THE ICE HOUSE is the last of the classic-era BBC GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS, and based on an original story for once. It lacks a certain something compared to the likes of the many M.R. James adaptations or indeed THE SIGNALMAN, but at least it's written by John Bowen, who also wrote the classic adaptation of THE TREASURE OF ABBOT THOMAS. This one's a rather strange and subtle effort of rich lives at a country spa retreat run by an odd brother and sister. It's a story where there are no ghosts at all and the supernatural is merely hinted at. John Stride gives a good showing as the lead and the cast are all very interesting, as are the sinister moments of disquiet; it's just that it does pale in comparison to what came before.
Review of The Ice House
