Ghostwatch ( Ghost watch )

Ghostwatch (DVD) (*)

$22.99

Original Title: Ghost watch
Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital Stereo )

Product Origin/Format:
United Kingdom ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
91 min

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 1992 and produced in:
United Kingdom ( Great Britain, Ireland )

Directed By:
Lesley Manning

Written By:
Stephen Volk

Actors:
Michael Parkinson ..... Himself - Presenter
Sarah Greene ..... Herself - Reporter
Mike Smith ..... Himself - Phone-in Presenter
Craig Charles ..... Himself - Interviewer
Gillian Bevan ..... Dr Lin Pascoe
Brid Brennan ..... Pamela Early
Michelle Wesson ..... Suzanne Early
Cherise Wesson ..... Kim Early
Chris Miller ..... Cameraman
Mike Aiton ..... Sound Recordist
Mark Lewis ..... Alan Demescu
Linda Broughton ..... Yvonne Etherly
Katherine Stark ..... Wendy Stott
Derek Smee ..... Arthur Lacey
Roger Tebb ..... Local TV Presenter

Synopsis:

The BBC broadcast 'GHOSTWATCH' on the 31st of October 1992. It seemed to be a live broadcast which was a cross between Crimewatch and the movie Poltergeist. The programme terrified Britain and caused outrage in the press. It's legacy lives on, cited as an inspiration for 'The Blair Witch Project' and Derren Brown's ''The Séance'. GHOSTWATCH is regarded as a classic of the genre and remains as relevant, as terrifying and as inspirational today. Sarah Greene and Craig Charles report from a reputedly haunted North London council house for the outside broadcast, whilst Michael Parkinson and Mike Smith stay in the warmth and 'safety' of a BBC studio. The Early family are allegedly being harrassed by the ghost 'Pipes'- so named as his banging and crashing were initially attributed to bad plumbing. After a deliberately slow start the crescendo sees children speaking in tongues, Sarah Greene sent to her doom, and Michael Parkinson possessed by an evil spirit. Although pure fiction, the masterly combination of great scripting, intuitive direction and perfect casting made the supernatural pastiche appear frighteningly real. Despite being part of BBC Drama's Screen One series, the presence of Michael Parkinson convinced thousands of people it was real. The drama caused an uproar and was banned from repeat transmission for over a decade.

The BBC gives over a whole evening to an 'investigation into the supernatural'. Four respected presenters and a camera crew attempt to discover the truth behind 'The most haunted house in Britain', expecting a light-hearted scare or two and probably the uncovering of a hoax. They think they are in control of the situation. They think they are safe. The viewers settle down and decide to watch 'for a laugh'. Ninety minutes later the BBC, and the country, was changed, and the consequences are still felt today.

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 30 October, 2011.