A Warning to the Curious (TV 1972)

The narrator begins the story by describing a windswept yet idyllic town on the coast of Suffolk, England called Seaburgh where he used to either live or visit as a child... See full synopsis »

Writers:

Lawrence Gordon Clark, M.R. James (story)

Stars:

Peter Vaughan, Clive Swift, Julian Herrington

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Peter Vaughan	...	Mr Paxton
Clive Swift	...	Dr. Black
Julian Herrington	...	Archaeologist
John Kearney	...	Ager / Ghost
David Cargill	...	Boots
George Benson	...	Vicar
Roger Milner	...	Antique Shop Owner (as Roger Millner)
Gilly Fraser	...	Girl
David Pugh	...	Porter
Cyril Appleton	...	Labourer

Storyline

The narrator begins the story by describing a windswept yet idyllic town on the coast of Suffolk, England called Seaburgh where he used to either live or visit as a child... See full synopsis »

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Genres:

Drama | Horror

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 December 1972 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ghost Story for Christmas: A Warning to the Curious

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

The best M R James adaptation

Other reviewers have said as much. The master, M R James was the very finest writer of ghost stories, and this is the adaptation which best captures his style. It doesn't stick strictly to the story but the the difference is not worth noting - as to the ghost being able to bash your brains out, well M R James did always make his ghosts malevolent and able to do you harm, either just by frightening (Whistle And I'll Come To You) or by violence (Casting The Runes). Best moments: the scene in which the farmworker looks up the track and sees Peter Vaughan being followed by the ghost, and that in which the ghost is in the hotel room and the lights go out - superb.