For many years, the stories of M.R James became a staple of British television, coined the Ghost Stories for Christmas.
Arguably, the most notorious of these stories is Lawrence Gordon Clark’s 1972 adaptation of A Warning to the Curious. Screened on Christmas eve that year, this was the second entry of the Ghost Stories for Christmas series, following 1971’s The Stalls of Barchester.
This 45-minute mini-movie tells the story of an archaeologist who goes treasure hunting on the Norfolk coastline and discovers more than he bargained for when he uncovers a mysterious crown.
Many will recognise Peter Vaughn who plays Mr Paxton, from his role as Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones.
The location is paramount to Curious’ success, as the wind chill and desolate location of the Norfolk coastline, make for some chilling scenes.
Clark’s direction is also key, with numerous examples of using the entire frame to terrify the audience ahead of putting characters in danger. We see this in the opening scene, as a man who previously sought out to crown, is bludgeoned to death by a mysterious man who looms behind him on a hill.
A Warning to the Curious is an early example of how the golden era of horror throughout the 70s would develop, before the genre changed with Halloween and the age of the slasher was ushered in.
Films such as The Changeling carry a mood much like Curious, with a less is more approach and a great central performance from George C. Scott.
The piece carries such an atmosphere that makes it perfect to watch by candlelight on a cold, dark, Winter night.
A Warning To The Curious is available as part of the BFI’s Ghost Stories for Christmas Blu Ray, which is available now.
Bloody Flicks 