The theme of this Roald Dahl story is the commonly adopted things aren’t always as they seem. What sets it apart is the way Dahl gradually builds tension, starting with his descriptions of the weather and outdoor setting, then moving on to the supernatural before young Billy even meets the “motherly” landlady. (Each word was like a large black eye staring at him through the glass, holding him …) From then on, almost every step involves dramatic irony. The reader can see that something is wrong, which softens the impact of the horror ending, but naïve Billy remains frustratingly oblivious.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (3,523 words)
Video Versions
1979 TV Version: This episode from the Tales Of The Unexpected British television series includes a personal introduction by Roald Dahl. It loses some of the original atmosphere because the action takes place during the day. Watch and enjoy!
1961 TV Version: This episode from the Alfred Hitchcock Presents American television series includes an additional sub-plot (a burglar on the loose) to distract viewers as the main story unfolds. Otherwise, it follows the original quite closely. Watch and enjoy!