Das Geisterschloss

I can remember when this programme first aired,right then i knew i was watching something special.For me that was the best Childrens drama serial that the BBC ever made,even better than The Box Of Delights and The Children of Narnia.It seems now that I'm older I've become all nostalgic for the programmes that i watched in my youth,and by reading other comments on this site I'm not the only one ...which is a relief...i thought i was the only one!!James it was really nice to read your experiences on the show,you really must feel so proud of your work and to be linked to such a great programme.I've only watched the programme once and for some reason the BBC never released it on video or DVD,so my memory is slightly vague on all the episodes,but i always remember the old lady telling toby to make a big fire in the house.She did have a certain phrase for this but it escapes me now,too long ago i guess.I have recently found someone who has the episodes on tape,so i should have a copy very soon.I just hope its as good as i remember it to be!!

I was fortunate enough to see this series for the first time yesterday at the NFF (South Bank), followed by a Q&A with Alec Christie, who played Tolly. I was amazed at the quality of the print which looked superb on the big screen of NFF 1. The magic, I think, lies in the detail of the settings and in the atmosphere which is created by a story which moves at a dignified pace. I wondered whether the singing was 'lip-syncd' by the boy who plays Alexander? The first time he sings, in the Cathedral church, I thought the sound was amazingly beautiful. The singing at the concert for King Charles was more authentic. Throughout, there is a wonderful feel for the mood of the drama which is in stark contrast to so much of today's TV dramas for kids!

Perhaps the greatest thing about portraying Alexander Oldknowe in the 1986 BBC Children's Television series 'The Children of Green Knowe' was meeting Lucy M. Boston, who wrote the novel upon which the four-part series was based, and who also wrote 'The River at Green Knowe'. She was a delightful lady, and I remember that we - myself and the other principal cast members - had our photograph taken with her.

Also great to work with Heather Ramsay, who played my mother. She noticed that I was reading Stephen King's awesome 1985 short story collection 'Skeleton Crew' during the making of the series, and recommended the work of acclaimed British horror author Ramsey Campbell. Thanks heaps, Heather!

Great too to work with the very talented Danny Schiller, who played Gabriel, the manic choirmaster. Danny went on to play Snorri the Miserable in Terry Gilliam's hilarious 'Erik the Viking' and also to portray a barrister in the 1992 thriller 'Under Suspicion', which starred Liam Neeson and Laura San Giacomo. And after all these years, I still remember the lyrics of song I sing before the King and his court (by the way, the banquet that you will descry laid out was fireproofed, so no one was game to pick at it!):-

Return, return you happy men/To your own blessed shades again/Lest staying long some new desire/In your cool bosom raise a fire/Like a perfumed gale o'er flowers/Now glide again to your own bowers

Saw Polly Maberly in an episode of 'Frost' in early 2001, and she acquitted herself very well indeed. She has grown into quite the young lady.

As Montague H. Withnail declares in 'Withnail and I', 'Alas! I have little more than vintage wine and memories'. But what memories!

James Trevelyan (Alexander Oldknowe)

I am delighted that I am not alone out there in the wilderness. I too, loved the wonderful adaptation of Children of Green Knowe. I have never forgotten it, indeed I have been writing to the BBC for years to ask if they would please re run it, or at least release it on DVD or video. Every man, woman and child should see this enchanting little gem of a series at least once. It captures the true innocence and enjoyment of Christmas as it should be.. simple, and captivating, with a little mystery thrown in. I was lucky enough to watch it the first time with my son, who also loved it. Now I would desperately love to share it with my little girl, and of course to be able to watch it every Christmas and soak up a little of its magic. So, build up the fire Tolly, I would like to hear the story of..The Children of Green Knowe.. Merry Christmas !! :)

If you have't seen it see it.If you don't like it your mad.Childhood dream's ghost's history and magic,upper class's lower class's if it is a story line in any film or book that you enjoyed it's in here. BBC at it's best.no DVD as such yet but as soon as it is out i will be buying this. i have a ratty old VHS with all episode's and my six year old son is down stair's most morning watching. well i say watching he's transfixed also only just found out there are five other book's which were never adapted for the silver screen. i have read two and are just as good as the original children of green knowe.As i said above you cant miss this classic programme.