Casting the Runes 

Like Curse of the Demon (1957), this adaptation is only very loosely based on the original ghost story by M.R. James. However, it does feature eerie scenic views and is directed by Lawrence "Ghost Story For Christmas" Gordon Clark

Director:

Lawrence Gordon Clark

Writers:

Clive Exton (adaptation), M.R. James (from a story by)

Stars:

Iain Cuthbertson, Jan Francis, Bernard Gallagher

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Iain Cuthbertson	...	Julian Karswell
Jan Francis	...	Prudence Dunning
Bernard Gallagher	...	Derek Gayton
Joanna Dunham	...	Jean Gayton
Edward Petherbridge	...	Henry Harrington
Christopher Good	...	John Harrington
Patricia Shakesby	...	Elise Marriott
David Calder	...	John Marriott
Jane Lowe	...	Joanna
Alan Downer	...	Peter
Clifford Parrish	...	Wiggin
Christine Buckley	...	Housekeeper
Abdul Ali	...	Doctor
Simon Prebble	...	Newscaster

Storyline

Like Curse of the Demon (1957), this adaptation is only very loosely based on the original ghost story by M.R. James. However, it does feature eerie scenic views and is directed by Lawrence "Ghost Story For Christmas" Gordon Clark

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Plot Keywords:

horror movie remake | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The play is set in November 1978: an event in 1968 is referred to as having taken place 10 years earlier; the female lead's editor attends a bonfire party; the tax on her car expires on 31 January 1979; there is a reference to the 30th of the month being a Thursday, which was the case in November 1978.

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Connections

Version of Mystery and Imagination: Casting the Runes (1968)

User Reviews

Interesting

Best known for the BBC 'Ghost Story for Christmas' series, Lawrence Gordon Clark directed this M.R. James adaptation for Yorkshire Television. Updated to the present day, 'Casting the Runes' is an atmospheric, often eerie tale marred by some basic flaws. The main character is now a TV journalist, who incurs a magician's wrath after mocking him in a documentary. Shot on a mixture of videotape and 16mm film, 'Casting the Runes' conjures a sense of the uncanny against a mundane backdrop. While the special effects are variable - to say the least - the show transcends its limited budget. That said, the script could have been stronger. A longer running time would have helped, with more character and narrative development. As things stand, the pace seems rushed towards the end and a strong cast is underused. The weak ending is both cheap and objectionable. Leading lady Jan Francis appeared in John Badham's 'Dracula' (1979) around the same time, as the ill-fated Mina. For all its faults, 'Casting the Runes' is worth a look, though good luck finding a copy.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 1979 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Associated-Rediffusion Television, Yorkshire Television (YTV)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

47 min

Color:

Color