MARIO GAUCI Nicely-handled period ghost story (by the renowned Irish author J. Sheridan LeFanu, of "Carmilla" fame) that is somewhat lengthy at 70 minutes; its backdrop of classical Dutch painting is, however, admirably evoked throughout in the subdued and tasteful quality of the photography that also extends to the occasional nudity on display which, given the subject matter, was inevitable. The two notable names within the cast each play principal roles: Maurice Denham – from NIGHT OF THE DEMON (1957) – as Schalcken's mentor and John Justin – from the definitive 1940 version of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD – as the mysterious and wizened rich visitor who barters with the former for the hand of his niece (who is secretly in love with the titular figure). Incidentally, both painters truly existed and, apparently, the story was concocted as a means of explaining the sudden change in Schalcken's style of painting and especially the 'story' behind one particular canvas in which he depicts himself defending the honor of his beloved and about to strike at something vaguely visible with a sword!

stephen-lambe There's no point repeating what other viewers have said - this is one of the great lost classics of BBC television.A stunning piece of work, and the climactic scene is both erotic and horrific.It may not originally have been "A Ghost Story for Christmas", but I'm sure it was shown in that slot at some point in the 80s.There was a companion piece made in 1987 - again with Charles Gray as narrator - this time based on an incident the life of Italian painter Cariani. It was called Cariani and the Courtesans, and starred a pre-Withnail Paul McGann.It lacks the atmosphere or the horror of the earlier piece, but it's worth a look if the chance ever presents itself.

ianmw "Schalken the Painter", to my memory, was first shown in December 1979 during the BBC2 drama schedule. I believe it may have been shown a second time in 1980 and again in the late 80s (although I missed both the repeats). Aged just 13 at the time, I remember the play had long lasting effects and it wasn't until a few years later when I rediscovered many works in the UK by Schalcken, that I realised the brilliant work by the Le Fanu in reworking a dark and mysterious painting. This play recorded for TV is a masterful work and the transfer to DVD must surely come.Does anyone know the exact painting that influenced the play/film and where it is displayed? (I haven't tracked it down in the 26 years that has elapsed!).I remember the first broadcast coming at the end of BBC2's evening schedule of programmes and the announcer alerting the viewer of some scenes may cause some viewers a little distress (such was the politeness of the BBC announcer at the time!).Whilst we know of the supernatural and mainly inaccurate account as dramatised by Le Fanu, it is nonetheless made all the more pointing bearing in mind how little we actually know of the Dutch 17th Century Genre Painters of which our hero Schalcken was a leading Leiden fine-painter.Given the incredible attention to Vermeer in recent years and indeed the rise in popularity of 17th Century Dutch painters, it is appropriate for the BBC to go in search of this wonderful eerie drama first broadcast in 1979, show again (perhaps on BBC4 as this is their preferred artistic channel), and finally (PLEASE PLEASE) release on DVD.The acting is superlative, the dramatisation is spot-on, and Schalken (correct spelling is Schalcken, though not used in the play or film) is portrayed as our hero destined for total emotional collapse. The narrator in the end, gives the viewer a choice. He says that Schalken does not recover and is left mourning the loss of Rose - or does he? If you haven't discovered any of Schalcken's other works, the UK have a great many of them.

pdmb This was not one of the BBC's 'Ghost Stories for Christmas' (it was broadcast as part of the 'Omnibus' series), but it could easily have been one as it had the necessary eeriness and unforgettable imagery of those wonderful mid-70's adaptations.In fact this was an hour's worth of art history combined with J. Sheridan leFanu's short story 'A Strange Event in the Life of Schalcken the Painter'. It doesn't stick exactly to the story (not a criticism) but chooses to spend additional time on Schalcken's work as a painter. The background imagery is reminiscent of Vermeer's work and I'm sure I saw a Rembrandt double in there someone. In short, it is beautiful to look at and yet retains the necessary darkness of the original story.One of the things that struck me about this after all these years is quite how little dialogue there was, and yet this this seems to enhance the piece rather than detract from it. The cast are excellent, particularly Jeremy Clyde as the laconic and moody painter, and the beautiful Cheryl Kennedy (whatever happened to her?) as Rose Velderkaust. Who can forget that final scene in the crypt? I bet John Justin didn't.Criticisms? This may be a bit harsh on a wonderful piece of work that only the BBC seemed capable of producing, but I thought that Vanderhausen wasn't nearly as scary as in the story. In the book, we read of a white faced, black lipped, cadaverous figure whose stilted movements are reminiscent of a "spirit unused to the management of bodily machinery". By the lack of both blinking and evident chest movements indicating breathing, we know Vanderhausen is clearly an animated corpse. In the film, we get a dark-skinned staring madman whose mortality is never questioned, and this, while creepy, lessens the ending which should have been terrifying and ended up as merely disturbing (boy, am I difficult to please).All in all, fabulous. Please BBC, make this available on DVD. This is one of the best things you've ever done. Be proud of it.