Enchanted Castle, The

1 9 7 9 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

After the success of the adaptation of E Nesbit’s The Phoenix and the Carpet in 1977, the BBC turned to the author’s The Enchanted Castle.

Cathy (Candida Beveridge), Mabel (Georgia Slowe), Gerald (Simon Sheard) and Jimmy (Marcus Scott-Barrett) are four Edwardian children in sailor suits, plus-fours and petticoats who discover wish-granting magic which goes unexpectedly wrong. Their wishes come true courtesy of a magical ring.

The visual effects department were kept busy creating a host of statues which come to life including all manner of sprites and even a stone brontosaurus.

The serial is probably best-remembered for the Ugly-Wuglies – scarecrow-like creatures made by the children from broomsticks and old clothes which come to life via the power of the ring, their painted paper faces being particularly visually arresting.

Cathy
Candida Beveridge
Mabel
Georgia Slowe
Gerald
Simon Sheard
Jimmy
Marcus Scott-Barrett
Mademoiselle
Diane Mercer
Bailiff
Cavan Kendall
Eliza
Gill Abineri
Alf
Stephen Meredith
Aunt
Sheila Beckett
Mr Ugli
Bartlett Mullins
Psyche
Eliza Buckingham