The Owl Service

[Cartimand]

I was at a bit of a loose end yesterday afternoon and, for some reason, thought about this creepy drama which I remembered watching in the 70's. A quick Google revealed every episode was available on YouTube and I ended watching all 8 in one sitting. Wow! Obviously aimed at older children, it's pretty strong stuff. The occult atmosphere remains claustrophobic and unsettling today and the camera-work is truly inspired. It also has the stunningly beautiful Gillian Hills (and seeing her in the bath had quite an effect on me in my school-days!). OK so the acting gets a bit stilted at times and the Grenada TV standard recap at the start of each episode was a bit irritating (you can of course skip through this). Overall though a brave and intelligent adaptation of Alan Garner's haunting novel and the sort of pioneering children's' drama they sadly don't make any more.

Anyone else remember this?

[Cooldeepblue]

Re: The Owl Service

I remember this very well and have also re-watched it recently. I would guess I was about 8 or 9 when it was first on and it was very scary. I think it was broadcast early Sunday evenings if I recall correctly and the opening titles used to scare the life out of me.

[Cartimand]

Re: The Owl Service

You're right about the music - the gentle harp sound cruelly punctuated by a screaming motorbike is enough to give anyone nightmares! The scene quite early on where Gwyn kicks the Mabinogion up in the air and Alison's face changes briefly is one of the most surreal I can remember seeing on TV and Huw's exclamation "She wants to be flowers and you make her owls" is just so powerful and evocative. What a brilliant drama.