The Box of Delights (1984– )

Based on the classic children's novel by John Masefield, the story follows the exploits of a young boy, Kay Harker, who finds himself drawn into a world of magic and danger when he ... See full summary »

Stars:

Devin Stanfield, Robert Stephens, Geoffrey Larder

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Devin Stanfield	...	Kay Harker (6 episodes, 1984)
Robert Stephens	...	Abner Brown (6 episodes, 1984)
Geoffrey Larder	...	Foxy Faced Charles (6 episodes, 1984)
Jonathan Stephens	...	Chubby Joe (6 episodes, 1984)
Joanna Dukes	...	Maria (6 episodes, 1984)
Heidi Burton	...	Jemima (6 episodes, 1984)
Flora Page	...	Susan (6 episodes, 1984)
Carol Frazer	...	Caroline Louisa (5 episodes, 1984)
Crispin Mair	...	Peter (5 episodes, 1984)
Glyn Baker	...	Herne the Hunter (5 episodes, 1984)
James Grout	...	Inspector (5 episodes, 1984)
John Horsley	...	Bishop of Tatchester (4 episodes, 1984)
Patricia Quinn	...	Sylvia Daisy Pouncer (4 episodes, 1984)
Helen Fraser	...	Ellen (4 episodes, 1984)
Patrick Troughton	...	Cole Hawlings (3 episodes, 1984)
Anne Dyson	...	The Old Lady (3 episodes, 1984)
Stewart Harwood	...	Pirate Rat (3 episodes, 1984)
Nick Berry	...	Pirate Rat (3 episodes, 1984)

Storyline

Based on the classic children's novel by John Masefield, the story follows the exploits of a young boy, Kay Harker, who finds himself drawn into a world of magic and danger when he encounters an old Punch and Judy man.

---

Plot Keywords:

cult tv | miniaturization | miniature people | based on novel

---

Genres:

Family | Fantasy

---

Details

Official Sites:

BBCi page

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Also Known As:

La caja mágica

Filming Locations:

Arley Station, Worcestershire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Lella Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (6 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filming lasted for a period of six months in the early months of 1984 . Editing and special effects took the best part of summer and fall of 1984 and the series was eventually broadcast in the last two months of 1984 , culminating on Christmas Eve 1984 (coinciding with the events of the finale which take place on Christmas Eve).

---

Quotes

[repeated line]
Cole Hawlings: The wolves are running.

---

Connections

Featured in Screenwipe: A Very Screenwipe Christmas (2006)

User Reviews

Was It a Dream...?

I, too, came across this film on PBS' 'Wonderworks'. I watched it mostly for Patrick Troughton, who I knew from 'Doctor Who', and wound up falling in love with the story. My family watches it every Christmas, as well. The juxtaposition of magic and Christmas makes for a wonderful holiday treat. All in all, a satisfying adaptation of a wonderful novel.

'The Box of Delights' *is* available on video in NTSC format. I got mine through eBay, if I recall correctly. Be careful, though. There are two versions: a two-hour version and a three-hour version. Do *not* get the two-hour version; it cuts out every mention of the police, which leaves Peter's line (What? The bloodhounds of the law?) making no sense.