"Mr. Huffam" by Hugh Walpole | A Christmas Story | Original audio recording

Faced with economic uncertainty and personal strife, Christmas seems a very gloomy prospect for everyone, including the wealthy Winsloes. But the arrival of a mysterious stranger, whose personality harks back to less cynical times, has a magical effect on the family and those around them.
This original recording is an audio presentation by Jasper L'Estrange for EnCrypted Horror. "Mr. Huffam" by Hugh Walpole (1933).
0:00 Intro music
0:23 Chapter 1: Once upon a time...
21:44 Chapter 2: An extraordinary adventure
38:24 Chapter 3: The London Vision
48:32 Outro
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Researching, reading, re-reading, recording, mixing, uploading, promoting each of these short story audio presentations takes many hours - possibly more than you'd imagine. You can say thank you in the following ways:
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About the story:
"Mr. Huffam" by Hugh Walpole. First published in The Strand magazine, December 1933.
Credit where credit's due:
Theme music: The Black Waltz by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au Music promoted by www.chosic.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) creativecommon...
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: The Sands Of Time by Euan Ford
Free download: filmmusic.io/s...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist on Instagram: euanford21
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Snowflakes by Agnese Valmaggia
Free download: filmmusic.io/s...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist website: / user-801147991
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: White Fairy Of Falling Snow by Horst Hoffmann
Free download: filmmusic.io/s...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist website: www.mm-studio.eu
The following music was used for this media project:
Music: The First Snowflakes On My Skin by Horst Hoffmann
Free download: filmmusic.io/s...
License (CC BY 4.0): filmmusic.io/s...
Artist website: www.mm-studio.eu
Music used : "LONELY " composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" Music link : • [ No Copyright ] LONEL... SUBSCRIBE us on KZbin: bit.ly/3qumnPH Follow on Facebook : bit.ly/33RWRtP Follow on Instagram : bit.ly/2ImU2JV
Sound effects: All sound effects sourced at Freesound*.
*Used with the following licence: creativecommon...
The recording was created using Audacity and BandLab. Podcast hosted by Anchor.
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[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hello everyone! Indulge me if you will with this non-horror and only mildly mysterious story by the wonderful Hugh Walpole. I chose it because it seemed pertinent and charming, even if it is a bit early to start on the Christmas stories. Normal service will resume with my next release: "Bloody Bill" by Reggie Oliver. CONTENT WARNING: NO HORROR! Winter stories playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL7JYpOrSDoCdOa4uUF8OMcBHxVfP-hpef

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

“And Mr. Roderick said: ‘Ahhhhh-- certainly.’” British humor at it’s finest. Masterful reading.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz Thank you!

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Perfect perfect perfect music AGAIN.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

I'm sorry I'm late to the party! Writing this with tears running down my face - an absolutely beautiful tribute to Dickens, and impeccably read. I know this sounds strange but I'd give my right arm to have Dickens return, and Nikola Tesla too. Even for just one day. Both were such great men, and both suffered such sad endings.❤

[@jared1870]

Jasper, you fiend! I just spent 49 anxious minutes of my life waiting for this story to turn gruesome and read perfectly lovely to the end. Well done, sir, and thank you.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ha! Imagine if this one went dark at the end... 🤣

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

Dude, that’s exactly what iVe been afraid of, since this came out, I’ve been listening to tiny little bits, always fearing it would get bad at any moment! Thanks for that, I’m gonna sail on through to the end, now. Cheers

[@sueatkinson3553]

Didn’t want this to end. Absolutely fabulous. Thanks

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome. This was a pleasure to read 😊

[@SC-jh9qp]

I have been feeling a little sad and melancholy today, but you have helped mend this clown's broken heart with a beautiful story. Thank you Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I hoped this one would bring a bit of good cheer. It was nice to do something uplifting for a change 😊

[@xmaseveeve5259]

I think I lost half of mine.

[@Jynxxxycat]

Oh, Jasper...I am sobbing like a little baby. This is the most beautiful Yuletide story, that I've ever heard. How has this not been made into a feature film?

[@evelanpatton]

It’s a perfectly lovely story! It reminds me of the American (late ‘40’s/early50’s) movie: “Miracle on 34th Street”- it’s my favorite Christmas movie!!!

[@psychopomp888]

I am shocked myself that this story has not seen more recognition as it as heart felt as Christmas Carol itself. An it too brought me to tears. Here's to Joy & Hope & True Love, Blessings to All.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I know, it would make a terrific "holiday" film. Glad you enjoyed.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@evelanpatton A classic!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@psychopomp888 It's barely seen print since it was first published. A real shame, as it really captures the spirit of the season.

[@kevinmortimer5681]

For those of us who have grown crusty and cynical with the passing of the decades, this is perhaps the perfect antidote to our modern day apathy. This production with its beautifully weaved magic, both in writing and delivery, is nothing short of a game changer. I will listen to this again, and I sense it will make a difference to my Christmas this year. Thank you very much Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

After fighting my way around our city's Christmas market this weekend I had to listen back to restore my festive goodwill 😁

[@evelanpatton]

Oh I shouldn’t ask because you already put in so much fantastic production work on your channel…but oh, it would be so cool if you continued to SPRINKLE THESE CRYSTAL STORY GEMs (magical realism, I think it’s called- likened to a modern Fairytale or a Hans Christian Anderson!) THIS STORY IS MAGIC & JUST WHAT WE ALL NEEDED to WARM our HEARTS, LIFT our SPIRITS, & leave us with a CHEERFUL SMILE on our (child-like RE:)MINDed;-) faces❣️ Thank you sooo much for once again giving the wonders of a talented jjtales! 🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉 🎄🕊❄️🪄🎁🎉🎅🏻📯📜🖋📕📚📖

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Evelan. It was nice to do something that was purely magical. It struck me as a story as relevant to our present time as it must have been then. I do intend to do some *different* kinds of stories.

[@bonpourvous]

I hadn`t read the description so right up to the end I was waiting for something horrid to happen, lol, what a clever and charming story and btw I for one would welcome some more `non-horror` stories. Very well done.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you bonpourvous. I do intend to do some more non-genre stories. Glad you enjoyed this one 😊

[@michaeldonahoo461]

Perhaps one of the most beautiful Christmas stories I have ever heard. I now look forward to December 25th with a newfound enthusiasm! My thanks. Merry Christmas to you Jasper!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Merry Christmas to you too 😊

[@annetteeggett]

Jasper Jasper Jasper!! Joyful. I loved that. I hope Tubby married his love. Thank you xx

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Oh, what a wonderful story! It is so lovely. This truly sets the mood and spirit of the season. I smiled during the whole story and was only sad when I saw it drawing to close. I wanted it to go on forever and not end. We lost my aunt a few weeks ago. She loved Christmas very much and embodied the spirit of Mr. Huffam. This story happily reminds me of her. She would have loved it! Thanks! Fantastic narration. The music is perfect. It is a travesty that such a beautiful story has not been printed much since its initial publication. It belongs next to the Christmas classics.

[@anniebunny26]

Thank you ever so much, Mr. L'Estrange. The story, and especially your narration, brought me so much joy.

[@rameyzamora1018]

If the Buddha wrote fiction to show how a loving & compassionate kindness in one person can change so many lives for the better, this would be the story. So grateful you have posted it.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Ramey! Glad you liked this story 😊

[@rhondamuir3595]

So beautiful! Thank you, Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome, Rhonda 😊

[@Hazel_Fox22]

Oh, Mr. J....that was so lovely and heartwarming! Thank you for turning my bitter crabby mood around with this posting!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I'm glad it did the trick 😁

[@Pushbike1894]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Even though I’m very far away from young I love Christmas and always have. This is wonderful. ❤

[@carolrios9216]

This gave me goosebumps! Walpole did not fail to deliver, and your production was very moving. And I'm kind of a Scrooge about Christmas!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Oh good, I was aware this one might be a test for the Ebeneezers and Grinches out there 🤣

[@teresakaczynski8780]

This has to be the best recording of a Christmas story, ever. Hands down, my absolute favorite. Thank you, Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@shelleymarquis5039]

Oh, I was going to write something moving and heartfelt and all like that, but I feel I'd get lost in the process. I'll just say this. This story and your reading of it are a perfect illustration of the reason turtles have shells. If you're going to continue making me feel stuff, I'll have to go away until New Year's Day. Once I hear your voice I must listen...Thanks for a horrible, wonderful work of art. S

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Shelley. I'm glad you liked this story. I was moved by it too.

[@michaelfagan1823]

Jasper told with absolute beauty wonderful !!! Micky N London 🙏☯️❤️🌟✨☀️⚡️❄️☃️🍺🍷

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you, Michael. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mijiyoon5575]

This story is delightful & reminds me of this 1947 Drama Comedy movie *It Happened on 5th Avenue* starring *Victor Moore/Mr. McKeever* whom serves as the catalyst in a big ol' mansion on 5th Ave at Christmas. I urge everyone that liked this story to watch the movie if they can find it. TCM has it *Turner Classic Movies* *THX Jasper* for this Christmas in November story ... perfect day for it as the sky is gray w/heavy clouds wind is blowing wildly & it is in the low to mid 40s where I live & a hard freeze due in tonight at 27 degrees

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I could hibernate right now...😊 I feel like I must have seen that film but will need to check it out. I love those great golden era films. What was the one with Bing Crosby as a priest...?

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@EnCryptedHorror *Going My Way* 1944 ...perhaps this is it?

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Yeah that's it. I thought it was a Christmas movie but I just checked and found it's got nothing to do with Christmas. Likewise "The Bells of St Mary's". I think they were just on the TV at Christmas when I was a kid 😄

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@EnCryptedHorror Since we are doing *movie talk* the afore mentioned: *5th Ave* movie has a poignant scene where one character is cooking *slumgullion* & another character (husband & wife) smells the stew & it is a fine use of how to bring characters together...this movie is all but perfection ...though it is slow paced it is worth the wait & watch

[@pisiata3651]

Lovely story. It works so when one does a good thing, is a chain reaction of goods.

[@johnguillory7759]

I've listened twice on separate occasions. Cried both times: tenderizing. The story is lovely, the reading perfect, likewise the sound effects and music.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it. It's a lovely piece of writing.

[@susanjohn6506]

Just beautiful, a beautiful story beautifully read. Thank you.

[@lynwilson5385]

Thank you Jasper for that wonderful and beautiful read story, and with such a lovely ending

[@unclevlad3357]

Lovely story. and when you said "sweet dreams", it sounded like you meant it - you always use exactly the right tone

[@catherinemckinney4091]

Thanks for the excellent reading of a wonderfully fanciful tale.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you enjoyed it, Catherine 😊

[@pdecorsey]

You made me cry with this beautiful story and thinking of all my favourite places in London; Piccadilly, Fortnum, Hatchet’s Books, etc. etc. How I miss my city especially in this lovely way. Thank you…

[@earthcat]

Another fine offering from our Monsieur L'Estrange 🌺

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Earthcat, glad you liked it 😊

[@lunaxx4119]

Just finished my second listen. It's such a lovely story that somehow escapes being too sentimental or mawkish and your production really gave it that extra sparkle (how have you got me using words like 'sparkle' for god's sake??! :) ) I'll be sharing this one all over!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Luna! I'm glad this story has seemed to be well-received. It was nice to do something upbeat for a change 😊

[@MSYNGWIE12]

I imagine I can place this tale into a magik snow globe.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It has that feel. If you look the story up online you can find some photographs of the charming illustrations from a first (limited edition) hardcover pressing of the story.

[@nancynickerson4341]

A heart-warming story. Thank you Jasper.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome, Nancy 😊

[@violetfemme411]

That was brilliant Jasper. I've not had the best of health for awhile and am mostly downright cranky. But this story definitely warmed my heart, wet my eyes and put a very large smile on my face. Thank you once again for your amazing attention to detail in both presentation and ambience 💜 👏🕊🙏

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Hope you start feeling better soon, Violet 🙏

[@jez6208]

What about absolute gem! Loved it! Your reading? Wonderful as ever! Thank you so much! I love Christmas. 🍻😄

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

Oh I'm so grateful for your reading of this absolutely wonderful story🙏😍 It's full of love and joy and wisdom- so much what we all need🥰 Couldn't help but cry. Thank you Jasper🌟❄⛄

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome. It seems a few listeners have found this story very affecting.

[@thurayya8905]

This is the best Christmas story I have ever heard. You read it to perfection.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you. I loved doing this story 😊

[@blixten2928]

THANK YOU!! Great stories always deserve to be told - and when narrated by you, a triple pleasure. It's dark and windy and rainy outside, we need some early Christmas spirit indeed.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Just what I thought 😊 Glad you liked it 👍

[@blixten2928]

@@EnCryptedHorror Told my husband about this story - Dickens coming back and being informed that his books were to be updated, to be less sentimental - for this is, after all, a lot of good stuff in them - much laughter and appreciation. All thanks to you.

[@samanthabaker964]

Oooo goody. Another wonderful narration by my favorite storyteller! Thank u so much.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're too kind! Thanks Samantha 😊

[@Carlos_DK]

It's 1989, and this is absolutely a John Hughes movie that should have been a thing. John Candy as Huffham, James Belushi as Tubby, Jean Kelly as the love interest/leading lady and Vanessa Redgrave as Mother. I need a time machine.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha, nice one. I was just imaginary-casting the 1990s British version directed by Richard Curtis, but I think there's some law in this country that only Simon Callow can play Dickens 😁

[@Carlos_DK]

@@EnCryptedHorror 😄 perfect! Great read, btw.

[@rebeccalloyd6681]

That was remarkable! What a witty man, his descriptions, especially of women, are horrifying. 🤪🤣

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Haha! Yes, they were 😄 I love how these older stories can still make you laugh, and how some of the observations are timeless. A couple of months ago I was chortling over a "type" described in an Agatha Christie and thought: things don't really change all that much...😄

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

I know this is strange but I thought Mr.Huffam was exactly who he turned out to be! Excellent story and the music and sound was perfect and enhanced your tale dramatically. You can tell any tale you like as long as they are as good as this!

[@alisonduffy6206]

Same here Stephanie. I thought of Dickens all the way through! :)

[@EnCryptedHorror]

It's almost an anti-mystery, isn't it, particularly if you know anything about Dickens' life. I suppose the story still works because the characters have sort of forgotten Dickens and what he represents.

[@alisonduffy6206]

@@EnCryptedHorror It detracts 'not a whit' from the story!

[@pattysparks-freemont726]

So beautiful thank you for reminding me of how wonderful life can be. If we will just open our memories and let them breath into our present. Again thank you.

[@briandouglasahern7067]

What an absolutely delightful tale!!! Thank-you so much for this splendid narration.

[@csj9619]

Brings back memories of when I used to celebrate the yuletide as a wee lad. (until I discoved what exactly we were celebrating) Now, though the world carries on this pagan holdover, I'll have no part of it. I did, however rather enjoy this story. thank you #saturnalia #osiris's phallus

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you c s j 👍

[@craigoliver8712]

What a beautiful, enchanting story-loved it

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Craig. It's a lovely story 👍

[@PippaAT]

What an utterly delightful story! I feel so uplifted. Bless you. xx

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Isn't it just! Glad you appreciated it, Pippa 😊

[@navelriver]

Truly, as you said, a charming story!

[@janandersen-page2330]

So lovely and so uplifting - just wonderful because it was so beautifully read. Thank you!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 😊

[@culturedchic]

Oh it was simply heart-warming and peaceful!! Thank you for sharing such a lovely story and as always, your narration was magnificent.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Christie 😊

[@neilgodfrey6578]

Just keeps getting better and better.

[@charlottewolf1096]

I have just come across you sir and I must admit that I love your narrative style X I loved this story X a true work of art X

[@rneustel388]

Tears…but I do have a big smile in my heart.

[@clare218]

Lovely story. Thank you so much Jasper, as always beautifully read.

[@arbrady535]

Wonderful wonderful wonderful

[@earthcat]

Well, I am just a weeping mess now. Beautifully done, Jasper😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Earthcat. Loved doing this story.

[@angelariley.9963]

Thank you. I'm looking forward to this.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 👍

[@denisemellor8201]

What a lovely heart warming story to cheer the day

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Ah yes, it's such a lovely one, this story. Happy Christmas!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

So, so delightful. A wonderful choice.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you Grandma 😊

[@taliabee8661]

I’m not allowing myself to listen to this until I start sorting out the kitchen tomorrow morning! That should get me out of bed and up and doing! 😀♥️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Now I feel shamed into doing some housework 😄

[@taliabee8661]

Tbh, it’s 7.30 pm and I’m just starting!!! But, now I’ve two stories to enjoy 😀♥️

[@EnCryptedHorror]

@@taliabee8661 And in the end...I didn't do much housework!

[@taliabee8661]

What a slatternly pair we are! 😉♥️ Stories were fab, as ever (and I did get most of the washing up done!)

[@bunygirl8138]

😻 What a beautiful story!!!! Thanks so much! 💕

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 😊

[@dawnmorris5978]

Not gonna lie absolutely sobbing

[@kimmccabe1422]

Wow. Enjoyed! Thank you for this listenable choice of an upload 👍

[@bburns2478]

Well done Jasper, a great reading of a wonderful story

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@murfling]

What a wonderful story. Your narration perfect!

[@brianallsopp69]

Didn't see that coming,,,, As always well played sir 👏 👍

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Brian. Glad you enjoyed.

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you so much for this lovely story 😊

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Very excited for this, but right now I have to get ready for work. I will be here later, and hope my day goes quickly. Thank you!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

You're very welcome 👍

[@joereilly8028]

Thank you for such a beautiful story Jasper Will treat myself to another listen to it on Christmas eve

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Joe! Hopefully there'll be an EnCrypted Christmas Special too 😊

[@MarilynMayer-cd5qk]

Sweet and gentle. Thank you.

[@lauraJP76]

Wonderful.

[@michaelfagan1823]

What a talent you are Jasper loved it 🙌🌎🦋🦢🐇

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you! This is such a lovely story 👍

[@mariannegray7711]

Really do miss you Jasper

[@jenford7078]

Charming!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Glad you liked it, Jen 👍

[@xmaseveeve5259]

Beautifully read!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you!

[@thinkthinker44]

Well played in every way!

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@rohanquinby3188]

Wow.

[@lucysky384]

This was magical.❤

[@leslieriddle5985]

You, Sir, are a Treasure

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 😊

[@dukedoomASMR]

Fantastic 😊

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@davidmayhew8083]

Very lovely.

[@Victoria-wz9ub]

Perfection ❤

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thank you 🙏

[@Kojoanna]

Nice

[@EnCryptedHorror]

Thanks Kojoanna 👌

[@warrenharwell4145]

Beautiful

[@dismith73]

Sir Hugh Seymour Walpole 13 March 1884 - 1 June 1941

[@skeleczar]

Ok, it was great except for the twist at the end. He was in no way a nice dude, and I’m so confused as to why he was chosen. The actual person was just incontrovertibly awful. I did love it though, so I’m just going to pretend he was revealed to be someone cool.

[@EnCryptedHorror]

I'm not sure he was *incontrovertibly* awful in real life, just human and flawed (like a great many artists, whenever you read their biographies). Did a lot to raise awareness of social inequality, seemed genuinely passionate about such matters. Whatever Dickens' personal failings, I think Walpole would have chosen him (in the early 1930s) for his storytelling abilities and what he represented in terms of "a Dickensian Christmas". I suspect (although I don't know) most of the articles and books that drew attention to Dickens' "dark side" would have come out after Walpole's lifetime. But, yeah, the story would work if he was just revealed to be a nice, happy person from a simpler time 😊

[@skeleczar]

@@EnCryptedHorror Ok, you just made my day. I’m stupidly giddy that you actually read my comment and even more thrilled at your very thoughtful, lovely response. Thank you so much, and I really, really appreciate your perspective. I definitely agree with you after I gave it a bit more thought and did a bit more research. There is that Solzhenitsyn quote I love about the line between good and evil, and whenever I paint someone with a monochromatic brush, I remember that and feel a little silly and judgmental.

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

He must have had some good in him, for he wrote some beautiful stories, that gave people joy.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

​@@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz He was a good man ❤