The Box of Delights 

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

4 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
Heidi Burton	...	Jemima 6 episodes, 1984
Joanna Dukes	...	Maria 6 episodes, 1984
Flora Page	...	Susan 6 episodes, 1984
James Grout	...	Inspector 5 episodes, 1984
Carol Frazer	...	Caroline Louisa 5 episodes, 1984
Crispin Mair	...	Peter 5 episodes, 1984
Glyn Baker	...	Herne the Hunter 5 episodes, 1984
Patricia Quinn	...	Sylvia Daisy Pouncer 4 episodes, 1984
John Horsley	...	Bishop of Tatchester 4 episodes, 1984
Helen Fraser	...	Ellen 4 episodes, 1984
Patrick Troughton	...	Cole Hawlings 3 episodes, 1984
Anne Dyson	...	The Old Lady 3 episodes, 1984
Nick Berry	...	Pirate Rat 3 episodes, 1984
Stewart Harwood	...	Pirate Rat 3 episodes, 1984
Bill Wallis	...	Rat 2 episodes, 1984
Charles Pemberton	...	Chief Constable 2 episodes, 1984
Johnny Casino	...	Old Jim 2 episodes, 1984
Simon Barry	...	Mouse 2 episodes, 1984
Jason Kemp	...	Waterfall Boy 2 episodes, 1984
John Styles	...	Puppeteer 2 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.

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Plot Keywords:

miniature person | cult tv | miniaturization | based on novel | 

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Genres:

Family | Fantasy

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Budgetary constraints as well as limited technology forced the filmmakers to omit some scenes from the book . A few examples of the cut magical incidents are the following .

• When Cole Hawlings gives his Punch and Judy show for the children he makes some toy soldiers come to life and parade .
• Kay travels at sea with the help of a dolphin that he rides , holding tightly its back .
• Kay enters a magical coach which is guided by flaming horses .
• After the shrinking boat incident (which is featured in the TV series) Kay and his friends encounter fairies in the forest .

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Quotes

Kay Harker: Ellen, do you know how to make a posset?
Ellen: Why, I most certainly do!
Kay Harker: Well, then, I wish you would.

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Connections

Referenced in Hellraiser (1987)

User Reviews

The essence of magic

I was fortunate enough to be a child when this first appeared on BBC and for the life of me i cant understand why it isn't repeated around the festive season.

I lived in a house in Scotland, we had snow knee deep, a coal fire to keep me warm and while we had no wolves to worry about we did have the occasional nosey fox or foraging badger to add to the mix of realism this gem of a classic children's drams. Every night myself and my two sisters who despite being ten years older than me would sit all snug and toasty and be transported away by what can only be described as the closest you will come to believing in magic as you ever will in your life.

While the pace of this can be charmingly laid back there are enough moments of wonder and tension to make you wonder where those 30 minutes went.

I wont go into the story as so many others already have and lets face it, this has dropped of the radar of television so only those that watched it or even just caught a glimpse of it know about it already.

Im thirtymumblemumblemumblemumblefour now and like others i watch this every year. Because of its setting, a kind of famous five version of england that really only existed in literature the box of delights doesn't age as it was already in that in-between place of time so viewers of all ages can enjoy this.

This is a fine tribute to those actors sadly no longer with us who gave this story life and gravitas and a true sense of magic.

Details

Official Sites:

BBCi page

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1984 (UK)

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 (6 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

4:3