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