Well . . . I expected Chris to have a bit more to say on this rendition of a Poe classic. (Follow the "lighthouse" from last week's tale to see why I say that.) Chris can blow us all out of the water when it comes to Poe.

I reread the original short story. RMT has developed a tale which stands well on it's own, but it differs greatly from the original.

Poe has no dialogue; rather the story is an extended monologue. RMT adds several characters that don't occur in the original; in fact most of the characters don't appear in the original. Gone is the monomania; a tendency for psychological obsessions. Introduced is a second character who is haunted or possessed by a shrewish ex-wife. Also the protaganist's best friend is wholly a RMT creation.

The RMT version feels a bit padded and stretched out . . . since you can read the original story in half the time it takes you to listen to this tale. I have to admit that the maniacal laughter of Bernice is chilling on the ear!

Despite all the differences in the two stories, they do have many similarities as well. In fact the two tales have exactly 32 details in common. 32 perfect, flawless, unblemished, pearly-white, details. The horror of "the deed" when it is accomplished in act three carries all the horror of the original I think.

Never go to a dentist. Don't associate with dentists yourself. In fact, avoid all contact with people who like to talk with or about dentists. I mean, if you want to avoid this horror in your own life. That's my plan anyway.

Also, discard all pliers from your toolbox. I reccomend burying them. And as above, avoid talking with or associating with people who have, use, or talk about pliers.

I only say these things so that you may enjoy a happy life, unmarred by an episode such as the one Bernice endured.

In fact, be careful who you smile openly to; a happy grin may be safer than a hearty laugh in the long run.

Thank goodness that monomania is a relatively rare disorder.