Ghostwatch (1992) (TV)

Director:

Lesley Manning

Writer:

Stephen Volk (writer)

Release Date:

31 October 1992 (UK)

Genre:

Documentary | Horror

Plot:

The BBC gives over a whole evening to an 'investigation into the supernatural'. Four respected presenters...

Plot Keywords:

Hoax | Haunted House | Fake Documentary | Halloween | Ghost

Cast

Michael Parkinson	...	Himself - Presenter
Sarah Greene	...	Herself - Reporter
Mike Smith	...	Himself - Phone-in Presenter
Craig Charles	...	Himself - Interviewer
Gillian Bevan	...	Dr Lin Pascoe
Brid Brennan	...	Pamela Early
Michelle Wesson	...	Suzanne Early
Cherise Wesson	...	Kim Early
Chris Miller	...	Cameraman
Mike Aiton	...	Sound Recordist
Mark Lewis	...	Alan Demescu
Linda Broughton	...	Yvonne Etherly
Katherine Stark	...	Wendy Stott
Derek Smee	...	Arthur Lacey
Roger Tebb	...	Local TV Presenter

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:12

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

The ghost stories mentioned outside of the "Pipes" story are all "true" and were recorded by members of the public.

Quotes:

Michael Parkinson: No creaking gates, no gothic towers, no shuttered windows. Yet for the past ten months this house has been the focus of an astonishing barrage of supernatural activity.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The 100 Greatest Scary Moments (2003) (TV)

Once more, I was led "round and round the garden".

Finally got hold of the DVD today, and I am pleased to say that the shivers were still sent up and down my spine, as they first did more than 10 years ago. After seeing it (in the daytime!), I jumped at every single noise in the building where I live, and found myself shaking. The programme seems to be so much stronger than the sum of its (not inconsiderable) parts, and is so subtly written and directed that any dated aspects (chunky technology, and Parky looking less wrinkly than he does these days) or weak performances (the elder daughter is much less convincing than the younger daughter) pale in comparison with an immensely rich, disturbing, powerful piece of television. An event. As the commentary suggests, there is so much about families, the supernatural and the public's relationship with TV - even if the producer uses the word "genre" too much - but nothing will prepare you for the visceral scares that will leave your heart pounding. Was that Pipes, there? No. Yes? And the subtleties visible on this DVD! When Sarah Greene investigates the damp patch in the living room, the clock beind her has already stopped at the same time - 9pm - as the cameraman's watch had. And take a GOOD look at the spectators standing behind Craig Charles as he leaves the playground... For anyone who wants to experience just what television can do to your nerves... Just buy this programme!