Classic Ghost Stories of M. R. James (DVD)

From the cosy confines of his study, a learned professor (award- winning actor Robert Powell – Jesus of Nazareth, Mahler, The Detectives) tells five terrifying tales. Inspired by M R James’ legendary readings of his own works, these vintage ghost stories were originally broadcast over the Christmas of 1986.

In The Mezzotint a haunted picture slowly reveals the horrors of the past, whilst The Ash-Tree tells of the execution of a witch and the dreadful curse she places on the Fell family. Wailing Well involves a troop of scouts who find that curiosity can be fatal, and Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad concerns itself with an academic who gets more than he bargained for after he finds an enchanted whistle. Finally, in The Rose Garden, disturbing visions upset Mrs Ansthruthers’ gardening plans.

• First time on DVD for these BBC TV adaptations of classic M.R.James stories
• All five episodes of the rare BBC TV series Classic Ghost Stories (1986)
• Three episodes of Spine Chillers (1980), produced by the BBC's Jackanory team
• Illustrated booklet with new writing and full credits