Welcome, Weirdos! I'm Darren Marlar and this is Retro Radio, old-time radio in the dark, presented by Weird Darkness. Each week I bring you a show from the golden age of radio but still in the genre of Weird Darkness. I'll have stories of the macabre in horror, mysteries and crime, and even some dark science fiction. If you're new here, welcome to the show and be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes. And if you're already a member of this Weirdo family, please take a moment and invite someone else to listen in with you. Spreading the word about the show helps it to grow. If you're here because you're already a fan of nostalgic audio and print, you'll want to email WeirdDarkness at RadioArchives.com. When you do that, you'll get an instant reply with links to download full-length pulp audiobooks, pulp e-books and old-time radio shows for free. That's WeirdDarkness at RadioArchives.com. Coming up, it's a 13-episode radio serial of the story, Frankenstein, produced by and starring George Edwards as Baron Victor Frankenstein, and I'm bringing you the entire radio serial at once in this single episode. This series came out the same year as the classic Boris Karloff film, 1931, ending its broadcast run in 1932. It is a rarely heard vintage radio dramatization of the story, and as such, I've not been able to find too much information about it to verify anything other than the title and the star, simply because we are told that in the actual audio. One thing I was able to find is that this was also released as an LP, and on the cover was Boris Karloff in Monster Makeup, although he is nowhere to be heard in the actual recording. The thought is that perhaps this radio serial was intended to pre-promote the film, but that is simply a guess. Each of the episodes is approximately 13 minutes long, and when the following episode begins, it gives you a recap of the previous episode. I could have tried to edit all of that out, but I think listening to old radio shows exactly as they were presented is much more interesting, so while it does lengthen the total time it takes to listen to the full story, you'll know you're getting the entire broadcast series in full.  We now present George Edwards in Frankenstein. A good kid, Voyager, had been on a journey of exploration towards the North Pole. He was homeward bound, but unfortunately the icy grip of the northern winter closed in, and the Voyager was surrounded by great blocks of solid ice. Her captain and crew were prepared for a weary wait before the four set in, and they could continue their journey home. Shortly after noon, Captain Walton and his first mates, Mr. Boyd, were standing on the deck of the Voyager. They looked out to cross the icy wait. Well, Mr. Boyd, I think we will be here for quite a considerable time yet. There's no sign of the four setting in. The trouble is to keep the crew occupied, Captain, and they're beginning to crumble a good deal already. Well, given as much work as you can. After all, we were prepared for something like this. We have ample supplies of provisions. I will take all responsibility for my men, and I can promise you that they will all return safely to England. Captain, are they over here, Mr. Boyd? Look there, coming across the ice. And man, are all the crew accounted for, Mr. Boyd? No, I've left them there for a fact. I'll take you to the side a little bit. Ahoy there! I want you to leave me. This is an honor to see you. I'd like to touch your brains. I can assure you that this is it. Give order to the suspension to be held to board, Mr. Boyd. Aye, aye, sir. What ship is this?  My men are coming to help you aboard now, sir. Bring him up that rope ladder. Say there! I think they appeared to speak good English. Yeah? I wonder where he came from. I can't understand. A man wandering about all alone out here. The wind and the snow is blowing about. They're bringing him aboard now, sir. Is this special? I am, Captain. My name is Walton. I've heard there is this special bowel. We have been on the voyage of exploration towards the North Pole. We commenced our journey homeward. The ice closed in on us. We are staying here until the source of this. May I crave your hospitality, I shatter? Certainly, sir. Your name? The Victor Baron Michael Spines. I am ill and reachable in the cold. Aye, sir. All right, sir. I must express my sorrow for the trouble I am causing you, Captain. But I am keeping shatter. Then my quest must go on. I must always go on. I cannot die till I find that evil, that demon, which I have unleashed upon the world. You speak strange words, sir. Forst you, Smith. If I can but crave your kindness, some food, then I will. Mr. Boyd, thank you, Captain Spines, for coming to my cabin. See that he has made comfortable there, giving food and drinks. That's the ship's sergeant attendant. You are giving him your cabin, sir? Why not? You have my orders. Have a hammock slung for me in the cabin. Aye, aye, sir. First. How does the stream to progress? As we put into bed, sir, he steps for quite a long time. He seems better now, but I think his mind is rambling. Why do you say that? Well, every man knows he speaks to some demon, some fearful monster, who appears through the portal. We had to use force on one occasion to persuade him to return to his bed. Perhaps his wanderings have deranged his mind. Do you think it is safe to leave him without a guard? Do you think we should take the precaution of blocking your daughter? He appears to be a gentleman. I doubt he has a strange story to tell. Has he mentioned anything which might supply a key to this mystery? Well, why? He was wandering about here in these icy waists.  Something about the man which makes me afraid, sir. Oh, why does the man could do you no harm? I will go down and speak with him myself. Do you wish me to accompany you, Captain? No, I will go alone. But, sir, should he become violent? Oh, the man which we can use, how can he become violent? How can we break and wait in a photo? If he doesn't be watching. Forever watching. I will try to persuade him to tell me his story. We're here on deck, boys. Hello, senpai Obanejo. I am Prussian Baron Frankenstein. I came to inquire after your help. Why was I locked in this cabin? Why are you keeping me a prisoner? I am considering your own safety. Considering my own safety? I tell you, sir, my life means nothing to me. I wish to repair the great wrong which I have done. My friends, my family, they have all been murdered. And I am the murderer. No, not what you say. Look on me, Captain.  A man who is responsible for the murder of his beloved wife, his best friend, for the murder of little children. Are you a fugitive from dust? I am not a fugitive. I have been punished because I tried to usurp the rights of God. Now I seek to repair the wrong which I did. I do not understand you. Did your sailors keep a close watch?  None of you is safe. Your wanderings and your hardships cause you to imagine these things. No, I swear it is the truth. Near this vessel, I saw a giant footprint in the snow. It must have been the footstep of the monster. The monster which I created. Would you like to tell me something of your story? Captain Wilken, I do not know if you will believe my story when I tell it to you. Perhaps you may have proof, perhaps someday you will look upon this monster and may heaven grant that you do not. If it will help you to tell me about it, Baron Frankenstein, I assure you, I will make a ready list now. Be seated, Captain. I have told you that my name is Baron Victor Frankenstein. I was born in Geneva and my family is one of the most distinguished in the Republic. My father has filled several public situations with honor and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity. So you can see, sir, that I grew up in the most ideal surroundings. When I was 17, my parents sent me to the University of Ingolstadt and there I became interested in science. During my attendance at the University, my beloved mother died. I returned home for a brief while and whilst at home I fell deeply in love with my cousin Elizabeth and I determined to marry her as soon as my course at the University had been completed. I returned to Ingolstadt and continued with my studies. I read deeply and gradually a most dreadful thought occurred to me from my readings and my studies. I realized that it would be possible for man to create man. I became aware of the tremendous power of electricity. I was caught once in a terrific thunderstorm. I observed how the lightning had split an old tree in half and the knowledge came to me that just as electricity can destroy life, so can it create. Then and there, my horrible resolve was born. I vowed that I would not rest until I had created a man. This seems incredible, Berkwick. It may seem incredible to one who is not acquainted with science but I studied and experimented and when I retired from the University, I begged my father to build me a laboratory near our old home. He agreed to do this and then I took into my confidence an old family servant called Julio. The man was crippled but he had a keen and agile brain and he was interested in my experiments. For months we worked. I intended to create a creature who would be both strong, good to look upon and noble. Are you speaking the truth, Berkwick? I swear that I speak the truth. Did you succeed with this monstrous project? I swear the holy oath that I succeeded. I created a man. I used the rights of God. Did I say I created a man? That is not the truth. I created a monster. Why? You might well shudder, Captain Walton. I would tell you the story of the creation of this monster. I would tell you why you found me wondering about the white race. How did you get here? I chartered his ship. I paid a crew. We were left upon an iceberg and all perished save one person. I was the miserable person who lived on because I had to live. I cannot die until I have destroyed that which I have created. But if you created this monster in Geneva, what is it doing here out in the white waste of the North? Oh, I'm tired, my friend. The story is too dreadful and horrible. Let me regain my strength so that I may complete my work. What I have created must be destroying my poor fellow. I assure you that we will give you every care and attention. Still you do not believe me. The monster is here aboard the vessel.  Open that door. Let me complete my work now. Did you hear that? It's time to sign. No, I shall not open this door. Mr. Boyd! Mr. Boyd! Come out once and bring a crystal ago! I'll present your jetwoods in Frankenstein. The good ship Voyager was held fast in the northern icebergs. The captain and crew were astonished when a stranger came staggering across the ice and asked for shelter. This stranger was Baron Victor Frankenstein. He was placed in the captain's cabin and then he commenced to tell his story. Shortly afterwards, however, a ghastly laugh was heard outside the cabin door. Frankenstein weakly attempted to get out of bed, but the captain pushed him back and called to the first officer to come to his aid. Captain Walton, you are condemning your first officer to death. The monster is out there. A blood clad, consciousness beast. Oh, let me go.  You can do nothing better than Frankenstein. That's the world now. Did you bring a pistol? Yes, and I'm going to catch you if I take over from anywhere. Is there anyone out there now? No, sir. Very well. I shall unlock the door. How come it... What did you see? Tell us what happened. I heard the captain calling and I dashed down the companion way. Then out of the darkness, a huge figure seemed to leave at me. I was knocked to sign. When I arose there was no sign of anyone. I dashed up on Nick again. There was no one there. The man on watch reports that he saw nothing. The monster was here. You are lucky to be alive. I believe your story now, friend Frankenstein. I created that monster, and I must live until I kill him. That is my sole task on this earth. What I created so I will destroy it. What do you mean? It is a strange story, Mr. Boyd. That Baron Frankenstein is too exhausted to talk any more tonight. Pray remain in the bunk bed. I must try to get to sleep. I must recover my strength.  You shall have every care and attention here. I will place the man on guard outside your door. I do not think the monster will return tonight. The storm has come real quick. The blizzard is raging now. It could be difficult for anyone to live out there. Trust that this monster perishes in the storm. I am to be quarreled if any tiny scene of him in the mean fire. Let me sleep. Then on tomorrow, if I feel refreshed, I will tell all my story, Captain Walton. Very well, Baron Frankenstein. Mr. Boyd, you will come up on deck now, and you will arrange for two men to stand guard outside this door. I will share your cappence with you tonight. I bid you good night, Baron Frankenstein. We will meet on the morrow. Captain, tell me that you seem much better today, Baron Frankenstein. Yes, Captain. I feel much better. Was there any sign of the monster during the night? Nothing was seen. Please be seated. I know that you are interested in my story, and you are puzzled by these strange happenings. I am extremely puzzled. Well, I told you that after I left the university, my father built a laboratory near our house. Each day I used to spend hours in this laboratory working with my servant, Julio. Day after day, I read and studied so that my great experiment would be a success. Sometimes by night, Julio and I would visit graveyard to ecume freshly buried bodies. I was going to make a man, and the creature of my making was to be beautiful. I slaved and labored, neglecting my family and my friends, neglecting my fiancee, Elizabeth. It so happened that at that time, my greatest friend, Ernst Clauval, came to stay at our home. He had been at the university with me, and he had a vague inkling as to the nature of my experiment. However, I had become sullen and morose. I shunned my friends, and as my experiment neared completion, well, I became possessed by a strange, tense excitement. Imagine me in my laboratory, late one afternoon, Captain Walton. I glanced out of the window and saw that the sky was dark and overcast. My servant Julio stood by my side. Now and again he would glance over at the great bench on which lay a huge inanimate figure swayed around with yards of bandages. I walked over to where the figure laid. Julio followed me. Julio, I have news for you. I think that tonight we'll see the end of our work. Do you mean that the figure will come to life tonight, my master? I hope so. If the frightened thunderstorm takes place, there will be sufficient electricity to bring light to this inanimate mass. Look at this, Julio. At present it is a lifeless mass shaped in the form of a man. For months we have worked over it. Tonight, if the storm breaks, we shall raise this figure to the top of the tower in the laboratory and there it will stay for one hour while the thunder crashes on the lightning flashes. Then we shall lower the body onto this bench once again. The wrappings will be taken off and who knows? I may have created a man. Think, Julio. My work will be rewarded. I am afraid, master. We should not do this. Why are you afraid? I am about to make a name for myself. I will be the greatest man in the world because I have created another in my own likeness. Throughout the centuries, men have tried to do this, but I will succeed. I know it. You may not be meant to succeed. Who is there? It is Clever here. May I come in a bit, sir? Yes. All right, Julio. I love you all. Oh, thank you. I wonder if I might want to express the time is right now for you to share my secret. My experiments are almost at an end. I suspect the nature of your experiments, Victor. And I almost dread to ask if my suspicions are correct. Look on this bench. Tell me what you see there. A huge, inanimate figure swarmed around with bandages. My creation. Tonight, this figure shall have life, Victor. You must not do it. Man is not meant to do that for you. I like Julio. He is also afraid. I want to speak with you privately. Meet Julio Bigel. You may go, Julio. I'll be here tonight at seven o'clock. We shall wait for this storm to break. The clouds are banking up now. I will obey you, my master. Victor, your life is bound up in this strange experiment which I do not think for one moment will succeed. But might I point out that you are in love with a very beautiful and charming girl. You are neglecting her and she feels this neglect keenly. My friend, I know that I have been neglecting Elizabeth but she will be proud of me, proud to marry me. I will be hailed as the greatest scientist in the world as I have known. I beg of you to resist in this experiment. Do not try to bring life to this body tonight. Destroy what you have already done. Then marry Elizabeth and go away somewhere for a long holiday. You do not look well, my friend. I have been working too hard. But you ask too much of me. I cannot give up my life's work. Though you'll love your work more than you do Elizabeth. I love Elizabeth very dearly. But I must do something with my life. I have always wanted to be a great scientist. My discovery will revolutionize the world. It will be possible to make men do you not understand. It is not possible. Experiments like this are not meant to succeed. You are usurping the right of God. You are my best friend. You cannot seriously ask me to give up this work. I am going to ask you to be here in this laboratory with me tonight to watch as I unbind the bandages from this figure and to know that my experiment has succeeded. Very well, Victor. Since you insist. But I do think you should take Elizabeth into your confidence. Let her come here tonight. Oh, she will be afraid. But without wishing to dampen your honor, let me assure you that I do not think this experiment will succeed. We shall see it. Well, come with me now. Speak to Elizabeth. Tell her that you have been neglecting her and asked her to be present tonight. I will do that. We will go and seek out Elizabeth now. Well, Captain, I sought out my fiancee. I told her the truth. At first she was horrified, but gradually she became interested and she consented to be present in the laboratory that night. After dinner, the storm developed rapidly. They sang the row word and there were great streaks of folk like me. Together Elizabeth Ernst and myself went to the laboratory. There we found Julia awaiting us and I led the way to the bench on which Lady inanimate figure when we reached the bench. Well, my friends, I feel that you are about to witness one of the most extraordinary things in the annals of the world's history. Before you, you see a great inanimate figure entirely covered in bandages. By means of police, Julia and I will raise that figure to the top of the tower where it will remain for an hour. Then we will lower it and I think the figure will have life. No, you cannot do it, Victor. You must not. I am afraid. Elizabeth, you said you had confidence in me. Will you promise me this, Victor? If the experiment is a failure, will you marry me and let us go there together? Never attempt to do this again. It is madness. I promise that if the experiment is a failure, I will discontinue all attempts. Now, does that satisfy you, Elizabeth? Yes, it does. Oh, do not worry, Elizabeth. I feel sure that this experiment cannot succeed. You hope it does not succeed, Ernst, but we shall see. The storm is at a tight now. Come, Julia, help me to place the body on the lift. Oh, careful. Roll it over. Victor, I beg of you. Do not do it. Aye, please. Now, Julia, pull the ropes and I will assist you. See, my friend. The body is going up to the tower. There it will be exposed to the full fury of the storm. Watch. The lightning frightens me. But this is a dreadful storm. The body is in place now. It will remain there for an hour. We must be patient. We will wait here. And in an hour's time, I will lower the body and rest the bandages. And perhaps, I will have cleaning. Please proceed, Baron Bransonstok. Tell me what happened. I can tell you no more today, Captain. I am weary now. And the memory of the past don't sit with me. Just patient. I will be patient. I will leave you to rest now. But I will return later. I am anxious to hear the remainder of your story. We now present George Edward Zinn Frankenstein. Baron Frankenstein had taken refuge on the ship Voyager, which was icebound somewhere near the North Pole. The Baron was weak and ill. And the captain of his officers did their best to restore him to health. Gradually he told them his story and he explained to the captain of the attempts he made to create a man. Do you feel able to tell me any more of your story now, Baron Frankenstein? Somewhere out in those white races, there is something which must be destroyed. The thought of it is driving me mad. If only I could regain my strength. If only I could continue my quest, please do not distress yourself. The surgeon tells me that you are making an excellent recovery. I want to hear about your great experiment where I told you how my fiancee, Elizabeth, and my friend Ernst Claval and myself waited in the laboratory during the violent thunderstorm while up above us exposed to the full fury of the storm lay the lifeless body to which I had made. For a full hour we watched and everyone seemed to be agitated. My servant Julio crouched in a corner and there were in the non-cast fearful glances up above at last the hour passed and I motioned to Julio to move over towards the pulley. Ernst and Elizabeth followed me and I said, Come, Julio, the body has been there for a full hour now. It is time to lower it. My hands are trembling with excitement. For soon I shall know whether I have created a man. Stop! I make one more appeal to you, Victor. Do not proceed with that experiment. When you bring that body down, I'll save you to destroy it. After experimenting on it for months and months? Oh, what you ask is too much. I also add my pleas to those of Elizabeth. Well, I must try and adhere to your pleas. Help me with this pulley, Julio. I will, my master, but I am afraid the devil stops abroad tonight. Ah, that is nonsense. I am a scientist. I am conducting an experiment. Now lower it gently. The storm seems to have a base today, Victor. I seldom remember a worst storm. The thunder is still fading. It is a fitting night for devil's work. This is not devil's work Ernst. It is an achievement in the field of science. Now, roll the body off the lift. Come on, gently, Julio. Over here. First time. Close all of you. What are you going to do? I am going to unwrap the bandages. We'll start here. Nothing will happen. Nothing can happen. Oh, I feel that I must pray. Please, please do not let this creature have life. We should all pray. It is not too late to stay your hands, Victor. All right. I feel sure that I am on the verge of success. I am removing the bandages now. The storm is increasing again. It sounds almost as if the voice of the heavens is protesting. Look up to faith. It is horrible. I did not mean the faith to be like that. I thought it would be beautiful. This king is all drawn to my being. Oh, Lord. As this is, there is no sign of life. Great. I will remove the other bandages. They have never seen the day. It is best you say. No creature like that could have life. Illegibus. Look what I told you. The eyelids. I saw them float. The eyelids did move. No, no. We must be dreaming. Creature is looking at us. It has closed its eyes again. Julio, darkened the room. The light is too strong. My master, let me take this hammer. Let me destroy the creature. You heard my orders. Lord, the light. Look. It is raising one arm. It has life. My experiment has succeeded. I have created life. I am the greatest man the world has ever known. No other man has had such power. Victor, this is too horrible. Destroy it now. Destroy it now would be murder. Although this creature is terrible to look upon, it is a man. It has life. It has feelings just as you and I. That was fun. Why? What are you going to do, Victor? I was prepared for the success of this experiment. So there is room all in readiness for my creation. Unlock the core of that room, Julio. I am afraid that we destroy this creature. Come, come, Julio. You helped me to create this man. It is not a man. It is a monster. It is moving. It is crudly into a sitting position. Have you unlocked the door of the room, Julio? I have, my master. Then help me. We will move the creature into its abode. We will lock it in there. It will be your charge until tomorrow, Julio. Remain here in the laboratory. Remain just outside the door. Do not enter the room yourself. And do not let anyone else enter. I will obey. So this is my creation. A man which I made with my own hands. The creature seems to be able to focus his eyes now. It is looking straight at me. Oh, it looks awful. I shall train it myself. Come, take the other arm first. Let us fix it to walk across the room. No, no, I cannot touch it. There is much I would do for you, Victor. But I cannot touch that much. Let's feel that I am going mad. There is no need to be afraid. The creature is helpless. Just barely walk. You help me, Julio. Take this other arm. No, do not make me touch it. Do as I say. Look, I have taken one arm. Now, help me off the bench. Take it across the room. Here, please. Take this arm. Barely drag one leg after the other. I have never seen anything so horrible. I admit I am disappointed in the appearance of my creation. It seems that in gaining life, the skin has become stretch-tight and the features have coaxed. Still, the creature has lifed and that is the main thing. Now, we will place him in the room. Careful, Julio. Now, help me. Help me. Get it on the bed. The bed is not big enough. The creature seems to have become smaller and bigger. That is the extraordinary thing probably caused by the electricity. Leave it on the bed. Now, come outside. I will lock the door. You take the key and keep it to yourself. I am glad the door is locked. I feel safer now. I feel a strange and almost overpowering sense of triumph. In my wildest dream, I had not hope or success. And I... He had fainted. No, no. I feel crazy weak. He asked me to get out of here. Let me go to my room. Baron Frankenstein, your story seems extraordinary. What became of the dreadful monster which you created? I felt weak and ill that night. And Elizabeth and Ernst helped me to my room. There, I fell into a deep and troubled slumber. I awakened in the morning to find both Ernst and Elizabeth standing by the side of my bed. As soon as I saw them, Ernst, Elizabeth, what are you doing here? We were worried about you. Oh, I remember now. My great experiment was a success. I must go to the laboratory at once. Victor, I beg you to destroy that creature, just as you gave it life, so you can take that life away. I know that you will never be happy while the creature lives, and I know that I can never be happy. For the sake of the love you bear me, for the sake of the happiness which we desire, I beg you to destroy the creature. Elizabeth is right, Victor. Your experiment was not altogether a success. You hope to make something beautiful, and the result has been a serious monster, a monster which you cannot unleash upon the world, or it will be forever upon your conscience. Perhaps you are right. I know we are right. Please, Victor, if you love me, you will do what I ask. Well, I will dress at once, and then I will go over to the laboratory and make arrangements to do away with the monster. You shall come with me. I will not go. I will go with you, Victor Gordon. And if you wait for me downstairs, I will join you. It seems that you regretted your somewhat rash experiment, Baron Frankenstein.  I dressed hastily and went downstairs, where I found Ernst waiting for me. We walked across to the laboratory and entered the room, and then I called Julio. Julio! Julio! It is strange that he does not sponsor. I ordered him not to leave here. Look, the door of the room where you put the creature. There is no door there. It is wrenched of its senior. What could have happened? Look there in the corner. What is it? Let me see. What? It is the broken body of Julio. Yes, look for yourself. Oh, this is horrible. Let me look in that room. Is there, is there anyone there? The room is empty. I am too late. The monster has escaped, and in so doing, he has murdered my servant. I have unleashed the horror of the partner world. I can speak no more of the matter of present Captain Walton. The memory of that horror is still too vivid. I beg of you, let me rest now. I will let you rest, Baron Frankenstein. I feel that I have not the right to sleep. I should not rest, but I must regain my strength. Try and sleep now. I will send the ship's surgeon to you, and tomorrow I will come and speak with you again. We now present your deadwoods in Frankenstein. Baron Victor Frankenstein is relating his tragic story to Captain Walton of the Good Ship Voyager. The vessel is icebound somewhere near the North Pole. Frankenstein is taking shelter there. He told the captain of the creation of the monster and of events leading up to the monster's escape and the murder of Julio. You look much better this morning, Baron Frankenstein. I trust you had a good night's sleep. I feel better, thank you, Captain. Tell me, what happened after you discovered the body of your servant Julio? I recall it quite clearly. My friend Ernst Claval and myself were in the laboratory. We found that the door of the monster's room had been burst open, and there was the broken body of Julio lying upon the floor. We bent over the body and then came out. So you realize, Victor, that you have unleashed a monster upon the world, a killer? Anybody's life may be in danger. We must make a search immediately. I will organize a search party. All the peasants on the estate can join in the search. I now realize the enormity of my crime. I will aid you, but I do not know what Elizabeth will say when she learns of this. What are the authorities going to say? How am I going to explain the broken body of Julio? You will have to tell the truth to the police, but they will not. Believe me, they think I am mad. Oh, you are mad to attempt this experiment. I am only sorry that it has succeeded. Elizabeth will be appalled when she hears this news. I will search for the monster, I promise you. But I do not think there is anything further to fear Ernst. The monster will perish. I wish that this were only a dream, some horrible nightmare. And I could have waited to find it was not true, for Julio's body proves the truth of what has happened. I know, but somehow my fear has vanished. I am going to seek my own happiness now. Oh, how can you talk like that? When the monster is alive, the monster will be found. If not, he will perish. That's cool. Tell me, did the police succeed in finding the monster? They did not. The search went on for days. And still, there was no trace of the monster. But my hopes were high. I felt sure that the creature had wandered away somewhere in the hills. And there, perished from cold and starvation. There came a day when I had to find the monster. And my experiments, they seemed like some dim dream of the past. I sought out Elizabeth. Elizabeth, I feel sure that we will have no further fear of the strange creature for which I was responsible. I am asking you now, will you marry me and come away to England? Let us take a long journey together. But Victor, did you find the monster? Let us take a long journey together. But Victor, does your conscience allow you to live here?  Oh, it is some months since the monster disappeared and nothing has been heard of it. It is safe for me to go now, Elizabeth. How long shall we be away? For at least six months. Then we shall return here and settle down in my room. Oh, please say that you will marry me as soon as possible, Elizabeth. There is only one request I have to make of you, Victor. What is it? My sister's child, William, needs a home. His mother is very young. His father is dead. Can he come and live with us? Well, of course. I am very fond of William. We shall adopt him and he shall be as our own child. Oh, you are very kind, Victor. Oh, I am just a man in love with a beautiful woman. Now, let us go and tell your father. We will be married very soon and we shall make all arrangements for our children to be given. Well, Baron Frankenstein, I trust you are not too tired to continue with the story. No, I am just marshaling the facts, recording my happy marriage. It was glorious a few months in England and then my return home. How long did you remain in England for eight months? We had a delightful holiday there and I returned to my ancestral home when my wife and I settled down. During our absence, we had left the child, William, in charge of the nurse whom we called Justine. She was an old friend of the family. She had known my wife for years. A few days after our return, Justine approached my wife. Most of William deserves that I shall take him up for a walk. Do you think the weather is clear enough, Baroness? Oh, I think the child could go for a walk. What do you think, Victor? By all means, the sun is shining brightly now, although there are clouds on the horizon. Clouds on the horizon? Take flight, clouds. I fear there may be a storm. Just such a storm as one? Please, Victor, we agreed never to talk of that. Well, may I take the child for a walk? Yes. Just a short walk down to the nature, Justine. Tell me, Justine, do you like the child? Do you think that young Master William shows promise? He is rather a baby child with a very strong will of his own. But I am fairly strict with him. Oh, you might not be too strict with him. Remember, we were all young ones. I will remember that, Baroness. All right. Take him out now. But do not take him any further than the lake. If there are any signs of an approaching storm, bring William home at once. I will, Madame. Tell me, Elizabeth, what do you think of Justine? Oh, I have known her for years, my dear, but you do not seem to like her. She is rather a grim and forbidding woman. Oh, in reality she has a very kind heart. Come over here, Elizabeth. Look out of the window. What is the matter? There are strange black clouds on the far horizon. They fill me with a sense of grim forbidding. Victor! Clouds gathered like dots on the days that I created the monsters. Victor, do not think about it. The monster is dead. He is twelve months since he disappeared. But is he dead? The body has never been found. Darling, do you not think he would have heard if the monster had still been alive? I suppose so. Thunder in the distance. Oh, I hope Justine has the intelligence to bring William home before the storm shows signs of breaking. Why am I seized by this nameless fear that thunder frightened me? Darling, do not think of the past. Let us talk of something else. We know that your friend Ernst is due tomorrow. We hope he stays with us for some bit. I will be glad to see Ernst again, but in a way he will remind me of the horrors of the past. Oh, you must do your best to forget. You must try and forget that the monster ever existed. I must tell myself not. I created the monster, and now that monster is dead, I will never see it again. Victor, what can I hear? That dreadful sound. Strange, dragging footsteps. The footsteps are approaching this door. Victor, I am frightened. Victor, what can it mean? Okay, Elizabeth, the door is opening slowly. So slowly. I design my master. We meet again. The monster. Yeah, this cannot be. I call myself that the monster no longer exists. It is many months since we have met my master, and now all that you desire. I can walk, I can move freely, I can think, and I can speak. Well, where have you been? Living in the woods these many months. Watching other folks, learning to speak as they speak, and almost dying from intolerable loneliness. I come to make terms with you, my master. Terms? What mean you by that? Victor, you look too horrible. That awful face. Your long, shambly legs. Only it is not true. Calm yourself, please, Elizabeth. I am an object of hatred and scorn and derision wherever I go. You did this, Frankenstein. You gave me life for the life which is filled with misery. All men, all women turned from me. Why did you give me life so that I may suffer? If I had a gun, I would put an end to the life which I gave you.  I do not wish to die. I wish to live. I wish to be happy as other men are. Why? What do you ask of me? You made me. You gave life to me. Now make a mate for me, a woman who may share my life with me. What you ask is impossible. It shall be my mission in life to destroy you. Did you not kill my servant? That matters not. We will talk of this again. I have come to make a bargain with you. Give me a companion, someone to share my loneliness. Why should I not know happiness as others know it? Victor, you must not grant his request. Fear not, Elizabeth. I will never grant it. So be it, Frankenstein. You and yourself suffer for this. What mean you by that?  And unless you heed my demand, unless you fashion for me a mate, then you and all your family will suffer.   I will leave a trail of death and destruction wherever I go.  You shall live on until I bend you to my will. The creature shall rule the master.  Fast, silly man again. Please, don't be careful. Not yet. The lady's hands on me is to your free Frankenstein. I am powerless to destroy the thing which I created. You are. We shall meet again. You have refused my demand, but you shall hear from me. Elizabeth, what can I do? You hurt his flesh? Let us gather the villagers together so that by uniting we may destroy him. One man cannot prevail against him, but many will succeed in killing him. You are right, Elizabeth. I swear that the monster of my creation shall die for us. Did you succeed in finding the monster that night, Baron Frankenstein? Ask me no more now, Captain Walton. I am tired. I must not over-catch my strength. Let me rest now. You will rest now, and I will write the notes of your story in my journal. So be it. Come to me tomorrow, and I will tell you of the horrors which befall me. We now present George Edwards in Frankenstein. Baron Frankenstein is taking shelter in the good ship Voyager, where he is the guest of Captain Walton. While the Voyager was icebound, Frankenstein told the captain some of his tragic stories. He told of the creation of the monster, of its escape, and return. Certainly look much better this morning. Thank you, Captain. I slept very well, and I feel that my strength is gradually returning. I am glad to hear that. Do you feel inclined to tell me some more of your story? Well, I remember telling you how the monster had returned. He had learned to speak, and he begged me to make him a mate, dear. One cannot help feeling a little sorry for him. I know what it is to be bitterly lonely. I also know, but the monster rushed out of the house when I refused. My wife and I discussed the matter. I sent for the burgo master, and begged that his officers would look for the monster. Some little time later, the storm burst in all its fury. The rain came down in torrents, and the thunder roared. My wife approached me and said, Victor, do you know that Dustin has not heard little William Howell news? Are you sure they have not come home? I have searched the house. They have asked the other servants, and they have seen no sign of them. Dear, this is most disturbing. You instructed the woman to come home before the storm burst. They have been outside for a long time. Do you think we should go and look for them? They only went to the edge of the lake, but you cannot be far away. I am very disturbed. Do you know the monster is loose out there? Suppose that we were to attack William or Dustin. Or there is no fear of that. I doubt if he had just seen in William a kicking shell before then. I hope that you are right. Good to see you have returned. Very brilliant. How can I tell you, Victor? Very brilliant. I took him to the lake, and there was a man within there. He ran away from me. He went into the woods. It was a long time finding for that man. I called his name time and time again, but there was no reply. And the storm burst. I became panic-stricken. I have been out in the rain for a few days. I fear that he may have fallen into the lake. Victor, you must go at once. Find the burglar monster and his men. Tell them to forget about the monster. They must find William. I will go now. Have hope and copy, Elizabeth. I am sure that I will write William's novel. How can I ask your forgiveness? I swear that I meant no harm to some good guy. You should have stayed with him, Justin. With any harm I can do. I will never forgive myself. Well, go and change your clothes. You are very true. And then come down here. We will wait patiently for that and find the monster. Victor, you have not gone yet. I am taking some of the servants with me. I have left words. And here, that if the burglar monster and his men return, they ought to look for William. Wait for me, Elizabeth. I will return. Well, Baron Frankenstein, did you succeed in finding the child? Well, for two hours I searched, taking my faithful servant with me. We wandered through the woods, calling the child's name, but there was no reply. At last, somewhat dispirited, I returned home to find my wife and Justin waiting for me as soon as I named him. Victor, is there any news? Did you see any sign of William? Not a sign. He must have fallen into the lake, and it was my fault. Victor, I am despised. What can have become of William? I do not know, my dear. Did the burglar monster return? He has not been back yet. The storm is abating. Yeah, it is passing. We will continue our search all through the night. Yes. I hear men force him. So, the burglar monster is returning. Bring him in here, Justin. As you command, Baron Frankenstein. Oh, I blame myself for this in a way. Victor, we should never have a dog just came to take William out today. He should have taken better care of him. She should never have allowed him to stay out of her kite. What is that? A woman screams. Victor, what does it mean? Burglar monster, what has happened? Who screams? I am calling to tell you, Baron Frankenstein, that the tragedy has occurred. My men have found the body of the child William. William? You think? Yeah. The girls are steamed for his body when we were carrying it in. My men are holding her. And Elizabeth, I do not know what to say to you. Well, what has happened? I only know that we were searching for this monster. Baron Frankenstein spoke. During the course of our search, we looked through some rushes on the edge of the lake. And there, we found the body of the boy, William.  And he was dead when we found him. Victor sent for a doctor. How he did. But the doctor could not have helped in this case, Baron Frankenstein. Do you think the boy tricked and fell into the water? I think that he was pushed into the water. And I think your scheme was responsible for the crime. Oh, no. You must not say that. You have been away both of you. But it is common talk here that your scheme disliked the boy. He was always scolding him. And she told people that he was a difficult child. And we think that in a bit of rage, she pushed him into the water. Oh, I do not think that is possible, William. It does have to be done in here. And question her now. But my wife is grief-stricken. She needs to remain here. Let me go and look about the body of William. I will send Justin to you. Very well, my dear. But do not distress yourself. Please go to your room and rest. I feel that I should never be able to rest peacefully again. I will wait here with the burgo master. Tell him to bring Justin in here. Very well, my dear. I know this is most depressing for you, Baron Frankenstein. But I have my duty to do. And if my suspicions are correct, then Justin will be ours to tell me this. Did you see any sign of the monster? Any huge footprints? No, we did not. The rain was coming down in torrents. No footprints would be left. Oh, bring Justin in here. I have these men. Excuse me. I have committed no crime. Hear me, girl. Is it not true that you were always scolding the child? He was a favored child. And as he was in my charge, I had to correct his fault.  And at times you have been known to strike the child. Why, this is news to me, burgo master. She has been seen to strike the child. That is not true. That is true. Will you admit that at times you have struck him? Yes, I have struck him. But merely because we deserved it. You are no right to do that. Hear me, Justin. Is it not true that in a bit of rage, you pushed the child into the lake? That is untrue. I swear I did not push him into the lake. He ran away from me. He went into the woods. And I could not find him. You must still leave me. Now we do not believe you.  At the ratio I am asked to meet you, Steve, is it not true that in a bit of rage, you pushed the child into the lake?  You wandered around in the rain for hours and pretended you were looking for it. But it is not true. Did you quarrel with him today? I was angry with him for running away from me. And I said I would slap him if I caught him. You tell him like the child. I did not kill him. I am going to arrest you and charge you with the murder. You will send your trial in due time. Baron Frankenstein, I appeal to you. I swear that the child came to no harm at my hands. I have served your family spacefully and well these many years. I did not murder William. You cannot believe it on me. I beg that you do not allow him to arrest me. Baron Frankenstein, I think you are being rather hasty. I cannot believe that your sting pushed the child into the lake. It is my duty to arise criminal. And I suspect her of having committed a murder.  There is no proof that I did it. Yes, we will find proof. What has happened? Oh Elizabeth, you have returned? I suspect I wanted to know what was happening here. And I thought that you should go and look on the body of William. Justine has been arrested. The burglar master thinks that she killed William. Sorry, please. Do not let them arrest me.  You believe me. You must believe me. Burglar master, how do you say that Justine killed the child? Who else would have done it? Right here. I wish to go and look on the body of the child. Do not take Justine away until I speak with you again. Very well. We will wait for you Baron Frankenstein. I will return in a few minutes to be better for you if you tell the truth. If you confess, then there may be a chance of saving your life. But if you persist in your denial and the court finds you guilty... But I am not guilty. And I know the Baroness does not believe that I am guilty. Right? The Baroness is not aware that at times you stopped the child. Is that true, Justine? I had to correct his fault. Never had any time that strike him hard. Or you had no right to strike me. I go to my knees before you Baroness. I swear I am innocent of this charge. Please help me. Enough of that, Justine. You shall receive a fair trial. But I am convinced that you are guilty. Right, Baroness. This charge is not to be taken from the house. But is you Baron Frankenstein? He did not murder the child. What? How do you know? Did you not observe the marks upon the child's throat? He was strangled. The marks were the same as those upon the throat of my poor self, Julio. I am in reality the murderer of that charge. Frankenstein, what tragedy you have faced. Well, even now, when I think of it, I feel that I loathe that devil. But I cannot die yet. Will you tell me more of the story? Not now. So let me just rest for a while. Come to me later and you shall hear further details of my tragic life. In Frankenstein, Baron Frankenstein passed away the previous days on the good ship Voyager by relating his tragic experiences to Captain Walton. The Voyager was ice bound somewhere near the North Pole and day after day a howling blizzard raged. Captain Walton became worried and the ice pack grew higher. He confided his worry to Baron Frankenstein. Julio Corrada, worried today, Captain Walton. Unfortunately, the weather showed no signs of a bathing bell in Frankenstein. Have any of your men seen any trace of the monster? Has he attempted to visit the ship again? No one has seen any trace of it. Let us hope it has perished out there in the prison. I hope so, but I very much doubt it. Do you feel inclined to tell me some more of your story? Well, I have told you how the child William was murdered and on examining the body I formed the conclusion that the murder had been committed by the monster. I dashed back into the room where my wife and the burgo master were waiting with Justine and I told them that I was in reality responsible for the murder of William. They looked at me in some amazement. Then my wife said, Victor, what are you saying? It is true, Elizabeth. The monster killed William and I created the monster. He has done this for revenge because I refuse to grant his request. Do you not agree with me that Justine was guilty of the murder? I swear that I am not guilty. You can release Justine. She is innocent. Burgo master, did I not set you and your men to search for the monster? The monster with you, lady, you created. Ah, a lively story, fellow Frankenstein. Understand, burgo master, that people do not doubt my words. I say that Justine is not guilty of this murder. Take your men. Go and search for this monster. Then you will find the murderer. Had you examined the body closely, you would have seen the marks on the throat. I am sorry if I have given you a vent, fellow Frankenstein. I was merely trying to do my duty. I appreciate that. Will you go now? Seek until you find this monster. Have no mercy. Shoot him on sight. We will do that. But of course, I have never seen the creature. Is it true that he is your creation? That you made him in a laboratory at the back of his house? It is true. Now go and do not question me further.  There is much work to be done tonight. We will take our leave, fellow Frankenstein. Fellow Frankenstein, I go to my knees and thank you for saving my life. I thank you for making them relieve me. All right, Justine. Now go. Yes, I wish to speak to the Baron. And I do not wish to be disturbed. I will go and relieve me. I will sincerely mourn the child. What have you to say to me, Elizabeth?  You were right when you said you were responsible for William's death. It was through your own obstinacy, your head-strong stubbornness, that the monster was brought into being.  And as a result, Julia and William have been murdered. The murder is yours and it will forever be upon your conscience. Elizabeth, please do not turn against me.  You would have married me and destroyed the farm which you had made. But you were selfish. You wish to win fame. And what is the result?  Elizabeth, you do not mean that. A child's body lies in this house mutely crying for revenge. And yet you stand here and try to justify yourself. What can I say to you, Elizabeth? Are you going to let that monster live? Are you going to let it roam the countryside, leaving a trail of hate and misery? Why are you not out searching for it?  Very well, Elizabeth. I admit that I cannot justify myself. I will go now, and I shall not return until I have slain the monster. No, Victor. I do not mean what I said.  You have shown me my duty very plainly, Elizabeth. I will go and I trust that I will return. You must not go, Victor. The shock and the grief caused me to stay like that.  I love you and I want you to stay here. This is because of my love for you. I want to repair the great sin which I have committed. You cannot go. I remember Ernest Corvallis coming tomorrow. Tell him what had happened and do not fear for me. Oh, why? Did you succeed in finding the monster better in countryside? Well, I wandered out into the night. I walked through the woods. I traveled for miles until I was foot sore and weary. But still I saw no trace of the being which I had created. And then, just as dawn was breaking, I came to a little clearing at the side of the woods. I looked around curiously. And then, eventually, I heard a woman sobbing. I hurried in the direction of the sound. And as I came through the woods, I saw a peasant cottage. Outside the cottage a woman was kneeling beside her body of a man. She was beating, beating him. I approve. But what is the matter? Can I do anything to help you? Who are you? Where have you come from? My name is Baron Frankenstein. What is the matter with this man? Oh, he is dead. He has been murdered. Let me see. He's dead. Stay, Marx. I'm sorry. This man was my husband. We lived here happily together for many years. And one day a strange creature came into the woods. He seemed to be half man, half beast. Always trying to rob indoors, following my husband's friend. He went to his work in the woods. Today, my husband took his gun.  But it had no effect. The creature had ran. He beat my husband by the sword. I was powerless to interfere. And in a few minutes, the wood star was dead. Then the creature ran into the woods, saying that all men were his enemies. Leaving a trail of death and misery. Will you help me, sir? What can I do? I am so afraid. We will take your husband's body into the house. I will return to town, and you shall come with me. It is not safe for you here. What is this strange creature? Where did he come from? He terrorized me. Will help me to carry your husband's body down gently now. Bring it here. Come on, this way. We shall lay it on the couch. What can I do? Oh, Gustav, Gustav, my husband. Take comfort. Although there is little I can say. Oh, listen. The woods are approaching. Oh, they are not safe. We shall be killed. Greetings, Frankenstein. I thought that you would follow me.  This time I have begun. You cannot kill me. Theresa C. Frankenstein, but I will not die.  The second man who has wounded me, who has taught me the meaning of physical pain. Let this woman be gone. We have much to say to each other. And you go. This creature is a devil. He cannot die. Poor woman.  Because he was my enemy. All men are my enemies. And I take that gun from you, Frankenstein. You devil. You are so strong. Now we can talk. This woman will not return. She will run to the town for aid. From the most wretched being on this earth. You are my creator, Frankenstein. And yet you despise and spurn me.  You gave me this hideous form which turns all men against me. Do you expect me to love all men? Why did you kill the child?   Have I not the right to defend myself? Why do men strive to kill me? Why do they shudder when I appear? Is that not your fault, Frankenstein? Have I not suffered enough? Do you not think I have been punished? Everywhere I go I seek bliss and happiness, but I am excluded because I am a hideous monster. Misery made me a fiend, but it is in your power to make me happy. Then there will be no further death. No further misery. When first you brought me to life, I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch. I knew and could distinguish nothing, I could feel pain, and I spent my days in weeping and misery. I will remember one day when I was oppressed for the comb. I was wandering in the woods. I found a fire which had been left by some beggars. I was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced. I thrust my hand into the embers. I quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. How could I learn the meaning of physical pain? But I have had greater suffering than that, Frankenstein. Wandering in loneliness. And yet you could give me happiness. I watched this couple whom you called peasants. They were happy, they loved each other. A love which I could never know. I wished to be friendly with them, but they fled from me. Viewed me with hatred and loathing.  Then he died. Tell me, foul monster, why did you slay the child million? Because he meant something to you. Because I wanted you to suffer as I have suffered. And I swear this Frankenstein, if you do not give me a mate, then you shall have no mate. I shall slay your wife.  I swear that unless you talk word very soon, unless you commence to create another creature, then your wife and I... What happened to that Frankenstein? Did you agree to the conditions imposed by the bombs? Oh, I can tell you no more today, Captain Walton. The memory of those horrors is still too fresh upon my mind. Return later. And I will continue with my story. We now present George Edwards in Frankenstein. From Frankenstein related his experiences to Captain Walton, the master of the voyage jet. The vessel which was bound on a journey in polar explorations. While the voyage was icebound, Captain Walton spent much time with Baron Frankenstein, who was gradually recovering his health. Oh, Baron Frankenstein, I thought perhaps you might care to look at my journal. I have loaded your story down very carefully. If you really leave it here, I will look through it, Captain. You do not mind if I make some annotation? Not at all, I will be very grateful. I am glad that you have noted my story in your journal, because something tells me that I will never return to civilization. You must not say that. You are recovering splendidly. I know, I know, but I dare not return until I am certain that the monster is dead. We know that he is somewhere out there in the White Waste.  You will pardon my contradicting you, Baron, but we do not know that. I think the monster must have perished in the blizzard. What part of my story did I reach yesterday? You were telling of your conversation with the monster.  I sat there in the little peasant cottage, and I was horrified at the monster's words. He gazed at me for some time, and then I... foul monster, you seek to arouse my sympathy. Do you not know that you have turned my wife against me? Had I but heeded her advice, you would never have lived. I came to destroy you the day after your creation, but I was too late.  I will take no more lives if you will accede to my request. When I left your home, I wandered through the woods, and there I saw the child whom you called William. As soon as he saw me, he screamed and sought to run away, but I seized him by the arm and spoke softly to him, bidding him not to be afraid. He told me that his uncle was Baron Frankenstein, and that I would be punished if I harmed him.  Just as I shall kill all of your family, unless you create for me a mate. I cannot bring myself to do such a thing.  My companion must be as deformed and horrible as myself, one from whom everyone was sweet, and who will turn to me for comfort. But I cannot do it.  I do curse them now. I seek to reason with you. You are my creator. Let me feel gratitude towards you. Let me see that I cite the sympathy of some existing beings.  Deny me some mild reward. I have tried to paint for you a picture of misery, the horror and the suffering which I have undergone. All I ask is a mate as hideous and repulsive as myself. I see compassion in your eyes, and if I consent, what then? If you consent, neither you nor every other human being shall ever see it again. I will take my mate and go to the vast and frozen waste of the north. Your body is deformed, and your mind is deformed. I have learned that I cannot control the mind of any creature which I create.  Oh, I dare not do it.  I will haunt the earth, the enemy of mankind, who are my enemies. So be it. I must consent to your demand on your soul that you will take your mate into exile so that none will ever see you again. Do you swear to that? I swear by the sun and by the blue sky of heaven and by the fire of the love that burns in my heart that if you grant my prayer, you will never behold me again. Depart to your home and commence your labors. I shall watch your progress with anxiety and mark this well when you are ready, when your labors are complete. I shall appear.  Oh, Frankenstein, I trust that soon we shall meet again and that the meeting shall bring happiness. But, Belle Frankenstein, surely you did not accede to the monster's request for after he had left a little cottage I sat and I thought for a long time I realized that he was a vile and horrible creature and that he had demanded that I should create just such another creature and my heart was heavy with dragging footsteps, I returned home where I found my wife and my friend Ernst Claval awaited me. As soon as I entered, he did not see me again. Oh, Victor, I am so glad you have returned.  Tell me, what news? The monster still lived, Victor, my friend. I have heard of your trouble. Elizabeth has told me. Let me offer you all the aid that I can. Together we shall destroy this vile creature. Have no fear, the monster will do no more harm. There will be no other death. How can you know that? Well, I have spoken with him and there shall be no more death. Let's assure it all back, Elizabeth. Oh, I am so glad. But can you trust this monster? I have been greatly punished for my sins. Tell me this, Victor. Did you consent to the monster's request? Surely you did not promise to create a mess for him? Elizabeth, there is so much at stake, so much harm has been done. Victor, you cannot do it. Already there is one vile, bloodthirsty monster only here. Say you create another. Oh, get me time to think, please. Oh, Elizabeth, he is upset. Leave him alone with me now and I will talk with him. Oh, I am so stressed. Poor Victor has been out all night. He needs refreshments. I will see that I am really prepared for you, Victor. Oh, I thank you, Elizabeth. I mean, here with him, then we shall talk of the matter later. Victor, my poor friend, my heart is heavy for you. What can I do to help you? Help me, Ernst. I must grant the monster's demand. I tried to kill him. My shot wounded him, but he did not die. And before I could fire again, he took the gun from me. Did you promise to create a mess for his sight? But my work shall not be done here. I will travel to some lonely island and there I will have to study again for many months. And there I will create a mess for the monster, which I created. You must not do it, Victor. I must do it. Oh, having created one such hideous monstrosity as a thing for which to have paid heavily, do not create another. If I do not, your life is in danger. Elizabeth's life is in danger. I must do as the monster says. So be it. I tell the company and I will help you with your work for your kind, my friend, a friend of mine at the cottage on a little island in the office. I know that you will lend us this cottage and you will be able to conduct your work there. But I am against it, Victor. I do not think you should do it. I must do it. I feel sure that if I guard his request there will be no further trouble. But how can you be sure? You cannot control the minds of the creatures which to create. Oh, we shall tell Elizabeth you are taking me away from my house that I am going for a tea trip for several months. Then I will be able to return here to find happiness when my work is done. It seems the only way. The servants are preparing the meal for you, Victor. Thank you, Elizabeth. I have just been talking matters over with Ernst and he thinks that I should go away with him for a tea trip. My health has been undermined by all this dreadful worries. And you are going away without me, no? No, but you will be safe here. I know that the monster will alarm you. I feel that I must go away without you this time, Elizabeth. Where are you going? We have not decided yet. But will you not talk him to my care, Elizabeth? I will, Ernst. But I want to ask you one question, Victor. Do you intend to grant the monster's demand? My dear, I am going away from here so that I will not grant the monster's demand. My laboratory and all my instruments are here. I am leaving them. I am striving to forget about the monster. You need have no fear. I know that the monster will do no further harm. What did you say to him? Well, I do not like to think of it. But I spoke with him and he swears that he will not commit another murder. Is he not a bit punished for the murders he has already committed? It falls there is nothing we can do except it, my dear. If the burgo-master's men find the monster, they will kill him. Believe me, Elizabeth. Victor is asking for the best. Be content to leave him in my charge. I must be content. You have nothing to fear, Elizabeth. Now wait here until I return. I will recover my health. I will forget the miseries of the past. When I come back here, I swear that you and I shall never be parted again. And nothing shall ever happen to Maaha. Did you eventually go to that island in the Orkney? I went to the island in the Orkney. I will tell you all my experiences. If you come to me again a little later, Captain Wharton, I wish to look through your journal now. And I may make several corrections. Very well, Baron Frankenstein. I will leave you alone now. But I will return later. We now present your deadwoods in Frankenstein. During his enforced stay on the Good Ship Voyager, Baron Frankenstein related his experiences to Captain Wharton who noted them in his journals. And it is owing to that journal that we are able to retell the strange experiences of Baron Victor Frankenstein. Each morning Captain Wharton used to visit Baron Frankenstein's cabin. Good morning to you, Captain Wharton. Good morning, Baron Frankenstein. If you look over the notes which I have made in my journal, I did. They form a very graphic and remarkable story. It is extraordinary to think I am reading my own story and that story has not yet ended.   You may remember you were telling me that you and your friend Ernst Claval had arranged a journey to a lonely island in the Orkneys there to attempt to create a female monster. That is true. And I lied to my wife. I told her that I was going to take a short trip for my help. Eventually I reached the island in the Orkneys and there Ernst Claval and I took up our residence in a large, comfortable cottage. I used one big room at the back to conduct my experiments. I studied night and day. I worked for months and at last I molded a form which I hoped would someday have life and would be the mate of the monster which I had created. One night I sat working over this form while Ernst sat by my side. He watched me at work, I said. Victor, I do not know whether you are doing the right things. I do not feel that you should create another monster. I have doubted myself, my friend, as my work nears completion. I am afraid. I think that I will unleash another killer, another frightful monster to bring havoc and misery into the lives of many people and yet I must go on. You do not know that the original monster you created still lives. He may have died by now and if you continue with this work you may have to destroy it. Sometimes I feel that the monster which I created will destroy me. You should not think of those things. Have you heard from Elizabeth Lakeley? I received a letter from her yesterday. She begged me to return home and wonders why I am delaying so long. She must never know what I am doing. She will never forgive me. She will never learn. Come to bed now, Victor. You have worked long enough. You look tired at least. I am tired and ill and my work is pleasant. You go to bed and leave me here. But just to tell I am tired of it called the windy arms of the islands will we be here much longer? Not very much longer. If I work through the night it will merely be a matter of waiting for a thunderstorm that might come tomorrow and then my work will be complete. Then this lifeless body will have the divine spark and I will have sinned again. Oh, think of it, Ernst. I should not do it. I know I should not do it. Courage, my friend. It is not too late to destroy the body. Go, leave me. I must think. And I must work on and on working for the monster which I created. You will be all right here? Of course. Why not? Oh, very well, my friend. I just bid you good night. So what was that? called the casement window? It exploded open. Strange. It had never done that before. I shall close it before I fall. Ah, Dr. Speckner. Good night, Ernst. I will see you in the morning. Good night, Mr. Do not stay up too long. Alone through the devil's work that I have made my own my thoughts drive me to a frenzy. If only I had never attempted to create the monster. If only I did not have to slave now at the orders of my own creation. I said that I would be watching over you Frankenstein. Have I stopped? I have watched you these many days. I trust you to this lonely island and I am happy knowing that now you are obeying my orders. Knowing that soon I am to have a companion a mate in my own likeness. Oh, why do you haunt me? Why have you followed me here? Are you not my creator? Have I not the right to follow you and watch you at your work? Hang on me not Frankenstein. I am living for the day when that lifeless form that lies before me shall have life. Then there will be one creature on the earth which will not regard me with shuddering, hatred and loathing.  I cannot make another in your likeness because of our sins. I have a care Frankenstein. You remember the threat I made to you? Unless you complete your work? Unless you make me a companion?    Tell me this. Have you slain anyone? Since last we spoke I flew but one man he laughed and cheered at me hurled stones at me turned the villages against me then I teased his throat and choked a life from his body to you devils. You promised you would slain no more men? Have you the right to command me? Am I not your creator? Did you not swear to me that if I tell him your orders there would be no further murders? Sometimes the desire comes upon me to kill. I cannot resist that desire but proceed with your work Frankenstein. I like to watch you. Go from here. I will not proceed with my work while you are here.  Very well my master I will go but I will not be far away and I hope that soon your work will be complete. I bid you farewell. We shall meet again. Did the monster trouble you again that night, Frankenstein? I did not see the monster again that night but I sat in thought for many hours realizing that my ghastly work was a great thing. Remembering the face of the monster as I had last seen it wrinkled with ghastly malice and treachery I was sitting there when dawn broke my friend Cheval came in and found me as soon as he saw me Victor have you been here all night? I have it is your work complete it is not complete I received a visit from the monster last night and I know now that I cannot complete this work I dare not make another scene I have not the right to do it that did the monster say did he threaten you? yes do you not understand that if I create this female there is no knowing that she will accept the monster as her mate she might turn with disgust from him when she sees him a monster other men no one realize that he is hideous and deformed and she may have the same murderous purposes I dare not do it I must do it my poor friend how can I advise you give me that iron bar I feel that madness is upon me I swear that I shall never complete this work give me that iron bar what will you do with it? you will see I will destroy all traces of my work look I smash this life with foam to a bone never will I resume these labors as I smash this form so do I define the monster I will find him I will no longer fear this I will destroy him just as I am destroying this work of mine look on me and say you are close to madness see see now what I have done the monster shall never have a mate perhaps you are wise I know that I am wise but I know that my first creation still lives and when he learns of it he will vow hatred and revenge the monster so if she approaches the window now I still have the iron bar I shall destroy him as I destroy the form that was to be his mate oh although some pictures stand outside the window look at him yes look on me Frankenstein look on your creation and look on the work you have destroyed and I am glad that I destroyed it do you dare to break your promise I left Switzerland after you I slept along the shores of the Rhine I have slept many months in the east of England and among the deserts of Scotland I have endured an utterable fatigue cold and hunger and now you dare to destroy my hopes your threats cannot move me they confirm in me the determination not to create a companion for you do you think that I I think cold blood would set Lucifer from the earth another monster whose delight is in death and wretchedness I would kill you capital victor I do not fear him I seize the iron bar from his ground and I Frankenstein do you think you are to be happy while I grovel in the intensity of my wretchedness I go now Frankenstein but we will meet again on the day that you are reunited with your wife remember that Frankenstein on the day that you are reunited with your wife you and I will come face to face again Earth, will you not help me to kill him I will beat me up to his feet down outside the window he rents that iron bar from your grasp and vented to live before the stick of windows please he has gone now but you are very afraid I am afraid and you may well be afraid Frankenstein you have had your chance and you let it slip by clearly my trigger I am now your monster ha ha ha come away big brother come away we must leave this island at once did the personal monster carry out his threat better than Frankenstein ask me no more today captain I recall that I almost swooned after the monster had left me and I feel now that the monster is not far away he is close to this ship I seem to thank him I shall place our men on guard outside your cavern do not fear Frankenstein if my men set eyes on the monster they will kill him I go to give those orders now we now present George Edwards in Frankenstein the good ship voyager Baron Frankenstein is confined to his cavern recovering from the effects of hardships and exposure during his convalescence he tells the story of his tragic experiences to Captain Walton the master of the epil will be improving you little Baron Frankenstein for a wonder it is not snowing perhaps before he is going to set in soon then you will have to take your vessel back to England and you will leave me here we shall certainly not leave you here I cannot return to civilization until I am sure that the monster of my creation is dead let me please with you Baron Frankenstein you were in the last stages of resources when you came aboard the vessel we have nursed you back to health and strength come back to England with us forget about the monster I feel sure that he has perished out there in the blizzard or if only I could feel sure tell me some more of your story what happened after you had destroyed the companions you were making for the monster did I not tell you that the monster returned and threatened me he swore that he would see me again on the day that I returned to my wife yes I remember that and did you leave the island then I arranged with my friend Ernst Clauval that we should leave the island a few days later and when the supply vessel called some member sent a shore to carry our effects to the ship the vessel was under the command of a door Scottish captain called MacDougal he came ashore and spoke with Ernst Clauval and myself he said we could put you ashore at Sir Vanston that is as far as we are going oh that will do nicely are you agreeable to Dr. Clauval oh we must be agreeable no other boat will come here for a month we must go on this one tell me Captain MacDougal is your vessel watched closely what do you mean by that Baron Frankenstein has anyone else tried to get aboard the vessel but certainly not the vessel is moved about a hundred yards from the shore and only one boat came ashore no one would get into that boat but you two passengers oh I am glad to hear that I did not know that there was anyone else on the island there is one other person on the island but he must not leave here who is he that matters not but he is an enemy of mine is everything ready Ernst or my briefcase has been left in the cottage I will own this annual for a moment Captain I will go and get it myself very well Ernst Clauval we will wait for you I do not be too long Ernst I want to get off this island as soon as possible oh I will already a few minutes now Captain MacDougal I would like you to give your crew instructions to see that no one bar her the valve and myself attempt to board this vessel it is imperative that the monster should remain here perhaps he will die of starvation what monster is this of which you speak but I am trying to say a huge default creature a murder on this island do not worry your head Captain as long as that creature is not allowed to board your vessel as long as we keep a watchful eye there is nothing to fear I am hopeful that I will never see or hear of him again what does it mean what does it mean what does it mean what does it mean of course some of your men come quickly follow me tell me more Baron Frankenstein had Ernst Clauval really been attacked together with Captain MacDougal we hurried to the cottage I flung open the door and dashed in and then a dreadful sight made my eyes on the floor in the far corner lay the huddle body of Ernst Clauval I dashed over to him this is the monster's work or it's my friend I should have known I should have known look at him Captain MacDougal he is dead and look on those cruel bruises those marks on his throat this is the monster's work he has carried out his promise those that I love I could be slain this is my punishment but who is this faithful creature tell me all the members are friendly I am this small we must hide them there we must find them hand your mince with firearms tell them to shoot outside but what does the creature look like a cruel evil monster bigger than an ordinary man with long yellow fangs that show between his lips a monster of hideous cruelty oh he must be found and slain but who is he what is his name he has no name I created him you created him you created this monster it is the truth tell your men to search for this monster tell them to slay him leave me here will you be safe here I will be safe although I pray for death go captain I beg that you try to find the monster and slay him I will gather my men at once we trust the agent thoroughly you had better return to the vessel as soon as possible I will see you there so I earned my friend the truest friend that man ever had had I but he did your advice you would have been alive today but I think are you certain the right of God and for that sin I am praying dearly now I have lost my friend I know that my wife is in danger all of mighty father in heaven I know that I have sinned I beg for thy forgiveness I ask that I may live to avenge those who have died because of my crime see about my friend well rather Frankenstein was the monster found on the island captain MacDougall and his men searched the island thoroughly but there was no trace of the monster he had not even left it with me where he was hiding I do not know because later on I joined in the search and I could not find him at last heartbroken and weary of the island caking with me the body of my beloved friend Ernst Laval the vessel set sail and in due time I landed at Southampton then I made arrangements to go home and at last I arrived in Geneva once again on arriving there I found my wife eagerly awaiting me she greeted me happily Victor all my heart is almost bursting to see you again after all these months oh my darling oh Elizabeth I am so happy to see my arms about you once again little look at you have you fully recovered from your illness have you forgotten the nightmares and the horrors of the past I am well Elizabeth that is not the truth Victor you look drawn and very pale I have had a long and tiring voyage but I will get better soon very very soon will you not come with you Ernst uh it's not returning not today I left him in England he said to you he's lost that is great I thought he would come back to see you oh do not question me now Elizabeth I am tired but tell me of yourself have you been happy here oh how could I be happy while you are away from me come forward to the day when you would return have you seen anything of the monster not a thing I am living in hopes that he has scary that we will never hear from him again have there been any reports that he has been around here in the last few days why did you think that have you seen anything of him during your travel I saw him he followed you oh do not be worried Elizabeth I had so hope that the horrible creature was dead why are you looking so worried what has happened well you must be guided by me Elizabeth I said that you will not leave the house unaccompanied stay by my side always and whatever you do if you go if you do leave my side carry this pistol with you it is pistol but let go of what is it that you fear what is it that I fear don't you know I fear that the monster may return I know that he is not dead you know that he is not dead I told you that I but why should you think that I can leave oh please do not question me now Elizabeth but do as I say promise that you will not be alone for any length of time and if you hear anything which frightens you promise on your word of honor that you will call for help at once but do you think that that will be necessary oh it is necessary and please always carry that pistol with you do not hesitate to use it if necessary this is most alarming I wish you would be frank with me Victor tell me why you think the monster will attack me he is a blood crazed in human creature we must be honored we must try to kill him before he does any further damage hmm further damage I think committed another murder I think you will get here oh can we not talk of something else Elizabeth I am so worried so terribly worried the mere mention of the monster obsessed and I thought that this holiday would help you to recover and you would come back well and strong but you seem worse than ever I have never seen you show such fear I cannot help it oh but be of good heart Elizabeth while I am here I shall protect you and if the monster comes I swear he shall die why should you think the monster will come will he threaten to come on the day that you and I were reunited but I hope that he is on that lonely island in the orphanage I do not think he will be here yes I heard the monster's laugh he has returned oh Elizabeth I am afraid to proceed Baron Frankenstein did you see anything of the monster that day I betrayed I I cannot tell you anymore now captain the telling of this story has tired me please go and bleed me very well I will note what you have told me in the journal and I will return to you when you feel more rest I'll present your deadwood in Frankenstein Baron Frankenstein was gradually recovering his health under the care of the captain and the surgeon of the ship Voyager which was ice bound in northern waters each day Baron Frankenstein told captain some of his story and the captain duly noted these facts in his journal perhaps you would care to have another look through my journal Baron Frankenstein you may desire to make some further correction if you will leave your journal here I will go through it Captain Walton are looking through the portholes I notice that the red eye is improving here it is noticeably warmer too I think the thaw will set in any day and at last we can proceed on our journey to England I trust you will be your company not Baron I doubt it strange that neither you nor your crew have seen any sign of the monster but I trust that the monster no longer lives I must make sure before I return I think that very soon I will be able to go up on deck I am feeling so much better the surgeon says that within a few days you may be able to go up on deck now would you care to tell me some more of your story or let me see your journals ah I was telling you how I returned home to my wife I was afraid to tell her of the death of Ernst Claver and I was terrified that the monster would keep it from us and appear on the day that I was reunited with Elizabeth while we were talking we suddenly heard a ghastly laugh and I knew that the monster had kept his promise Elizabeth clung to me in terror and I said now Elizabeth you understand why I must guard you carefully the monster has returned and he has designs on your life but I thought that he had promised never to take another human life he did not keep his promise Lord did I keep mine the door this door I will lock the door I'm sleeping here I am terrified I have kept my promise I have designed you broke yours to me it seems that my creator can make the promise and break it but I do not break promises have you sincerely mourned the death of your friend Ernst Claver Ernst Claver is he fake? I am going now Frankenstein but I will not be ready far away not very far away I will arrange for a bodyguard to come to the house we will make plans to slay that foul monster tell me about Ernst Claver for real Lord I was trying to keep the news from you Ernst has been killed murdered by the monster oh Elizabeth are we to spend the rest of our days in fear and terror am I never to cease to suffer because of the crime which I committed I will carry this pistol Victor and we will take every precaution to try and protect ourselves oh the monster will not kill me he desires me to live on and suffer oh but I am afraid for you tomorrow you shall leave here you will go to England think enough that the monster would follow me or I am safer with you Victor we must not get parted again oh it is my fault that we are suffering all this misery we have each other we must all in our part to with the world of this foul creature I will send a message to the Burgomaster at once I will ask him to send his best man here to act as a bodyguard and together we shall plan to bring about the downfall of the monster you must send one of the servants for the message at once oh Elizabeth until that monster dies we ought to spend our days in fear and abject misery let us pray that we shall have peace with our hearts well Baron Frankenstein did the Burgomaster send someone to protect you from the monster a man called Fabian but sent to the house he took up his quarters there and he acted as a bodyguard but I assure you Captain Walton that my wife and I experienced misery terror and suspense such as is known to few mortal beings every footstep every sound calls us to start we were prisoners that are all home still there was no sign of the monster there came a day when I sent for the man Fabian I discussed with him the best plans for finding the vile creature which was endangering our existence when Fabian came into the room I said or besieged Fabian tell me where is the Baroness she has gone to her room to rest I thought that her door was locked but Baron Frankenstein do you think we need an extra bodyguard in the house well it might be advisable to have another man here fortunately we are all armed the Baroness never goes anywhere without the pistol and you and I carry two pistols do you think the monster is somewhere in the ground I have had the ground search each day and still there is no sign of the monster I do not know where he can be let me send a message to the Burgomaster I ask him to send another man here. We will do that at once. I feel that we will receive a visit from the monster at any time. And if there is an extra man here, we will have more chance of overpowering and killing the creature. I will give the message to the servant now. Wait. This is strange. What else you're bound to find to stand? The door will not open, let me see. Why? It is locked from the outside. Was the key on the outside of the door? It must have been, but I did not place it there. Well, who could have locked that in? Surely the monster is not here. We will have to break our way out of here. My wife, she is upstairs in her room. We must get out of here at once. That is Elizabeth. Help me to break this door open. This is a heavy saw. I was trying to be careful with the eyes. This door is too heavy. Why do they just come to help my head? I am opening the door. I think I can break the handle with the corner of this small table. That is clear, but I must get out of here. My wife, I heard her scream and I heard a shock. Holy baby, the moment. There. I have broken the panel. This is not big enough to go through yet. No, no, no. I am going the best I can. Oh, let me go through. I will follow you. Oh, look. There. At the foot of the stairs. The baroness. Elizabeth, what has happened? Look at the marks on her throat. The baroness is dead. Choked to death by the monster. He kept his promise. Oh, look. The pistol lies thereby aside. She must have fired it to try to save herself.  We were locked down in the library. I must go for help of one more. We are helpless. No one can prevail against the brute which I created. He swore to kill my wife, and now he has kept his promise. Oh, Elizabeth. You are distressed in the telling of this story, Madam Frankenstein. Shall I leave you alone? I shudder now as I recall the horror of that moment. As the realization came to me that my beloved wife had been murdered, I felt as if I had murdered her myself. But I shall live to avenge her. The monster must die. What is that? And I know for real. The monster is here on the ship. I warn Captain, I am done. We meet again, Frankenstein. And I can lock this door behind me. Why have you come here?  I have no sympathy for you. Only hatred and loathing. Stand where you are, Captain. I hold you firmly, you crumble. Let me go.  Why should you kill me? You have done you no harm. You have said that your sympathies are always Frankenstein's. But do you not realize that I also have suffered? A quarrel is almost over, Frankenstein. I have come to tell you that I will slay no more of your friends unless they seek to slay me. I have but one life to claim now. Life is not pure Frankenstein.  The monster shall destroy the man who created him. Mark that well, Frankenstein.  I only pray that before this ship leaves I am given the strength to kill you. I will be content to die when you are dead. Think not to escape me, Frankenstein. Your life and mine are bound together. I go now, but be prepared. You may not be far distant. After him, Captain. Oh, quick. Beat your men, shoot him down, though. I cannot go after him, Ben Frankenstein. I do not think that anyone can kill that monster. And he has sworn to kill all who strive to slay him. Oh, advise me, and think me a coward. I do not think that. I understand. But go on deck, Captain. Tell your men to keep a close guard. And whatever you do, see that the officers are armed and carry a firearm yourself. Then return to me, and I will continue my story. Now present your deadwoods in Frankenstein. Frankenstein was gradually recovering his health. And he was telling his story to his friend Captain Walton on the ship Voyager, which was icebound somewhere near the North Pole. On one occasion, just after Frankenstein had described the death of his wife, the monster appeared on the ship. He went to the cabin, and there he attacked Captain Walton. Frankenstein advised the captain to carry firearms in future and to let his crew do the same. The next day Captain Walton again visited Frankenstein's cabin. Great captain, what knew which the ship is carefully guarded, Baron Frankenstein? We have seen no sign of the monster. He's sure that he was going to turn here to kill me. He cannot board this vessel now without being seen. I have placed men on guard all over the vessel. That monster is almost a devil. You do not know what he can do. I must apologize to you because of the abject fear which I showed yesterday. You need not apologize, Captain. All men show fear when they see the monster. I am his creator and I am afraid. Did you say that the monster is impervious to bullets? I did not say that. He has certainly been wounded twice, but he has recovered. He is so strong. Well, if we have another visit from him, it shall be his last. I swear that we shall kill him. I hope so. Do you feel you are able to tell me what happened after the death of your beloved wife? Well, the bodyguard Fabian and myself found my wife's body at the foot of the stairs. I picked the body up tenderly and bore it to another room. While Fabian went for assistance, I looked at the still form of my wife. Then I knelt down and prayed. I prayed that I be granted life so that I may destroy the monster which I created. Has not my punishment been enough? Have not others suffered because of my sin? When will my suffering cease? Oh, Elizabeth, my beloved wife, I will live to avenge you.  I kept my promise, Frankenstein. But you hear? You cannot move. The creature is stronger than the creator. I hold you hard. Oh, so great is my hatred that it gives me strength. I shall free myself.  Hear me, little man. I despise you. Let me go. Let me go. Let me go. Hear me. Did you not condemn me to a life without a mate, without a companion? Did you not create me and make me an object of hatred and contempt? Now all men are against you. They know that you created me. They know that you have brought misery to others. Therefore you will become an object of hatred and contempt. You are now without a wife. I killed her. That is her still body lying on the bed. Suffer now as I have suffered, Frankenstein.  You have not the strength in your foolishness. You have made your creatures stronger than yourself. My work is done now. I am leaving here. I cannot make you suffer more. I know that every man's hand will be against you.  Where? Where are you going? Who knows? I shall wander the world. May have I will find someone as hideous as myself. Someone who will be a companion to me.  If it be to the ends of the earth, I will not be content to rest until I have destroyed you.  I could do it now. Kill you my fingers about your throat. All right. Why do you not kill me? It would be a must release. But I should not die happily, knowing that you still live. You shall live on. You shall suffer as I have suffered. May have we shall meet again. We shall meet again, I swear it. But tell me, have you the powers of evil? How is it that you were able to find us? How is it that you were able to get into the house? I laughed as I watched you searching for me. You did not think that I could find shelter on the roof, that I could lower myself into the window of this room? Oh, I slept. But she heard me as I came through the window. She started up and seized that bristle. She piled, but the rain was wild. She did not struggle like Shrankenstein. Then I took her body and hurled it down the stairs. You have been on the roof all the time? I have, but... Oh, Flankenstein, I have dealt with it, but... Why? The monster! Shoot him!  He's up right on the side! Let me go now! He's choking me! Let that man go!  He shall die! All my enemies shall die! Do not approach Flankenstein! With one hand I can slay this man, with the other I hold you at bay!  He shall die! I just make pleasure to make men die! One man gave me life, but I have given death to many! Help! Help! I have struggled for a week of Flankenstein! You cannot eat him now! I hurl him aside! And that's another of my enemies has died! I hurl you aside! And I say farewell! Seek not to find me! My work here is done! Oh, come back! I must refer the speech with you! I must find some way to make peace with you! You will have peace if you do not stray! What happened, Baron Flankenstein? Did the monster make his escape? He climbed through the window, and with surprising agility scrambled onto the roof. I could not go after him, but I called for help. When I turned, I saw the body of my wife lying on the bed, and the body of the man Fabian, lying on the floor. Oh, words carried with my utter horror and remorse. I think I wept and hurled myself on the floor in a frenzy of agony. Recently the door opened, and the burglar master entered. As soon as he saw me... Baron Flankenstein, what has happened? Oh, if you have a pistol there, shoot me! Put an end to my life! I cannot live on! What has happened to Fabian? He is dead, murdered by the monster.  I did create him, and may God forgive me for that sin. It seems that my suffering is never to end. I am guilty of the murder of these innocent people. For months we have been striving to find that monster, and to destroy him. If you are his creator, as you say, then it is your responsibility to find him and destroy him, Baron Flankenstein. I know it. I have communicated with the authorities, and there is talk of ordering your arrest. If you created a devil, you should be punished. Or have I not been punished enough? The people of the village murmur against you. They say that you should be hanged for these murders. Oh, I fear that I am going mad. I know that I turned this murderer loose upon society, that while he lives there may be other murders. Therefore I swear a secret oath, that while there is bread in my body, while I live I should devote my life to tracking him down. We feel that if you remain here, the monster will remain. That other lives will be in danger. So all men are against me. I am to suffer as my creature has suffered. I am to know what it is to be a fugitive, an object of hatred and scorn. It seems that his revenge is indeed complete. I assign you for your own sake to leave here today. I will leave very soon. Spare me a few minutes so that I may pray beside the body of my beloved wife. Then will my journey commence. Where it will take me, I know not. But if it be to the end of the earth, I will find him and destroy him.  Yes, Baron Frankenstein. I will see that you are not molested before you leave the village. Oh, await me downstairs. I will join you. So, Baron Frankenstein, you were forced to leave your native village. Yes. When I left my home, my first act was to try and find some clue by which I might trace the steps of my fiendish enemy. I wandered to the cemetery and I prayed quietly by the grave of the child William. Then I heard a sound behind me. I looked up and it was the monster watching me. He did not speak but fled away and I pursued him, only to lose him. But he left a trail of death and disaster wherever he went and for many months the ceaseless pursuit went on. Sometimes I would almost come up with him. Once, when I was traveling by night, the broad disc of the moon arose and it shone upon a huge, ghastly, distorted shape which fled before me with more than mortal speed. I went to the coast and by a strange chance I saw the fiend hide himself in a vessel bound for the Black Sea. I booked my passage in the same ship but he escaped. I know not how. I traveled to the vials of Tartary and Russia and once I came upon a peasant's home in the vials of Tartary. I saw the peasant's timing outside his cottage. He was ringing his hands in terror and said, I have seen the devil himself, a strange horrid dream. Tell me, my friend, what have you seen?  He forced his way into my cottage, took all my food, aided him to place his cold, clammy hands upon my throat. I screamed in mortal agony.  Tell me, where did this creature go? I know not. He went out of my cottage and I was afraid to follow him. Here, take this silver to compensate you for anything which the monster stole from you. I must be close to him. I feel my search will soon end.   My quarry is near. He's time to fight, man.  What happened, Baron Frankenstein? Did you shoot the monster? Ask me no more now. I am tired. Later on, I will tell you what happened on that fateful day. We now present George Edwards in Frankenstein. Baron Frankenstein described his amazing adventures to Captain Walton of the ship Voyager. The Voyager had been ice bound for many months, but the floor was setting in and the vessel was commencing to drift southward. Captain Walton brought this good news to the Baron. We are now turning to the ship. This time, our journey homeward is commencing. The ice is breaking up. There are several patches of water around the vessel. Very soon, it will be under way. I must leave the vessel at once. I know the monster is still alive. I cannot let you leave Baron Frankenstein. You know that. You have no power to keep me here. Well, we are not making very much progress as yet. And I would sincerely like to hear the remainder of your story. I am writing it all in my journal. Well, I was telling you that in the vials of pottery, I encountered a peasant who was terrified because he had seen the monster. And when you were seeking to comfort the peasant, you heard the monster's laugh. Yeah, I threw my pistol and moved towards the door. To my surprise, the door opened and the monster appeared. My surprise was so great that I hesitated for a moment and that hesitation was fatal. With incredible swiftness, the monster advanced and rents the pistol from my hand. And then he said, It is kind that you and I spoke again, Frankenstein. You seem to have the powers of evil. Always you flee before me. Am I never to kill you?  I do not wish him to hear what we have to say. Go, Ferrell. Do not return here for some hour. Because you are my creator, so should you be my friend. We are both outcasts now. Can we not also be friends? I have thoughts just as I'll amend. If I had a friend to whom I could speak and who could read to me and teach me many of the ways of the world, perhaps I would find some strange happiness. You cannot return to your world, Frankenstein, but you could find loyal, faithful and honest friendship with me. You have murdered my wife, my friends, and made me an outcast in this world, and yet you dare to ask for friendship? Is your life happy now? I have never known a moment's happiness since I created you. And I have never known a moment's happiness since I was created. Do you not owe it to me to give me some peace and happiness to give me friendship, to give me your ideas?  Was it my fault that men shrink from me and strive to kill me? Is it my fault that I defended myself by killing them and thus earning further hatred? Did you not refuse to make for me a companion? I could not bring myself to do it. And because of that, my rage knew no bounds and I flew all whom you held dear. Now it is over. We are both outcasts, objects of hatred, scorn and loathing. Let there be friendship between us, Frankenstein. I have sworn that I will never rest until I destroy that which I created. May have I am to blame for many of the sufferings which you have endured, but the sin was mine, I created you.  And it is in my power to destroy my Creator. You may destroy me, I will, but not until you have experienced further suffering. You must pursue me. You must live the same lonely life as I live. And perhaps I will receive a strange pleasure knowing that I have made my Creator a shopper. And perhaps I am receiving a strange pleasure knowing that you are paying for your sins, knowing that all men are still against you and will always be against you. But I admit the crime was mine in giving life to you. And my only purpose in living now is to end that life. May have you will never end it. Farewell once again, my master. I offered you my friendship. I offered to live at peace with you and you refused. Why should a man hate that which he has created? That is one of the things I will never understand. Farewell Frankenstein. Until the next time. Did you pursue the monster that day, Baron Frankenstein? Well, he made his escape with incredible swiftness and I set off our team. The search went on for many months and the monster seemed to take pleasure in leading me on. Sometimes indeed he left marks in writing on the barks of trees and stones that guided me and instigated my fury. I pursued my journey to the northward, the snows thickened, and the cold increased in a degree almost too severe to support. On and on we clamped, and occasionally I was rewarded by a glimpse of my deadly enemy. I realized that I was being led towards the frozen wastes of the north including the sledge and dogs travelling across the icy race and occasionally finding clues of the inhuman devil which I had created. Then I lost him and for a while I despaired of my own life. My dogs dying. I wandered through the snow and the blizzard gradually finding my way to the ship where you gave me your kindness and hospitality Captain Walton. A strange and dreadfully tragic story Baron Frankens. The story is not over yet. You know now why I cannot return to England with you. There is no place for me in the haunts of men.  Who is there? Mr. Boyce, the men to this beginning to trip. The ice is breaking more rapidly now Captain. I wish you a better time out there. Well, I shall come up now. I must leave the vessel. Make arrangements for me to be put ashore Captain. You cannot leave the vessel Baron Frankenstein. That would be madness. I must. You realize that I cannot let that monster roam about killing people at will? You must excuse me for a moment. You will be safe here in your cabin. You are not yet strong enough to leave your bunk. I will return and discuss the matter with you later. Come Mr. Boyce. Well, have you any orders for you Captain? We cannot carry any more sail at present. The vessel is moving slowly but steadily. Better be kept upon this course Mr. Boyce. Aye aye sir. Have any of the men seen signs of the monster? We have seen nothing for the past few days. I am glad. We are gradually gathering speed and making our way through the ice. By tomorrow we should be well on the journey homewards. Then I do not think we will have any more to clear from the monster. But what of Baron Frankenstein? Are we taking him with us? Of course. You do not think we could leave him here? The men are afraid of him sir. They say that he is responsible for bringing that evil monster aboard. They say all their lives are in danger. I think if you put Baron Frankenstein ashore, he will be an evil influence during the voyage. I am the commander of this vessel Mr. Boyd. Baron Frankenstein is my friend. The men have been inactive all the while. The ship has been ice bound. They are ready for any mischief and they have been grumbling lately. Well you have started our homeward journey now. They fear that Baron Frankenstein. They fear this monster. They say that the Baron must be put ashore. And I refuse. You do not know Baron Frankenstein's story as I know it. That man has suffered. Admittedly it was through his own sin. But he could not have realized what misery he was to bring into the world and into his own life. He has suffered enough. And I say that he is to stay aboard this ship until we reach England. If anyone attempts to harm him, they will answer to me. But what if that monster comes aboard? What if it means loss of life? All the officers are armed. If the monster comes aboard, we will shoot. It would be easy for the monster to come aboard. There is ice all around the ship. There is water on one side of the ship. We can watch the ice bound side. And what if the crew mutiny? If the crew mutiny they will be dealt with. Gather them here, and I will address them. All hands on deck! If the officers stand with me, Mr. Boyd, so far this voyage has been a success and will not be marred by any signs of mutiny on the part of the crew. I was only trying to do my duty in telling you what the men felt, sir. I am aware of that. And I am going to deal with the men. I assume I have the loyalty of the officers. We will obey you, sir. But we are afraid of this monster. If you will remember, he wants to take me. I do remember that. All hands on deck now, sir. Men! It has been reported to me that some of you are showing signs of discontent. For the greater part of this voyage, you have all given me your loyalty and you have assisted me to make the journey a success. I ask you now not to mar that voyage by any murmurs of mutiny. I am told that some of you are afraid of my friend and guest, Baron Frankenstein. There is no need for you to fear him. He is a gentleman who has suffered. I know his story and I feel deeply for him. As regards the strange monster which has sometimes come aboard this vessel, I can assure you that all the officers are armed. And if he comes aboard, they will shoot. Attempt to mutiny and disobey my orders. Then you will meet with the punishment that is given to mutineers. Now, trust in me, men. I will take you back home safely. And remember, if any harm comes to my guest, Baron Frankenstein, the man who harms him shall die. And it's all you may go. Hey, please! Baron Frankenstein, how did you get up here? I forced myself to leave my bed. I heard what you said, Captain. But your men need have no fear. I will go ashore now. We now present George Edwards in Frankenstein. Certain members of the crew of the Voyager objected to the presence of Baron Frankenstein on board. But Captain Walton addressed his crew and informed them that the Baron was his guest. Then to the surprise of everyone, Baron Frankenstein started up on to bed. He was weak and ill, and he supported himself with difficulty. He informed Captain Walton that he intended to leave the ship immediately. Baron Frankenstein, I cannot allow you to go ashore. This is no affair of yours, Captain Walton. You dare not keep me here against my will, besides which your crew do not desire to have me aboard the vessel. The crew will obey my orders. I have a duty to do. I cannot send a man to serve the best Captain Walton. I appreciate your feelings and I thank you for your friendship and for all that you have done for me. Do you not realize that life for me is over? I created a monster and that monster has gradually destroyed me, torn down the structure which surrounded me, killed my friends, my loved ones, made me an outcast. I live only for one thing, to witness the death of the monster. If you take me back to civilization against my will, you will be condemning me to torture, knowing that all men hate and despise me because of the crime which I committed. I am already destroyed, although there is life in my body, that that life cannot be extinguished. It must not be extinguished until my creation has been destroyed. Now I think of you, let me go. We shall not meet again. Very well, Madame Frankenstein. The choice is yours. You may leave this ship. There is still life for you to work for God.  But I shall always feel it on my conscience that I deserve it.  For me, death will be a merciful release. So go, Captain. And when you return to England, you may publish the notes in your journal so that all may know that it is fallen, that it is a grave sin to usurp the right of God. I have suffered as men have seldom suffered, and when the monster dies, then shall I make atonement. To the members of your crew, I also say farewell. I am glad that none of them had suffered because of my misdeeds. Now I must go, sir. He has come out. I knew he had not the strength. I knew he should not have come on sick. What shall we do, Captain Walton? We cannot put him ashore in his present state. I guess we cannot remain here. The vessel must go on. I hardly know what to do. I think I have a second sign you're trying to speak. I am to be cheated of my vengeance. I know it. I feel for the first time that I think that your death come close to me, Captain Walton, and hear what I say. What is it that I'm trying to say?  I promise you, I will do that. I will never see the monster again.  It is not fair. For this is indeed my greatest punishment that you may not die. Let me give orders that you all carry down to the caverns. There we will seek to revive you, for it is too late for that. Even now, all grow dim. Oh God, forgive me for the great sin which was mine. Let no others be punished because of my falling and my pride. I have suffered because of my ambition, and I have paid the penalty. I go now to join my beloved enemies, my friends, and I beg thy forgiveness. O Lord, that which I created has destroyed me. Now I go to buy creator, hoping for his abundant mercy. Is there anything we can do for you, Balanfremistine? Nothing, Captain Malton. It is safe to keep a close watch for the monster. I commend my sword of God, and I beg that you consign my body to the dark black mortars. God, is it only favor I ask? Ah, I am coming, Elizabeth. All these long and weary months have passed, and soon we shall meet again, my loved one. Uncover your head, Flint. Balanfremistine has passed away, but he shall be consigned to the sea, and my journal shall tell of the horrors of the suffering which he underwent. Look, there, coming up across the ice. The most? Be ready with your pistol, Ben. He approaches the sea. Oh, he meets across the ice. I am afraid. Oh, no fear. We are ready to deal with him. He is stealing the rope ladder. Shall we fire? Wait. Do not fire until I give the order. He is coming aboard. Wait until I give the word to fire. My monster. My creator. What is him? Let me speak for him. Oh, monster. Balanfremistine is dead. Destroyed by your hatred and vice. Now you shall die. Fire, then. Ah! He would destroy me. The blood pours from my wounds. But I still have life. Let me look on the body of Frankenstein. Shall we fire again, Captain? No, wait. Frankenstein. You are dead. Victim of my hatred. Victim of your own selfishness. Oh, Frankenstein. I am filled with remorse. And yet soon I am to die. They have dealt me mortal wounds. Frankenstein. My creator. I mourn for you. You say you mourn for him.   Thank you that I do not deserve your sympathy. I swear that after the murder of Cleval I was heartbroken and overcome. I pitied Frankenstein and hated myself. But I discovered that he still sought for happiness. While I, his creature, could live on in misery and loneliness. Men have forced me to murder. Loneliness has made me bitter. And now he who gave me life is dead. I swear I was not born to hate. But men turned from me. And my creator would not aid me. He offered you death. I said he meant sheath death. While he may yet find happiness in life. Frankenstein welcomed death.  There lies my creator. White and cold and dead.  All men hate me. But your hatred cannot equal that which I regard myself. I once sought the friendship of Frankenstein. Should there not be friendship between the creator and his creature?   You can see that I am mortally wounded. Tell me what was Frankenstein's last wish? His last wish was that his remains should be confined to the sea. His last wish shall be carried out. And I shall carry it out. Looked you over the side of the vessel. See you, not that deep black pool of water. That shall be the grave of Frankenstein and his creature. With my last remaining strength. I raise his body in my arms. A creator and creature will lie in cold death together. Beneath the dark, unfriendly ocean. Yes, thank you for the morning, Captain. Shall we still count? He is soon to die. Let us watch. I am about to lead this world.  Even now you shrink from me with horror and loathing. And him, who am I old in my arms, gave me this hideous form, condemned me to a life of loneliness. Yet he was my creator.  So I sought vengeance on all men. I turned against him, who had given me life. Let every man learn of the story. Tell them the truth. Tell them that the hideous diabolical monster, from which whom all men turn, had feelings just as other creatures. And by those feelings, so was he forced to wickedness and crime. Frankenstein, my master, that which you created, is now to be destroyed. With false strength, I carry you to your last cold, unfriendly resting place.  No, he goes to his death of his own free will, in some strange way. I feel sorry for this monster. He has excited my pity. I will not live. But Frankenstein goes with me, where I go. I lay him across the world, the creator following his creature. Still I am suffering. Still I know Remorse, because Frankenstein is dead. But I know the suffering which I feel now, will soon be ended. Watch and rest assured that I died.  Nevermore will man learn the secret of how to create man. Farewell all mankind. Frankenstein and his creatures now vanish forever from mortal cans. I am barely the strength to climb over the rails, bearing my burdens, but I must die. We go now, Frankenstein, to know only peace and blissful freedom from suffering. Look on us, Captain. Let your men look on us. No other shall ever behold us. I go now, with my three acres. Thanks for listening to this week's Retro Radio Sunday episode of Weird Darkness. If you haven't done so yet, be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes. And if you like the show, please, share it with someone you know who also loves old-time radio and pulp audio. If you want to hear even more, drop an email to weirddarkness at radioarchives.com and get an instant reply with links to download full-length pulp audio books, pulp e-books and old-time radio shows absolutely free. That's Weird Darkness at radioarchives.com. I'm Darren Marlar, and I'll see you next week for Weird Darkness's Retro Radio Sunday.