Originally broadcast in 1977, this seven-episode serial made for British TV quickly acquired a sterling reputation, eventually traveling “across the pond” in 1983 to air on Nickelodeon's paranormal anthology show The Third Eye. Although intended for kids, Children of the Stones—part science fiction, part occult fantasy, and part psychological thriller—also attracted older viewers by virtue of its fascinating themes, excellent writing, and smart direction. The story begins with scientist Adam Brake (Gareth Thomas) and his young son Matthew (Peter Demin) visiting the rustic English village of Milbury in order to research the ancient stone circle surrounding the small community. The townspeople (who impress father and son as unusually placid and amiable) are actually being dominated by village squire Rafael Hendrick (Iain Cuthbertson), who wields weird psychic powers that might emanate from the mystic stones. The Brakes not only find themselves pitted against sinister forces both seen and unseen, but as the serial progresses they wind up making increasingly desperate attempts to combat a rapidly accelerating threat. Shot on location in the small English municipality of Avebury—whose stone circle is thought to predate Stonehenge—Children of the Stones establishes an eerie atmosphere that's admirably sustained by director Peter Graham Scott over all seven half-hour episodes. DVD extras include interviews with Scott and Thomas, as well as production notes, series trivia, and a photo gallery. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
Children of the Stones
Acorn, 174 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 24, Issue 2
Children of the Stones
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