So I've uncovered a list of the ten scariest and most suspenseful children's programmes on British television, something which has fascinated me since my own days of watching Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee's Dr Who, The Tomorrow People and Ace of Wands. This 6 part series aired in the late 70s when I'd moved on from my childhood leanings, but I must say catching up with it today. I found it to be an effective and watchable series.
Yes it is very setbound, with all the action taking place in the actual Clifton house itself and some of the acting is a little bit stiff and awkward with some fluffed lines here and there, but the effects are pretty good considering the time and likely budget available. The story itself has enough spookiness about it, which coupled with a genuine historical basis in fact, combined to make this an informative and entertaining watch.
Peter Sallis, of "Last of the Summer Wine" fame, is probably the most recognisable face here and puts in an enthusiastic performance as a middle-aged ghostbuster. The direction however is pretty static throughout with little imagination shown, but the strength of the story itself, helped by some atmospheric incidental music and ghostly interludes just about carries it through.
