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Dark Adventure Radio Theatre #8
Herbert West - Reanimator
Herbert West, an ambitious young medical student at Miskatonic University, and his colleague embark down a path filled with dubious science and horrifying results as they endeavor to bring life back to dead bodies that they harvest from the margins of society. Their unholy quest leads them across New England and eventually into the trenches of the Great War as West's scientific obsession degenerates into a hellish and perverse addiction to the abnormal.
Herbert West -- Reanimator is perhaps one of Lovecraft's most famous stories, thanks to Stuart Gordon's 1985 cult classic film version: Re-Animator. And some might say that's regrettable, because Lovecraft himself intended it as a parody and didn't think it was a very good piece of writing. Although it's certainly not his best, it remains one of his most popular tales. It's the pulpiest of his fiction, full of gore, action, and even one-liners. HWR also shows Lovecraft at his most blatantly racist, and although we don't agree with or endorse any of the bigoted sentiments in the original story, rather than try to edit all that out, when adapting the story for radio we decided to acknowlege that it's there and turn it into a running joke. All of the characters in this show utter some very politically incorrect remarks.
There's musical wit as well, and history, with the original score by Reber Clark featuring sly references to a few popular tunes of the early 20th century. And the show features an exciting original fight song for Miskatonic University, the beloved institution Lovecraft invented in this story. To celebrate that achievement, the CD features a special bonus track with an alternate version of the M.U. fight song. Onward Miskatonic! On to victory!
Herbert West -- Reanimator is perhaps one of Lovecraft's most famous stories, thanks to Stuart Gordon's 1985 cult classic film version: Re-Animator. And some might say that's regrettable, because Lovecraft himself intended it as a parody and didn't think it was a very good piece of writing. Although it's certainly not his best, it remains one of his most popular tales. It's the pulpiest of his fiction, full of gore, action, and even one-liners. HWR also shows Lovecraft at his most blatantly racist, and although we don't agree with or endorse any of the bigoted sentiments in the original story, rather than try to edit all that out, when adapting the story for radio we decided to acknowlege that it's there and turn it into a running joke. All of the characters in this show utter some very politically incorrect remarks.
There's musical wit as well, and history, with the original score by Reber Clark featuring sly references to a few popular tunes of the early 20th century. And the show features an exciting original fight song for Miskatonic University, the beloved institution Lovecraft invented in this story. To celebrate that achievement, the CD features a special bonus track with an alternate version of the M.U. fight song. Onward Miskatonic! On to victory!
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Published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 12, 2022
The wonderful audio tale of Herbert West and his obsession with desecrating the dead to discover immortality.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
OVERALL GRADE: B plus.
August 22, 2021
Fantastic adaptation of the classic Lovecraft story done in an old time radio style. Full cast with sound effects made for an engaging experience. Loved it. I'll be listening to more of these productions for sure.
March 14, 2025
This is Dark Adventure Radio Theatre, with your host Erskine Blackwell. Today’s episode: H.P. Lovecraft’s “Herbert West -- Reanimator!”
A brilliant medical student dreams of bringing life to the dying, and to the dead. How far will he go to achieve his dream? Will his genius unlock the secrets of life and death, or will boundless ambition twist his noble purpose into something monstrous?
I am slowly getting back into the habit of listening to an audiobook whilst I work and what better to listen to than these wonderful adaptations by the HPLHS (The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society).
Having enjoyed a few of these last month, I sadly ran out of Audible credits and I am now having to wait patiently between each of the dramas.
Although not directly linked to the Cthulhu mythos, the setting of the story is the Miskatonic University in Arkham, which features in many of Lovecraft's stories. It is also more science-fiction than cosmic horror, following the exploits of medical student, Herbert West, as he tries to reanimate the dead. It is akin to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein but with Lovecraft's unique stylings.
Once again the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society have produced a 5 star adaptation.
You know, folks, nothing says success quite like a bright radiant smile. And for truly gleaming teeth, there’s no better toothpaste than Forhan’s, now with new Radiol! It’s the very latest thing: a safe extract of radium, scientifically developed in the finest medical laboratories of Europe. Use it twice a day, and your teeth will positively glow! Try Forhan’s toothpaste with new Radiol, for a smile that shines from the inside out!
A brilliant medical student dreams of bringing life to the dying, and to the dead. How far will he go to achieve his dream? Will his genius unlock the secrets of life and death, or will boundless ambition twist his noble purpose into something monstrous?
I am slowly getting back into the habit of listening to an audiobook whilst I work and what better to listen to than these wonderful adaptations by the HPLHS (The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society).
Having enjoyed a few of these last month, I sadly ran out of Audible credits and I am now having to wait patiently between each of the dramas.
Although not directly linked to the Cthulhu mythos, the setting of the story is the Miskatonic University in Arkham, which features in many of Lovecraft's stories. It is also more science-fiction than cosmic horror, following the exploits of medical student, Herbert West, as he tries to reanimate the dead. It is akin to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein but with Lovecraft's unique stylings.
Once again the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society have produced a 5 star adaptation.
You know, folks, nothing says success quite like a bright radiant smile. And for truly gleaming teeth, there’s no better toothpaste than Forhan’s, now with new Radiol! It’s the very latest thing: a safe extract of radium, scientifically developed in the finest medical laboratories of Europe. Use it twice a day, and your teeth will positively glow! Try Forhan’s toothpaste with new Radiol, for a smile that shines from the inside out!
January 16, 2026
Recreated radio play with a full cast and music to set the mood. Based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, the revisions of story makes it appealing to a wider audience, with enough "Easter Eggs" for the rabid horror story fan to enjoy.
June 30, 2020
The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society's Dark Adventure Radio Theatre has taken one of HPL's less known stories, Herbert West: Reanimator, and recast it as a old-time radio drama, complete with sound effects and radio advertisements. The result is nothing short of fantastic; time flies by as one is so absorbed by this production. Additionally, keen-eared listeners may catch an Easter Egg or two. Highly recommended, especially the CD which comes with a slew of props to support the radio drama.
June 28, 2020
This was another great episode of Lovecraft horror. Differs from the film and manages to be creepy and disturbing. As always, the voice cast is superb. Love the Miskatonic school song! A scientist who really is mad to the core.
March 3, 2021
Way better than the movie they tried to make from it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews