Transitional Scenes for ‘Freak Show’

Scene 1: Harry Patterson’s apartment, Salem, Thursday 18 May, 1922

Harry Patterson was a journalist tipped for great things at the Boston Herald before his experiences in the Great War. Now obsessed with uncovering cult conspiracies and paranormal events, and having lost most of his reputation, he lives in Salem to make it easier to research the ‘Beast of Ross’s Corners’ for his book.
The phone rings. Caleb Jones, his contact for freelance work at the Salem Gazette wants him to investigate reports of bizarre giant fish caught by fishermen in Gloucester. Patterson arrives in Gloucester, pushing through the crowd and getting some photographs of a massive fish-like creature, forty or fifty feet long with a single eye. He also interviews Captain Orne who led the crew that brought the thing ashore after a 40 hour battle at sea.

Scene 2: St Mary’s Hospital, Arkham, Tues 23 May, 1922

Dr Robinson wakes up somewhat recovered after a feverish night, fighting off infection in his leg. He reads the Arkham Advertiser. A massive sea creature has been caught off Cape Ann, grabbing the attention of scientists around the world.

Scene 3: George Gibson’s father’s apartment, Boston, Wed 24 May, 1922

Returning to his Boston home after a day’s work, Gibson gets no response from his sick father. His father is pale and silent. He calls an ambulance. In the meantime, Janet, his sister arrives home horrified. Their father dies in hospital two days later, cause of death: heart attack

Scene 4: Alvin Woodhams’ farm, Kingsport, Thurs 25 May 1922

Alvin Woodhams is met at the farm by agricultural supplier Jon Whitlock – a business associate who lost his wife last winter, who obviously still deep in grief himself – expresses sympathy for Alvin’s loss of his sweetheart Olive Edwards to the so-called ‘Beast of Ross’s Corners’.
“I heard about what happened to your fiancée. I’m so sorry. Such a strange and horrible way to go. Reminds me of what happened to my wife Mary. You know about Mary right?… She just seemed to miss the bridge…went into the river. No trace was ever found. I don’t think… Something like that… it feels like I’ll never get over it… And the boys…it’s so hard for them…they don’t talk much… Hey, do you feel like a ginger beer? You should come over sometime for a ginger beer. I’ll make you some supper.”
The two strike up a friendship based on mutual support over their losses.

Scene 5: Miskatonic University campus near Orne Library, Fri 26 May, 1922

William Merriweather is walking across campus towards the library. He feels a little odd. People seem to be looking right through him. They are growing fainter. There are whispering voices in the air. The world seems to grow dark and shadowy. A skinny, naked figure walks right through people directly towards him, piercing him with it’s glowing eyes. He starts to feel paralysed. Suddenly with a start he finds himself in bed, covered in sweat. The radio is on.
“In the latest twist in the story of the Gloucester Sea Monster, Professor Mann, a naturalist from Boston University, has stated that the so-called Gloucester Sea Monster, even though it is nearly fifty feet long, is not in fact fully grown. He claims that it shows apparent features of being an infant, or young adult. Other naturalists have treated his claim with some skepticism…”

Scene 6: A cheap apartment in South Arkham, Fri 14 July, 1922

George Gibson’s sister Janet has decided to move to California in the wake of their father’s death. Little to keep him in Boston, George has decided to move to Arkham. He is moving into an inexpensive apartment in the French Hill district, helped by William Merriweather. The two struggle with Gibson’s gun cabinet, removing some of the firearms to make it lighter and leaving the cabinet in the street. Eventually they get it upstairs.

Scene 7: Dr Robinson’s university apartment in Arkham, Sat 15 July, 1922

Obsessed as always with hunting the ‘Beast of Ross’s Corners’ Alvin is staying with Edward Robinson, to get an early start and tries to persuade him to come hunting with him.

Scene 8: Harry Patterson’s apartment, Salem, Sat afternoon 15 July, 1922

Harry Patterson receives a call from his contact Caleb Jones who tells him he has just spoken to a woman who’s mother describes two incredible freaks at a carnival. This is the second time someone has said that. There is a sub-human thing found on a Pacific island that eats living creatures alive and there is a thing that looks like a half-fish and half-human. The paper needs a story. The carnival has left town and is now in Arkham. Patterson can get there on Sunday night.

Scene 9: George Gibson’s apartment, Sun 16 July, 1922 (early hours)

George Gibson has a strange dream – that he hears an infant crying somewhere outside. When he wakes he thinks he can still hear it – is it in his head or not? He feels as if it is coming from the edge of town, down the Kingsport road to the south. There are some colourful lights there. He feels passionate and curious to investigate. He dresses and heads off there where he finds a carnival in a field, closed for the night. A poster nearby identifies it as Nichols’ Carnival.
Next morning after breakfast he calls his companions to persuade them to visit the carnival with him as a bit of light relief.

Participants: Dr Edward “Heath” Robinson (Mark), George Gibson (Alistair), Dr Gerald Porter II (Ed), Willliam Merriweather (Kyle), Alvin Woodhams (Emma), Harry Patterson (Andrew)

Next Episode: ‘Freak Show’