The Stone Tape

BFI Video Publishing, 89 minutes, PG

DVD L19.99 (US $36.50)

From the back cover: “Nigel Kneale’s classic ghost story The Stone Tape, first broadcast by the BBC in 1972 and repeated once only in 1973, represents some of his finest work outside of his justly legendary Quatermass series.”

A group of research scientists set up in an old mansion. Their project is to find a new recording medium. On arrival they find that one room has not been finished and it is, unfortunately, a vital room, the storage room for the computer components. As they check it out they discover a ghost presence.

While there is nothing overtly violent in this story, the tale is, nonetheless, creepy and scary. It shows exactly what can be done with good plot and imagination instead of a reliance on flashy special effects. One glaringly obvious indication that this was filmed in the politically incorrect 70s is the repeated reference to the “Japs” as the competitors the group needs to beat to the punch. A lack of either subtitles or closed captions is my major complaint as the sound is somewhat uneven. - Stephanie L Bannon