The Snow Spider

ahh...in the nostalgia of my childhood there are several Television series that stood out for me, this one however has got to be one of my favourites along with archers goon, chronicles of Narnia, cities of gold and Tom's midnight garden.

One of the superior influx of children's dramas made in the late 80's early 90's, the snow spider was based on the book by Jenny Nimmo and was part of a trilogy also combining Emlyn's moon and the Chestnut soldier.

made by a welsh company, it was an amazing magical programme that shows it's quality by the fact that Sian Phillips even starred it in. Superior to most adult drama's these days, the theme tune always sent a shiver down my spine.

beautiful

I didn't see this when it came out, thank God...but sadly I was forced to watch it on video with my youngest a couple of weeks ago. What the redoubtable Sian Phillips was doing in this contrived, garbled steaming pile of Welsh pony poop is beyond me. The effects were (understandably) lamentable, the script contrived. The basic crux of the plot about a 'disappearing' sister stretched this watcher's credulity almost to its limit. But at least the dull, lackluster ending sucked big-time. Overall, I'd have to say this should be avoided. And if Nimmo's original tale is anything like this, it will be one of those books that you put down and can't pick up again. AVOID!

What a great series this was (and still is) - I still vividly recall seeing it when it was first shown and it still holds up extremely well today.

Whenever magic is portrayed on TV it often comes across rather poorly, no doubt at least down to lack of budget, poor production values, weak story, etc. However, in the case of The Snow Spider the magic was put across very well and was as believable as it could be.

Pennant Roberts not only directed this but also produced and he did a very fine job. The acting, on the whole, was very good and the dialogue and real-life situations perfectly believable within the context of the story.

Overall it was a beautiful and magical series, complemented superbly by the hauntingly beautiful music.

Highly recommended (if you can find it).