I’ve always loved this particular tale, and although this film is plainly amateurish, it manages to create just a little of the essence of the story. Like so many of MR James Ghost Stories, a few of which have been Televised over the years, it is hard to beat the reading of any one of them, late at night and alone in bed, with the odd, unexplained rattle somewhere downstairs, not loud enough to wake the dog, but just enough to make the ear twitch. I haven’t been to Comminges, but next time I’m driving through France and not too far away, I’ll make a detour. It looks an interesting place….
Brilliantly filmed adaptation- this is the way all M R James stories should be paced, filmed, and acted - captures the suspense and beauty of the authors work just as well as the classic short films made during the 1970's.
That was excellent! Great atmosphere and the fact that this version is set in 2010 is refreshing. It will have us looking over our shoulders while visiting the town. 😄 I particularly loved the moons, adding one more as the night grew with the demonic presence. I'm an American big fan of the great 19th century British authors of the genre.
I think you have done a brilliant job with this adaptation, and I thoroughly applaud your reasons for making it! I have thought of adapting similar stories before, and it is very encouraging to see that it CAN be done.
Cheers Quinton. The most important thing is to be faithful to the story as much as possible; it seems that most film adaptations of M.R. James stray from the original plot and add things that were not written by James. The stories have everything you need to make a very watchable film, so I find this very weird. We are thinking of producing that all time favourite ghost story, "Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You", but unlike all the others we would make a faithful copy of the whole story, including the university scenes at the start and the Knights Templar ruins where the whistle is found. The latter point is crucial to the plot because of the whistle's provenance and history. It was put there as a type of guardian to ward off unwanted interest. Other adaptations fail to cover this important detail, so in effect there is no particular reason why the whistle has demonic connections in these films. M.R. James ghosts/beasts, as we all know, have a specific reasons for manifesting themselves, not merely by chance. We would make our film far more menacing and frightening than previous films and include the scene where the spook is seen waving from a bedroom window! I really love the Michael Hordern version of the film because of him as an actor, plus the lovely atmosphere that Jonathan Miller created through great camera angles and black and white film; however, I feel it could have been far more spooky and chilling.
Beau suspense et ambiance. Bien joué et bien filmé. Je n'ai pas tout compris des mots en anglais. Mais avec les expressions, le jeu des acteurs tout est clair. Merci
So well done. Thank you! I almost missed it because I thought it might not be "professional" enough.. I´m really glad I watched. Great work and my sincere congratulations on your production.
Absolutely brilliant adaptation of a masterpiece from the master of the ghostly world. What is stunning is the use of absolute silence...this serves as the setting for the weird demoniacal laughter which really makes my flesh creep ...silence can really heighten the suspense and feeling of terrified breathless anticipation with which we watch each scene unfold . This is true not only of this but the other story adaptations I have watched too. The photography is a masterly work.
Really enjoyed your film ,I'm fairly new to the M R James world and I'm hovering up anything I can find ,I think you guys have done a splendid job ,you have definitely managed to build a growing sense of unease,and I love the location it's fantastic ,keep up the good work .
Absolutely marvellous! I was enthralled by the atmosphere and location; not to mention the sound - the technician having done a very impressive job. I know the story well and have to say this is such a worthy adaptation: one that brings on the terror subtly but surely. Very well done :)
This was THE best ghost story adaptation I've seen, even for an amateur company, if they are. This was amazing. I am literally shaking as I write this. I love M. R. James's ghost stories, and Canon Alberic's Scrap-book is one of my all time favourites. First time I saw the Night Demon, I was so scared, I was literally hiding under the collar of my shirt. Well done to the makers of this fine film, I hope many more come
Many thanks TheLightofAniu! We were humbled by your very kind comments. We are planning some more MR James ghost stories soon but haven't made any firm decisions as to which ones yet; like Canon Alberic, probably something that hasn't been made into a film so far.
holidaymoviecompany Why don't you do Number 13 or Rats, or possibly even A Story of A Disappearance and an Appearance? They are very good stories, and if Number 13 was made, that would make my day, but only as a suggestion. I do not intend to dictate what your fabulous company create. I wish you all the luck in the world with future projects. I am an author myself and I would love the idea of having my first ghost story being adapted. I hope it all goes well and thank you very much for the reply.
Many thanks Peter for your kind comments and we are very pleased that you enjoyed the film. We are planning a new ghost story at the moment; more will be revealed soon!
"Working night shift security in an empty building, Josh?" "Why yes I am, Josh. Why do you ask?" "I was just thinking maybe you should watch some ghost stories on youtube." "Brilliant idea! Why here's a link right here." "Yippee!" "Why, this isn't that scary." "Come now, Josh, you know better. M.R. James - atmosphere first, scares second." "Alright, Josh, but I'm still skepti...HOLY SHIT!" And that's the story of why I'm not doing my next patrol. Cheers!
Congratulations on a wonderful adaptation, which has become one of my very favourites! While a minor point of criticism would be that the town seems too deserted (almost as if it had been completely abandoned), there are so many good things too say about this little film... Especially the atmosphere of calm and silence, because that's exactly what James' ghosts are like. -- I rather share your criticism of the previous adaptations of "Oh whistle...", and would be all the more thrilled to see your own version of this piece!
I think that was the point, to create an eerie atmosphere that wouldn't be accomplished with people around, unless of course, the inhabitants looked strange.
Well done. In a modern setting but it captures the spirit of the original. One observation. The cross on the sacristan's lapel changes from right to left in the same scene.
I have always felt so bad for the Verger….A good man who, even with relief from his demons in sight (selling the scrapbook), he still hesitates-fearful of passing the curse on to the professor ….
An excellent version of the story. Only one criticism: it should be "Plantin's PRINTING", not "painting". Otherwise, the story is very well covered by the sparse dialogue, and the visual aspect is marvellous. Some people say that they couldn't follow the film. It's hard for me to imagine not knowing the story, so I'll have to take their word for it.
Perhaps it would help if I had read the story in book form before I watched this because I must otherwise be thick as a brick since I really have no idea what was supposed to have happened.
In case you've not read any of his ghost stories, M.R. James wrote in a very academic style. Much of the wording is high brow and relates to the world he inhabited (university libraries, cathedrals, etc) and to the newcomer to his writing, all of this might seem rather confusing. Our film follows the story very closely and the voice overs/dialogue are taken directly from the original text.
The sacristan was happy to rid himself of the cursed book and its unholy inhabitant. That's why he gave the Brit a crucifix to wear and checked later with the hotel manager to see if the man was alright. Obviously he was very aware of the impending threat to the new book owner.
You did a wonderful work! I have a question: where did you get the image in the book, "Such is the language of a beastly railor, Tlie Divels privi-house most sit for Taylor" ?
Many thanks! We found suitable images using the Creative Commons facility on the internet and printed them off, then when added to the scrapbook, we aged them all with old used tea bags and distressed each image to make them look Medieval.
It seems my comment has offended quite a lot of people. For this I aplogize, as ist was never my intention. Seeing the movie a second time, I realize it is the atmosphere of the whole that counts. The feelings of growing terror and impending doom are very well illustrated. Of course, neither I knew M.R. James in person, nor am I am movie-maker, just a dedicated reader of M.R. James.
You are very gracious but since I'm another commentator and having had to produce a short film during my college years, I perfectly understand the complexity of production and find the negative comments petty. An American here and very much a fan of 19th century British ghost story authors beginning with the great M.R. James.
In that case, could we see your definitive version, Monsieur Risley? We are assuming that you are a wise old film maker and could teach us all a thing or two 😂
This is excellent. Well done and thanks! I appreciate the way in which you have rendered the story with very little alteration from the original. A few personal observations: The sacristan was perfect in appearance. Denistoun was, I felt, too scruffy. (I know this had to be set in modern times, but I have the original story in mind, of course, and I pictured him as a cultured and sophisticated man.) I thought you might have built up the tension by making more of the discovery of the scrap-book. Instead of just a long shot of the 2 characters, perhaps we could have cut to a close-up of D's hands, turning over the pages, and views of his amazed expression, whilst the narrator read the appropriate passage from the story. The church is meant to be large, and the viewers would know no different, if we had not seen the top of the sloping gable-end of its entrance. These are just a few, very minor points, for your consideration. The whole thing was very well done. Had you the BBC's budget, it could not have come out better, aside from the fact that you would have been able to manage the period look.
I'm married to one academic and sister to another. Believe me, the appearance of Dennistoun in this film is absolutely correct for an academic on holiday!
Jane Thompson Sad! (But I'll take your word for it.) Again, I am imagining the original story, written at a time when people who were scruffbags were looked down on - and quite right, too!
@@OffshoreorganbuilderCan you just keep in mind that this version is set in 2010 as the narrator states at the beginning? It's a contemporary adaptation and not set in the original 19th century.
@@ufosrus " ... I know this had to be set in modern times ..." Denistoun, even in modern times, might have been more presentable than he was shown in this version. Or maybe university professors all look scruffy, these days?
Mh !! Though I prefer period dresses...You did a wonderful job here, the demon was genuinely terrifying ! Me too I'd like to see a version of "Oh, whistle..." by yours ; it's my favorite James' tale and I was enough disappointed with the Miller version..
Cheers galerius61. We fully agree with you about period costume; with this particular film we just wanted to see what was possible with absolutely no money to encourage other film makers with limited means to have a go. For "Whistle and I'll Come to You My Lad" we would push the boat out. Also I think we would shoot in black and white like the original; we just need to find someone with the great personality of Michael Hordern... a tough one! It would be faithful to the original text too.
holidaymoviecompany Well, here you did MUCH MUCH better than many 'wealthy' producers or film makers ;) As for Michael Hordern, his performance was obviously good, my disappointment wasn't directed at him but at the Miller's rendition of you-know-what...totally anticlimactic...where was the frantic terror evoked by the tale ? However. If Oh, Whistle... will be brought to life in the same spirit of this Canon Alberic's Scrapbook it will surely be a masterwork.
Thanks galerius61. The hardest part is always the spook, demon or beast in ghost films (as you can imagine) and involves a lot of head scratching, to come up with something convincing, when you have no green stuff to play with!
I actually liked the contemporary setting. Brings the spookiness to this century and better yet to scare us if visiting the town, especially at night. 😄
Film was done well for the most part however, I have 2 chief complaints. Mainly, there are a lot of scenes without dialogue, therefore, there should of been narrative using the great words of James story. They did this in the beginning briefly but it should of been done throughout the film. There are so many great lines in James stories that could of been put over several scenes, I even envisioned the words as I watched the particular scene. Secondly, the attire is modern, I like it better when the setting is from the time in the story. Good film overall.
+Desolation Cult. Thanks for your comments. First off; how many adaptations of M.R. James stories use the narrative from the book when there is no dialogue? Even the great Jonathan Miller adaptation of "Whistle and I'll...." doesn't do what you suggest is the correct way of making an M.R. James films. This is film making, not a radio broadcast. The stories were never intended to be filmed or broadcast; rather they were written to entertain students at Cambridge university. Fireside entertainment, if you like. Thousands of other books by a multitude of authors have been made into films (some good, some bad) which also don't include narration in the quiet moments. We added the bit of narration at the start to build the atmosphere, like Lawrence Olivier did at the start of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" by Franco Zeffirelli. As to the modern attire, this is discussed in our initial blurb and the reasons behind it... namely money, or rather the lack of it. This was the point of the exercise; to see what could be achieved with no budget and just two people. Have you any idea how much it costs to make a period drama, and more importantly, to make it look authentic? Finally, can we see one of your M.R. James films so that we can judge for ourselves the point to your critique? A link to your RUclips page would be helpful, so our followers can see your efforts.
+holidaymoviecompany First of all congratulations on an excellent adaptation. I hope you make more. Secondly some people just like to complain for the sake of it - you really needn't dignify their comments with a reply.
Lighten up, guy. This is a contemporary adaptation set in OUR century. I found that choice to be refreshing because everyone else sticks to the originals of the 19th century. And please take a course in film making to understand the complexity of producing a short version of a classic story. 🙄
Lighten up, guy. This is a contemporary version, not the original. I have yet to see a film version of any M.R. James stories that capture the scariness of his written work.
The sacristan was good, Denistoun too hippy-looking. If he had been dressed in period clothing, it would have worked. Exteriors could have been found reflecting the time of James' story. Should have been shot on film not video, or at least video transferred/converted to film. Sorry but I was underwhelmed.
In that case, could we see your version of the story... and on 16mm film (super 16 please, shot on an Arri III or Aaton camera) with authentic clothing? The sound must be authentic too; recorded on a Nagra 4.2 quarter inch recorder, then edited on a Steenbeck six plate editor, with synched 16mm mag stock and film. Obviously you're an experienced M.R.James film maker and know a thing or too that we don't. Thanks for your helpful comments.
@@holidaymoviecompanyNever mind the petty comments. You did your best. But I did take issue with some of the negative comments if you find and read them. Someone here who understands the complexity of short film productions.
Well it was made on a Holiday in the actual location in the book. Both the "French" Sacristan and the Scholar worked as the Cameraman on each other, with zero budget.
I’ve always loved this particular tale, and although this film is plainly amateurish, it manages to create just a little of the essence of the story. Like so many of MR James Ghost Stories, a few of which have been Televised over the years, it is hard to beat the reading of any one of them, late at night and alone in bed, with the odd, unexplained rattle somewhere downstairs, not loud enough to wake the dog, but just enough to make the ear twitch.
I haven’t been to Comminges, but next time I’m driving through France and not too far away, I’ll make a detour. It looks an interesting place….
Brilliantly filmed adaptation- this is the way all M R James stories should be paced, filmed, and acted - captures the suspense and beauty of the authors work just as well as the classic short films made during the 1970's.
That was excellent! Great atmosphere and the fact that this version is set in 2010 is refreshing. It will have us looking over our shoulders while visiting the town. 😄
I particularly loved the moons, adding one more as the night grew with the demonic presence.
I'm an American big fan of the great 19th century British authors of the genre.
Great adaptation on one of my favourite stories. Well done to all involved. Thankyou.
Despite certain faults infinitely preferable to anything by
Gattis - the self appointed BBC authority on M R James. !!
It's lovely to see this story adapted so faithfully. I always wondered why this was never adapted for TV. Well done.
I think you have done a brilliant job with this adaptation, and I thoroughly applaud your reasons for making it!
I have thought of adapting similar stories before, and it is very encouraging to see that it CAN be done.
Cheers Quinton. The most important thing is to be faithful to the story as much as possible; it seems that most film adaptations of M.R. James stray from the original plot and add things that were not written by James. The stories have everything you need to make a very watchable film, so I find this very weird. We are thinking of producing that all time favourite ghost story, "Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You", but unlike all the others we would make a faithful copy of the whole story, including the university scenes at the start and the Knights Templar ruins where the whistle is found. The latter point is crucial to the plot because of the whistle's provenance and history. It was put there as a type of guardian to ward off unwanted interest. Other adaptations fail to cover this important detail, so in effect there is no particular reason why the whistle has demonic connections in these films. M.R. James ghosts/beasts, as we all know, have a specific reasons for manifesting themselves, not merely by chance. We would make our film far more menacing and frightening than previous films and include the scene where the spook is seen waving from a bedroom window! I really love the Michael Hordern version of the film because of him as an actor, plus the lovely atmosphere that Jonathan Miller created through great camera angles and black and white film; however, I feel it could have been far more spooky and chilling.
What a treat for fans of the ghost tales of M.R. James! Very well crafted. Well done and thanks.
That's very kind of you Johlibaptist! Comments like yours make all the effort really worthwhile.
Beau suspense et ambiance. Bien joué et bien filmé. Je n'ai pas tout compris des mots en anglais. Mais avec les expressions, le jeu des acteurs tout est clair.
Merci
obviously made with love. Well done.
So well done. Thank you! I almost missed it because I thought it might not be "professional" enough.. I´m really glad I watched. Great work and my sincere congratulations on your production.
What a wonderful idea and film. Top marks all round. I am due to visit the town in May 2014. Thank you.
Cheers 29crespo for your comments! We did reply above but you may not have seen it yet.
Absolutely brilliant adaptation of a masterpiece from the master of the ghostly world.
What is stunning is the use of absolute silence...this serves as the setting for the weird demoniacal laughter which really makes my flesh creep ...silence can really heighten the suspense and feeling of terrified breathless anticipation with which we watch each scene unfold .
This is true not only of this but the other story adaptations I have watched too.
The photography is a masterly work.
Really enjoyed your film ,I'm fairly new to the M R James world and I'm hovering up anything I can find ,I think you guys have done a splendid job ,you have definitely managed to build a growing sense of unease,and I love the location it's fantastic ,keep up the good work .
Absolutely marvellous! I was enthralled by the atmosphere and location; not to mention the sound - the technician having done a very impressive job. I know the story well and have to say this is such a worthy adaptation: one that brings on the terror subtly but surely. Very well done :)
Many thanks for your kind words Paul.
This was THE best ghost story adaptation I've seen, even for an amateur company, if they are. This was amazing. I am literally shaking as I write this. I love M. R. James's ghost stories, and Canon Alberic's Scrap-book is one of my all time favourites. First time I saw the Night Demon, I was so scared, I was literally hiding under the collar of my shirt. Well done to the makers of this fine film, I hope many more come
Many thanks TheLightofAniu! We were humbled by your very kind comments. We are planning some more MR James ghost stories soon but haven't made any firm decisions as to which ones yet; like Canon Alberic, probably something that hasn't been made into a film so far.
holidaymoviecompany Why don't you do Number 13 or Rats, or possibly even A Story of A Disappearance and an Appearance? They are very good stories, and if Number 13 was made, that would make my day, but only as a suggestion. I do not intend to dictate what your fabulous company create. I wish you all the luck in the world with future projects. I am an author myself and I would love the idea of having my first ghost story being adapted. I hope it all goes well and thank you very much for the reply.
TheLightofAniu Good suggestions! Many thanks again and we will certainly consider your ideas!
Thank you very much
TheLightofAniu Number 13 was made by the BBC fairly recently. Have you watched their version?
Well done. Quite enjoyed that
WELL DONE 💐🏆💐. Thank you so much for sharing , just perfect.
thoroughly enjoyed it. love mr james stories and this is a top adaptation. more to come i hope
Many thanks Peter for your kind comments and we are very pleased that you enjoyed the film. We are planning a new ghost story at the moment; more will be revealed soon!
well done-really great atmosphere -one of my favourite MR James tales too
Many thanks for your kind comments Tina; much appreciated!
Nice job! Thank you for posting.
We're glad you enjoyed it Alexandra
This was great! Well done
A great effort, very well done - you managed to generate a properly spooky atmosphere - some of the camera work was especially good. Thanks.
Cheers Banjo Bear. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the film.
Good adaptation and very well done effort, especially on no budget (and almost no cast!).
Cheers Paul. Thanks for your kind words
"Working night shift security in an empty building, Josh?"
"Why yes I am, Josh. Why do you ask?"
"I was just thinking maybe you should watch some ghost stories on youtube."
"Brilliant idea! Why here's a link right here."
"Yippee!"
"Why, this isn't that scary."
"Come now, Josh, you know better. M.R. James - atmosphere first, scares second."
"Alright, Josh, but I'm still skepti...HOLY SHIT!"
And that's the story of why I'm not doing my next patrol. Cheers!
Hope it fulfilled your expectations Joshua?!
holidaymoviecompany Indeed it did. That creature was spot on.
Joshua Hood
Cheers Josh; it is of course the hardest part of any ghost film to get right. Thanks for your comments.
Ha a Ha a empty buildings and great ghost 👻 authors can make the graveyard shift terrifying huh?
Well done. Very realistic. That church is beautiful.
Nice. And the laugh is perfect.
Cheers Lisa!
Well, Holidaymoviecompany, you certainly did it this time! This was excellent. Well done me old sports. Hope you can do some more. Cheers mates.
mark prescottMany thanks Mark; we're very pleased that you enjoyed the film. There are more M.R. James films in the pipeline.
This was exquisitely done!!!
Many thanks chaosfive55! We're very glad you enjoyed it.
Love the 'phenomenon' reference to the WAICTY with Michael Hordern.
This was fun.... a bit of horror always is!
Well done!
Many thanks for your comments Gina.
Congratulations on a wonderful adaptation, which has become one of my very favourites! While a minor point of criticism would be that the town seems too deserted (almost as if it had been completely abandoned), there are so many good things too say about this little film... Especially the atmosphere of calm and silence, because that's exactly what James' ghosts are like. -- I rather share your criticism of the previous adaptations of "Oh whistle...", and would be all the more thrilled to see your own version of this piece!
I think that was the point, to create an eerie atmosphere that wouldn't be accomplished with people around, unless of course, the inhabitants looked strange.
The line delivery is a little wooden but the essence of fear is certainly there. Genuine atmosphere.
Well done. Really enjoyed it. M. R. James certainly seemed to allow his complexes complimentary lodging within his stories.
Karloffrules Cheers Karloffrules!
Well done. In a modern setting but it captures the spirit of the original. One observation. The cross on the sacristan's lapel changes from right to left in the same scene.
I have always felt so bad for the Verger….A good man who, even with relief from his demons in sight (selling the scrapbook), he still hesitates-fearful of passing the curse on to the professor ….
Cripes, very very creepy. The writer is genius, we know. Merci.
Very good; I have some slight reservations, but excellently done.
An excellent version of the story. Only one criticism: it should be "Plantin's PRINTING", not "painting". Otherwise, the story is very well covered by the sparse dialogue, and the visual aspect is marvellous. Some people say that they couldn't follow the film. It's hard for me to imagine not knowing the story, so I'll have to take their word for it.
Setting is excellent! Actors are hard to understand and should have appropriate attire for the Jamesian Era.
But if you had paid attention, the narrator states it's the year 2010, thus a contemporary adaptation of the 19th century original.
Excellent 21C reboot. I'm sure MRJ would be very impressed. My only query is - where's the stuffed crocodile?
😅
Perhaps it would help if I had read the story in book form before I watched this because I must otherwise be thick as a brick since I really have no idea what was supposed to have happened.
In case you've not read any of his ghost stories, M.R. James wrote in a very academic style. Much of the wording is high brow and relates to the world he inhabited (university libraries, cathedrals, etc) and to the newcomer to his writing, all of this might seem rather confusing. Our film follows the story very closely and the voice overs/dialogue are taken directly from the original text.
The sacristan was happy to rid himself of the cursed book and its unholy inhabitant. That's why he gave the Brit a crucifix to wear and checked later with the hotel manager to see if the man was alright. Obviously he was very aware of the impending threat to the new book owner.
You did a wonderful work!
I have a question: where did you get the image in the book, "Such is the language of a beastly railor, Tlie Divels privi-house most sit for Taylor" ?
Many thanks! We found suitable images using the Creative Commons facility on the internet and printed them off, then when added to the scrapbook, we aged them all with old used tea bags and distressed each image to make them look Medieval.
So entertaining! You star! :-)
Cheers Inteliki! Much appreciated.
Thanku SO much...💚
I wish that the lost work of Papias of Hieropolis had indeed been rediscovered!
It seems my comment has offended quite a lot of people. For this I aplogize, as ist was never my intention. Seeing the movie a second time, I realize it is the atmosphere of the whole that counts. The feelings of growing terror and impending doom are very well illustrated.
Of course, neither I knew M.R. James in person, nor am I am movie-maker, just a dedicated reader of M.R. James.
Don't worry Arno G. Your comment here shows you are a gent.
You are very gracious but since I'm another commentator and having had to produce a short film during my college years, I perfectly understand the complexity of production and find the negative comments petty.
An American here and very much a fan of 19th century British ghost story authors beginning with the great M.R. James.
Glad you finally got the point.
Great adaptation :-). Subscribed to your channel & checking out your other videos now.
Many thanks Laura! We responded to you above (before realising that you could respond below the original post!).
Well, a good attempt!
In that case, could we see your definitive version, Monsieur Risley? We are assuming that you are a wise old film maker and could teach us all a thing or two 😂
Mr Dennistoun's curiousity was almost his death
Indeed it was! This seems to be the fate of most, if not all, of M.R. James' key players; nearly frightened to death; escaping by a whisker.
The sacristan today in an RC cathedral must be a priest. Not so Monty's time. Still, a great adaptation. Is this filmed in St. Bertrand de Comminges?
I wondered the same but it wasn't important to me. Just a local French old guy was good enough for me in this contemporary adaptation.
This is excellent. Well done and thanks!
I appreciate the way in which you have rendered the story with very little alteration from the original.
A few personal observations: The sacristan was perfect in appearance. Denistoun was, I felt, too scruffy. (I know this had to be set in modern times, but I have the original story in mind, of course, and I pictured him as a cultured and sophisticated man.)
I thought you might have built up the tension by making more of the discovery of the scrap-book. Instead of just a long shot of the 2 characters, perhaps we could have cut to a close-up of D's hands, turning over the pages, and views of his amazed expression, whilst the narrator read the appropriate passage from the story.
The church is meant to be large, and the viewers would know no different, if we had not seen the top of the sloping gable-end of its entrance.
These are just a few, very minor points, for your consideration.
The whole thing was very well done. Had you the BBC's budget, it could not have come out better, aside from the fact that you would have been able to manage the period look.
Cheers Offshoreorganbuilder! We really appreciate your observations and many thanks for taking the time to write them.
I'm married to one academic and sister to another. Believe me, the appearance of Dennistoun in this film is absolutely correct for an academic on holiday!
Jane Thompson Sad! (But I'll take your word for it.)
Again, I am imagining the original story, written at a time when people who were scruffbags were looked down on - and quite right, too!
@@OffshoreorganbuilderCan you just keep in mind that this version is set in 2010 as the narrator states at the beginning? It's a contemporary adaptation and not set in the original 19th century.
@@ufosrus " ... I know this had to be set in modern times ..."
Denistoun, even in modern times, might have been more presentable than he was shown in this version. Or maybe university professors all look scruffy, these days?
Why is the old man walking bent over. Is it a bad case of scoliosis.
You guessed right, smarty pants. 🙄
A little treasure!
I know that this is a budget production, but I wish there had been more effort on the design of the scrapbook,😊.
Where’s the stuffed crocodile?
Mh !!
Though I prefer period dresses...You did a wonderful job here, the demon was genuinely terrifying !
Me too I'd like to see a version of "Oh, whistle..." by yours ; it's my favorite James' tale and I was enough disappointed with the Miller version..
Cheers galerius61. We fully agree with you about period costume; with this particular film we just wanted to see what was possible with absolutely no money to encourage other film makers with limited means to have a go. For "Whistle and I'll Come to You My Lad" we would push the boat out. Also I think we would shoot in black and white like the original; we just need to find someone with the great personality of Michael Hordern... a tough one! It would be faithful to the original text too.
holidaymoviecompany Well, here you did MUCH MUCH better than many 'wealthy' producers or film makers ;)
As for Michael Hordern, his performance was obviously good, my disappointment wasn't directed at him but at the Miller's rendition of you-know-what...totally anticlimactic...where was the frantic terror evoked by the tale ?
However. If Oh, Whistle... will be brought to life in the same spirit of this Canon Alberic's Scrapbook it will surely be a masterwork.
Thanks galerius61. The hardest part is always the spook, demon or beast in ghost films (as you can imagine) and involves a lot of head scratching, to come up with something convincing, when you have no green stuff to play with!
I actually liked the contemporary setting. Brings the spookiness to this century and better yet to scare us if visiting the town, especially at night. 😄
@@holidaymoviecompanyMy comment below.
A review of our film "Canon Alberic's Scrapbook" by the author Helen Grant:-
helengrantbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/french-demons.html
Film was done well for the most part however, I have 2 chief complaints. Mainly, there are a lot of scenes without dialogue, therefore, there should of been narrative using the great words of James story. They did this in the beginning briefly but it should of been done throughout the film. There are so many great lines in James stories that could of been put over several scenes, I even envisioned the words as I watched the particular scene. Secondly, the attire is modern, I like it better when the setting is from the time in the story. Good film overall.
+Desolation Cult. Thanks for your comments. First off; how many adaptations of M.R. James stories use the narrative from the book when there is no dialogue? Even the great Jonathan Miller adaptation of "Whistle and I'll...." doesn't do what you suggest is the correct way of making an M.R. James films. This is film making, not a radio broadcast. The stories were never intended to be filmed or broadcast; rather they were written to entertain students at Cambridge university. Fireside entertainment, if you like. Thousands of other books by a multitude of authors have been made into films (some good, some bad) which also don't include narration in the quiet moments. We added the bit of narration at the start to build the atmosphere, like Lawrence Olivier did at the start of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" by Franco Zeffirelli. As to the modern attire, this is discussed in our initial blurb and the reasons behind it... namely money, or rather the lack of it. This was the point of the exercise; to see what could be achieved with no budget and just two people. Have you any idea how much it costs to make a period drama, and more importantly, to make it look authentic? Finally, can we see one of your M.R. James films so that we can judge for ourselves the point to your critique? A link to your RUclips page would be helpful, so our followers can see your efforts.
+holidaymoviecompany First of all congratulations on an excellent adaptation. I hope you make more. Secondly some people just like to complain for the sake of it - you really needn't dignify their comments with a reply.
Lighten up, guy. This is a contemporary adaptation set in OUR century. I found that choice to be refreshing because everyone else sticks to the originals of the 19th century.
And please take a course in film making to understand the complexity of producing a short version of a classic story. 🙄
Yikes….”2010?”….I don’t know….modernizing James feels…..wrong
Sweeeeet!
Many thanks clayvegas! Much appreciated and we are glad you enjoyed the film.
disappointing. Not up toJames's usual scary standard.
Lighten up, guy. This is a contemporary version, not the original. I have yet to see a film version of any M.R. James stories that capture the scariness of his written work.
Don't understand this at all.
The sacristan is relieved to rid himself of the book and the demonic entity.
The sacristan was good, Denistoun too hippy-looking. If he had been dressed in period clothing, it would have worked. Exteriors could have been found reflecting the time of James' story. Should have been shot on film not video, or at least video transferred/converted to film. Sorry but I was underwhelmed.
In that case, could we see your version of the story... and on 16mm film (super 16 please, shot on an Arri III or Aaton camera) with authentic clothing? The sound must be authentic too; recorded on a Nagra 4.2 quarter inch recorder, then edited on a Steenbeck six plate editor, with synched 16mm mag stock and film. Obviously you're an experienced M.R.James film maker and know a thing or too that we don't. Thanks for your helpful comments.
Some characters are well illustrated..but the demon is of a rather poor quality, also the image depicting him. Not what M.R. James intended...
You knew M.R. James in person then? Can we see your film version of the story? We can then gauge your response in an unequivocal fashion.
+Arno G. Qualify your arguments with humility. What James 'meant' is irrelevant.
Lighten up, guy. Try producing a short film on a tight budget.
@@holidaymoviecompanyNever mind the petty comments. You did your best. But I did take issue with some of the negative comments if you find and read them.
Someone here who understands the complexity of short film productions.
terrible i didnt expect this to be amateur😂
Well it was made on a Holiday in the actual location in the book. Both the "French" Sacristan and the Scholar worked as the Cameraman on each other, with zero budget.
Another boring comment by a stuffy Brit with no knowledge of the complexities of short film productions and especially on a tight budget. 🙄