Mystery - Sleepy Radio · Various Authors

Quiet Please - The Girl With the Flaxen Hair

March 31, 2026·31 min·3 clips
A ghostly child named Joan appears in the dark, asking Andrew to play 'her song'—the Pavane for a Dead Princess.
The episode 'The Bond' from Quiet Please follows Andrew Rochefort, an American on a post-war job in Vignacourt, France, staying in his family's ancestral home built in 1341. He lives with his Algerian assistant, Ahmed Ali Ibn Musa, and they discuss theology and music, particularly Ravel's 'Pavane for a Dead Princess.' One night, a girl named Joan appears in the dark, speaking English and requesting the Pavane, which she calls 'her song.' Andrew is drawn to her, as he and his wife Margaret are childless. Joan avoids light, hinting at a supernatural nature. Andrew turns on the lights to see her, causing her to vanish, and he searches frantically, questioning if she is a ghost or a dream. Joan later returns, revealing she is Andrew's unborn daughter and will die at eight years old, as 'written' by fate. The episode ends with Andrew receiving a cablegram from Margaret announcing the birth of their daughter, Joan, confirming the prophecy. The narrative blends mystery, tragedy, and philosophical themes about predestination. It features atmospheric storytelling with minimal sound effects, focusing on dialogue and emotional tension. Characters include Andrew, Ahmed, Joan, and briefly mentioned figures like Madame Simone and Miss Lewis. The setting in post-war France adds historical context, while the supernatural elements create a haunting tone. The episode concludes with credits noting it is written and directed by Willis Cooper, featuring Ernest Chappell as Andrew.
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