Keith Morrison reads “The Dead Alive” by Wilkie Collins
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The episode begins with Philip LaFranque, a young attorney, collapsing from overwork. His doctor advises him to take a relaxing trip to America to visit his distant relatives at Moorwick Farm. Philip is initially unimpressed by the farm's dullness but is intrigued by the prospect of meeting Naomi Colebrook, a new member of the family. He is introduced to the Meadowcroft family, including the ailing father, Mr. Meadowcroft, his melancholic daughter, Miss Meadowcroft, and the two sons, Silas and Ambrose. He also meets John Jago, the farm's overseer, who is disliked by the sons but favored by the father. Naomi Colebrook arrives at the farm, and Philip is immediately drawn to her. He observes a tension between the brothers and John Jago, and notices that Silas has an injured hand. The family dinner is tense and uncomfortable, with animosity between the brothers and John Jago. Philip notices the love-looks exchanged between Naomi and Ambrose. Naomi reveals the secrets of the Meadowcroft family to Philip, including the animosity between the brothers and John Jago, and the incident where John Jago injured Silas with a knife. She explains the history of the farm and the conflict between the brothers and John Jago, revealing that the father hired John Jago to manage the farm after the brothers failed to do so successfully. John Jago asks to speak to Naomi in private, appearing anxious and desperate. Naomi reluctantly agrees to meet him in the garden at 10 o'clock. Philip advises her to keep the appointment but offers to wait nearby in case she needs him. Philip watches as Naomi and John Jago meet in the garden under the moonlight, disturbed by their secretive meeting and wondering if it will lead to trouble. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting that mischief, mystery, and possibly murder are to come.
Outlines
The Mysterious Garden and Philip's Journey
The episode introduces Philip LaFranque, a young attorney who is advised to take a relaxing trip to America to visit his distant relatives at Moorwick Farm. He is initially unimpressed by the farm's dullness but is intrigued by the prospect of meeting Naomi Colebrook, a new member of the family.
The Meadowcroft Family and John Jago
Philip is introduced to the Meadowcroft family, including the ailing father, Mr. Meadowcroft, his melancholic daughter, Miss Meadowcroft, and the two sons, Silas and Ambrose. He also meets John Jago, the farm's overseer, who is disliked by the sons but favored by the father.
Naomi's Arrival and Family Tensions
Naomi Colebrook arrives at the farm, and Philip is immediately drawn to her. He observes a tension between the brothers and John Jago, and notices that Silas has an injured hand. The family dinner is tense and uncomfortable, with animosity between the brothers and John Jago. Philip notices the love-looks exchanged between Naomi and Ambrose.
Secrets and Conflicts at Moorwick Farm
Naomi reveals the secrets of the Meadowcroft family to Philip, including the animosity between the brothers and John Jago, and the incident where John Jago injured Silas with a knife. She explains the history of the farm and the conflict between the brothers and John Jago, revealing that the father hired John Jago to manage the farm after the brothers failed to do so successfully.
A Mysterious Meeting and a Cliffhanger
John Jago asks to speak to Naomi in private, appearing anxious and desperate. Naomi reluctantly agrees to meet him in the garden at 10 o'clock. Philip advises her to keep the appointment but offers to wait nearby in case she needs him. Philip watches as Naomi and John Jago meet in the garden under the moonlight, disturbed by their secretive meeting and wondering if it will lead to trouble. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting that mischief, mystery, and possibly murder are to come.
Keywords
Moorwick Farm
A fictional farm in Wilkie Collins's novel "The Dead Alive," where the story unfolds. It is a place of secrets, tension, and conflict between the family members.
John Jago
The overseer of Moorwick Farm, a mysterious and unsettling character with a wild appearance and a troubled past. He is favored by the father but disliked by the sons.
Naomi Colebrook
A young and charming woman, a distant relative of the Meadowcroft family. She is a source of sweetness and hope in the otherwise dreary household, and is romantically involved with Ambrose.
Silas Meadowcroft
One of the two sons of Mr. Meadowcroft, he is in conflict with his brother Ambrose and John Jago. He is described as being brutal and prone to violence.
Ambrose Meadowcroft
One of the two sons of Mr. Meadowcroft, he is in conflict with his brother Silas and John Jago. He is described as being more gentle and kind than his brother.
The Dead Alive
The novel by Wilkie Collins from which the podcast episode is adapted. It is a mystery novel that explores themes of love, betrayal, and murder.
Q&A
What is the main conflict at Moorwick Farm?
The main conflict is between the two sons, Silas and Ambrose, and the farm's overseer, John Jago. The brothers resent John Jago for his position and the favor he receives from their father.
Why is Philip drawn to Naomi Colebrook?
Philip is drawn to Naomi because she is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise dreary household. He finds her charming, kind, and a welcome contrast to the tension and animosity surrounding him.
What is the significance of the moonlight meeting between Naomi and John Jago?
The moonlight meeting is significant because it suggests a secret relationship between Naomi and John Jago. It also raises questions about John Jago's intentions and the potential for trouble.
What is the overall tone of the episode?
The episode has a suspenseful and mysterious tone, with hints of danger and intrigue. The narrator's observations of the Meadowcroft family and their interactions with John Jago create a sense of unease and anticipation.
Show Notes
Hey, Dateline fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you episode 1 from season 3 of our podcast Morrison Mysteries.
This season, Keith Morrison introduces you to the Meadowcroft family, living on a sprawling American farm. The household is teeming with rivalry and passion, envy and anger. When someone mysteriously disappears, two brothers are accused of murder...but all is not as it seems. Listen to Keith’s reading of “The Dead Alive,” a chilling novel from 150 years ago based on a real trial, to find out what really happened.
If you like what you hear, just search “Morrison Mysteries” and subscribe to Dateline Premium. Subscribers receive ad-free listening and early access to subsequent episodes: https://link.chtbl.com/mmst_fdlw
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