Mystery and Imagination

I vividly remember this series from when i was a child and it made a very strong impression on me. A very atmospheric Gothic feel to most of the productions. Fortunately in August this year a DVD release of the remaining shows made by ABC(2) and Thames(6)was released and after viewing again i can thoroughly recommend the series, particularly Sweeney Todd with Freddie Jones giving a great over the top performance and The curse of the mummy which stand up very well to viewing in 2009. They also show off the acting talents of great Brit actors Denholm Elliot, Ian Holm and Patrick Mower. A pity that not more shows exist(at least officially - we can hope). Overall a well produced and acted show, possibly a little slow in places for modern audiences, but if you are a fan of classic Hammer horror you will be rewarded. 1960's U.K. TV at its best

This British anthology show adapted classic gothic and supernatural stories, primarily those of well-known authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It aimed to bring these timeless tales to life on the small screen, captivating viewers with its eerie and atmospheric storytelling.

Each episode of "Mystery and Imagination" featured a standalone story, typically running for approximately 60 minutes. The show's format allowed it to explore a wide range of literary works, bringing to television audiences the thrilling and mysterious narratives that have captivated readers for generations.

The production values of the series were generally high, with an emphasis on creating a visually compelling and immersive experience for viewers. The show utilized atmospheric settings, evocative costumes, and carefully crafted cinematography to bring the gothic and supernatural elements of the stories to life. It often employed moody lighting and haunting musical scores to enhance the overall atmosphere and heighten the sense of suspense.

Notably, "Mystery and Imagination" featured a talented cast of actors who brought the characters from these classic stories to life. The series attracted established performers of the time, lending further credibility and depth to the adaptations. Some notable actors who appeared in the show include Denholm Elliott, Freddie Jones, and Judi Dench.

While specific episodes of "Mystery and Imagination" varied in popularity and critical reception, the series as a whole garnered a dedicated following and has remained influential among fans of gothic and supernatural literature. Its commitment to faithfully adapting these timeless tales and its ability to create an immersive viewing experience contributed to its enduring legacy.

Unfortunately, due to the passage of time and limited availability of archival material, much of "Mystery and Imagination" is no longer widely accessible for viewing. However, the show continues to hold a place in television history as an early example of successful adaptations of classic literary works, showcasing the enduring appeal of these captivating stories.

From the 'Golden Age of British TV' these Dramas only suffer from some rather hammy acting in parts and some liberties with the original novels on which they are based, especially the rather strange rendition of Stoker's Dracula. The real tragedy is that some stories which have been crying out for a good TV portrayal, such as JS Le Fanu's The Room at the Dragon Volant (called the Flying Dragon' in this series), and MR James' The Casting of the Runes, Number 13, and the Tractate Middoth have all been lost in time. Though some of the above have been portrayed on TV (or the big screen) from other sources, the versions have been poor in comparison to what may (one hopes) be lying in some loft/cellar/African marketplace if one can judge from reports from those who saw and recall the originals. Let's hope these lost episodes are found and restored to the public in the future.

A shame that this series is partially missing as what there is, is outstanding.

I enjoyed the ones of "Dracula," "Frankenstein," and "Jewel of the Seven Stars" in particular.

The acting and writing easily compensate for the modest production values.

I recall seeing a couple of photos from the Dracula episode and feeling intrigued. Denholm Elliott made for a surprisingly effective vampire after I had inital concerns.