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Product Description
Ghost Stories from the BBC: Whistle and I'll Come to You (1968 + 2010)
A film by Jonathan Miller (1968) Andy De Emmony (2010)
As a Christmas treat in the late 1960s and 70s, the BBC produced adaptations of ghost stories based on the works of MR James, the Cambridge academic and author of some of the most spine-tingling tales in the English language, which were broadcast to terrified viewers in the dead of winter. This was a tradition that was briefly revived by the BBC between 2007 and 2010.
These adaptations, which have a subtlety and style all of their own, have been a major influence on many contemporary British horror filmmakers and have come to be some of the most sought after British TV titles by their legions of eager fans.
This BFI's collection of Ghost Stories from the BBC pairs both versions of the terrifying Whistle and I'll Come to You : the 1968 adaptation directed by Jonathan Miller and starring Sir Michael Hordern, and the more recent reinterpretation, starring the legendary John Hurt, from 2010.
Special Features*
- Booklet with new essays and appreciations
- Other extras to be confirmed
* Special features are subject to change
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), SPECIAL FEATURES: Anamorphic Widescreen, Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: As a Christmas treat in the late 1960s and 70s, the BBC produced adaptations of ghost stories based on the works of MR James, the Cambridge academic and author of some of the most spine-tingling tales in the English language, which were broadcast to terrified viewers in the dead of winter. This was a tradition that was briefly revived by the BBC between 2007 and 2010. These adaptations, which have a subtlety and style all of their own, have been a major influence on many contemporary British horror filmmakers and have come to be some of the most sought after British TV titles of all time by their legions of eager fans. Volume one in the BFI's BBC Ghost Stories collection pairs both versions of the terrifying Whistle and I'll Come To You: the 1968 adaptation directed by Jonathan Miller and starring Sir Michael Hordern, and the more recent reinterpretation, starring the legendary John Hurt, from 2010. ...Ghost Stories - Volume 1 ( Whistle and I'll Come to You (1968) / Whistle and I'll Come to You (2010) )
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Count Magnus
Format:DVD
The 1968 Jonathan Miller and Michael Horden adaptation of MR James' most celebrated story is one of the greatest supernatural films ever made. Everything about it is perfect, from Horden's portrayal of a man tragically incapable of seeing beyond the realms of reason, to the awful tension of the pursuing figure on the beach, to the final gut-wrenchingly terrifying manifestation of the spirit. A faultless, understated masterpiece of pace, atmosphere and dread that refuses to fade after you turn the lights back on.
This would have got 5 stars were it not for the 2010 adaptation that accompanies the original. More of a nod to the 1968 version, than a remake, it should not have failed with John Hurt's excellent performance. And yet somehow it does. Whilst it has moments of genuine fear it is ultimately disappointing.
This would have got 5 stars were it not for the 2010 adaptation that accompanies the original. More of a nod to the 1968 version, than a remake, it should not have failed with John Hurt's excellent performance. And yet somehow it does. Whilst it has moments of genuine fear it is ultimately disappointing.
44 of 49 people found the following review helpful
By Henry Turner
Format:DVD
Writer/director Jonathan Miller's adaptation of MR James' Whistle and I'll Come to You is one of the great ghost stories and one of the great TV dramas. It's dark, deeply atmospheric and sharply characterised. Miller takes some liberties with James' original, but his choice to imply rather than show is a lesson that should be learned by many contemporary filmmakers. Some people might find Miller's style too subtle and the pacing a little slow, but this is among my favourite 42 mins of television.
In contrast, the 2010 adaptation was a complete misfire. It's hard to know what attracted the writer and director to James' original as they seem to have thrown almost everything out and both plot and character are radically changed. Dumbed down and unsubtle, it's redeemed only by strong performances from John Hurt and Gemma Jones and good location photography.
Why the BFI has paired these 2 adaptations of the same short story is anyone's guess. It would have been far better to have given us a totally different ghost story (and a good one) as the second half of this double bill. Then it might have felt like value for money.
In contrast, the 2010 adaptation was a complete misfire. It's hard to know what attracted the writer and director to James' original as they seem to have thrown almost everything out and both plot and character are radically changed. Dumbed down and unsubtle, it's redeemed only by strong performances from John Hurt and Gemma Jones and good location photography.
Why the BFI has paired these 2 adaptations of the same short story is anyone's guess. It would have been far better to have given us a totally different ghost story (and a good one) as the second half of this double bill. Then it might have felt like value for money.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Phil
Format:DVD
I was brought up with M. R. James' wonderful stories - as well as others in the same genre such as the collections of Lady Cynthia Asquith. The "psychological" approach of Miller worked extremely well in his version of Alice in Wonderland. It goes much too far in the present case - far too much focus on the neurotic nature of the professor and too little on the actual story content. James' stories were not psychological studies. They were about tangible horrors - and "Whistle and I'll come to you" is no exception. WHY did the film not set the scenario where it actually begins in the story - at Cambridge with a request that the professor look for the Templar preceptory? WHY did Parkins appear to retrieve the whistle as if he knew exactly where it was - without any attempt to search or poke about? WHY did the pursuing figure appear only in a dream - and not (as in the story) in actuality during his walk? WHY did the film spend so long on maids making beds, running baths, and the totally gratuitous conversation between Parkins and Colonel Wilson? Not to mention the fact that -in the story - Parkins DOES play golf with the colonel, and gets on well with him. WHY was the other Latin inscription on the whistle not mentioned ("Fla fur flebis" - 'blow, thief,and you'll weep')? WHY (at the finale) did the spectre not have the professor half out of the window as per story and the colonel play a more robust role in rescuing him? Michael Hordern of course saves this adaptation with his usual superb acting, but no thanks on this occasion to J. Miller. Well, just my opinion. It's still a piece of vintage BBC and well worth watching - unless you've read the story that is.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
i just got today definitive collection. its nothing like i thought....
others sat in a chair. quite crap to be honest. its not played like a short film. 30 quid ive wasted here.
Published 3 months ago by tango
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good story
Every Christmas they have a ghost story, this is such a good scary one that must be watched and it's great that you get the original one. Good price.
Published 3 months ago by anita bertola
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly eerie television
This includes both the 1968 and 2010 adaptations of the classic M.R. James ghost story and is worth it for the former alone which makes stunning use of the Norfolk coast's desolate... Read more
Published 4 months ago by ReadInBed
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Adaptation
The adaptation is that, great. However a word of caution, it's rated 12, although in my opinion most 12 years olds would not sleeps for weeks after watching this; it's pretty damn... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Thomas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Spooky tales old and new
Not being able to source the 2010 John Hurt version on its own you may like me be tempted to buy this dual version of this creepy tale. Read more
Published 6 months ago by S. C. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
The classic and the pretender
This volume brings two adaptations of M.R.James' tale "Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad", seperated by some 42 years. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Roobarb
5.0 out of 5 stars
scaring children
Absolutely brilliant. Was looking for proper ghost stories which engage your mind and imagination and this was great. Read more
Published 7 months ago by shazbagz
3.0 out of 5 stars
curious of the praise
having seen the brillant other ghosts stories in this series(stand outs being,stalls,warning and signalman) and having read whistle,i found sir michael hordens performance annoying... Read more
Published 8 months ago by moonshine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Adaptation
I would say that this is a superior screen adaption of M.R. James's best ghost story.
It captures the essence of the original story while tastefully avoiding the... Read more
It captures the essence of the original story while tastefully avoiding the... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Dedonno Jason Enzo
4.0 out of 5 stars
The curate's egg....
I agree that the original "Whistle" is much superior to the later version. However I know not all M R James fans agree; some feel Miller was a bit too "smart" in his psychoanalysis... Read more
Published 9 months ago by A reader
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