"Prunes" by C. P. Howard / Horror at the Poles

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  • Опубліковано 25 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 158

  • @HorrorBabble
    @HorrorBabble  10 місяців тому +59

    Regarding the author: everybody loves a good mystery, don't they?!
    It would seem PRUNES wasn't previously published. Apparently the author is still alive, and has several other unpublished works, including at least one other involving the 'watchmen'.
    More to follow.

    • @jdsteppenzyde
      @jdsteppenzyde 10 місяців тому +5

      Good catch, HB! Maybe more newbies soon???

    • @PoffinFresh
      @PoffinFresh 10 місяців тому +5

      I think you are the author.

    • @jdsteppenzyde
      @jdsteppenzyde 10 місяців тому +1

      @@PoffinFresh Ha! I wish.

    • @PoffinFresh
      @PoffinFresh 10 місяців тому +2

      @@jdsteppenzyde I didn’t mean you, I was referring to Mr. Gordon as the author writing under the pen name C.P. Howard.

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 10 місяців тому +4

      I really liked this - it is great Lovecraft and I love the punch line. Would love more CP Howard and more snowy business at the poles. Makes me want more Algernon Blackwood enjoying the outdoors!

  • @joz6683
    @joz6683 10 місяців тому +146

    The last time I was this early, Warren was still alive, 😂

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 10 місяців тому

      Technically Warren is alive still. The one telling us "you fool, Warren is dead" is in fact Warren. Well physically he lives but his soul has been sundered and his body is being piloted. You could say he is in a superposition of alive and dead. Lol

    • @AcornElectron
      @AcornElectron 10 місяців тому +6

      …I do not know what has become of Harley Warren, though I think (almost hope) that he is in peaceful oblivion….

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 10 місяців тому

      @@AcornElectron You can rest, either easy or no, knowing that in the ways that actually matter "Warren is dead". What has become of his commandeered vessel remains a topic of much speculation and will forever be shrouded in mystery

    • @av7501
      @av7501 10 місяців тому +17

      You fool

    • @howardhavardramberg333
      @howardhavardramberg333 10 місяців тому +5

      😂🥶😅🥲

  • @JT_Soul
    @JT_Soul 10 місяців тому +56

    I'm a retired lighthouse cat and my wife is a soul-devouring trans-dimensional aurora being of the polar wastes. We both quite enjoyed this story.

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 10 місяців тому +8

      Dear Mr Fluffypaws, I regret to inform you your colleague and sometime lover, Warren, is dead. Yours sincerely, Ewe Fuel

    • @CountingHouse
      @CountingHouse 10 місяців тому +5

      What a charming couple.

    • @jackdare
      @jackdare 10 місяців тому +5

      Trans-dimensional? Oh man, those never work out because you can't see enough of each other.. literally!

  • @oldsoldier64
    @oldsoldier64 10 місяців тому +37

    As a senior citizen, I clicked on this story with great anticipation

    • @SueCooke
      @SueCooke 10 місяців тому +2

      😂😂😂

    • @taterpussy3825
      @taterpussy3825 10 місяців тому

      As a frequenter of gentleman's clubs, I did as well

    • @Driven2Beers
      @Driven2Beers 10 місяців тому +2

      Does the 64 in your handle denote that you were born in 1964? I was also born that year, but I'll be damned if I'm calling myself a senior! I was a senior in 1982. That summer I graduated high school and I haven't been a senior since! 😁

    • @oldsoldier64
      @oldsoldier64 10 місяців тому +3

      ​@Driven2Beers I am actually 64 years old. (1959) not really a prune fan

  • @BigTuk
    @BigTuk 10 місяців тому +18

    I get the feeling the Cat's diary be like. "Human going crazy. Need help. Should have paid attention to how he opened the food tins."

  • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
    @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 10 місяців тому +12

    This is my favourite of all of the Horror at the Poles stories; deeply atmospheric, claustrophobic and tense. I love the diary format, it feels like an old-fashioned, proto version of "found footage" horror.

  • @kathbaker1550
    @kathbaker1550 10 місяців тому +6

    Lair Island - people who don't have scots/lallans may not be aware that lair is the word for burial place or plot of ground. One can purchase single, double or family lairs in cemeteries :) Thought people might find this interesting?

  • @milkom2021
    @milkom2021 10 місяців тому +10

    I love it. Anything concerning the poles and the sense of isolation and the unknown gives me chills. The howling wind effect was an exquisite touch

  • @michaelkottler
    @michaelkottler 15 днів тому +1

    This well-produced intro to CP Howard is much-appreciated (along with "The Man Who Made Faces"). Excellent again, HB.

  • @cynthiahawkins2389
    @cynthiahawkins2389 9 місяців тому +1

    Whenever I want to escape political rivalry/mud slinging, and derring do..., etc I put on HORROR BABBLE and I am in seconds, transported to another world of mystery, scary events and fantastical narratives. Bravo...

  • @jeffhaley2706
    @jeffhaley2706 10 місяців тому +12

    A very well written story..and great narration as usual Mr. Gordon..thank you and God bless you and anyone reading this..have a good night. 🐧

    • @Boogie_the_cat
      @Boogie_the_cat 10 місяців тому

      Right back atcha, chief. 👍🏽

  • @AcornElectron
    @AcornElectron 10 місяців тому +6

    Whilst I love ‘The Mound’, it’s always comforting to hear these more obscure stories. Especially when there’s a cat involved 😂
    Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe!

    • @lastofthe4horsemen279
      @lastofthe4horsemen279 10 місяців тому

      The Mound and Shadow out of Time are the only two Lovecraft stories l havent read or listened to

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      "The Mound" is, IMO, one of HPL's best, yet I rarely encounter another cosmic horror or related genre fan who's especially keen on "The Mound".

  • @AKKK1182
    @AKKK1182 10 місяців тому +3

    Excellent work by the author, definitely gives off major Lovecraft vibes. And of course a great execution on the narration.

  • @guapodesperado2822
    @guapodesperado2822 10 місяців тому

    Best horror narrator on youtube, no doubt about it.
    Thanks for all you do, spreading these wonderful stories.

  • @Eartse60
    @Eartse60 10 місяців тому +4

    Always listen to the cat!

  • @suzannef138
    @suzannef138 10 місяців тому +3

    Great series, many thanks

  • @keltaruusutravels4024
    @keltaruusutravels4024 10 місяців тому +4

    This story is wonderful. Amazingly talented author. ❤

  • @MrsCaranAmy
    @MrsCaranAmy 10 місяців тому +2

    This was an amazing story tonight. Excellent narration. Thank you very much. 🤗💖🌟

  • @johnnyblaze4546
    @johnnyblaze4546 10 місяців тому +2

    Knocked it outta the park. As usual thanks so much !!!

  • @robbabcock_
    @robbabcock_ 10 місяців тому +2

    Absolutely wonderful! While I do support some creators on Patreon, HorrorBabble is undoubtedly one of the most impactful for my daily life. I listen to something Ian has narrated nearly every day! Thanks for all you do, HB. 👿🧛‍♂🦇🔥👏

  • @robertwalker-smith2739
    @robertwalker-smith2739 10 місяців тому +1

    Kept me rapt until the very end. Didn't know, couldn't guess.
    Another triumph of yours, sir.

  • @1701EarlGrey
    @1701EarlGrey 10 місяців тому +2

    "Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death..." I wonder if George R. R. Martin took an inspiration from it when he thought out "Song of ice and fire" ? After all this story too have watcher, observing frozen wetland where ice-zombie delve... I only wonder why this author and his story is not better known, since this is surprisingly well written, atmospheric tale

  • @brocknyren
    @brocknyren 10 місяців тому +3

    POOR EMERY!! 😭😭💔💔

  • @teslastellar
    @teslastellar 10 місяців тому +1

    Amazing story and narration 👍 Thanks Ian 😊

  • @Lacoleccionistamisterios
    @Lacoleccionistamisterios 10 місяців тому

    Excellent. I love the ambient and the gradually revelation of the truth. Great story and great narrative.

  • @tamlandipper29
    @tamlandipper29 10 місяців тому +1

    A very tidy tale, well anchored by the cat.

  • @GrubbsandWyrm
    @GrubbsandWyrm 10 місяців тому +1

    Not on goodreads. You found a truly hidden gem

  • @soulreaver1983
    @soulreaver1983 10 місяців тому +2

    Many thanks Ian 😎👍

  • @andreasfilis9001
    @andreasfilis9001 10 місяців тому +2

    Well, this was amazing!

  • @thefisherking78
    @thefisherking78 10 місяців тому +13

    These beautifully disturbing stories are helping get me through a dark time of the year and of my life. Thank you as always

    • @jeffhaley2706
      @jeffhaley2706 10 місяців тому +1

      Hope things get better for you and God bless you. Praying always helps me..God is always listening and Jesus loves you

    • @Wombats555
      @Wombats555 10 місяців тому +1

      I love Algernon Blackwood and Clark Ashton Smith to get absolutely lost in. The Willows and The Abominations of Yondo are good starts. The Lovecraft Investigations on BBC Sounds is also possibly the only other media up to HorrorBabble standards :)

  • @Oraphel
    @Oraphel 10 місяців тому +2

    Great suggestive moments of chills. Also some fabulous allusions between the noises heard here and the strange piping in ‘At the Mountains of Madness’. The author had to be privy to Mr. Lovecraft, either on a conscious or unconscious level. And is there a slight allusion to the Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy?
    Much gratitude to you Ian. You bring exposure to these rather talented authors who were once’s forgotten, and that is invaluable.

    • @Tacklepig
      @Tacklepig 10 місяців тому +1

      That "strange piping" in Mountains of Madness was intended by Lovecraft himself to be a reference to a Poe story, so it might also be referencing that.

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      Privy to HPL? Indeed. Consciously, even.

  • @0therun1t21
    @0therun1t21 10 місяців тому +4

    How can I not clixk on something with such a dubios title?
    That was awesome, thanks!

    • @kgreen242424
      @kgreen242424 10 місяців тому +2

      dubious. your welcome. hehehehe

    • @0therun1t21
      @0therun1t21 10 місяців тому

      ​@@kgreen242424You're the author? I love the story! The ice bridge is perfect, and there's no way to stop it.

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      @@0therun1t21 Yep, that was C.P. Howard (the "hehehehe" gave it away)

  • @donaldmccleary9015
    @donaldmccleary9015 10 місяців тому +1

    Awesome story and narration! I absolutely love the plot!
    I had to wait to start this until I finished "The Three Imposters". It is really "short", so I was delayed in listening to this.
    The rhyme towards the end is really neat. That is some great writing. Way to sneak that in there!

  • @kgreen242424
    @kgreen242424 10 місяців тому +5

    The word "Bothy"(probably spelled that wrong) makes me laugh. I don't know why but I AM COLD! "How am i gonna survive the next eight weeks?" Listen to @HorrorBabble

  • @ryanrobison8973
    @ryanrobison8973 9 місяців тому

    Holy crap!!! I absolutely loved this story! I always love lighthouse horror, but this one was so atmospheric and fun to listen to! I really hope this author could possibly get some more unpublished works to you lol!
    Especially the other watchmen one!

  • @KeksosDerGrosse
    @KeksosDerGrosse 10 місяців тому +1

    Great setup and execution, loved every minute of it!

  • @ericbouchard9744
    @ericbouchard9744 10 місяців тому +1

    Nice one Ian, as always

  • @ronaldwilliamson7963
    @ronaldwilliamson7963 10 місяців тому +1

    Unusually clever plot and ending. Better than some of Lovecraft.

  • @jordannewland5848
    @jordannewland5848 10 місяців тому +3

    They did Emory dirty

  • @nathanharper5670
    @nathanharper5670 10 місяців тому +2

    Ian, your reading of "heck" @19:00 is the closest I've ever heard it sound to useful adult profanity. Well done.

  • @Wombats555
    @Wombats555 10 місяців тому +2

    This plus Io the doggy from Night of the Nucklavee = new horror paws expanded universe. Inform Hollywood.

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому +1

      New horror paws. Yes, get Hollywood on the line immediately.

  • @trishbirchard1270
    @trishbirchard1270 10 місяців тому

    Oh, boy!
    This will set the tone of the day!
    🥰

  • @suedavenport8208
    @suedavenport8208 9 місяців тому

    Out with the moisturiser, lol. Fabulous story, beautifully read.

  • @adamwoodhouse7865
    @adamwoodhouse7865 9 місяців тому

    So good as always

  • @blurryface9597
    @blurryface9597 10 місяців тому

    Wow! That was a great story! What a way to end this series! Thank you as always for your fantastic narration!

  • @MrWarbreed02
    @MrWarbreed02 10 місяців тому

    The man who saw the lights was fire bro bro

  • @Soma-dr4jm
    @Soma-dr4jm 10 місяців тому +1

    Great story! I hope little Emery made it…

  • @Boogie_the_cat
    @Boogie_the_cat 10 місяців тому +2

    I enjoyed this one, and Emory the smarty-qat.
    Best New Year wishes to the whole Gordon household (and pets)

  • @iandalzell1226
    @iandalzell1226 10 місяців тому

    It's 0. F degrees here
    So this story is very appropriate for here.
    Thanks again HB

  • @Stratollac
    @Stratollac 10 місяців тому +1

    I love stories based on journals or letters, and this one was highly enjoyable. The ending, unfortunately, was unsatisfying, as was the reveal of the reason for the title. Still, there was much to recommend, and I'll be interested to read/hear other works by the author.

  • @MatthewTheWolf2029
    @MatthewTheWolf2029 10 місяців тому

    Great stuff!

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 10 місяців тому +2

    WOW IAN I DONE THE ZETLAND HOTEL LAST NIGHT AND MY MIND IS MANGLED WHAT A YARN..I MAY BE OK IN A WEEK OR SO......OUTSTANDING. PART 2?

  • @2001Tavis
    @2001Tavis 10 місяців тому +2

    I really really like this story 🥰 it shares the pedestal with Ice Demon .... the only thing that is mystifying is What is King Leer story who ruled the ice island ? 🤔

    • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
      @miarencrowsdaughter6434 10 місяців тому

      That particular spelling is also the German word for 'empty' - kind of fitting for dessication.

  • @anthonybarnwell767
    @anthonybarnwell767 10 місяців тому +4

    Your storys are amazing 😊

  • @ellkat3
    @ellkat3 10 місяців тому +1

    Ooh, this was good! Something about it felt quite Skyrim-y, for lack of a better word 😂

  • @Jirusnightsky
    @Jirusnightsky 10 місяців тому

    This was an excellent story with quite a funny ending :)

  • @consuelaofthenorth4768
    @consuelaofthenorth4768 10 місяців тому +2

    Haven't listened yet, but "Prunes?!" If you ever find a story entitled "Lima Beans," I'm never going to recover! 🤢 Still traumatized from childhood.

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      To which "Lima Beans" tale are you referring? "A Bad Case of Stripes", or...?

  • @Driven2Beers
    @Driven2Beers 10 місяців тому +3

    Prunes are a horror story in themselves. 😝

  • @tomkerruish2982
    @tomkerruish2982 10 місяців тому +3

    Dana Andrews said prunes gave him the runes.

    • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
      @miarencrowsdaughter6434 10 місяців тому +2

      As tarantulas took to the hills...

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      Dana Andrews from Night of the Demon, or...?

    • @tomkerruish2982
      @tomkerruish2982 15 днів тому

      @michaelkottler Yes. My post, however, is a line from the opening song of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

  • @seanmurphy6480
    @seanmurphy6480 10 місяців тому

    THANKS I FEEL A LITTLE BETTER NOW 👍

  • @tishahouse846
    @tishahouse846 10 місяців тому

    Listening from the ukwales ❤

  • @Drifter2025
    @Drifter2025 10 місяців тому +1

    Let's goooo!

  • @camojoe83
    @camojoe83 10 місяців тому +2

    Isn't there another lighthouse story like this?
    I'd take the job, tho. Seems cool.

    • @CJM-rg5rt
      @CJM-rg5rt 10 місяців тому +1

      He's got one where rats attack a lighthouse of three guys, I wish I could remember what it's called.

    • @HorrorBabble
      @HorrorBabble  10 місяців тому +1

      Three Skeleton Key.

    • @camojoe83
      @camojoe83 10 місяців тому +1

      @@HorrorBabble There it is. Thank you!

  • @mortuarycookiezshane4192
    @mortuarycookiezshane4192 10 місяців тому

    Was gonna hold off on listening to this til tomorrow after I get a tooth pulled but it was too tempting

  • @unclevlad3357
    @unclevlad3357 10 місяців тому

    Yep, too many prunes will leave you desiccated.

  • @PoffinFresh
    @PoffinFresh 10 місяців тому +3

    I suspect the narrator is the author. 🤔

  • @awarningtothecuriouswerewolves
    @awarningtothecuriouswerewolves 10 місяців тому

    Minus 20 Celsius! That ain't nothing! It's currently minus 34 Celsius here at the Old Regina Cemetery, where I'm currently vacationing! Warren!

  • @ers5072
    @ers5072 10 місяців тому

    Do you know of any other stories by P.P. Howard? I can find nothing on him. Was this a Weird Tales story. Did he have any novels or other stories in any anthologies? Great story by the way and of course your narration was impeccable as always!

  • @Kitsaplorax
    @Kitsaplorax 10 місяців тому

    I'm surprised that few of these tales have gotten a movie. Three or four of the more obscure tales would make a great anthology movie. Amicus and Hammer, I hope your new studio heads are paying attention.

  • @magnuskallas
    @magnuskallas 10 місяців тому

    It's sounds as if Mr. Bane was deserted at the polar wasteland :)

  • @justicepie314
    @justicepie314 10 місяців тому

    Great story and reading! Cats! Am I right?! Never trust the things...but always trust them. 🤷‍♂ I agree with something someone mentioned previously, it definitely holds some similarities with 'the Night's Watch'. Who inspired who...?

  • @jamesshepherd5805
    @jamesshepherd5805 10 місяців тому

    That ending, damn

  • @JamieAsareZiegler
    @JamieAsareZiegler 7 місяців тому +2

    Unsolicited Advice: Never trust a corporation called The Corporation.

  • @DrBrothBaist
    @DrBrothBaist 10 місяців тому

    Ads? Damn i always liked how these narrations didnt have interpretations.

  • @bigsarge2085
    @bigsarge2085 10 місяців тому +2

  • @fredg.sanford634
    @fredg.sanford634 5 місяців тому

    I am doing night watch duty for a friend of mine at a COMPLETELY deserted industrial park that will be repurposed one of these days. It has an underground tunnel complex that connects every old building in the park to each other. There is an entrance to the tunnels in the decrepit guard shack where my ass is seated.
    I must ensure that the buildings don't burn down and that no one squats in them.
    The tunnels are empty. However, the wind howls through them, and the door in the shack creaks incessantly.
    This was not the best story for me to hear tonight...

  • @maxscherzer9521
    @maxscherzer9521 10 місяців тому +1

    It's odd that the author brought a feline companion with him to the lighthouse. Most people would have brought a pet cat instead.

  • @linnmatthews8615
    @linnmatthews8615 10 місяців тому

    Good story. Abrupt ending. Good endings are hard to write.

  • @lindaloe
    @lindaloe 10 місяців тому

    T
    Terrific!!😂😊!!

  • @madderhat5852
    @madderhat5852 10 місяців тому

    Frozen prunes?

  • @guilledcf1547
    @guilledcf1547 10 місяців тому

    not the electric ones

  • @furtivedolus2504
    @furtivedolus2504 10 місяців тому

    What year was this published?

    • @EndOfSmallSanctuary97
      @EndOfSmallSanctuary97 10 місяців тому +2

      I'm wondering this too. The writing seems slightly more modern in style than the usual 1930s/40s, but I might be wrong.

    • @miarencrowsdaughter6434
      @miarencrowsdaughter6434 10 місяців тому +1

      @@EndOfSmallSanctuary97 The text summary on the click-through says that this recording is the first publication.

  • @patkelly8309
    @patkelly8309 10 місяців тому

    Boss

  • @Padoinky
    @Padoinky 10 місяців тому +2

    They tell y’all not to do anything but observe… they do that for a reason, but no, y’all had to go out and leave the bldg and likely let it unsecured… now y’all got uninvited guests…

  • @gwcrecords9630
    @gwcrecords9630 10 місяців тому

    Do you know anything about the author?

  • @Matt-d1s
    @Matt-d1s 10 місяців тому

    A good narration as always, sadly these "obscure tales" are "obscure" for very good reasons. Can't upvote tales of this "class" but I shan't down vote as this is horrorbabble.

    • @camojoe83
      @camojoe83 10 місяців тому +2

      Wtf is your problem?

    • @evelanpatton
      @evelanpatton 10 місяців тому +1

      It’s good to have standards. To see the best & the …not so best of literary work so as to know the difference, yes?

    • @AcornElectron
      @AcornElectron 10 місяців тому +1

      🧐 My supposition is that your watch time and comment will help the algorithm nonetheless. The ‘like’ helps the channel grow and reach other potential listeners and even a ‘dislike’ gives metrics. Is it uncomfortable on that fence?

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      lmao at this along with an earlier comment "Abrupt ending. Good endings are hard to write". Peak ironic comedy. Thank you.

    • @michaelkottler
      @michaelkottler 15 днів тому

      @@camojoe83 Clearly it was intended as apex-level comic irony. Or not.