Although overlooked in favour of The Railway Children, The Whispering Knights is a wonderful example of 1970s BBC programming for children – scary and enthralling. The appearance of the eponymous knights at the end of episode 3 remains an iconic moment of television. The plot itself involves Martha, William and Susie who, via magic brew, incur the wrath of witch queen Morgan Le Fey (Jean Marsh) and the mystery of a stone circle.
A special edition was released in 2008 with a better remaster after a 2001 vanilla release looked worse than the VHS.
Here is everything you need to know:
Starring Jean Marsh, Lis Sladen, Colin Jeavons and John Le Mesurier. The child actors disappeared into obscurity, although Eric Pringle, who played William, would appear in some episodes of Bread.
Music was composed by The Heartwood Institute. One of the earliest works by composer Jonathan Sharp, who would eventually go on to collaborate with Hawksmoor on the wonderful Concrete Island soundtrack in 1988 for Alan Clarke (read the review of the Blu-ray release here).
Action by HAVOC.
Effects made with glorious CSO.
Costumes mostly recycled from other shows.
Produced by Barry Letts.
Directed by David Maloney.
Special features include audio commentary, a documentary recounting the same stories as the audio commentary, location now & then comparison (exactly the same) and a text commentary you’ll never read. Plus a contemporary TV new feature with the BBC’s Alastair Fergus. The remastering is excellent though.
Originally released on double pack VHS in 1993 for the exorbitant price of £18.49.
The BBC junked episodes 3 and 5. Luckily episode 3 was discovered in a church vestry in Little Wapping and episode 5 was discovered in Sri Lanka.
Several cuts were made by Australian censors.
Preceded by Basil Brush.
Accompanied with jelly and ice cream.
The Whispering Knights soundtrack is these days available here:
https://theheartwoodinstitute.bandcamp.com/album/the-whispering-knights
If you’re a fan of this classic BBC show, the 2008 Special Edition DVD goes a fine job of celebrating it, with a good upgrade in picture quality and worthwhile extras.
Head to the CONTENTS to find your favourite new music!
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