[Inspector Abberline]

The Ash Tree (1975)
M,R,James takes on the well worn story of witch hunting and witches.Directed by Lawrence Gordon Clark,he freely admits this isn't one of his more successful adaptations. And although its not as spooky as previous efforts it sure is a weirdy one, in fact its not miles away in tone as say A Field In England and also that other British horror weirdness Blood on Satan's Claw.It does feel like hallucinatory dream at times especially the burning of the tree self. It was certainly a brave choice adapting The Ash Tree as I'm sure there is more stories of James that would be easier to adapt to the small screen. Edward Petherbridge portrays both Sir Richard and Sir Matthew .when Sir Richard inherits stately manor and becomes Squire of Castringham, and with his new wife to be in tow Lalla Ward as Lady Augusta , he sets plans for an extension although in this case its not for new garage and granny flat but to have a new pew fitted in the family church. No need for planning permission or men in hi viz jackets holding there Theodolite's, no sir, but bugger who buried that old witch in our way, yes indeed old Barbara Ewing as Anne Mothersole is buried in consecrated ground. Mothersole was the local witch who was seen cavorting in the moonlight picking herbs and doing what witches do at night. Actually Mothersole played by Barbara Ewing is very much a buxom wench. Sir Mathews believes he witness's Mothersole turn into a hare after he spies her cutting twigs from the Ash tree. The stories cut between Sir Richard in the present and Sir Matthew in the past. I think the generalisation is that repressed men who are threatened by sexually aggressive women, should probably have the women be hung, or flogged or maybe burnt.The story is lacking some momentum but there is startling imagery as well.