THE ASH TREE is yet another of the exemplary BBC GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS short films that were made throughout the 1970s. These are masterclasses in how to do ghost stories properly: subtle slow builders, focusing on atmosphere over FX, steeped in history. THE ASH TREE is no exception. With a mere 30 minute running time, this flies through the M. R. James short story at speed, offering up a tale of romance, witch hangings, a family curse, the spooky old titular tree, and an unexpected climax. Edward Petherbridge is the out-of-his-depth country squire lead, but the real winner is the excellent Barbara Ewing (DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE) as the put-upon Mothersole. This TV movie is deservedly remembered for the creepy-as-anything-you'll-see climax, which utilises some primitive special effects to their utmost.
Review of The Ash Tree
