Today I saw a shocking TV play in the series Tales of the Unexpected on the box. I was gobsmacked by the subject matter and I'm unsure of they'd even attempt it now.
More like a public safety broadcast the episode was called The Flypaper, based on a story by one Elizabeth Taylor [not the actress]. It was first shown in the August of 1980.
Here it is on You Tube, although it's not pleasant viewing.
I didn't watch telly that summer as I was in a rock band, which took up all my time.
Seeing it now, The Flypaper reminds me of other gritty and spooky TV dramas from the 70's, some of which I saw at the time and some I've discovered later including some with the help of Moonbase readers. Murren, The Photograph, the Stone Tape, those public safety adverts for kids, Thriller episodes and thanks to Tone K, the brilliant Vampires.
A few years back I had a go at making a handful of spooky shorts on my phone, starring Moonbase mutt Blue and the local fields. Great fun, although I'm glad no-one saw me doing them. They'll have thought I was a complete nutter!
Can you recommend any more gritty TV dramas and plays from the 1970's readers, preferably with a little spookiness thrown in?
BBC 2's Ghost Stories for Christmas were always excellent viewing.
ReplyDeleteOn a non spooky note Abigail's Party and 'Play for Today's Nuts In May were both brilliant.
The Missus got me a DVD box set of those BBC Ghost stories for Xmas a few years back. The BFI collection I think Mish. Fantastic stuff. I'll check out the other two ta. They do ring a bell.
DeleteThey're both comedies Woodsy, but with an uncomfortable side. One more than the other.
ReplyDeleteTa Mish.
DeleteThese days, I'd recommend 'Inside No 9'. Black comedy to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI like that too.
DeleteAuntie Beeb used to show " The fearless vampire killers" late night over Christmas, always made Christmas for me!
ReplyDeleteSaw it this year. Rented it MJ. Not seen it for years. It's quite something. Lush, stunning and totally memorable.
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