The Man Who Called Himself Hamilton Cleek | Thomas W. Hanshew | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

Introducing Hamilton Cleek, who featured in dozens of short stories from 1910 onwards. More information about the background to this remarkable character can be found in the video description. Story begins at 00:01:28 Chapter timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:19 The Kinematograph Film 00:22:51 Sir Horace Wyvern and Miss Ailsa Lorne 00:48:18 Superintendent Narkom's Visitor

[@electrictofumuffins6384]

Thanks for treating us to this wonderful art form. Wouldn't it be fun if you did a live show tour?

[@magicbulletdancers]

I especially like how you don't just read to us, you act out each wonderful character 👍 Seems that you're having much fun in this presentation! Thank you ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say, thank you. Yes, this one was fun to read...

[@deborad8303]

You really are a master of your craft.

[@timeaaraouzou710]

To hear the sound of an artful human voice is the first bonus. Your selection of wonderfully entertaining stories is the other. Thank you so much for doing this. Bless you.

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

What a treat that you've been posting so much lately. Thanks for another great story hour.

[@julielevinge266]

Agree,we’ve been really spoilt this year, much appreciated 👍

[@Frenchblue8]

Yes!!! Couldn't be happier!

[@judikingsman6132]

I've read nearly all the wonderful comments and I believe everyone has spelled every word correctly. 😮 What an inspiration you are! 😁💙

[@judikingsman6132]

Simon here I am back again 4 months after the previous listen. I've been listening to quite a few American crime dramas. After a while that accent becomes tedious and I need a dose of cultured English ❤ Thank you for letting me revisit your site. Aaaaah so very exceptional‼️💙

[@kayi9236]

Thank you Simon, wonderful performance as always, most appreciated!

[@SpuktasticAudio]

I think that can truly be classed as a 'Ripping Yarn'! Already looking forward to Cleek's further adventures. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

It is indeed. Thanks Bob. I suspected you might enjoy the name Maverick Narkom, rather a Dullard-esque moniker I thought?

[@cuthbert2546]

Another gem of a story and so very well presented. Thank you, Simon.

[@UnderOneSky]

Your work is an endless contribution and value to us all and to literature as a whole - thank you

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

Oh my heavens! This one was absolutely thrilling! The combination of the story and your rollicking presentation were perfect! I was howling the whole way through but especially in part two when Maverick Narkom apologized for his foul language in front of Sir Horace's niece. Once again I've never heard of these stories but I don't want to read them because I want you to read them for me.

[@carolmikolj5134]

How wonderful to hear this story. I read all the Cleek stories a few years ago but have never heard them done as a professional audiobook. This was a real treat. Thank you Simon!

[@JTA1961]

Don't forget to Cleek on the thumbs up button

[@Charles-oo8bq]

Nice one

[@SEARSJAMES]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍Thankyou! And to quote the great willie wonka! You're a good deed that shines in a weary world! But the world doesn't seem so weary after hearing one of your wonderful narrations🥂🍻!

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you!

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

I am getting as much if not more pleasure listening to you read these stories the second and third time around . Thanks so much regards RNK

[@margaretdavies7732]

WOW!!! What a fantastic story! What a fantastic find! What a fantastic storyteller! Thanks a million!

[@Kit-vb5rm]

Thank you for all your choices Simon, every one a winner. Your voice is perfect whatever the genre you choose to read.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say, thanks Kit 49. Appreciate your support

[@angelachouinard4581]

This was so much fun! I'd laid down trying to fight an oncoming headache brought about by a troublesome tradesman. You cured it better than any doctor. I would love to hear more from Hamilton Cleek whenever you find the time. Thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know it helped, thanks Angela

[@bluefriend1723]

For all the work you've done researching and narrating these stories for our listening pleasure, its high time I buy you a coffee !

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your support. Best wishes BlueFriend

[@irenabevans3411]

Absolutely brilliant tale, chapter two sounded like a keystone cops sketch, being quite funny in part's, superb narration as ever, Thank You Simon very much appreciated ❤

[@annagettings4675]

To plagiarise Oliver Twist, 'Please Sir, may I have some more?'! You bring everyone, everywhere and everything to life, perfectly. Wonderful as always Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

More coming... a bit snowed under at the moment, but I'm already planning content for next year!

[@EMB238]

Simon, such a treat to find a new story! Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening Ellen

[@beckerabstracts]

Thank you so much for what you do. It is beyond entertainment. Reminds me there is still beauty in this world and the beauty from the past can still touch us.

[@ssatva]

I desperately hope we can get more of this, in your inimitable style! The story is clever and charming, and thank you for introducing us to this fascinating character.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it; yes, I do have another story featuring this character which I hope to record in the next few weeks, all being well

[@susanotway7875]

Very enjoyable! Thanks Simon.

[@nancyM1313]

Thank you Simon. Cozy + ready to enjoy your narration across the pond. Have a lovely day⚘🦋⚘

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Had to say 👋 👋 👋. I'm Nancy, too! This is such a treat, isn't it?!?😊😊😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nancy, you too!

[@mijiyoon5575]

Well, well ... something new for us to feast on ... *Thank You much Simon Stanhope*

[@BitesizedAudio]

Bon appétit!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

Oh, well done! It is worth waiting for. Love Scott Joplin's music too. It's perfect for the story. Thank you. 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Rosie. Yes, it felt like a good fit for this one!

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

@@BitesizedAudio 👍

[@beverlyadams7205]

“I’ll solve those riddles one by one!” Great story!❤

[@julielevinge266]

Again you find us an excellent story to add to this perfect collection. Thank you so much.✊♥️

[@mjrchapin]

What a wonderful little tale! Thank you!

[@angelaomni6919]

your commentary as Always Excellent -- inspires me to re-listen to cleek of scotland yard and cleek of the 40 faces -- thank you so much for your research and upload ✌🏼take care ❤

[@beverlyadams7205]

Oh boy! I can’t wait to listen to this new story. Thank you so much, Simon!🎉

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Beverly, I hope you enjoy!

[@KiKiabout]

Love... Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks KiKi

[@waningmooncancer9628]

Third time's the charm! Finally, I made it to the end of the story......awake.😁 Greatly entertaining tale, Mr. Stanhope ❤. I wish more women would use their beauty and charm to turn men from evil ways 😊(even if it's unbeknownst to her). Thank you very much 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙌👍

[@jeannievz-brown4849]

I simply must thank you, Mr. Stanhope! I had read several stories about Cleek's exploits and was constantly frustrated by the allusion to his 'miraculous change', yet unable to find any accounting of it. You have satisfied the nagging curiosity I have suffered since first discovering this "Man of Forty Faces." I would be ever so grateful if you could see your way clear to reading to us regarding his many adventures in future episodes on your wonderful channel. I have found a few of them here on KZbin but did not care for the reader's rendering of these delightful stories. Again, I thank you! - Jeannie B., in Cherokee, Kansas, U.S.A.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome Jeannie, thank you for your comments. As it happens, I have another Cleek story in development at the moment... hoping it'll be ready in the next month or so

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

O my goodness! Such an excellent reading of what must be a rarity. Thank you so much.

[@karenkrohn8003]

Oh, a new story narrated by Simon! Instant click!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@hannekefranke297]

Ι love your narrations, have spent many happy hours listening and have wanted for months to subscribe for 0,99 euro a month to your channel, but I am 81 years old and definitely not of the digital era! I have tried several times, but there is always something that goes wrong or that I do not understand. But I'll go on trying! In the meantime thanks very much for the pleasure your narrations give me!

[@margaretdavies7732]

I'm only 71, but I feel just the same.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Well, hello, Simon. I see you've brought us another treat. I am so glad I found this channel Blessings on your house Thank you

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Tammy. Same to you!

[@emilymann1175]

Thank you!!!

[@drmichaelshea]

You, sir, are a treasure.

[@mariamcgee4462]

This is a great story, that name Maverick Narkom is just fab.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know, a name to glory in! Thanks Maria

[@johnhance5868]

Wow,, That was brilliant,, fantastic yarn and my compliments to you,, for that was narrated amazingly 👏👏👏

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@simoneclift3155]

Just what I needed today. Thank you aaaaaand relax. ❤

[@electrictofumuffins6384]

Very entertaining story!...With a surprise ending.

[@taliabee8661]

Ooh, new story and new character…smashing! 😀♥️

[@lynncasassa7712]

This is one of the best, Simon. Refreshing midst the day's news blues. Loved the music, too.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Lynn, appreciated!

[@stephaniestevenson6335]

Thanks ever so much!

[@jared1870]

Another great story, Simon, thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome, Jared

[@tashuys]

This one is superb, did not see that coming

[@SEARSJAMES]

The picture of blackfriers bridge reminded me of greyfriars bobby the dandy dinmont terrier in Scotland who stayed by his masters grave until he died!

[@pabloestafez6830]

Love greyfriars bobby

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, I was in Greyfriars Kirkyard last summer, while visiting the Edinburgh Festival, and said hello to the statue of Bobby

[@mjrussell414]

@@BitesizedAudio I did the same thing in 1992. Even saw a play called “Daniel and the lions” actually performed in the kirk.

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Great to hear from you again, just love listening to your narrations 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Claire, much appreciated

[@crimsonwolf9099]

If at all possible MORE HAMILTON CLEEK! Thanks.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you so much Simon for this story with a wonderful surprise at the end. Marvellous narration as always. Xxx

[@BitesizedAudio]

So glad to know you enjoyed it, Laura

[@212gloreUP]

Beautiful!

[@feralbluee]

I absolutely love this story. And, boy, were you Clique! I’m in love with him. Simon, I think this is the best story and most wonderful part you’ve ever played. (He reminds me somewhat of Patrick McGoohan’s Scarecrow.) Thank you so much for this piece of theatre. I hung on every word. . . ⚜️🌟🌷💙🌱

[@Petey_Ouspensky]

Thank you.

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Thank you 🙏🏽 so pleased when you post a new gem! And grateful for the levity! I adore your slightly amused narrator tone in the lighter pieces…

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Stephanie. Yes, this light and fun piece felt like an ideal contrast to follow up last week's Hardy!

[@ShenaThompson-wi7te]

Have just found your channel, and shall subscribe the moment I've finished listening to this story. Please continue to broadcast these super stories in what is obviously your most inimitable fashion. Thank you 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for subscribing, and for your kind words. I hope you enjoy some of my other uploads. I'll certainly do my best to keep them coming!

[@RattleStroll]

Really enjoy your narration and story telling. One of the best along with Hugh Fraser

[@emilygeiger7639]

Your the best!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Emily!

[@earthcat]

Listening a second time bc I fell asleep the first time 😴 The spirit was willing but the flesh was knackered.

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

The stories about Hamilton Cleek are so fabulous. The man of 40 faces is one I think and then Kleek of Scotland Yard. I'm so glad you picked this one. Imagine a man getting excited over the sight of a woman's ankles. 😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know, I thought that line rather amusing too. I'd like to revisit Cleek at some point and record some of his detective adventures...

[@wisdomoftheearlychristians2037]

@@BitesizedAudio That would be wonderful. Many are quite good.

[@123Shel12]

First story I've listened to, very nice! Great reading voice, it reminds me of Prof. Peabody from Rocky & Bullwinkle. Consider me subscribed!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening, and subscribing!

[@mngirl5437]

Ty for yet another great offering ❤

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Another great gem of a video 2 very big thumbs up

[@sus8e462]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@grimtt]

A lot of fun ! Really good cheer after a rough night!😊 I hope we hear more from 40 faces!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think that might be arranged....

[@patriciaramsey5294]

Oh this story was good. It reminds me of the movie Catch Me If You Can with Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Leo played a character who passed bad checks. Tom Hanks eventually caught him but made Leo his partner in the end. Please, please do more Cleek stories. It will be interesting to see how he reforms himself and uses his talents for the public good

[@BitesizedAudio]

Ah yes, definite echoes of that film. I certainly have more Cleek stories on my to-do list, I'll try to get around to him again before too much longer

[@patriciaramsey5294]

@@BitesizedAudio 😊 thank you so much!

[@MacMcCaskill]

I hope there are plans to share some of Cleek's adventures!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, I'd certainly like to read some more from this series. Thanks Mac

[@Lisa-ev6lw]

Oooh loved the music!!

[@jamieorourke767]

Stonkingly wonderful stuff,they should make a movie of hamilton cleek!😊

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed! Actually, he did feature in a very popular series of silent films from 1913 onwards. I don't know if the character has been revived for the screen since then

[@Kington99]

Does the end strike anyone else as just being another confidence trick? By stealing the jewels and then returning them in this fashion all his previous crimes seem to have been forgotten about

[@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535]

No! He's in hopeless love with Sir Horace's niece! He was dumbstruck when she came down during the robbery. It wasn't the real Maverick Narkom that was looking at her like he never seen a woman before, that was Cleek disguised as him. The real Maverick Narkom was tied up in the basement.

[@angelaomni6919]

​@@pauliewogmastercertifiedli535 thanks for clarifying 👍🏼

[@janetcw9808]

That's a Corker, kind Sir!

[@lauramay9717]

More Hamilton Cleek stories, please!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Funnily enough, I've just recorded a new one... you must be a mind-reader. I've got a very hectic week but hoping to finish the edit and upload sometime over the coming weekend

[@sunflowerhelen9933]

This is very entertaining!

[@elizabethman7313]

Great photo!

[@subhadradronamraju]

Interesting content, made very interesting by Mr Stanhope!

[@JasonJason210]

Apologies for this out of context comments but I just wanted to mention an author called JD Beresford. There aren't any nice audio recordings of his 19 impressions...perhaps it is something you might want to look into. I would really love hear you narrate these.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you. I do have Beresford on my list of authors I'd like to get around to at some point, though haven't got any particular stories in the pipeline as yet - I'll take another look at him

[@ericpug9154]

This is hilarious!

[@beverlyadams7205]

“I had ‘im!”

[@nickybaker1338]

😅Brilliant!!!! Simon-you give us a full cast of p!ayers using only your own voice. Marvellous. Thank you so much for giving me so many chuck!es & giggles. Treasure 😃

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed it

[@mijiyoon5575]

Re~listen ... like it😉👍

[@johnbee7729]

This was a fun one. So glad that Hamilton never got arrested

[@berthanadrossos9802]

I thought that cleet would take all the jewelry and escape.

[@jojoe4093]

I'm of a mind to declare that he'll turn back to his rotten ways yet.I will admit that the best at a career is one accomplished in the opposite job.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Interesting idea. Well, we shall have to see.....

[@jojoe4093]

@@BitesizedAudio So we shall!

[@smythharris2635]

Mr. Stanhope appears to be popular with the ladies of this parish, I wonder why?😋

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

If you're not already a supporter, then at least buy a cup of coffee.

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@lorisutherland7728]

Did your dad use to do cartoons in America? In the 60’s

[@BitesizedAudio]

He didn't, I'm afraid. I think you're probably referring to Mr. Peabody, a few commenters have said I sound like him... but no relation (so far as I know!)

[@lorisutherland7728]

@@BitesizedAudio that’s the guy. Have you seen and heard the voice?

[@paulawakefield7869]

❤👌👏🙏

[@pabloestafez6830]

I'm sure I'm not the only person to have this thought cross Thier mind......so tell us bitesized....do you talk that way even in the bedroom with your partner? Or do you have an of duty voice? Or is your whole life like a sherlock holmes episode? Just jesting of course, love the content....but seriously Do wonder😅😂

[@davidwhite7294]

Mind your own business 😂😂😂

[@pabloestafez6830]

@@davidwhite7294 you just earned yourself a stalke...r...umm I mean subscriber🤣😅😜 really like the Van Diemans Land...I play a little myself

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hmmm, I couldn't say really... I make sure the microphone is switched *off* in the bedroom....

[@pabloestafez6830]

@@BitesizedAudio 🤣😜 lol best way I guess

[@davidwhite7294]

@@BitesizedAudio Very wise 👍🤝

[@Robert-A-R]

30:52

[@snippycutwell9878]

🙂

[@anyoldorion]

Thirst🍺

[@BitesizedAudio]

Quenched, I hope?

[@anyoldorion]

👍🏻😊

[@jolynnwhite7946]

📕📕🥰👍😍

[@SimonTemple-vn3lf]

L

[@aussieagle]

Disappointed with the ending, bit of a cop out.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I know what you mean, although it's worth noting that it's not really the end of the story - this piece actually forms the prologue to the first volume of short stories featuring "Cleek the Detective", so it's really an origin story for the character, setting up his adventures to come. I hope to record some of those adventures in the future if there's audience interest. Anyway, that's the context, which I appreciate isn't obvious from the recording (although I did reference it in the video description), but as you say the ending of this story in itself isn't particularly satisfactory. Thanks for listening, and taking the time to comment. Best wishes

[@veritas6335]

The initial music is unnecessary and frankly irritating. Best just tell the story. .

[@williamhagen2792]

Weak story.