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By Phelim O'Neill
When Jonathan Miller directed his classic BBC version of MR James's horror story Whistle and I'll Come to You in 1968 – starring Michael Hordern as an academic who falls foul of an antique whistle with supernatural properties – few would have predicted it would be the start of one of British television's most acclaimed annual events. Each Christmas, from 1971 to 78, we were treated to a new James adaptation.
Tucked away from the more joyous yuletide celebrations in the wee small hours, A Ghost Story for Christmas gave viewers an extra winter chill, continuing a long tradition of spooky stories that undercut the seasonal cheer. Many of the tales were first told by James to nocturnal Christmas gatherings of his students in his chambers when he taught at Eton and Cambridge.....continues
Image credit: BBC Picture Archives
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