The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: SMEE by A.M. BURRAGE A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK TURNS DEADLY

   🎙️ 1001 Ghost, Chiller & Lovecraft Stories SHOW NOTES "SMEE" by A.M. Burrage A Christmas Eve game of hide‑and‑seek becomes a brush with the dead. A.M. Burrage's "Smee" is one of the finest English ghost stories of the early 20th century — subtle, atmospheric, and built around the kind of slow‑creeping dread that M.R. James himself praised Burrage for achieving . First published in December 1929 in Nash's Pall Mall Magazine, the story has become a classic of holiday hauntings: a tale where a simple parlor game turns into a chilling encounter with something that should not be there. 🕯️ Story Summary It is Christmas Eve, and a group of fourteen friends gather in an old country house — the perfect setting for childish games after a good dinner and holiday cheer. Someone suggests hide‑and‑seek, and the group erupts in enthusiastic approval… except for one man: Jackson. Jackson refuses to play. When pressed, he explains that he once stayed in a house where a girl died during hide‑and‑seek — she opened the wrong door in the dark, fell down a servants' staircase, and broke her neck . But then he adds something even more unsettling: "I was there when something else happened. Something worse." Jackson proposes a different game: SMEE — a variation of hide‑and‑seek played in total darkness. One player secretly becomes "Smee," hides, and remains silent when found. The others must locate Smee by touch and challenge them with the word "Smee." The real Smee never answers. One by one, players gather silently around the hidden figure until everyone is found. It is meant to be noisy, chaotic, and fun. But in a large, old house, it can take a long time… and strange things can happen in the dark. During the game, the narrator encounters a silent figure standing in a small, cold room — a figure he assumes is one of the players. But when the lights come on, he learns that no one else was ever in that room. The person he stood beside — the one who refused to answer — was not part of the game at all. And when Jackson later reveals the name of the girl who died in the house, the narrator realizes with horror that the silent figure he found matches her description exactly. The game of SMEE has drawn a ghost into the circle. 👻 Why "SMEE" Works So Well Classic English ghost‑story atmosphere — Christmas Eve, an old house, candlelight, and youthful merriment. A slow build of dread — Burrage uses silence, darkness, and suggestion rather than shock. A perfect twist — the narrator's "player" was never alive. A haunting backstory — the girl who died on the servants' staircase becomes the ghost who joins the game. A timeless structure — a party game becomes a supernatural encounter. This is Burrage at his best: understated, eerie, and unforgettable. 🧩 Themes & Tone Games that open doors to the unseen The thin veil between memory and haunting The danger of old houses and forgotten tragedies The uncanny silence of the dead The story is perfect for listeners who love M.R. James, E.F. Benson, and the classic British tradition of Christmas ghost stories. 📚 Publication Notes First published December 1929 in Nash's Pall Mall Magazine Written by A.M. Burrage, later praised by M.R. James as one of the writers who "best realized" the possibilities of the ghost story Frequently anthologized in Christmas ghost‑story collections Public domain 🔔 Programming Note New stories every Sunday at noon ET Tune in to 1001 Ghost, Chiller & Lovecraft Stories for weekly releases of classic horror, supernatural tales, and eerie fiction from the masters of the genre. 🎧 Suggested Outro "SMEE" reminds us that some games should never be played in the dark — especially in old houses where tragedy has left its mark. Burrage's tale lingers long after the lights come back on, whispering that sometimes, when we call out 'Smee,' something answers by staying silent."

   September 06, 2026·30min
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   Number 2: THE SHADOW Episode 4 - The Three Ghosts

   This episode is a quintessential Halloween classic, leaning heavily into the "ghostly" reputation of the Shadow to stop a psychological crime. Episode Overview Title: "The Three Ghosts" First Aired: October 31, 1937 (Halloween Night) Network: Mutual Broadcasting System Sponsor: Blue Coal Cast & Voice Actors The Shadow / Lamont Cranston: Orson Welles Margot Lane: Agnes Moorehead Announcer: Arthur Whiteside (stepping in for the usual Ken Roberts in some listings) Organist: Elsie Thompson Commercial Spokesman: Thomas Coffin Cooke Episode Summary In this atmospheric holiday broadcast, a wicked criminal attempts to drive a wealthy woman to her death by convincing her that she is being haunted by three vengeful spirits. The goal is to literally frighten her into a fatal heart attack to claim her fortune. The Shadow becomes a literal conscience in the dark. Utilizing his own ghostly presence and hypnotic voice, he turns the tables on the conspirators. By the episode's end, the Shadow ensures that the only ones truly terrified are the criminals themselves, as he uses the very haunting they invented to force a confession. It is a brilliant example of how the Shadow doesn't just fight crime with fists, but with psychological warfare. Trivia & Fun Facts The Ultimate Halloween Episode: Aired on October 31, 1937, this was the show's first-ever Halloween broadcast. The producers leaned into the holiday spirit by making the plot centered on ghosts and hauntings. Organ Bridges: This episode is frequently cited by sound historians for its "beautiful organ bridges" performed by Elsie Thompson. The music was used to create a seamless, unsettling transition between the world of the living and the "supernatural." The Conscience Motif: Unlike earlier episodes where the Shadow is a more physical threat, this story highlights him as a psychological force—acting as the "conscience" that the criminals lack. Surviving Broadcast: While many early episodes of The Shadow are "lost," this Halloween classic was preserved in excellent audio quality, allowing modern listeners to hear the original 1937 performance. Credits Host and Producer Gizelle Erickson Executive Producer Jon Hagadorn Music: Thanks to Sound Gallery By Dmitry Taras "Scary Horror Music" The Shadow sourced by AcousticMonster on Internet Archive

   January 29, 2026·35min
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   Number 3: FUTURE FEAR and THE BODY SNATCHERS

   Nightfall was a radio series produced and aired by CBC radio from July 1980 to June 1982. While primarily a supernatural /horror series, Nightfall featured some episodes of science fiction, mystery and fantasy.. APPLE USERS Catch 1001 Heroes on any Apple Device here (Free): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2 Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at Apple Podcast App Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at Apple Podcast now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901 NEW Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552 Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 NEW 1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Macabre is now playing at Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-stories-tales-of-the-macabre/id1516332327 NEW Enjoy 1001 History's Best Storytellers (Interviews) on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-historys-best-storytellers/id1483649026 NEW Enjoy 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories and The Best of Arthur Conan Doyle https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-sherlock-holmes-stories-best-sir-arthur-conan/id1534427618 Get all of our shows at one website: www.bestof1001stories.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: [email protected] SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

   June 08, 2025·52min
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   Number 4: AZITHOTH and CELEPHAIS by H.P. LOVECRAFT

   Featuring two Lovecraft "dream" stories. Azithoth- a short (under 4 minute) story which was actually the start of an unfinished Lovecraft novel and Celephais- a longer piece describing the drug fueled dreams of a Londoner who has seen enough of life and wishes to return to the city of his younger dreams, which is Celephais. NEW Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552 Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Android devices here: ​​https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=479022&refid=stpr. Get all of our shows at one website: www.1001storiespodcast.com CALLING ALL FANS.. REVIEWS NEEDED SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW... Open these links to enjoy our shows! APPLE USERS Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 Catch 1001 Heroes on any Apple Device here (Free): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2 Catch 1001 CLASSIC SHORT STORIES at iTunes/apple Podcast App Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at iTunes/Apple Podcast now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901 ANDROID USERS- 1001 Radio Days right here at Player.fm FREE: https://player.fm/series/1001-radio-days 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales:https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Classic-Short-Stories-%26-Tales-id1323543?country=us 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries: https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Heroes%2C-Legends%2C-Histories-%26-Mysteries-Podcast-id1323418?country=us 1001 Stories for the Road:https://castbox.fm/channel/1001-Stories-For-The-Road-id1324757?country=us Catch ALL of our shows at one place by going to www.1001storiesnetwork.com- our home website with Megaphone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

   November 19, 2023·20min
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   Number 5: THE BOARDED WINDOW by AMBROSE BIERCE

   Ambrose Bierce's story of a frontier man in Ohio who faced horrible circumstances when his wife suddenly died of a fever.. Try the new "Tales of Escape & Suspense"- links below! ANDROID USERS- 1001 Tales of Escape & Suspense at Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2HQYk53AJHTOgBTLBzyP3w 1001 Stories From The Old West at Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0c2fc0cGwJBcPfyC8NWNTw 1001 Radio Crime Solvers at Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/0UAUS12lnS2063PWK9CZ37 1001's Best of Jack London at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2HzkpdKeWJgUU9rbx3NqgF 1001 Radio Days at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5jyc4nVoe00xoOxrhyAa8H 1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6rzDb5uFdOhfw5X6P5lkWn 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6rO7HELtRcGfV48UeP8aFQ 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4dIgYvBwZVTN5ewF0JPaTK 1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Macabre on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5P4hV28LgpG89dRNMfSDKJ 1001 Stories for the Road on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6FhlsxYFTGNPiSMYxM9O9K 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5sUUFDVTatnGt7FiNQvSHe 1001 History's Best Storytellers: (INTERVIEWS) on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3QyZ1u4f9OLb9O32KX6Ghr APPLE USERS New! 1001 Tales of Escape and Suspense at Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-tales-of-escape-and-suspense/id1689248043 Catch 1001 Stories From The Old West- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-from-the-old-west/id1613213865 Catch 1001's Best of Jack London- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-best-of-jack-london/id1656939169 Catch 1001 Radio Crime Solvers- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-crime-solvers/id1657397371 Catch 1001 Heroes on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-heroes-legends-histories-mysteries-podcast/id956154836?mt=2 Catch 1001 Classic Short Stories at Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-classic-short-stories-tales/id1078098622 Catch 1001 Stories for the Road at Apple Podcast now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-stories-for-the-road/id1227478901 NEW Enjoy 1001 Greatest Love Stories on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-greatest-love-stories/id1485751552 Catch 1001 RADIO DAYS now at Apple iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-radio-days/id1405045413?mt=2 NEW 1001 Ghost Stories & Tales of the Macabre is now playing at Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-ghost-stories-tales-of-the-macabre/id1516332327 NEW Enjoy 1001 History's Best Storytellers (Interviews) on Apple Devices here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-historys-best-storytellers/id1483649026 NEW Enjoy 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories and The Best of Arthur Conan Doyle https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1001-sherlock-holmes-stories-best-sir-arthur-conan/id1534427618 Get all of our shows at one website: https://.1001storiespodcast.com My email works as well for comments: [email protected] SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

   November 12, 2023·13min
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