Posted by Peter Roche on 01/23/00 from 212.49.228.64:
In Reply to: Re: Sequels posted by Peter H on January 23, 2000 at 20:16:12:
Since the early 'sixties there have been two attempts to re-interpret Ransome; one by the BBC in 1962, the second in 1974 by the film industry. The BBC attempt, within a very short time, had Arthur complaining bitterly. The characters were ugly and the producer wished, for some uknown reason, to blow up the Peel Island harbour. Arthur was infuriated; quote, "All we can do now is to lay in a stock of motor-
horns with which to make a nasty noise when the thing is actually shown. Alas, with TV the scoundrels will never hear it. I hope a few people will be enraged by it and write letters complaining. The awful thing is that "my agent" has given them an option on SWALLOWDALE and PETER DUCK".
That's what Arthur thought of the BBC writing in September 1962, and Evgenia, writing in January 1975, shortly before her move from Aynhoe Park to Girton, wrote; "actors, bad choice; John - very feeble, Captain Flint - an absolute pain in the neck". This last remark is directed at Ronald Fraser because she puts in brackets (This is just what I think of Ronald Fraser playing Captain Flint). But apparently the critics liked it enough to want to see it again, not that that's any guide.
So, it would seem the two people who I would consider the experts were not happy with 'sequels' or whatever you wish to call them. On the whole I agree with Arthur and Evgenia, especially where the 1962 BBC serial is concerned. Well, I ask you, Bernard Youens, fine in Coronation Street, as one of the 'burglars', complete with a Manchester accent, not that I've anything against Mancunians, some of my best friends live north of Watford, and John rowing a 'half-decked' Swallow! Let's keep our dreams intact, and if anybody wishes to re-write Arthur's books, we'll keel-haul 'em!!