I first heard these adaptations when they were originally broadcast on radio 4 extra and was surprised by how good they were then. They are compellingly atmospheric and although they update the antiquated flavour of James' stories to approximate modern times, they lose nothing of their chilling effect. The acting is not hammy or strained, like so many radio dramas. Instead, it is rather convincing and evokes the distinction of class and snobbery so redolent in many of James' stories, in which public schoolboys encounter strange apparitions and spooks, and commoners are portrayed as bumbling, hysterical, simpletons. The accents have a ring of authenticity to them that is spot on. The music score is unsettling and the sound effects work well within the context of each story (for a change). It is important to note that Derek Jacobi is not starring in any of these dramatizations and assumes the minimal role of the narrator, who introduces and concludes each story. My only criticism would be that these versions of MR James are too short, too condensed and brief - each with an average of 15 minutes. When something is done well, with verve and panache, you want more of it.Read full review
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Spine chilling indeed!
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Chilling
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Very interesting stories.
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