The Ash-tree

"The Ash-tree" is a ghost story by M.R. James, found in his 1904 collection Ghost Stories of an Antiquary. The tale documents the tale of Sir Richard Castringham, who has just inherited a country seat with an unfortunate history. The house has been cursed since the day his ancestor, Sir Matthew, condemned a woman to death for witchcraft. It is soon discovered that the ancient ash tree outside his bedroom window is the root of the problem.

BBC adaptation

"The Ash Tree"
A Ghost Story for Christmas episode

Title screen
Episode no. Season 1
Episode 5
Directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark
Written by M. R. James (story)
David Rudkin (adaptation)
Original air date 23 December 1975
Episode chronology
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"The Signalman"

It was adapted in 1975 by David Rudkin as "The Ash Tree" and part the BBC's A Ghost Story for Christmas strand.[1] It was first broadcast on 23 December 1975 at 11.35.[2] The adaptation stars Edward Petherbridge as Somerton, and it was directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark.[3][4]

References

  1. ^ The Ash Tree at the Internet Movie Database
  2. ^ "The Ash Tree". British Film Institute Database. http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/138453?view=transmission. Retrieved 2010-09-22. 
  3. ^ Brockhurst, Colin. "A Ghost Story for Christmas". phantomframe.co.uk. http://www.phantomframe.co.uk/ghosts.htm. Retrieved 2010-09-10. 
  4. ^ Angelini, Sergio, The Ash Tree at the BFI's Screenonline. Retrieved 2010-7-7.

External links