"The Underbody" by Allison V. Harding / A HorrorBabble Production

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  • Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
  • "The Underbody" is a short story by the American author, Allison V. Harding. The story first appeared in Weird Tales in November 1949, and was described as follows: “A thing that was not a man, yet could not be anything else…”
    The AVH playlist: • Allison V. Harding
    00:00 - Introduction
    01:10 - One
    23:04 - Two
    46:21 - Further Listening
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    Narrated by Ian Gordon for HorrorBabble
    Music and production by Ian & Jennifer Gordon
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    This is an ORIGINAL HorrorBabble Production.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 114

  • @thetwitchywitchy
    @thetwitchywitchy Рік тому +9

    That was a great story :) I did feel the whole “parents don’t ever listen to their kids” theme was a bit too heavy handed for me just in the dialogue between the doctor and his son in the beginning, but i’m glad that didn’t stop me from listening to the rest of the story, it definitely got much better than I expected :)

  • @loganlogon3720
    @loganlogon3720 Рік тому +54

    This one really hit hard, you weren't kidding about Harding being underrated. Hope to see/hear more of her work in the future.

  • @VictorReynolds
    @VictorReynolds Рік тому +7

    Harding took a parent’s worst nightmare and wove it into a great story. This was the “stranger danger” theme long before it became a household phrase.

  • @Kneon_Knight
    @Kneon_Knight Рік тому +2

    Ms. Harding is extremely talented and skilled at finding the very things that will set your nerves on edge.

  • @Hinzmana
    @Hinzmana Рік тому +6

    This was tough.

  • @spicynoodleman
    @spicynoodleman Рік тому +35

    The real horror in this story are the characters refusing to give their kids the stranger danger talk

    • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
      @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 Рік тому +6

      The story was written in the 1940s, gotta keep that in mind. Parenting was very different back then in some ways.

    • @trilllllify
      @trilllllify Рік тому +6

      I swear, I was screaming at the father the whole time!

    • @Laura-td7fj
      @Laura-td7fj Рік тому +4

      I was thinking excuse me, sir but you just found a dead body in a field. Don't just go back to examining old ladies with arthritis. Call the police.

    • @Boogie_the_cat
      @Boogie_the_cat 8 місяців тому

      ​@@EndOfSmallSanctuary97yeah. In some ways. As in, parents had to actually talk to their kids about birds and bees, instead of shoving that responsibility onto teachers in their schools.
      Parenting was definitely different back then.
      On the negative side, back then it was also completely normal to smack your kids\spouse around, and all the neighbors would just pretend it was none of their business + shizz.

    • @toslo24
      @toslo24 7 місяців тому

      I couldn't understand why the doctor did not admit the truth to the police officer neighbour and warn everyone. I hated his character so much for that!

  • @elevers
    @elevers Рік тому +5

    Bit of a 'Pet Semetary' vibe with the father's grief. Great work as always.

  • @donaldmccleary9015
    @donaldmccleary9015 Рік тому +4

    Another great work by AVH. Her works are incredible. I thank you for opening my eyes to her great stories.
    Being a father, this one is sad and hits home. I higged my kids a little tighter after hearing this.
    I like how the fathers were there for each other in their tough moments.
    Mr. Mole is a being of absolute evil!
    Great job, as always! Thanks!

  • @appalachianamerican7171
    @appalachianamerican7171 Рік тому +3

    Unbelievably dark and creepy tale, more please

  • @JH-nf9in
    @JH-nf9in Рік тому +28

    The absolute dread this story made me feel. Top notch narration, as usual. I can’t remember what I used to do at bedtime before I found this channel!

  • @CrowSkeleton
    @CrowSkeleton Рік тому +6

    ...and the moral of this tale is that age-appropriate explanation > lying to kids. Brr.
    Well read, sir: we could all tell what was coming but you built up the dread in there admirably.

    • @tuomasronnberg5244
      @tuomasronnberg5244 Рік тому +8

      The real monster here was the dads who were unwilling to communicate with their sons. A simple "this mole man guy? He has ill intentions, if you see him then run away and fetch me" would have gone a long way.

  • @cobrachicken07
    @cobrachicken07 Рік тому +15

    More Allison V. ? Yes please! This has been the best week. Thanks for the work you do!

  • @bluegreenglue6565
    @bluegreenglue6565 Рік тому +5

    Dang. Very grim and appalling, but so very well done. Thank you very much for sharing this tale. I can not wait for the return of the Damp Man!

  • @ninawalker4453
    @ninawalker4453 5 місяців тому

    That was Absolutely Brilliant . I will never forget that story . Probably one of the most scariest stories ive ever heard ... Thank you 🙏

  • @trilllllify
    @trilllllify Рік тому +36

    Perhaps the most easily avoidable tragic ending I've ever heard of in one of these stories.

    • @duncangriffiths4399
      @duncangriffiths4399 Рік тому +4

      Right!?

    • @scottbubb2946
      @scottbubb2946 Рік тому +3

      It's like the part in Dracula where Lucy's mom takes the garlic away.

    • @andreeal6822
      @andreeal6822 Рік тому +2

      @@scottbubb2946 that one was so infuriating, but then again, she didn't know. Communication and forewarning are often an issue in such stories, i have noticed.

    • @Frenchblue8
      @Frenchblue8 Рік тому +9

      ​@@andreeal6822 why didn't he stress over and over Jamie was to stay inside, if he'd only told him the truth, told Jamie and Amanda what has happened, what had happened to Eddie and what was going on and where he was going and to have them stay right there, get a police officer to stay with them, goodness! I always take issue when such obvious, sensible things aren't done.

    • @donaldmccleary9015
      @donaldmccleary9015 Рік тому +1

      Agree

  • @puparn93
    @puparn93 Рік тому +9

    I could see the ending before it happened but it still hit like a train wreck. I have a young son. This one, the dread was very real for me.

    • @allmight9840
      @allmight9840 Рік тому +5

      I feel you friend. Makes me want to take them to work to keep them safe, well safer than in the wild with creatures like Mr Mole

  • @XadrumLtd
    @XadrumLtd Рік тому +3

    Wow, you're not wrong about Harding being underrated, this was fantastic. Thanks for introducing me to her work. Might have to see if there is a collection to add to my book list.

  • @yevonator88
    @yevonator88 Рік тому +4

    Wow, Allison does it again. Not a word wasted in her stories as they all build to a climax that leaves you fearful, excited, and in absolute dread.

  • @0therun1t21
    @0therun1t21 Рік тому +2

    I'm psyched for this! It's bedtime, chores are done and my kitty is right here. Hope everyone is having a good night, thank you Ian!
    Sent to a friend who takes orders from the mole in tbe wall. 😆

  • @styersferryevanpugh2748
    @styersferryevanpugh2748 Рік тому +4

    One of the most original horror concepts I’ve heard in awhile. So good. Thank you for all of your amazing work on this channel as well!

  • @Aroundthesquarebowl
    @Aroundthesquarebowl Рік тому +2

    Thank you

  • @OhWell0
    @OhWell0 Рік тому +4

    Wow. I usually avoid stories that contain endings like this one. But Harding wrote the worst thing that can happen to a person in a respectful manner.

  • @Slapdab
    @Slapdab Рік тому +2

    Now this is top quality.

  • @rosemarycornwall5162
    @rosemarycornwall5162 Рік тому +2

    Excellent!

  • @mauricedavis2160
    @mauricedavis2160 Рік тому +2

    Horror at it's best, as always Sir, thank you!!!🙏👌👻❣️

  • @benwrigley6176
    @benwrigley6176 Рік тому +3

    thank you for introducing me to Harding. Had no idea.

  • @ProjectTenva
    @ProjectTenva Рік тому +19

    Of all her stories so far this was the darkest, most disturbing and probably the best. The creeping sense of helpless dread was masterfully executed. Great narration as always Ian!

    • @ElderJack-ye7sb
      @ElderJack-ye7sb 5 місяців тому

      Helpless? They didn't even attempt to avoid tragedy at every opportunity.

  • @niriop
    @niriop Рік тому +6

    Truly excellent, with a genuinely unique and creepy concept.

    • @Eris123451
      @Eris123451 Рік тому +1

      I agree and that was why it was such a strong and enjoyable tale, I really thought it was going to end much better than it actually did.

    • @niriop
      @niriop Рік тому +1

      @@Eris123451 Yes, it feels like it ends in the middle.

  • @anitapage4559
    @anitapage4559 Рік тому +1

    Whoa!! That was an excellent story! It will be a long time before I step into a mud puddle without trepidation and fear of "Mr Mole"! A new and more terrifying "Boogy Man" that I will never acknowledge to anyone the Boogy Man doesn't exist .. right?
    It's raining outside...

    • @mwanney8785
      @mwanney8785 Рік тому

      All sorts of things come up when the soil gets damp...

  • @libertycowboy2495
    @libertycowboy2495 Рік тому +2

    I'm a dad so this one hit HARD.

  • @mikehunt2162
    @mikehunt2162 Рік тому +1

    The stories have been absolutely amazing this week! Even though you know the ending, it was executed so terribly and smoothly that it didn't matter. It doesn't get better than this!

  • @tishahouse846
    @tishahouse846 Рік тому +1

    Listening from the ukwales❤

  • @SueCooke
    @SueCooke Рік тому +3

    Thanks

  • @justicepie314
    @justicepie314 Рік тому +1

    Great story! Great reading!

  • @ScullyPopASMR
    @ScullyPopASMR Рік тому +3

    I so look forward to your uploads.

  • @AppliedCryogenics
    @AppliedCryogenics Рік тому +5

    This story is excellent. I think I have a new entry to my top five favorite weird tales.

  • @kristinacable
    @kristinacable 2 місяці тому +1

    Well done!

  • @blurryface9597
    @blurryface9597 10 місяців тому +1

    This is a gem of a tale. Thanks for the great narration!

  • @onieyoh9478
    @onieyoh9478 Рік тому

    Very much looking forward to The Damp Man Returns.

  • @thefisherking78
    @thefisherking78 Рік тому +2

    Damn, that was really good!

  • @boneman-calciumenjoyer8290
    @boneman-calciumenjoyer8290 Рік тому +3

    Wait, "the damp man returns"?
    What happened? Did summer set him free from his cold fate?

  • @cozyhorror
    @cozyhorror Рік тому

    I was like 1000! Lovely hearing another British horror narrator on yt. Subbed!

  • @Eris123451
    @Eris123451 Рік тому +1

    A great story.

  • @phoenixjames6126
    @phoenixjames6126 Рік тому +2

    A harrowing and fantastic story. My god what a tale.

  • @0_dearghealach_083
    @0_dearghealach_083 Рік тому

    Hoooouuuugggghhhh... How unsettling! It makes me imagine a Trevor Henderson monster!
    Well-narrated!!

  • @lindaloe
    @lindaloe 4 місяці тому

    Terrific Story!!

  • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
    @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 Рік тому +5

    Damn, this story was pretty disturbing and unsettling, the ending gave me chills. Didn't expect the story to get so dark, considering that the other two Harding stories had more hopeful endings.

  • @mauricedavis2160
    @mauricedavis2160 Рік тому

    Horror Babble, you called it, truly exceptional writing of genre indeed, thank you Sir a million times!!!🙏👌👻❣️

  • @bobbymarcum772
    @bobbymarcum772 Рік тому +2

    What is the folklore associated with the Mr. MOLE? It reminds me somewhat of Robert Howard's Picts and underworld races of fairies but digging UP to snatch children was a new one on me

  • @calliesoutherland9435
    @calliesoutherland9435 Рік тому +2

    Just what my weary mind needed. Thank you so much. I have been loving these tales.

  • @alexdavies7394
    @alexdavies7394 Рік тому +4

    Another great story brought vividly to life by Ian Gordon. Thanks for adding this.

  • @paulcateiii
    @paulcateiii Рік тому +3

    great stories this week - thanks Ian

  • @lizziejordan-seeley4786
    @lizziejordan-seeley4786 Рік тому +2

    anyone else get an "x-files" vibe from this.....could imagine this being updated

    • @MisterBones2910
      @MisterBones2910 10 місяців тому

      Yeah, I could totally see Mulder digging the kid out at the end after figuring it out at the last moment and actually managing to save him in an episode of the show.

    • @tishie42
      @tishie42 10 місяців тому

      The Ubermensch episode. I loved that one.

  • @Lacoleccionistamisterios
    @Lacoleccionistamisterios Рік тому +2

    A great story and not a happy one. I like this author very much, Alison has all the ingredients of the great horror storytellers . Thanks once more

  • @infowars.com.fakenews8663
    @infowars.com.fakenews8663 Рік тому

    Something different.... 10/10

  • @draketeeth8004
    @draketeeth8004 4 місяці тому

    Yet another story about why open communication is important.

  • @1701EarlGrey
    @1701EarlGrey Рік тому +1

    You hardly ever hear about this author. Surprisingly griping and good story. Is there a sequel or is this stand alone tale. Some streaming service should made anthology from those obscure horror tales.

  • @rosiemcnaughton9933
    @rosiemcnaughton9933 Рік тому +3

    Now this,...is a horror story! Thanks!

  • @cleoldbagtraallsorts3380
    @cleoldbagtraallsorts3380 Рік тому +1

    Superbly creepy.

  • @lordtachanka903
    @lordtachanka903 Рік тому +3

    UA-cam has been hiding your uploads from me and not showing them in my subscription feed, I thought you went on hiatus but apparently it was just UA-cam being mean to your channel. Great work as always Ian! You’re one of, if not THE best audiobook/short story channels on UA-cam! Much love as always.

  • @SueCooke
    @SueCooke Рік тому +1

    Oooooo, bloomin' marvellous 😮
    Thank you Ian.
    Hope you and Jen aren't having too many sleepless nights! All the best 😊

  • @soulreaver1983
    @soulreaver1983 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for another outstanding video to enjoy many thanks Ian 🙂👍

  • @rneustel388
    @rneustel388 Рік тому

    Sad, sad story 😢

  • @sandcat66
    @sandcat66 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely brilliant

  • @AcornElectron
    @AcornElectron Рік тому +3

    “Apprehensive as I was, I was nevertheless unprepared for the words which came up from that uncanny vault in accents more alarmed and quivering than any I had heard before from Harley Warren. He who had so calmly left me a little while previously, now called from below in a shaky whisper more portentous than the loudest shriek:
    “Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe!” ….”

    • @Eris123451
      @Eris123451 Рік тому +1

      Howard Phillips Lovecraft (August 20, 1890 - March 15, 1937) is best remembered as the inventor of HP Sauce, that popular condiment which bears his initials, (still being made to his original recipe; from tomatoes, tamarind extract and an ichor obtained from the putrefying flesh of human corpses; which gives it a distinctive smell and a deep brown color) He was also was an American writer of weird, science, fantasy, and horror fiction.
      Erispeadia

  • @teslastellar
    @teslastellar Рік тому +1

    Great story 👍 Thanks for the narration 🙂💕

  • @sonnetlikely
    @sonnetlikely Рік тому

    Great tale!!many thanks and hope all is well with your recovery and the move, etc!!

  • @dennisdanielson5561
    @dennisdanielson5561 Рік тому +18

    Even though my kids are older, this story has left me with the visceral weight of powerlessness sting will linger. These recent stories have definitely given me a deeper appreciation of Harding's work. Excellent narration as always, Ian, & a huge thanks to the HorrorBabble team!

  • @DickGallo-dk7wi
    @DickGallo-dk7wi 4 місяці тому

    Very creepy! 🖤💀🕷🕷🕷

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 Рік тому

    MAD FOR IT 🥸👍

  • @jamesrossiter6319
    @jamesrossiter6319 Рік тому +2

    Could you please read Dio’s lyrics to the song “Stargazer” by Rainbow as a spoken word poem?

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 Рік тому +2

    ❤‍🔥

  • @stephaniestevenson6335
    @stephaniestevenson6335 Рік тому +1

    Definitely a horror story for any parent!

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 Рік тому

    RAVINGS OF AN UNHINGED MIND. 😮

  • @Raao1
    @Raao1 Рік тому

    This needs a movie

  • @sasqetshenkley1190
    @sasqetshenkley1190 Рік тому

    What. The. Actual. Hell... 😵‍💫

  • @PyramidXSlender
    @PyramidXSlender Рік тому +1

    It looks like a mix between an undead, an underground fairie race and a child predator. My idea is this: mr Mole was a man, who's child was killed in the same manner. He followed the previous mr Mole, killed it and then took its place. Mr Moleb is likely a servant of a greater monster. This story is definitely The Buried on the Magnus Archives taxonomy.

  • @skug9bob
    @skug9bob Рік тому +4

    Did people back then think kids were made of glass and would disintegrate if you let them know the world isn't all rainbows and unicorns?

  • @mjrchapin
    @mjrchapin Рік тому +2

    Fascinating story but with no resolution, no 'history' of this, and with the main character, the Doctor, leaving his willful son in the care of n indifferent old lady makes it his fault. The other boy was already dead; abandoning yours to find some monster is on him. I guess we can only conclude that every child in the county and on to other counties, and maybe all of England vanished, because why not?

  • @ginabeena6757
    @ginabeena6757 Рік тому +2

    Oh Lord have mercy, I did NOT enjoy this one. This is true horror, that feeling of your heart stopping when you think your child is in danger. It's bad enough in real life, surely this story is only for child less folks!

  • @Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmjahnee
    @Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmjahnee 3 місяці тому

    You’re a great narrator, and I’ve heard you use a very convincing American accent, I don’t know why you didn’t for this story. Did it not sound strange to you, using old-fashioned American idioms with your British accent? Lol. Was very distracting and I was a bit disappointed, but the story was excellent. I hope you read some of these comments, and, take some constructive criticism. Yes, you are a professional narrator and you do some writing, but some of us are also serious leaders, and probably writers, and we’re just as educated, informed, and knowledgeable about these kind of things. I hope you don’t think you’re above us Because you’re a professional and we are “Just” listeners. And if there are any grammatical or usage errors, it’s because I’m visually impaired and I have to dictate.

    • @HorrorBabble
      @HorrorBabble  3 місяці тому

      I do read comments, and try to respond wherever possible. Regarding using an American accent: I tend to just go with the flow. I don’t overthink it. Sometimes I’m just more comfortable sticking to one accent. As for the rest of your comment, I’ve no idea what you mean! I’m a listener too! Thank you for joining us.

  • @simonbarabash2151
    @simonbarabash2151 Рік тому +1

    meh. suffers from a proto version of the "stupid horror movie characters" trope. Even after the other boy died he didn't take even the most basic precautions

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 Рік тому +1

    YEP THAT'S A HORRIBLE STORY. 4 SURE

  • @lazydog67
    @lazydog67 Рік тому +1

    The inevitability of the denouement was horrible. Well written but horrible.

  • @gotcha4688
    @gotcha4688 Рік тому +1

    What a cool and terrible concept

  • @ElderJack-ye7sb
    @ElderJack-ye7sb 5 місяців тому

    My lord, what a horrible main character. Wont listen to anyone, wont tell anyone anything. "Son too stupid", "Woman too old". I can't even finish listening to be honest.

  • @transamfirebird1
    @transamfirebird1 Рік тому +1

    Excellent
    Loved this one 👍🤠