A truly chilling adaptation of the M. R. James story, this is an example of the BBC at their best. An entry in the Ghost Story for Christmas series, this particular offering was only bettered by A WARNING TO THE CURIOUS and THE SIGNALMAN in terms of sheer fright factor and disturbance. I don't want to give too much away, other than to say that the movie is hugely atmospheric, subtly delightful, and bone-chilling in places, director Lawrence Gordon Clark once again excelling at his job.
Events culminate in a fantastic encounter with something horribly slimy, and the ambiguous conclusion is another nerve-wracker. Lead Michael Bryant (TORTURE GARDEN), dressed as an old man, is extremely convincing in his portrayal of the dedicated and haunted clergyman, with hints of ulterior motives adding to the depth throughout. Newcomer Paul Lavers is also worthwhile as his young companion. A spooky, scary, compelling slice of television, the likes of which they unfortunately can't seem to make anymore.
Events culminate in a fantastic encounter with something horribly slimy, and the ambiguous conclusion is another nerve-wracker. Lead Michael Bryant (TORTURE GARDEN), dressed as an old man, is extremely convincing in his portrayal of the dedicated and haunted clergyman, with hints of ulterior motives adding to the depth throughout. Newcomer Paul Lavers is also worthwhile as his young companion. A spooky, scary, compelling slice of television, the likes of which they unfortunately can't seem to make anymore.