CASTING THE RUNES - By M.R.James.

“Casting the Runes” is a short story by English writer M.R. James. It was first published in 1911 as the fourth story in More Ghost Stories, James’ second collection of ghost stories. Let’s delve into the eerie tale:
Plot Summary: Mr. Edward Dunning, a researcher for the British Museum, begins experiencing strange occurrences after reviewing “The Truth of Alchemy” by the alchemist and occultist Mr. Karswell. Everywhere he goes, he encounters the name John Harrington. Curious, Dunning learns that Harrington also reviewed Karswell’s work and died in a freak accident shortly afterwards. Dunning and Harrington’s brother uncover a chilling truth: Karswell cursed both men by slipping them a piece of paper inscribed with mysterious runes. The curse, once cast, ensures the bearer’s death within three months. Racing against time, they track down Karswell and manage to return the runes to him. Karswell meets his end the next day, crushed by a stone near St. Wulfram’s Church in Abbeville.
Adaptations:
The 1957 film Night of the Demon (directed by Jacques Tourneur) is an adaptation of this story. The central character is Dr. John Holden, an American psychologist who plans to expose occultist Julian Karswell as a charlatan. However, Holden discovers that Karswell’s powers are real, and he has put a curse on Holden himself.
The story has also been adapted for British television. The 1968 version of the anthology series “Mystery and Imagination” features John Fraser as Dunning and Robert Eddison as Karswell. The 1979 adaptation, titled “Casting the Runes”, stars Jan Francis as Prudence Dunning, a woman who becomes the target of Karswell’s curse.
Story narrated by Chris Halton.
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Introduction music:
Dramatic Atmosphere with Piano and Violin
UNIVERSFIELD
pixabay.com/music/mystery-dra...

[@Lorriann63]

Another great M.R. James story. Thank you, Chris.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness-lp1gu]

Thanks, Lorraine for your feedback!

[@kariwellborn5083]

Another great reading of M.R. James works. You have the perfect voice for reading his works.

[@HauntedTalesofDarkness-lp1gu]

Wow, thank you, Kari!