Hiding in the Carnival "Freak Show": A Dark Psychological Horror Podcast

0:00 Speaker 1: Hey guys, it's Crimson. If you enjoy these, please hit that like button. That way we know and share it with all your friends.

0:13 Speaker 2: It lies in wait amidst your dreams where nothing is.

0:20 Speaker 3: Ever how it seems.

0:23 Speaker 2: It is a portal to a terrifying world beyond The doorway to nightmare. Come in. Welcome. I'm your host, Artemis Black. Each year, they travel the country, setting up in small towns for possibly a week, and offering the thrills for the entire family. The carnival rides for all ages, games of skill and chance, and in some cases, there is that one attraction tucked away towards the back. where only the brave of heart dare enter.

1:28 Speaker 4: See the oddities of nature. For only one dollar, you will see the lovely Belinda, who will amaze you with her aural skills of swallowing swords.

1:40 Speaker 5: See Andros, the world's strongest man, bend solid steel bars.

1:47 Speaker 4: See Morris, the only.

1:49 Speaker 5: Living werewolf, See Alexis, exotic dancer and fire eater, and our newest attraction, the one and only monster.

2:06 Speaker 2: Our mystery drama, Freak Show, was written especially for Doorway to Nightmare by Winslow Swan and edited by Crimson McKenzie. Our cast includes Nick Davis, Rue Snow, Crimson McKenzie, and Jonathan Rosignol. I'll be back shortly with Act One.

2:27 Speaker 6: If you're enjoying these stories, come over to our YouTube channel, Doorway.

2:33 Speaker 1: To Nightmare, where we add a few pics to color your imagination. See the faces behind the voices, too. Come on, you know.

2:42 Speaker 7: You want to.

2:54 Speaker 2: At one time, they were called freaks, humans with an abnormality of some kind. In past times, these people were locked away, forgotten, and in many cases, mistreated. There were a few that were able to make a living in carnivals. Paraded in front of fascinated patrons, they were able to bring a bit of humanity to their inhuman condition.

3:31 Speaker 8: It has been confirmed by the local authorities that Terry Keene, convicted murderer who was scheduled for execution this week, has escaped. Police are warning local residents to use extreme caution. Terry Keene is six feet, 185 pounds, with a prominent scar on his left cheek. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

4:01 Speaker 4: May I help you?

4:02 Speaker 7: Are you the owner of this crazy palace?

4:04 Speaker 4: If you mean the carnival, no. That would be Mr.

4:08 Speaker 2: Matson.

4:09 Speaker 4: I am Robert. I take care of our, uh, oddities.

4:14 Speaker 1: Oh, yeah?

4:15 Speaker 7: Well, I'm Detective Lindsay. Have you seen this man?

4:20 Speaker 4: Detective, hundreds of people come to my attraction. To me, they are only patrons of the arts.

4:26 Speaker 7: Would you mind just taking a look at this photo, please?

4:30 Speaker 4: No, I don't believe that I've had the pleasure.

4:33 Speaker 7: Believe me, it would not have been a pleasure.

4:36 Speaker 4: Who is he?

4:36 Speaker 7: Terry Keene. He was convicted of killing seven people. Kill is a rather tame word compared to what he did to them.

4:45 Speaker 2: Oh, yes.

4:46 Speaker 4: I believe that I did read something about him. Is he the one that the newspapers called the monster?

4:52 Speaker 7: That's the one. The press has always given killers some kind of nickname. I suppose it sells in some gruesome way.

5:01 Speaker 4: I can assure Detective Lindsay that I have not seen this man since we arrived last week.

5:07 Speaker 7: How long are you going to be here?

5:08 Speaker 4: Tomorrow is our last night. Would you care to see a performance?

5:12 Speaker 7: I've seen enough oddities for a lifetime.

5:15 Speaker 4: Here, a couple of passes in case you change your mind.

5:18 Speaker 7: Do you know all the people that work at the carnival?

5:20 Speaker 4: Most of them, yes. But there are a few of the locals who are hired for the week.

5:25 Speaker 7: Well, do me a favor, Mr.

5:26 Speaker 2: Robert.

5:28 Speaker 7: Circulate that photo around. I may not be able to speak to everyone here.

5:32 Speaker 4: Do you actually think that this keen person will try and come here? With all of these people around?

5:39 Speaker 7: He had no problem killing a girl in the park in the middle of the day. So yes, it is highly possible that he would come here. But don't worry. We've got this place covered.

5:57 Speaker 1: I've done everything that you've asked.

6:01 Speaker 4: You know the terms of our contract, Alexis. Believe me. I'm doing the best I can to try and find a replacement for you.

6:10 Speaker 1: It's just been so long.

6:12 Speaker 4: In the grand scheme of things, three years is not a long time.

6:19 Speaker 1: You said six months.

6:21 Speaker 9: At the most.

6:22 Speaker 4: Freaks do not just grow on trees, you know.

6:26 Speaker 1: I'm not a freak.

6:29 Speaker 4: As long as you're here, you are what I say you are.

6:34 Speaker 2: Now.

6:35 Speaker 4: Take heart, Alexis. You are the best attraction that I have. And let's face it, I did give you what I promised.

6:43 Speaker 7: You promised me a better life.

6:46 Speaker 4: And have I not kept my promise? I have no life! You won't let me leave!

6:53 Speaker 1: You won't let me go out, meet people, be a.

6:57 Speaker 7: a woman!

6:58 Speaker 1: No!

6:58 Speaker 4: Tattooed from head to toe. Spiky red hair. Your face covered in jewelry. Not to mention your penchant for eating fire. You made me this way! I took you in. I made you part of our family. You signed a contract.

7:16 Speaker 1: I would have been better off where I was at.

7:19 Speaker 9: Would you?

7:21 Speaker 4: Let me give you some hope, Alexis. Tomorrow is our last night here. I do happen to know a couple of... Prospects in the next town.

7:31 Speaker 7: Are you sure?

7:32 Speaker 4: You have fulfilled almost all of the terms of your arrangement. If, and it's only an if, these prospects turn out to be... Well, let's just say you will have your so-called normal life.

7:50 Speaker 1: Thank you, Robert.

7:51 Speaker 4: No need to thank me, my dear. Now, shouldn't you be getting ready for the next show?

7:56 Speaker 7: Yes, sir.

7:57 Speaker 1: And I will make it the best one yet. Thank you again.

8:15 Speaker 4: You may come out now. I know that you are in here. Please, come out. Make yourself comfortable. You have nothing to be afraid of. Please, come out. I'm sure that you could use a drink, perhaps? Please, Mr. Keene. Pour yourself a drink.

8:41 Speaker 1: Sit down.

8:41 Speaker 3: How do you know who I am? And how did you know I was in here?

8:44 Speaker 4: For your second question, I saw that my closet door was slightly open. I always... make sure that it's closed, answer your first inquiry. I know everything about you.

9:03 Speaker 2: Robert sits back in his large chair, his hands folded, smiling at the killer, Terry Keene. I can assure you that the media was correct when they dubbed Mr. Keene the monster. For that is exactly what he is. I'll be back shortly with Act 2.

9:29 Speaker 1: Hi, it's Crimson.

9:31 Speaker 4: And Swan.

9:32 Speaker 1: You want to hear some more episodes?

9:33 Speaker 9: Then join us on.

9:34 Speaker 6: Our YouTube channel at Doorway to Nightmare.

9:37 Speaker 1: Don't forget to hit the like button if you like it. Tell all your friends and subscribe.

9:55 Speaker 2: The lights and sounds of a carnival brings a sort of magic. to a small town. It is a way to lose oneself for a brief period of time. The thrill of the rides, the games, the food, and then there is the sideshow.

10:18 Speaker 3: Okay, so you know about me. So what?

10:21 Speaker 4: Tell me, Mr. Keene. How did it feel when you murdered your first victim?

10:27 Speaker 3: Why do you want to know?

10:28 Speaker 4: I'm very interested in you, Mr.

10:30 Speaker 2: King.

10:31 Speaker 4: I want to know all about you. Your dreams, your hopes.

10:36 Speaker 3: Haven't you heard? I don't have any dreams or hopes. I was sitting in the death house until a few hours ago.

10:43 Speaker 4: Well, now, that is what I mean. How did you manage to escape that horrid place?

10:49 Speaker 3: That's my business.

10:51 Speaker 4: Of course it is. Forgive my intrusion. Every magician must keep his secrets.

10:58 Speaker 3: Who's that?

10:59 Speaker 4: Please, Mr. Keen, put the gun away.

11:01 Speaker 3: But who is it?

11:02 Speaker 4: Well, I won't know unless I open the door.

11:04 Speaker 3: I'm going back in the closet. Whoever it is, get rid of them quick. Don't forget, I've got a gun on you.

11:17 Speaker 4: I'm telling you, there is no need for that.

11:20 Speaker 3: Just remember what I said.

11:29 Speaker 4: Such a nervous man. Just a moment!

11:35 Speaker 7: Everything okay?

11:37 Speaker 4: Yes, detective. Everything is fine. Did you decide to stay for the show?

11:41 Speaker 3: Maybe.

11:42 Speaker 7: Listen, I just wanted to warn you that Keen has been seen in the area. We're starting a search of the carnival right now.

11:52 Speaker 4: I still don't think that he would be foolish enough to come here, but I appreciate your diligence.

11:58 Speaker 7: What are you going to be doing in a little bit?

12:00 Speaker 4: Well, the show begins in about ten minutes. I've still got a few things to do in here.

12:05 Speaker 7: Mind if I come in and have a look around?

12:08 Speaker 4: By all means, detective.

12:10 Speaker 7: Kind of a small area here.

12:11 Speaker 4: Oh, this is just my office. My trailer is in the back lot, if you wish to search it. Here are the keys.

12:18 Speaker 7: Appreciate that. What's that door to?

12:24 Speaker 4: Simply a closet, detective. I must warn you, it is rather full at the moment. I hardly ever open it.

12:31 Speaker 7: Mind if I just take a look?

12:34 Speaker 4: By all means.

12:38 Speaker 7: You're right. A lot of junk in there.

12:41 Speaker 2: Well.

12:42 Speaker 4: As I said, I rarely use it.

12:45 Speaker 7: If you happen to see our man... Let one of the officers know. Immediately.

12:50 Speaker 4: Believe me, I most certainly will. Why don't you come to the show? I'm sure that my performance will feel much safer with you in the audience.

12:59 Speaker 7: You know, I just might do that.

13:06 Speaker 4: You can come out now, Mr. Keene.

13:13 Speaker 3: What the hell happened?

13:14 Speaker 4: Confused, Mr.

13:15 Speaker 2: Keene?

13:16 Speaker 3: I heard her say that she wanted to look in the closet. I raised my gun, pulled the trigger, and.

13:22 Speaker 7: and.

13:24 Speaker 4: What, Mr.

13:25 Speaker 7: Keene?

13:25 Speaker 3: I couldn't pull the trigger. I don't know what happened. She opened the door, and I swear she looked right at me. I just stood there, pulling, pulling, pulling.

13:37 Speaker 4: As I told you before, a good magician never reveals his secrets.

13:43 Speaker 2: Mr.

13:43 Speaker 5: Robert!

13:46 Speaker 4: What is it?

13:47 Speaker 7: It's Frankie.

13:48 Speaker 9: I think... Oh, God.

13:50 Speaker 3: I think that he's dead.

13:52 Speaker 4: Come in.

13:52 Speaker 2: Quick.

13:53 Speaker 8: Hey.

13:55 Speaker 3: What is this? A convention?

13:56 Speaker 4: Would you mind, my dear, keeping my friend company while I check on our comrade?

14:00 Speaker 7: Yes, sir. Yes, Mr.

14:01 Speaker 9: Revere.

14:02 Speaker 4: Terry, this is Alexis. I'm sure that you two will have a lot to talk about.

14:11 Speaker 3: What did he mean by that?

14:12 Speaker 1: You're the monster?

14:15 Speaker 3: So I'm the monster? So what of it? Hey, how did you know?

14:21 Speaker 1: Cops have been showing your picture all over the place.

14:24 Speaker 3: I gotta get out of here. Somehow.

14:26 Speaker 1: Yes, you really do need to go.

14:28 Speaker 9: What do you mean?

14:29 Speaker 1: You should have never came in here. He's going to.

14:32 Speaker 4: going to.

14:33 Speaker 3: What? What is he going to do? It's not fair.

14:40 Speaker 7: I was supposed to be next.

14:41 Speaker 9: He promised.

14:42 Speaker 3: The hell are you talking about?

14:44 Speaker 1: I was in the same position that you are. I had killed my husband. Oh, he deserved it, with what he had done to me. But the jury sent me away for life. I saw an opportunity to get away, and I took it.

14:57 Speaker 3: So you hooked up with the carnival, huh?

14:59 Speaker 7: I wish I hadn't.

15:00 Speaker 1: Now, you don't understand. He'll promise you a new life, but it's more like a life in hell.

15:06 Speaker 3: I think this gun will say different.

15:12 Speaker 9: Do you think he's afraid of a gun?

15:15 Speaker 7: Oh, Mr. Keene.

15:16 Speaker 1: Please, get out of here while you still.

15:20 Speaker 4: Alexis, what were you about to say?

15:24 Speaker 5: Nothing, Mr.

15:25 Speaker 7: Robert.

15:25 Speaker 4: I'm sorry, Alexis. I truly am.

15:28 Speaker 1: Is Frankie.

15:30 Speaker 7: is he?

15:30 Speaker 4: I'm afraid that he is. The doctor is with him now.

15:34 Speaker 1: It's not fair! I can't wait another year!

15:38 Speaker 4: I'm sorry, my child. You know the rules. Only one replacement per year. Now, Go and get the others ready for the show while I speak with Mr.

15:48 Speaker 7: Keene.

15:49 Speaker 3: It's not fair! It's not fair! One of your performers croaks, and you're still going on with the show?

15:59 Speaker 4: Know the old saying, Mr. Keene, the show must go on. However, we both have a small problem.

16:07 Speaker 3: Oh yeah? What's that?

16:09 Speaker 4: You are surrounded by the police. And I've lost my star attraction.

16:20 Speaker 2: Terry Keene frowns and begins to worry about the slight smile that Robert displays. The sounds of the carnival take on a more ominous tone. I'll return shortly with Act Three.

16:43 Speaker 1: Hi, it's Crimson. We're hoping you're enjoying these stories and do you want to hear some more? Join us on our YouTube channel, Doorway to Nightmare, if you dare.

17:05 Speaker 2: Convicted killer Terry Keene holds a gun on the owner of a sideshow in a carnival. His mind is racing as he searches for a way out of his predicament.

17:19 Speaker 3: I could always shoot my way out.

17:21 Speaker 4: I don't think that it would be the wisest choice, Mr.

17:24 Speaker 2: Keene.

17:24 Speaker 3: Then what do you suggest?

17:26 Speaker 4: As I told you, I have lost my star attraction.

17:29 Speaker 3: Tough for you.

17:30 Speaker 4: But rather advantageous for you.

17:33 Speaker 3: What are you getting at?

17:34 Speaker 4: Before you go off and begin killing innocent people, And before you are killed by an array of bullets from my itchy trigger finger police, won't you hear my proposition?

17:46 Speaker 3: Okay, so what is this proposition?

17:50 Speaker 4: You need a way out of here, correct?

17:52 Speaker 3: Yeah, and I'm just about to take it.

17:55 Speaker 4: We have one more night here in this town. However, I can convince the owner of the carnival to allow us to travel to our next destination after our final performance tonight.

18:06 Speaker 3: Like you said, the show must go on. So, why would the owner do that?

18:12 Speaker 4: Well, we must make a burial arrangement, have a service, and tear the body, don't you see?

18:17 Speaker 3: So where does that leave me?

18:19 Speaker 4: You will simply replace Frankie as our star attraction.

18:24 Speaker 3: Nah, I'm not into show business.

18:27 Speaker 4: Oh, there's nothing to it.

18:28 Speaker 3: And besides, I ain't no freak.

18:31 Speaker 4: Neither are my other performers. They are merely artists with a select set of skills that can only be appreciated by the carnival-going public.

18:39 Speaker 3: You mean like that girl, Alexis?

18:43 Speaker 4: Yes, just like her. Oh, believe me, Mr. Keene, your act is much simpler than hers.

18:50 Speaker 3: Who was this Frankie, anyway?

18:52 Speaker 4: Why, he was the monster.

18:56 Speaker 3: You must be out of your mind. I don't look anything like, like, Jeez. The guy looks like he's been put through a meat grinder.

19:05 Speaker 4: You don't have to look like him. I will make you up. It's the same thing that I did with Frank Donaldson.

19:12 Speaker 3: Who is that?

19:12 Speaker 4: He was a rather unfortunate individual who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was sentenced to death, just as you were.

19:21 Speaker 3: And you were helping him?

19:22 Speaker 4: I was giving him a new life. A life that is free of worries or cares. I'm offering you the same thing.

19:32 Speaker 3: So what do I have to do?

19:33 Speaker 4: Simply sign a standard contract, one that all my performers sign, and then we shall apply the makeup. Believe me, no one will be able to tell you apart from Frankie.

19:43 Speaker 3: That's it? What kind of contract?

19:46 Speaker 4: Rather simple, really. You agree to stay with the show forever. for at least a year. We're able to find a replacement for you. You'll be released from the contract.

19:55 Speaker 3: Is that what Alexis meant by not being fair?

19:57 Speaker 5: Alexis is a troubled girl.

20:00 Speaker 4: I believe that Frank and her had some sort of relationship going on.

20:05 Speaker 3: I bet she's a knockout under all that makeup.

20:08 Speaker 4: She's a very lovely young woman. Now, do we have a deal?

20:12 Speaker 3: No tricks. I still have my gun.

20:16 Speaker 4: Keep it, if it makes you feel safer.

20:21 Speaker 3: I don't have to sign this thing in blood, do I?

20:24 Speaker 4: Please. So archaic. Now, sign, and let's get the makeup on. The show is about to begin.

20:34 Speaker 3: Wow. I don't even recognize myself.

20:38 Speaker 4: A very nice job, if I do say so myself.

20:41 Speaker 3: Now what am I supposed to do in the show?

20:43 Speaker 4: Very simple. You will be sitting on a chair. Chains are wrapped around your arms. And at the given cue, you simply stand up and growl at the audience.

20:54 Speaker 3: Like a jump scare?

20:55 Speaker 4: Exactly! Alexis will help you with the right cues.

20:58 Speaker 3: You know, this sounds like a lot of fun.

21:09 Speaker 7: You did a good job tonight.

21:11 Speaker 2: Thanks.

21:13 Speaker 3: It really was fun seeing all those people scared out of their wits. I even scared that stupid cop.

21:20 Speaker 1: You signed the contract, didn't you?

21:22 Speaker 3: Yeah, so what?

21:24 Speaker 7: I warned you. I told you to get away.

21:27 Speaker 3: And where would I have gone? At least I'm not waiting to be killed by the state.

21:33 Speaker 4: Hey, hey.

21:35 Speaker 3: How do you get this makeup off?

21:39 Speaker 7: Makeup?

21:40 Speaker 1: Makeup?

21:41 Speaker 3: Yeah, this horror makeup that Robert put on.

21:47 Speaker 8: Me.

21:51 Speaker 1: It will never come off just like mine. Do you think that I really look like, like this? These tattoos? These piercings?

22:04 Speaker 9: No.

22:05 Speaker 4: He did this.

22:06 Speaker 9: I don't get it.

22:07 Speaker 3: What are you talking about?

22:11 Speaker 1: Oh, he owns you now.

22:14 Speaker 7: Don't you get it?

22:16 Speaker 4: You're the monster now.

22:18 Speaker 2: What?

22:19 Speaker 1: Until he finds a replacement.

22:21 Speaker 2: No.

22:21 Speaker 4: You will always be the monster. No.

22:28 Speaker 3: No!

22:44 Speaker 2: Terry looks into the mirror and sees the horror that has become his face. He struggles again to remove the makeup. before resigning himself to being the monster. I'll be back with a final word.

23:04 Speaker 6: If you're enjoying these stories, come over to our YouTube channel, Doorway to.

23:10 Speaker 1: Nightmare, where we add a few pics to color your imagination. See the faces behind the voices, too. Come on, you know you want to.

23:32 Speaker 2: I can only quote what Chris Shaw wrote. One man's freak show is another man's portrayal of heroic triumph over medical adversity. Call me prejudiced, but I suspect your typical 20-something watched the show with their jaw on the floor rather than a tear in their eye. Our cast included Mick Davis, Crimson McKenzie, Jonathan Rosignol, and Rue Snowe. Story was edited by Crimson McKenzie, and the production was under the direction of Winslow Swan. And now, a preview of our next tale.

24:20 Speaker 1: Stan, what is going on with Fred?

24:23 Speaker 9: That's what I've been trying to find out for the last week.

24:26 Speaker 1: Fred, where are you?

24:29 Speaker 2: See?

24:29 Speaker 9: He doesn't even materialize anymore. And wait until you hear this. Fred! How about a creaking door?

24:41 Speaker 7: What is that?

24:43 Speaker 9: Your guess is as good as mine.

24:45 Speaker 2: This is your host, inviting you to return with us through the doorway to nightmare for another adventure into the world of your terrifying imagination. Until next time, slumber peacefully. Epilogue. The butler did it.