Book Review: William - The Terrible (BBC Radio Plays Volume 1)

Volume one includes the first nine BBC Plays of series one. These plays are written (at least in part) by Richmal Crompton, published by David Schutte, and originally aired between October and December 1945 as 30 minute plays as a BBC Light programme.

The first edition, published in 2008, was limited to 300 copies and are of quality paper in a hardback cover, with attractive dustcover.

Illustrations are all selected by the publisher from various editions of Happy Mag and more or less represent the story that they are associated with. I think David Schutte made a good choice, with so many new stories appearing in the BBC play series, it must have been difficult to select appropriate illustrations. 

The book has a foreword by Martin Jarvis, which itself begins with some fan fiction that Martin has written, before delving in to some basic history about Crompton and the Just William series.

This is followed by an introduction by David Schutte regarding how the volumes came about and changes that he has made. These include, editing the plays so that William doesn't drop his aitches - purely because he doesn't in the book series. Examples include adding a 'h' to "w'at" and "w'en". While these changes do make for easier reading, children do drop their aitches. It is only some adults that like to prescribe 'proper' language use that would point this out. Schutte has also recreated the lisp of Violet Elizabeth in written form, which the voice actor knew she had to include, but wasn't included in the scripts. This makes for more difficult reading.

The plays follow a specific format. After bring introduced by the announcer (listed once as Margaret Hubble), Mrs Brown yells 'William!', who responds with a version of, 'All right - I'm here'. This happens even when the play begins with William and Ginger at the cinema.

Another part of the format is the idea of William turning over a new leaf, which turns into an in joke within the plays. I think it is only episode 9, William's Christmas Day, which does not include this reference. It is not only funny to the audience, but often diffuses tensions between the characters within the play.

The stories are fantastic and longer than in the books. Without the need for description in prose, there is much more emphasis on dialogue. This not only changes the dynamic between the characters, because so much more must be described for the audience, but also reveals deeper versions of the characters that we have come to know and love.

William has much better relationships with his family in the plays. They talk more to him and are much more understanding of his actions. It becomes obvious that William is a younger version of Mr Brown and it feels less like William was an (unhappy) accident. The happy family dynamics remind me much more of the other Crompton creation, Jimmy, and his family. This makes the plays a joy to read.

The addition of the original draft of Fireworks Strictly Forbidden reveals that there must have been many changes to Crompton's original content, but mostly for the better. It also reveals that Crompton, at least in the beginning, didn't include the necessary instructions for scene and music.

The quality of the publishing is fantastic. With great choices of illustrations and font face and size. Cast lists and programme information is a wonderful inclusion and really makes these books important for the history of Crompton's literature.

An absolute joy to read and worth every penny.

To get a copy, contact David Schutte, or check out places such as eBay.

Play Title	Series and Episode Number
Fireworks Strictly Forbidden (Plus original draft at back)	S01 E01
William, Prime Minister	S01 E02
William - Pond Dweller	S01 E03
William, Ethel, and Mr. Right	S01 E04
William Finds a Home for Albert	S01 E05
William Gets Robert a Job	S01 E06
William's Good Deed	S01 E07
William Buys a Present	S01 E08
William's Christmas Day	S01 E09

Book Review: Enter - Patricia

*Includes Spoilers*

When I looked for reviews of this book, I saw references to Richmal Crompton, the author, trying to reformulate William for other audiences. People have this idea that another Crompton creation, Jimmy, is a younger William, which I have refuted previously and will again in future posts! It also appears that some feel that Patricia was an attempt at a female version for girls.

It makes me wonder if those people have actually read the book.

Enter Patricia is told entirely from a man's perspective. Patricia is the object of his affection and features heavily in the skits that make up this hilarious book. However, there are skits that don't include Patricia, or mention Patricia without her making an appearance.

Cover via Goodreads.

The book, sectioned into 4 parts, is a piece of genius-level comedic writing that, if she so chose, could have seen Crompton transfer her skills over to writing sitcoms. Often, the television series The Good Life (Good Neighbours in the US), would pop into my mind, as I felt that humour was similar - in the best kind of silly way.

We see Mr Lawson meeting Patricia due to a misunderstanding. He has been asked by a friend to look after the best looking woman at a party, to keep her away from other men, until he arrives. Mr Lawson sees Patricia and assumes that this is that woman. Eventually his friend arrives, admonishing him as the girl in question is now unavailable!

A series of funny skits ensue as Mr Lawson first tries to woo Patricia, then afterwards, moments of fun as their life together grows.

One skit involves Patricia forgetting her umbrella, leaving it at a department store. Lawson goes to retrieve the umbrella, which involves various stops in the department store as it has been passed on and moved to a safe place. Eventually, upon finding the umbrella in the managers office. After a long conversation with the manager, *** rushes downstairs to bring the umbrella back to Patricia, only to realise that he, himself, has now forgotten the umbrella! There is a bit of an umbrella theme throughout the book.

As their life grows together, we see a genuine fondness between them. The hilarity calms down and Patricia's nephew and nieces come to visit. I found that this put a dampener on the book, however, by the end, we realise that Crompton was softly preparing us for the couple's future life.

I hope that you can see that this book is about two adults, falling in love - and having a great time in the process. The book is nothing like William - why would it be? The dust cover illustration, with its bold colours, may be reminiscent of the William covers, but this is wholly misleading. The book illustrations are much better and properly reflect the characters and situations. 

I have also seen mentions that it wasn't successful and this is why no other books on Patricia were written. If you read to the end, you'll see that the story is complete - there was never any need for another book. While the story in this book is woven together via a series of skits, it is a full story with a full story arc. 

It is the most hilarious and fun book that I've read in a good while and I'd thoroughly recommend it.

Book Review: Jimmy

Armada Paperback Edition

This is a fantastic book, with each story lifting my spirits. I originally purchased and read the Armada paperback, but realised that a significant portion of the stories were missing. 

Having since read the Newnes hardback, I can say that it is worth the additional cost as these stories are delightful. I find it disappointing that the Armada version was abridged, missing out 18 of the original stories.

Bill and Charles, make up Roger's Three Musketeers gang, with Toothy sometimes being part of their games. Jimmy, and his friend Bobby, look up to Roger's gang and always try to find a way into their current events. Sally, the girl next door has a liking for Roger, while Jimmy very much likes Sally! Then we have Archie and his gang, the Mouldies, always trying to get one up, and often failing, on Roger's gang. On the periphery is Araminta Palmer, a five-year-old, who wants to play with everyone, and sometimes does; but is mostly cast aside by all.

I enjoy that many of the stories are interlinked, with many of the locations reused in subsequent stories, such as the blitzed house and the quarry.  

Some stories are Williamesque in topic, but in feel, they are very different. The kids tend to get along and there's a much friendlier atmosphere within the stories. For instance, his parents have time for Jimmy and actually seem to like him, whereas William's parents try to ignore William when they can. The story where Sandy, the dog, is adopted by the family is a heart-warming tale and shows that even Jimmy, the youngest of their family, is allowed to make an impact on events within that family. Some other differences include: When excited Jimmy stammers, he saves well, thinks of others (often buying them presents), and is often let off his misdemeanours (possibly due to his age). 

The hardback and paperback are wonderfully illustrated by Lunt Roberts, who has the ability to bring life and action into each drawing.

The Cast

The main characters of this series are:

Jimmy Manning

Roger Manning

Mr Manning

Mrs Manning

Roger's Friends:

Charles 

Bill (of a simple direct inquiring nature) 

-both members of Roger's gang: The Three Musketeers

Toothy (who has a gold bar to correct his wild teeth)

Jimmy Friend:

Bobby Peaslake

Recurring Characters:

Archie Mould - Enemy and leading of the Mouldies

Sally - the girl next door (9 years old)

Araminta Palmer (5 years)

Hardback Edition

Hardback, Paperback, and Audiobook Contents

Newnes First Edition (1949) Contents
1.1 Jimmy Turns the Tables
1.2 Miss Pettigrew's Parrot
1.3 The Mousse
1.4 Jimmy, Detective
1.5 Setting the Stage
1.6 The Smuggler Hunt
1.7 Sandy Make His Entrance
1.8 A Not So Clean Sweep
1.9 A Punitive Expedition
1.10 The Fancy-dress Costume
1.11 The Party
1.12 The Treat
1.13 Righting a Wrong
1.14 The Criminal
1.15 The Hostage
1.16 The Dream
1.17 The Hidden Treasure
1.18 The Black Market
1.19 Sandy Saves the Situation
1.20 A Problem Solved
1.21 A The Rehearsal
1.22 The Rescue that Failed
1.23 Archie Gets the Worst of it
1.24 Speeding the Parting Guest
1.25 On the Rocks
1.26 Jimmy's Gang
1.27 The Paper-Chase
1.28 A Present for Uncle Peter
1.29 Sandy Does his Turn
1.30 The Little Jade House
1.31 A Bid for Fame
1.32 The Fire Fighter
1.33 Christmas Eve


Armada Paperback Edition Contents 

I initially read the Armada paperback version of this book, which beings with Sandy Does his Turn, a story out of chronological order. In that story, we have Sandy in his role of being Jimmy's dog before he had actually becomes Jimmy's dog. This is followed by Jimmy Turns the Tables, in which we get the first descriptions of Jimmy and the main characters. When I wrote my initial story reviews, I wrote that Jimmy Turns the Tables should really have been the opening story of this book. It wasn't until I realised that the original Newnes edition did have it as the first story. Not only that, but that the Armada book is missing 18 stories, making it less than half the original! 

1.1 Sandy Does his Turn
1.2 Jimmy Turns the Tables
1.3 Miss Pettigrew's Parrot
1.4 The Mousse
1.5 Jimmy, Detective
1.6 Setting the Stage
1.7 The Smuggler Hunt
1.8 Sandy Make His Entrance
1.9 A Not So Clean Sweep
1.10 A Punitive Expedition
1.11 The Fancy-dress Costume
1.12 The Party
1.13 On the Rocks
1.14 Righting a Wrong
1.15 The Criminal

Just Jimmy Audiobook Edition

A fantastic performance by Martin Jarvis, who has updated the odd word here and there for modern audiences.
The five stories, all from the original Jimmy book, are:
1. Setting the Stage
2. Miss Pettigrew's Parrot
3. The Hidden Treasure
4. Sandy Makes His Entrance
5. Christmas Eve.
While short, at around an hour running time, this audiobook is fantastic and worth a listen.

21.5 William the Dog Trainer

Quote from the story
"…she couldn't get out of givin' me the half-crown. She made me promise to put it in my money-box, so I did all right, but I got it out again with a knife when she'd gone. I never promised not to get it out again"
- William

 The Outlaws were in Ginger's back garden eating apples before throwing apple cores at each other. William was telling them about a films he had seen with his aunt, who had given his half a crown because he had been helpful. While William was rather vague about the content of the films, apart from general fighting, one thing he was sure on was that he liked the sheep dog the best. Quite taken with the intelligence and abilities of sheep dogs, William decides that Jumble would make a good sheep dog.

Now that William has the idea, he won't shut up about the idea. The Outlaws get a bit fed up as they want to know what happened in the war film, but William is no longer interested. This leads to Ginger betting William that he can't train Jumble to be a sheep dog. The bets hardens William's resolve and he now daydreams of all the amazing feats Jumble will achieve as a sheep dog. And of course, while he'd hire him out to the farmer, Jenks, he'd charge him more and make it difficult for him! Settling old scores!

Deciding to train Jumble in secret, seeing as the other Outlaws didn't support the cause, he heads over to the aforementioned Jenks' farm. Seeing Jenks heading towards the pigsties, William heads directly for the outfields, where he comes across many sheep. So, the training begins. Unfortunately, Jumble's idea of bringing the sheep efficiently to the corner was running wildly and barking loudly at them from all directions. Jumble, now in a state of ecstacy, ignores William's commands to stop. This, of course, brings Farmer Jenks to the chaotic scene; throwing stones at Jumble and grabbing William by the scrub of his neck.

Farmer Smith arrives now, but even his attempts do not calm a furious Jenks, who wants five pounds in damages and Jumble destroyed for sheep worrying. William pleads with Jenks. He'll bring him all the money, two-pence a week, as long as he doesn't tell Mr Brown or destroy Jumble.

As he drags William home, the damages have decreased to three pounds, but it seems the destruction of Jumble is a must.

Mr Brown deals with William harshly and his solicitor advises him to pay the damages and get rid of Jumble. William pleads for the life of Jumble, but his father won't hear of it, his mother doesn't have a sympathetic ear either.

William decides to keep Jumble in the barn until the whole mess dies down. When the vet arrives to take care of business, Jumble is nowhere to be seen. It becomes clear that the adult world is against him. He decides to take Jumble and go on the run.

We are then introduced to Miss Wortleton, who has taken a house on the outskirts of Marleigh, in which she housed a large number of dogs. She cannot abide dogs being maltreated, so while she is worried about the amount of dogs she has; when she sees a farmer giving a sheep dog a hiding during training, she buys it for £10 (even though the farmer, secretly, only wanted £5).

She sees William outside her home looking at a sign-post, as if wondering which way to go. She witnesses his affectionate behaviour towards Jumble and thinks that William is the boy to relieve her of one of her dogs.

William declines her offer of viewing all of her dogs until refreshments are offered. At seeing the amount of dogs she has, he considers that she collects dogs like someone might collect cigarette cards. So while she is trying to palm a dog off on William, William is in turn wanting her to look after Jumble until the fuss dies down. Miss Wortleton offers a sheep dog, Hector, to William. William, at first, declines, but having time to think while he demolishes a second plate of new current buns, then accepts. He decides he can go back to the original plan of hiding Jumble and can now say that he has swapped him for Hector. Hector, having nothing to do with the situation would be left out of it.

Walking home, William is less certain that his plan will work. But he comes upon a situation at the boundary of Farmer Jenk's land and Farmer Smith's land - sheep gone wild! Jenks has tied up his sheepdog as useless and William, deciding to watch proceedings, does the same with Jumble. However, Hector makes a run for the sheep. Smith seeing that Hector is trained, yells instructions, which are followed to the tee. Smith is impressed and tricks Farmer Jenks into saying that Jumble can live if Hector is for sale. Jenks says he'll buy him, but Smith says that he already has, will pay for the original damages - but must have proof! This sends Jenks off in a rage.

Escorting William home to speak with his parents, Smith tells them everything is fine and he'll manage Jenks. He gives William a ten-shilling note with the potential of more to come, dependent on the damages he has to pay Jenks.

Unaware of Jumble's change in fortune, Ethel returns home thinking that he has been destroyed. Thinking William is low on money as his pocket money was suspended, she offers him a low fee for collecting her shoes from the cobbler and she'll borrow the money for payment from mother. William flashes his ten-shilling note, saying he'll collect the shoes for free and lend her the money! Shouting "Hi, Jumble!", Ethel is thrown into "utter stupification". Life again, for William, is good!

Characters	Events
William	Sheep worrying
Ginger
Douglas	Places
Henry	Ginger's House (Back Garden)
Jumble	Jenks Farm
Farmer Jenks	William's Home
Farmer Smith	Miss Wortleton' s Home
Mr Brown
Mrs Brown
Miss Wortleton
Ethel

MIST Story Review: Harry Lorrimer

Harry Lorrimer is the seventh story from the compilation called MIST and other stories by Richmal Crompton.



Synopsis
It is Gregson, who we meet during his time on holiday at Framebridge, who tells us this tale of possession. He has been told of good fishing at Framebridge, but realises that this isn't the case. Coming across a wonderful inn, but the name of Barley Mow, he decides to stay the week anyway, rather than return to London.
On one of his walks he comes across an old friend from college, Harry Lorrimer, who invites him to dinner at his home, Framebrodge Manor. While Gregson readily agrees, he then spends hime back at Barley Mow feeling "vaguely disturbed" by the meeting. This doesn't feel like the Harry he knew back at college, the weak, but attractive lad that was part of the wild set at Trinity. Something seems off, which Gregson puts down to Harry's wife.
However, at the Manor, Harry's wife is sweet and cool. However, too calm, and too pleasant - the atmosphere was too unreal.
When Margaret leaves the room, Harry starts talking about distasteful topics that make Gregson feel sick. Eventually, they return to Margaret, and Gregson sees that her calm has slipped into fear, before she realises that they are there and fixes her face into calmness again.
Awakening from a dream in which Margaret is asking for his help, Gregson, at 1 am, visits the Manor. Margaret has been locked out of the house, not for the first time.
Gregson manages to coax out what has been occurring up at the Manor: nearly a year ago, Harry collapsed and when he awakened was not himself. While he knew all of Harry's friends and had all of Harry's memories, it is not Harry. It is fiendish and cruel in unusual ways. They manage to get back into the house where Margaret shows Gregson the portrait of Henry Montford Lorrimer, a wicked man, who was killed in a duel at the age of 33.
Gregson then tells her he must visit a friend, promising to be back in two days. His friend, Sanderson, was an expert in the occult. He advises that only love unclouded by fear can bring the possibility of returning Harry to the control of his own body.
When Gregson returns, he tells Margaret what he has discovered. Margaret realises what she must do. Hiding the key to the wine cellar, she invites confrontation with Henry, telling him that he cannot hurt her, even if he breaks her arms. She calls out to Harry, who responds before fainting. Upon his revival is becomes clear that he has no memory of what has happened.

In the final entry, we find Gregson staying with the Lorrimers, now in Kent, with four children, having sold the Manor with all of the contents. Henry Montford Lorrimer is never discussed.



Review
I found this to be quite a weak story that resolves without issue and a fair easy manner. Because we are not told details of the wicked things Henry has done, or any of the vile things he tells Gregson, we are so far distanced from the evil as to not be touched by it.
Sadly, no fear is generated by this story. No disturbance or worries for any of the characters. While Margaret acts supremely with bravery, she only has to do so once, which seems odd if Henry is such a strong being. They neatly sell the Manor, contents and all, and move to Kent. Everything is tied up very neatly with no apparent after effects for Harry.

One thing worth mentioning is Crompton's mention of Addison's Spectator. The Spectator originally ran between 1711 and 1714, generating over 500 issues as a periodical. Publishing essays, the publication was then collected into eight volumes and was still popular in to the 1900s. 

21.4 Portrait of William

Quote from the story
""It's jolly decent of you," he said for the thousandth time"
- William

This story begins with Jumble running out into the road to chase a rat he's spotted on the far bank. He gets hit by a car, however the woman driver, who we later discover is Miss Bryce, far from displaying the indignation of other drivers, takes them immediately to the vets. She acts lovingly towards Jumble and pays the bill. Before she can take them home, she needs to her home in Hadley, telling William and Jumble to stay in the car and she'll be as quick as she can.

Almost as soon as she is in the front door, a man, Mr Faversham appears from the side door. Commanding William to follow him, he then proceeds to draw him; with William responding "I say, I don't want to be drawn". The feeling between the two is mutual.
When the girl returns to the artist exclaiming that she can't find the boy, the artist replies that he is here. However, it becomes clear that another boy, named Freddie, was supposed to be having his portrait drawn for an aged aunt in America. The artist is at first annoyed that he has wasted his time, but friendly relations are formed when William simply says "It's jolly well been wastin' my time as much as yours".  As the aunt has never, and likely will never, see Freddie, the artist wants to send his William sketch and not waste any additional time on this job.
Miss Bryce is Freddie's mother's help and is likely to gain the wrath of said mother is the sketch isn't done by the time she returns.

We re-join the story several months later, with the Outlaws in the woods near Marleigh. They are discussing Sir Gerald Markham's new groundskeeper for Marleigh Manor, a Muggeridge. The Outlaws have of necessity become enemies with "Chief Mugface" due to their incessant fires, tree climbing, and general running wild through the woods. Recently, Victor Jameson had been caught in place of the Outlaws and Sir Markham had written home to his parents - the letter delivered in one hand by Mr Muggeridge, while still holding Victor's ear in the other.

Of course, William, as Chief Hawkeye feels that Chief Mugface wouldn't try such a thing with them! Which gives them confidence, until they hear Mr Muggeridge make his way towards them, making the leap to their feet and scamper. Unfortunately, William has tripped on a tree root and become ensnared in Mr Mudderidge's grasp. William tries to convince him that he's from Scotland Yard, here to trap a few trespassers for him, however, this quickly leads to an attempted bribe, which leads to William becoming the head of the gangsters.

Mr Muggeridge is silent until they reach Sir and Lady Markham. Sir Markham is threatening a letter to William's father when an old lady pipes up that it's Freddie. As Freddie, William is released by Muggeridge. Tea with his 'great aunt' and the Markham's follow. William tries to excuse himself, but Freddie's great aunt insists on taking him home. William agrees as he doesn't want Miss Bryce to get in trouble. He then says that he's staying with William Brown's family, but his great aunt want to speak to Mrs Brown about him staying with her instead.

While Mrs Shoreham goes to speak to Mrs Brown, William hides in his room. There is a great confusion and Mrs Brown seeks William out, who says that he just looks like Freddie and is often confused with being him. Just then newly married Mr and Mrs Faversham pop by to see William as it was the portrait that started off their relationship. William points to Mr Faversham saying that he can explain everything, taking the former Miss Bryce to see Jumble.

Characters	Places
William	Freddie's home
Jumble	Marleigh Woods
Miss Bryce (then Mr Faversham)	Marleigh Manor
Mr Faversham
Mr Muggeridge
Sir Gerald   Markham
Lady Markham	Gangs
Mrs Shoreham (Freddie's great aunt)	Indians (William as Chief Hawk   Eye, Mr Muggeridge as Chief Mugface)
Mrs Brown

MIST Story Review: The House behind the Wood

The House behind the Wood is the sixth story from the compilation called MIST and other stories by Richmal Crompton.

Synopsis

Having run out of petrol, a good six miles from the nearest settlement, Monica, husband Frank, and their friend Harold are trying to see if there are any houses close by.
Harold sees a light in a window just behind the woods. All three trundle along a very muddy path tightly enclosed by trees and undergrowth. Having arrived at the cottage, no light can immediately be found, however through a bush they see the lighted window.
The door is eventually answered by a little wizened man, who reluctantly lets them stay the night. Having been showed to a room that they may share, Harold suddenly sees Monica in a new light. This woman that he has known his whole life is now exquisite to him. The caretaker then joins Harold and Frank in getting a few provisions from the car, they take the shortest route along the very muddy path.
Upon their return, it becomes obvious to Harold that Monica now returns his unspoken feelings. It becomes obvious to the caretaker too, who sets Harold up in another room.
In the middle of the night, the caretaker wakes Harold to say "She's in the garden waiting for you, sir.". Harold immediately rushes to meet his love and they run into the woods together, heading for the car. Just minutes later a furious Frank chases them with a stick with a mind to attack Harold, who has waited all evening for an excuse to strangle Frank's "thick red neck". A cackle from the house and a low moan from the road breaks the spell.

Monica has fainted, half in and half out of the car. Frank convinces himself they were all having nightmares and apologies profusely - to which Harold readily agrees. Dawn approaches and a cyclist takes and SOS to the nearest garage for petrol. They then head for the nearest pub before intending to return to collect their things and tip the caretaker of the 'unhealthy' house.
While Monica and Frank go upstairs, Harold hears the tale of this cottage from a maid that used to work there, who now works at the pub. She tells that Mr and Mrs Trammet lived in the house, but Mrs Trammet fell in love with Mr Trammet's cousin, Mr Moxton. The butler would send message between the two, but didn't like Mr Moxton.
When it came time to elope, the butler woke Mr Moxton to let him know that Mrs Trammet was waiting for him in the garden. However, he then told Mr Trammet what was occurring. The reason he told Mr Trammet are unknown, perhaps he didn't like Mr Moxton.
Mr Moxton strangled Mr Trammet to death, but not before receiving such a smash on the head that Mr Moxton died before trial. Mrs Trammet died within the year. The butler became the caretaker, but also died the previous year, of a kind of fit.
The barmaid tells Harold that the night before was the fifth anniversary of this terrible tragedy.

Monica and Frank return, with Monica avoiding Harold's eyes. Harold and Frank go to collect their things and cannot find anyone in the house. When they look at the muddy path, in an attempt to find the caretaker; the caretaker's footprints cannot be seen. 

 

Review
Richmal Crompton has a knack for taking the place we are supposed to feel safest: our home, and turning it against us with various nightmarish scenarios. The House Behind the Wood is no different.
Harold, who has known Monica his whole life and sees nothing in her, is suddenly besotted with her upon entry into this cursed abode. Frank is oblivious, however the all-seeing caretaker is not. While making Harold sleep in another room, he then tells Harold that "She's in the garden waiting for you" (interestingly not mentioning Monica by name, so likely the original words of that fateful night). As the evening progresses, you can really feel Harold's love for Monica being matched by his newfound hatred and eagerness to get rid of Frank.
Fortunately, for our cast of characters, all is well in the end - perhaps even better as Frank and Monica appear more in love than ever.
Perhaps, quite a soft ending to a story that was being set up for a vicious ending. Being told of previous events rather than living them always softens the blow and takes the emergency and vividity out of them.

To read the story, and the rest of the book, buy it from Amazon by clicking the cover below:

21.3 William's Day Off

Quote from the story
""You can't have any fun with a cow. I've tried"
- William

Ginger begins this adventure by telling William that "some sort of soci'ty" is paying from children from the slums are going to stay with Mrs. Camp at Eastbrook Farm. They've never seen cows or woods, or anything like that. Miss Milton's sister will have the slum children to tea on the first day, William things that the children will be better off in the slums. William, of course, votes that they take the children around the woods and cows.
The Outlaws are distracted by the news that Hubert Lane is selling piebald mice, given to him by an aunt but unwanted, for a shilling each. The outlaws actually have a shilling and head towards Hubert's house, the feud set aside for the present. However, their mission is rudely brought to an end when Hubert refuses to sell the one at any price. Mrs Lane suddenly appears before William can challenge Hubert's decision. Heading back down the road, the Outlaws hear Hubert shouting that he'd rather give the mice away than sell them one.
Conversation turns to making Hubert sell them a piebald mouse. Various schemes are shot down because it is now of all importance that Hubert not only sells the Outlaws a mouse, but is also seen to be selling them one.

The next day, the Outlaws go to Eastbrook Farm and take Bert and Syd out to visit various places. Of course, relations are cemented with the typical rough and tumble game that shows all parties that everyone is a good sport. The old barn then being the next location on the countryside tour, starting a fire and cooking a meal for their guests - of course including liquorice water.

Bert and Syd tell the Outlaws of the street gang they're members of back home. Their stories impress even the Outlaws. William then suggests a game of smugglers at the caves at Marleigh, but Bert and Syd remember they are due at Miss Milton's house. As William is known to do, he suggests that he takes the place of Bert and ( as Miss Milton's sister has seen all the other Outlaws) that Syd has a cold. Ginger, Henry, and Douglas are, typically, less than confident in William's abilities, but he ignores all objections and suggests that they all meet at the old barn so William can change clothes with Bert.

After making some changes and disguising himself, William manages to get past Miss Milton (the sister of regular Miss Milton) without a fuss - even managing to make her believe that slum kids don't know what grass is! Miss Milton treats William to a very poor tea of a single serving. Miss Milton sends for a local, well-behaved boy, to come and keep 'Bert' company - a certain Hubert Lane. William tries to make his escape, but cannot. However, William's disguise is so effective that Hubert doesn't actually recognise him as William! Although he does have his suspicions. Hubert tries to trick 'Bert' into breaking the tool shed window at William's house. However, William, when out of sight, slips into his house and changes into his usual attire and questions Hubert, who says the boy ran away from him - along with a multitude of other fabrications.

Hubert is now anxious that Bert has disappeared. William suggests that he may have fallen into the rain tub and drowned, scaring Hubert in the process, before finding that Bert isn't there! William then turns the situation to his advantage and requests one of those piebald mice from the beginning of the story. Hubert relents.

With his new piebald mouse in hand, Herbert helps William disguise himself as Bert. William, as Bert, and Hubert return to Miss Milton's house and hear her inviting someone and their little boy to meet the slum child - who she says looks better already after being out in the open air. This someone turns out to by Mrs. Brown.

While Hurbert and Miss Milton persist that the boy is Bert, Mrs Brown knows her son - and is validated when the real Bert shows up from his adventures in Marleigh (sent to give back the suit he was wearing).

While everyone talks over each other in an attempt to understand the situation, William knows just one thing; he has won this one - he has a piebald mouse.

Characters	Events
Ginger	Visit from slum children.
William
Henry	Places
Douglas	Hubert Lane's House
Hubert Lane	Miss Milton's House
Mrs Lane	Old Barn
Bert	William's House
Syd
Miss Milton   (sister)
Mrs Brown

MIST Story Review: Marlowes by Richmal Crompton

Marlowes is a short story published in MIST and other stories, recently republished as MIST and Other Ghost Stories.

Synopsis

This is a sweet story about the Armour family and their deep love for their house, Marlowes. We are beig told the story second hand, our narrator having been told the story by an American lady, staying at a hotel while repairs are made to Marlowes.
The American lady, and her husband Bill, had moved to England upon Bills' retirement and almost immediately found a Tudor manor house in Sussex. They also discovered that the house did not like them and seemed to view them as interlopers.
The local gossip, a Mrs Jones, is eventually coerced into revealing the history of the previous owners, the Armours. Eventually the last male, Gilbert, dies at a young age after being brought up by his aunt, Mrs Flowers (his parents had died when he was young). They had both cherished the house very much and put all of their time into it. However, after Gilbert died, Mrs Flowers could not afford the upkeep of the house and some distant relatives ordered doctors notes to have her set up in the local mental home.
After standing empty for an age, the house is then sold to our American couple, who are aware that Mrs Flowers has escaped once in the past and ended up at the front door of Marlowes. If is, therefore, no surprise, when she does so again and sees Bill as her Gilbert. Bill plays along, not willing to send her back to that place, even when questioned by a police officer.
The day is filled with Mrs Flowers recollections of Gilbert and of her own childhood; Bill filling the place of Gilbert, or her brother, depending on the story. As the day is coming to a close, she wants to sit in her favourite spot in the garden. Bill brings her blankets and cushions, before the couple leave her to rest a while. Upon their return, Bill notices that she is dead.
These days the gossip is aimed at them, but they don't mind, in that short time they had come to love Mrs Flowers - and the house now welcomed and loved them.

 

Review

This was such a sweet story. Everyone should have the choice of when and where to die, when possible. Mrs Flowers, in such a confused state since she has been forced to leave Marlowes, now recollects the childhood of the nephew she brought up on her own after his parents had died and her own childhood - which were clear as crystal. The feeling of welcome that the house gives Bill and his wife after their kindness towards Mrs Flowers must have been a massive relief. To be able to live in your own home, within that the fours walls that are supposed to bring you safety, without a sensation that they hate you instead made such a difference to the couple that they rarely leave the house.
 

 

To read the story, and the rest of the book, buy it from Amazon by clicking the cover below:

William Story Review: William's Unlucky Day, published in Undaunted.

William's Unlucky Day was written by Richmal Crompton for Bromley Civil Defence services and originally published in their newsletter: Arpeggio. At the time, Crompton was a trainee in the Communication Service and attached to No 4 Sub Report Centre.

She managed to write the story with only a few days notice before the newsletter was typed and stencilled.

Appearing in Undaunted makes for this story's first publication since that edition of the newsletter and we must thank Graham Reeves for including the story in his book.

The story sees William visiting his 'aunt' in Bromley for Christmas (The first and only time Richmal is 'in' a William story?). He has done all sorts of things that he thought might make her happy, but as William states: "people get made at me whatever I do" - and this is certainly the theme running through this story!

William then attempts to appear as a hero to his aunt, with rather predictable results. He comes across two women sharing that day's code word and then following one of the women comes across a room containing several people on the telephone. To him, they are spewing utter rubbish. They're telling the person on the receiving end of 'considerable panic', an 'unexploded bomb in Southlands Road', and a wrecked aeroplane in the Hight Street. As William has walked these streets that day, he knows these reports to be untrue. However, in true William fashion, he aims to out this nest of spies.

He see's the man in charge, who he names 'X' and follows him home. Calling the police and telling them to arrive in 30 minutes, William gains entrance into the home of X and is found by the policeman he called, searching through X's possessions (Mr. Godstone as we come to know him).

William, of course, attempts to explain his actions, but ends up at the police station to be collected by his aunt. Mr Godstone has been let off by providing what William considers to be a 'flimsy and trivial excuse', that of practice messages.

He genuinely expects that when the police visit his aunt's home shortly after, that they have come to deliver their apologies. However, William's day has gotten even worse: Light is showing through his bedroom curtains.
 

Poor William! I should imagine that William and his aunt, both, will be glad when he returns home.

MIST Story Review: The Spanish Comb by Richmal Crompton

The Spanish Comb is a short story published in MIST and other stories, recently republished as MIST and Other Ghost Stories.


Synopsis

Moira Houghton is looking out of her bedroom window, while dressing for dinner. Watching her children play, with Billy, the children's father and her husband, and the children's governess, Lindy.
She is considering how much she loves her family, including the governess, when her father-in-law knocks at the door. This break Moira's time of privacy, but she doesn't mind so much, she loves Billy's father too. He gives her a Spanish comb, given to his brother a long time ago. Placing it in her hair, he says how delightful she looks and tells her to keep it.
Still wearing the Spanish comb, Moira looks out of the window again. The nurse has gone to collect the childen to bring them indoors. However she sees that Billy and Lindy do not follow, first they walk down the flower border, then they enter the walled kitchen garden.
Moira feels a suspicion now, towards Billy. This turns into a savage "primitive uncontrollable passion".
The nurse comes to tell Moira that the children are in bed, telling her how feverish she looks. She briefly goes to see them, upon her return Billy is in the bedroom and readying himself for dinner.
Billy is all compliments for Moira and how she looks with the Spanish comb in her hair. Moira immediately thinks that he is playing a game and trying to get around her suspicions with flattery. She refuses to go for a picnic the next day, but says Billy can go with Lindy.
At dinner, Moira eats nothing and this is commented upon. She feels she notices glances between Billy and Lindy when they feels her attention is elsewhere. Her father-in-law suggests that a black lace scarf would be ideal to go with the comb. Moira cannot keep the jealousy at bay: thoughts of murder have entered her heart. She'll make them both suffer for what they've done.
Mr Houghton, the father-in-law, has now remembered the story of how his brother was given the comb. It was once owned by a beautiful, but insanely jealous, woman. Her husband was devoted to her, however the woman had killed at least one girl. Eventually, she killed her husband and her children, before committing suicide. The sister of the woman was afraid of the comb and passed it on. The comb is heard to fall from Moira's head as she faints in her chair.
Back in her room, being warmed by the fire, Billy fusses over her. She feels as if she had never been suspicious of Billy at all. That she has awakened from a nightmare. He tells her that Lindy, in her girl-like way, was collecting flowers for the breakfast table. Love-in-a-mist, Moira's favourite. Lindy was also talking about getting her a black lace scarf for her birthday. He wonders if they should have employed an older governess, called Lindy, "such a kid".
Moira says that she loves Lindy and enquires the time of the picnic tomorrow. At this point a housekeeper brings the Spanish comb. Moira asks Billy if he loves her, he replies in the affirmative. She throws the comb in the fire and blazes up in a leaping tongue of flame.

Review
I liked this story as it was left open to interpretation. Did the comb have some power over the wearing, an ability to make them so passionately jealous of their partners that they would commit murder upon anyone getting too close? Or did Moira have a brief moment of clarity and saw Billy for who he really was? Only to faint after being told that the previous owner of the comb had murdered due to jealousy. Then while recovering, be told how innocent their conversation was and suggesting that a new governess should be employed - everything to suggest that Billy would do anything to make Moira happy again.
Whether Billy really is a dedicated husband, or a well practiced adulterer, is, in my view, entirely up to the reader. What happens in these 14 pages is a story that grips the reader as Moira struggles with a jealousy that could have led to murder.

To read the story, and the rest of the book, buy it from Amazon by clicking the cover below:

MIST Story Review: Strange by Richmal Crompton

Strange is a short story published in MIST and other stories, recently republished as MIST and Other Ghost Stories.


Synopsis

We begin with Gregory, our hero, telling an unnamed character that one of the strangest things that had ever happened to him, had happened at Tallis Court, the home of his wife's parents.

Gregory, an artist, was engaged to Nina, the daughter of Sir and Lady Lennox; the owners of Tallis Court. He had gone there to spend a week with Nina, when her brother announced that he had invited someone outside of the "small and unelastic" visiting list. His mother was uncertain about this admission from Gerald, but the new visitor, a man named Strange was soon admitted into the house and announced. Strange spent longer looking at Nina and Gregory than the others present.

Gregory was attempting to keep Ninas interest by giving her an update about the house they were building for their married life, and a chest with a secret lock. However, Strange had not only captivated those he was overtly speaking to, but also Nina who Gregory was sure he was trying to gain the attention of. After Strange's story about his time in Greece, everyone in attendance was enamoured, enthralled, and enraptured by this newcomer.

Not only was Strange a social chameleon, becoming a sportsman, a scholar, an eternal child in want of mothering, or a practial joker; he was a multi-talented muscian, with the whole party hypnotised and motionless at every note he played.

The only thing Strange won't do is attend the shoot. Even when he sees those partaking on their return, he displays no look of recognition and changes his path to avoid them. The only problem is, he is taken with Nina. It seems that Nina has no power or choice in this, enthralled by Strange as she is. Gregory struggles to fight for her, as he too, is taken by the mystique of Strange.

Gregory watches Strange and Nina play tennis, equating it to making love. He watches as they become closer. Lady Lennox asks her son to invite Strange to stay longer than a week as "A week is so soon over".

After tennis, Strange asks Gregory if Miss Nina is his fiancee, displaying an offensive grin. As Gregory nods, Strange retorts "I shouldn't have guessed it".

The night-time scene, with Strange so beautifully playing Pan's pipes, triggers the end of this dream-like week. Gregory sees, in the moonlight, that Strange has pointed ears - generally hidden by his curly hair. A cold thrill of horror creeps over him, understanding how Strange could charm a soul. Nina, wearing a white silk wrap, goes to join Strange and dances; gliding through the garden.

Gregory joins, telling Nina to return to her bedroom. But this command alone isn't why she returns, Strange has released her. Gregory pleads with Strange to cease playing.

Strange replies with "You've spoilt it, it's no fun". Strange is frustrated that Gregory didn't respond with violence. He becomes saddened that Gregory has seen that he has brought Gregory "something", this something is what others have never seen.

Strange is gone the next morning. All, including Gregory, are saddened. Nina wonders if he came at all, or if it was all just a dream. The final sentence reveals that it was true as Pan's pipes are heard in the distance.



Review


This is a story that is so different to any I'd read in the past. It was interesting to read, but sadly didn't have much of an effect. Whether Strange was real or not, in the end, didn't seem to matter. There are always people in life that take prime importance, for a short time, in the life of our beloved. However, these people, however charming, are often found to be hollow - emotional tourists - who either vanish or become less than nothing in time.

Unfortunately, in this one, I felt that Crompton didn't capture my interest. This creature (Pan himself?) wanted to cause trouble, but didn't succeed. Gregory couldn't muster the required strength to fight for his love, but somehow ended up married to her anyway. What was it that I missed? Why did Strange relent so easily; perhaps without a fight there was no point? Perhaps I need to read this story again after I've had time to digest it.

To read the story, and the rest of the book, buy it from Amazon by clicking the cover below:

MIST Story Review: The Bronze Statuette

The Bronze Statuette is the first in a collection of stories that is part of MIST and other stories, recently republished as MIST and Other Ghost Stories.

Synopsis
The Bronze Statuette is a short story that revolves around Marian Hastings. Prior to the events at Denvers House, Mariam was shown to be a largely undeveloped woman. She enjoyed house parties, playing tennis, and exchanging below average wit with her fiance, Harold Menzies.
After Marian and friends arrive at Denvers, Lord Cranburn showed the party a "little bronze statue" which represented a young god. Marian accepts the offer to hold the statue and seems to have become entranced by the object, asking for Lord Cranburn to leave it in the room when he returns to his study.
At this point Marian is a changed woman, by turns silent and happy, but a shrill that was forced and sounded hysterical. She would not let Harold kiss her that night and later, Lord Cranburn, discovers her back in the smoking room, holding the statue. "What are you doing with my statue, Miss Hastings?" he saids, in a low and gentle voice so different from her own, she replied "It's not yours - it's mine  -it's always been mine!".
The next morning the party visit the temple of Apollo at the end of the garden, which Lord Cranburn had brought brick by brick back from Greece - all apart from Mariam, who ragged and screamed at her friends before they left - an odd turn of events for a social lamb. She sits pretending to read, all the while gazing at the small greenish-bronze statue. That night she breaks off her engagement, without reason, with Harold.
Harold, understandably upset, is staring out of his window that night. He sees "a gold cloak slipping round the corner of the house". He recognises the cloak as Marian's. He follows her through a torrent of rain and lightning. She stops in front of the temple, speaks words of which we only receive broken fragments, apart from "Apollo".
We hear the final moments from Harold, at a later time, while talking to Cynthia, who he would marry a year later. He says that there was a flash of lightning, but he doesn't think it was lightning; rather a figure, which hovered over her. She seemed to have raised her arms and face to it. But this is all we receive, Harold cannot describe the rest, even to his dying day. Cynthia feels that it was very sad for Mariam, but Lord Cranburn simply replies "Was it?, I wonder".


Review
What I enjoyed about this story was the fullness in which the situation is set up in such a short story (seven pages) and the unreliable description of how it all ends. Mariam quickly turns from a happy-go-lucky girl, going with the flow; to an angry loner who only has eyes for this mysterious object that has suddenly entered her life. We are left to think what we like about this situation. We can go with the supernatural, or we could consider that Mariam is having a mental health episode - one that ends with disasterious consequences.

To read the story, and the rest of the book, buy it from Amazon by clicking the cover below:

Book Review: Just William Through the Ages by Mary Cadogan

This luxuriously illustrated exploration of William Brown through his lifetime and beyond was a thoroughly researched and entertaining read.

The book begins with a foreword by Richmal’s niece, Richmal Ashbee (nee Disher (1929-2005)), that covers some insightful details about Richmal and the illustrator Thomas Henry. One such fact is that Richmal and Thomas Henry didn’t meet until 1958. While Richmal had no control over the illustrations, or the choice of illustrator, it is comforting to know that the two continued friendly correspondence until Thomas Henry’s death in 1962.

Mary Cadogan (1928-2014) starts with introducing us to our subject, a certain William Brown. Mary separates William’s changing identities into five themes, covering a decade each between the 1920s and the 1960s. While this doesn’t quite cover the publishing period of the stories, 1919 to 1970, it does cover the themes seen in all of the stories.
Starting with the 1920s, we have William the Innocent, a William that is illustrated as a small boy and it feels like Crompton is getting to grips with her “Frankenstein’s monster”, as she was known as saying; we also see that situations and characters in this first decade provide a robust foundation for the William of the upcoming decade.
The 1930s see William the Leader, he is by now the definite leader of the Outlaws. Ginger, Henry, and Douglas may still question their leader, but they always fall in line! More than once over this decade we find William softening in his approach to the opposite sex, sometimes completely besotted.
By the 1940s, it’s jolly good that William is the leader of the Outlaws, as the War has begun, and this is reflected well within the books. William attempts the activities of the adults in his village, attempting endeavours such as setting up a junior branch of ARP. There’s a fair bit of moaning about the lack of sweets – and their lack of quality – but they still do manage to have fun. Often Violet Elizabeth, although still considered a bit of a pain, provides the excitement in the lives of the Outlaws – and more importantly is always on their side.
Life changes in the 1950s with William the Expansive. Cadogan notes that the bleak days of war have gone and life is becoming more democratic. Even William’s family has changed. His parents are having to do more around the house, and Mr Brown is seen to be having fun with William during this decade.
By the 1960s – William the Campaigner – the restrictions of wartime had finally, and thankfully, retreated into the past. Things are steaming on, we have pop singers, psychiatrists, protest marchers, the NHS, and closer to home; a much-softened General Moult. The General has employed, and become friends with, Aaron Myson, who William safes from the old people’s home.

Cadogan completes this wonderful read with a short chapter on William as he heads towards the Millennium (this book was published in 1994). The was a lot going on for William in the 1980s and 1990s, which saw the complete release of all 38 books by Macmillan. The 1990s saw releases of some new books, such as this one, and a television series.

I would say that this is a must read for William fans. Mary Cadogan clearly knew these stories through and through and has managed to provide a context for them that had never really occurred to me. Sometimes Richmal introduced new themes, activities, or characteristics so gradually that I’d missed them. I’m certainly going to be paying more attention from now on!