Escape - Casting the Runes

Escape's "Casting the Runes" was closely adapted from the short story of the same name by Montague R. James. This tale about a demon curse first appeared in James' second collection, which was titled More Ghost Stories (1911). The original work is available online at Wikisource, and  you may appreciate this episode more if you read it first. 

As the tale opens, John Dunning, scientist and Britain's leading authority on medieval life, explains that only a few weeks ago he would have laughed at the idea that a curse could kill a man. Now, he can't laugh --- because he is under a curse that will kill him in three months.

Dunning's problems started when he made a critical review of a manuscript called "The Truth of Alchemy" written by a man named Karswell. As a result of his review, and the subsequent rejection by the association to which it had been submitted, Karswell was angry. The secretary of the association warns Dunning that Karswell seems a bit...evil.

The last person to give an unfavorable review of Karswell's work died under mysterious circumstances. Will Dunning suffer the same fate?

"Casting the Runes" was adapted for radio by Irving Ravetch and John Dunkel. William N. Robson produced and directed. John McIntire played Dunning. Ian Wolfe played Harrington and William Conrad as Karswell. This episode aired on November 19, 1947.

. Download Escape_1947.11.19_Casting the Runes

Here also is an HQ version of this episode. It is a large file so it may take longer to download. 

Download Escape_1947.11.19_Casting the Runes HQ

"Casting the Runes" has been also been adapted for film and television. Below is an action-packed trailer from the 1957 film Night of the Demon.

(Image of Montague R. James from Wikipedia )

Comments

[Shonokin]

One of my favorites, and Night of the Demon is one of my favorite horror movies. I can watch it over and over.

[Cmillinsf]

I haven't seen Night of the Demon yet --but I ordered it from Netflix. The trailer totally won me over. - Christine

[TheShadow]

CBS Radio Mystery Theatre also did a version of this (although they do not credit MR James at all). It's called This Will Kill You (Ep 50 orig air date 74/03/04.