Betamax Babylon
A Ghost Story For Christmas
Dec 23, 2024
This festive special dives into the chilling ambiance of Christmas Eve while celebrating the legacy of classic ghost stories. The hosts explore a haunting tale set in a working-class backdrop and share comedic hotel anecdotes filled with quirky interactions. They reflect on the social critiques woven into eerie narratives and recognize a dedicated fan's enthusiasm. With cheerful holiday wishes, the discussion wraps up with ghost story recommendations that promise to delight and scare listeners alike.
35:06
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Quick takeaways
- The history of Christmas ghost stories is deeply rooted in Victorian traditions, intertwining chilling narratives with cultural storytelling practices.
- The character-driven tension in 'A Warning to the Curious' reflects broader societal struggles, combining personal ambition with supernatural consequences.
Deep dives
The Origins of 'A Ghost Story for Christmas'
The series 'A Ghost Story for Christmas' originated in the late 1960s on the BBC, following a successful adaptation of M.R. James' story 'Whistle and I'll Come to You' by Dr. Jonathan Miller. This pilot's acclaim prompted the BBC to create a seasonal series that would air ghost stories annually during Christmas. The connection between ghost stories and Christmas has deep historical roots, linked to Victorian traditions of storytelling on Christmas Eve. Notably, the series has transcended generations, influencing contemporary filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro and Robert Eggers, who cite it as a significant inspiration in their own work.
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