories are the perfect combination.
Like this guys voice, so important to make the story work
Appreciate your kind feedback, thank you
Under the duvet. Lights off. Hoorah x
Very atmospheric! Thanks Annette
When I first came across these Bitesized Audio Classics I though some unscrupulous individual had uploaded a collection of commercial horror CD’s.
You're doing a man's work, Simon. This one was especially good.
Top drawer!
Thanks Neal, appreciated. Yes, all my own work! Glad you've enjoyed them, thanks for your support
Wow wow wow wow. What an ingenious story! Great plot and character development. And, as with all the stories you've recorded, the incredible bejeweled prose of the era. Even better is your brilliant story telling, with all its voices and rhythms and tones. Though it is a terrifying story, I smile and smile at the combined artistry. What a gift! Thank you!!!
What a lovely comment, thank you so much Barbara! Best wishes to you
This was one of my favorites!
Just marvellous, thank you!
Beautiful prose beautifully read. Thank you so much for your choice of M R James and your perfect rendering.
I am impressed those who have the intrepidity to listen to your M R James readings in bed and in darkness! I'd be inclined to sleep with the lights on after having my blood so effectively chilled :)
I luv this story & TY for posting it here
What an interesting concept! Great read, as always. Many thanks! 🙏
When I can't sleep at night your channel is the best medicine,thank you for all your hard work on your wonderful stories , your such a excellent story teller, once again your well thought of xx
Just discovered this channel and I can already tell I'm in for something good! Thank you sir!!!
Wonderful, thanks for listening - hope you enjoy.
How well read this is, M.R.J cannot fail but the narrator's voice makes or breaks it! Thank you, have subbd.
Sooo good! I enjoyed it very much!
these are a real treat . thank you !!!
Thanks Julia, glad to know you enjoy them
Love this !!!
Fabulous! Another great reading of a James story. What could be better, with the curtains drawn and a cup of tea? Do please read Count Magnus at some point!
Thanks GradKat. I'll add the Count to my (now rather long) list. Spoilt for choice with M. R. James, definitely planning more from him in the future
Fantastic as always. Great to hear you narrate more M R James. Thanks
@randon UK person You're most welcome, appreciate your kind comments. Yes, plenty more James on my list
I have listened to every video you have made. Love them so much.
That's lovely to know, thank you!
Thank you, your reading is really enjoyable, and the story really kept my interest.
Wonderful, thanks Leslie
Excellent! I also wish I’d listened to it tonight when in bed 👍👍
Thanks a lot for your superb work!
You're most welcome! Thanks so much for your kind support
Deep, deep joy! Another absolute treat!! 👍
Thanks Bob!
Very good story and I am grateful to your channel for hours of enjoyment. Thank you👍🏻
You're welcome, thanks Randi
Never thought anyone would ever do it as well as Michael Hordern!!
Extremely flattered by the comparison, I'm a huge fan of Michael Hordern! Many thanks. I've heard a few of his M. R. James narrations in the past, they are wonderful.
It's interesting to hear the original, having become more used, over time, to the televised version. The relationship between Fanshawe and the Squire and the Squire and his butler are very differently portrayed and, I think, more effective in the original story. I love the TV version but this was better.
Thanks (again 😊)
Yes, it's been a while since I saw the TV adaptation but I recall they changed quite a few things, including those relationships... not really sure why. In particular I seem to remember that the character of Fanshawe came across as rather grumpy and/or irritable, or maybe that was just my impression. But I think the story loses something by not having that cordial (but at the same time not deep or long standing) friendship at the heart of it. Good cast though. Anyway, thanks for listening and taking the time to comment, much appreciated
I would like to know the name of the TV series, I have never seen it
@Janet Caterina It wasn't exactly a series, but the BBC in the 1970s produced a number of one-off TV films each year under the umbrella title of 'A Ghost Story for Christmas' - most of them were M. R. James adaptations, but they also adapted Dickens ('The Signal-man') and some others I think but it was discontinued after a few years. 'A View from a Hill' wasn't part of that original run, but the 'Ghost Story for Christmas' idea was revived in the early 2000s and this story was adapted as the Christmas 2005 offering. They've done a few more since, but not every year sadly.
Janet, you can find them in a search on UA-cam, on the BFI Web site (subscription membership required) or you can buy dvds from BFI with two or three of the programmes on each. The Charles Dickens Signalman is particularly creepy.
A wonderfully story, superbly read and recorded!
Thanks Adrian, appreciate your feedback
Excellent reading of one of my favourite James stories.
Thanks David, kind of you to say so! Glad you enjoyed it.
Gonna try to listen to this again tonight. Started to listen last night, but the narrators voice is so mellifluous it lulled me to sleep. I really like these narrations. Thanks for posting!
Second time lucky! Thanks for listening, appreciate your feedback
Thank-you, I really enjoyed your reading of this x
Thanks Lynda. I do like this one, a spooky summer ghost story
Scary as always from M.R.James thank you for reading it so well
You're most welcome Barbara, thanks for your kind comments
Love it. Symon's very good BBC's pronunciation is exhausting for a Hampshire hog's way of speaking. Helps take me back to times gone - not that they were good for us lower classes.
I saved this all day
Thanks!
Excellent story and superb narration
The dehydrator is loaded, the tea is steeping and I'm ready for story time.
Sounds perfect. Thanks J Turtle
Perhaps a rehydrator may be more suitable for you, with your tea. Are you an American by any chance?
Always excellent!
Thanks Scout Rifle
Thank you!
Aaahhh, one of my favourites - the BBC did a great version of this a few years back.
M.R.James at his finest.
Thank you as always, beautifully narrated, characterisation and atmosphere.
Thanks Andy, appreciated
@@BitesizedAudio I think Cadbury should use your voice in their 'Darkmilk' chocolate ads
I shall make myself available should they wish to get in touch!
@@BitesizedAudio Make sure they pay cash not creme eggs !
Thank you
Just stumbled upon this wonderful UA-cam channel.... awesome 👍. You have a new subscriber. Perfect for my bedtime stories. I'm going to be listening to all to catch up....it's going to take a while and well enjoyed.
Excellent, thanks for listening - and subscribing!
Excelente audio.
Thank you..😃🌟
So well narrated really enjoyed the story Thankyou
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening
Quite good!
Brilliant.
Beautifully read.♡♡♡♡♡
Thanks Virginia, very kind of you to say so
Thank you 😊
Fantastic work, Simon
Thank you!
wow, ive been out the loop for a while, hasn't your channel grown!! Autumn is here and you are a welcome companion while I work, nice to be back! Gx
Hello Giselle, how lovely to hear from you. I do hope you've been well over the last few difficult months... welcome back!
@@BitesizedAudio yes..just busy witchin 😏 .you know me 🌹...you are my perfect companion over winter ...time for some witchy books ??? 😏..xx
I am settling into bed in an old villa I an isolated part of the south of France. It’s the perfect place to listen to this, apart from a similar location in the UK obviously!
Sounds wonderful! Thanks Missy
Not feeling my best today, thank you for this.🇨🇦
Sorry to hear that but hope you feel better soon. Thanks for listening
What a superb reading of a wonderful James story! I've listened to it several times now, having read the story itself at least twice, but some time ago. Your rendering of the dialogues and the register of the different voices is just the best! On a par with the great Michael Hordern, if you don't mind me saying.
Thank you Lisa for your lovely comment. I don't mind at all being bracketed with Michael Hordern, I'm extremely flattered! He was a familiar face and voice on television and film when I was growing up. So glad you enjoyed this story, I've more M. R. James planned for future recordings...
@@BitesizedAudio May I also request a story from the pen of Herbert Russell Wakefield whom I've just discovered?! I read "The Frontier Guards" last night and was stunned by it!
@Lisa Adams Hello Lisa, I'm so sorry not to have replied sooner, sometimes I don't get a notification of replies to comments. I'd love to read some H. Russell Wakefield, but unfortunately his work isn't in the public domain as he only died in 1964... under UK law copyright remains until 70 years after the author's death; the rules in the USA are different and some of his early - pre-1926 - stories may be in the US public domain, but it's a bit of a grey area. I'll look into it further and see what might be possible. Thanks so much for your suggestion.
I waited thru hot summer days just for evenings like this- cooler weather fitting for my flannel jammies, this radio program and my dogs asleep at my feet! Ahhhh..
Sounds very cosy! Thanks Claire
Great job on the southwest accent! Love this story!
Thank you!
Hello Simon. Hope you could add some details on what is a Borgia box? Nothing on Google.
“A view from a Hill”
A ghost story by M.R. James
Borgia box 6:22
I believe it's a reference to the 15th/16th century Borgia family, Pope Alexander VI and his children, Cesare and Lucrezia, who allegedly used a spring-loaded poisoned needle to assassinate their enemies. Darroll and Rosemary Pardoe produced some useful notes for several M. R. James stories in their publication 'Ghosts and Scholars', some of which can be found online, and this was one of the points they referenced. I hope that's helpful!
@@BitesizedAudio I’m delighted to have discovered your channel. Compliments to the audio production facilities. My first FCC license in 1961, broadcast radio 30 years. Much appreciate the attention to details. Tom.
Yea I like this story nice one
Glad, thanks Johnny
“Let be” should be love💋
How does one send you a tenner or so to say "thanks!" for all this? Thanks anyway 😉
Appreciate you asking, thank you! There are a couple of ways depending on what suits you best. I have a "Buy Me A Coffee" account if you would like to make a one-off or occasional contribution, at this link: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
Alternatively, you can become a channel member, for a regular payment at various levels, from $1 (or £1) per month, and in return for which you can get various benefits such as advance preview access to new stories and insider news updates. That's available via the Join button underneath any of the videos, or at this link:
ua-cam.com/channels/wLSA3pDeSve120Pu9NaNyw.htmljoin
Best wishes, and thanks for listening
Now I can have another delightful night.
Your regional accents are charming enough that I wish you'd do some readings wholly in them, as a change from the BBC accent.
Thank you Nutwatch. I'd be interested to do that, if I can find a suitable story (and accent!). I have a couple of possibles on my list, I'll give it some thought
@@BitesizedAudio Great!!
Nice😀👍
Thank you!
Are any of your readings, in your style, available as audiobooks that I can purchse? ( like from an audiobook service).
You can purchase from Bandcamp.
Story time !!!
Thanks for listening!
♥️♥️♥️🙏🏽
Good evening, dear friend.Thank you for uploading.I'm listening now.Sheer joy.Greetings from Moscow, Russia.🇷🇺
By the way, what's your name?
Thanks for listening Natalya. Hopefully if you made it through to the end of the reading you'll know by now, but my name is Simon. Best wishes to you
@@BitesizedAudio Dear Simon, good morning.Sometimes it is not so simple to reach the end of the book.But we try every day.
By the way, what are you reading now yourself?
Have a fantastic weekend.
Greetings from Moscow, Russia.🇷🇺
Like ghost stories.
Is this actually your own reading of this?
It is indeed, yes...
Perfect entertainment for Hallowe'en! Thank you
Thanks for listening Christy
Fantastic another M.R. James story well done. I recently purchased M.R. James ghost stories book after hearing them all on audio books over the years, I felt the need to fully understand these well written stories.
PS: Always looking forward to new one in the future.
Thanks Space Hound. More coming soon(ish)...
I wish the reading wasn't so affected.
The narrator's voice has me feeling disinterested so it's a thumb's down for me .
It would be a dull world indeed, if we all enjoyed the same things.
Thank you 😊