The Ash Tree (1975)
December 23, 1975Release Date
The Ash Tree (1975)
December 23, 1975Release Date
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Currently The Ash Tree is available for streaming online, rent, buy or watch for free on: Shudder, Shudder Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Shudder Apple TV Channel, AMC+, AMC Plus Apple TV Channel
Streaming in:🇺🇸 United States
Cast & Crew.
Edward Petherbridge
Sir Richard/Sir Matthew
Preston Lockwood
Dr. Croome
Barbara Ewing
Anne Mothersole
Lalla Ward
Lady Augusta
Lucy Griffiths
Mrs. Chiddock
Oliver Maguire
William Beresford
Clifford Kershaw
The Witchfinder
Cyril Appleton
Master Procathro
David Pugh
Herdsman
Glynn Sweet
Young Cleric
Lawrence Gordon Clark
Director
David Rudkin
Writer
M.R. James
Short Story
Allan Anson
Production Design
Rosemary Hill
Producer
John McGlashan
Director of Photography / Camera Operator
Roger Waugh
Editor
Ron Edmonds
ADR Mixer
Richard Manton
Sound Recordist
Terry Coles
Production Assistant
Sue Able
Costume Design
John Friedlander
Visual Effects
Media.
Details.
Wiki.
The Ash Tree is a short film which is part of the British supernatural anthology series A Ghost Story for Christmas. Written by David Rudkin, produced by Rosemary Hill, and directed by the series' creator, Lawrence Gordon Clark, it is based on the ghost story "The Ash-tree" by M. R. James, first published in the collection Ghost Stories of an Antiquary (1904), and first aired on BBC1 on 23 December 1975.
It stars Edward Petherbridge in the dual role of Sir Richard, an 18th century aristocrat who inherits the estate of his late uncle, and of Sir Matthew, his 17th century ancestor whose role in the witch trial of Ann Mothersole (Barbara Ewing) haunts Sir Richard via nighttime visions. Sir Richard is also disturbed by strange noises coming from an ash tree outside his bedroom window, which is revealed to have a connection with these events.
Since airing it has received a mixed response from critics in comparison with the other James adaptations produced in the series' original run, with even Clark regarding it as a disappointment. It was the last James adaptation produced as part of the series' original run, and the last one to air until A View from a Hill (2005).