Tales of Mystery

In answer to an earlier review about this classic series being lost - in the distant past TV networks regularly 'wiped' tapes so they could be used again to save money. Because of this vandalism many classic shows and indeed entire series were lost forever although occasionally home recordings turn up of varying quality. A case in point is Bob Dylan Live at BBC Studios - his final ever acoustic concert performance broadcast over two half hour episodes in June 1965 but now only available as an off air audio recording after the film/video was wiped. Audio was recorded by a viewer who connected an early tape recorder to a radio and that is the recording which now circulates. If the original film was to be discovered nearly 60 years after the event fans would be overjoyed. A thylacine moment indeed.

This was one of the greatest shows I watched when growing up in England in those years. I can well remember Laurie's face on the screen when he introduced the show. What a total let down to discover that every single one of the 29 episodes are missing! Is there anyone of whom could elaborate on this? Were they burned, or destroyed in some way, or did they decay over time? This was an excellent TV show of which could never be reproduced today. Filmed in black and white, there was a spookiness, a quality that was obtained by shooting in black and white that had an effect that is not possible when shooting film in color. In my opinion, this series was a landmark in British TV.

What a shame this great old series has been lost. Frazier, in Dad's Army, whilst an excellent character, does not convey the spookiness of John Laurie in his role as Algernon Blackwood/narrator. I was 8 - 10 years old when I watched this, but still remember it with affection. I particularly recall the episode in which the ghost of a young Highlander returned to the derelict croft which had been his home; his fervent whisper, rising to a wail, "Mother, mother, let me in!" Truly haunting. All too often enquiries about this programme are directed to sites about "Tales Of Mystery And Imagination," which featured the late David Buck; another great show, but in my humble opinion, it didn't hold a candle to this gem. Very sorely missed!