Opening the Box of Delights

In 1984, the BBC’s ambitious adaptation of John Masefield’s The Box of Delights became a highlight of the Christmas TV schedules. As the uncanny fantasy classic turns 40, LISA GLEDHILL meets the viewers who remain captured by its magic, while BOB FISCHER unwraps a very special Christmas box – an anniversary Blu-ray release that includes a new feature-length documentary on the making of the series.

Forty years ago, millions of children gazed into a magical box and were transported to a world of talking animals, flying cars and ancient battles. They were watching the BBC’s adaptation of The Box of Delights by John Masefield, a head-spinning mashup of Thirties pulp crime fiction and classic fantasy. Child-hero Kay Harker must protect a powerful device created by a mediæval sage from evil sorcerer Abner Brown and his gang of jewel thieves masquerading as clergymen. The action culminates on Christmas Eve, with snowstorms, flying sleighs and carols. This was groundbreaking stuff for TV in 1984, making use of the very latest multi-camera video effects to bring the fantasy to life. It starred theatrical heavyweight Robert Stephens as sinister Abner Brown with former Doctor Who Patrick Troughton as Cole…

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Fortean Times (Digital) - 1 Issue, 452

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