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Hero image for The Haunting of Barney Palmer

The Haunting of Barney Palmer

Television (Full Length) – 1986

Kath erebus
Kath erebus
11 Apr 2021 - 11.10am
As a child I read the book and I remember the blue cover. I recently listened to the Audiobook and was struck by how English the whole story sounded, in part because the narrator was from the UK, and partly because they were always fussing about with cups of tea.

As a child I was unaware of a lot of stylistic and practical decisions that were made in the TV adaptation. The screenplay is a lot more normal Kiwi dialogue. Instead of travelling across town to a doctor's office for a lengthy exposition scene, the narrative is more concise (and, pragmatically, uses fewer sets).

Rewatching it as an adult is an exercise in 80s nostalgia (all that yellow!) and the visceral sense memory of that pert telephone ringing took me back; it really places us at a specific point in NZ history.
18 Aug 2014 - 12.28pm
Speaking as a UK person who's never been there, it's so very interesting to see the New Zealand landscape and architecture - the NZ atmosphere, which is very distinctive - this is not like seeing a drama set in the UK or the US or Canada, especially (or Australia). Enjoyable drama. Beautiful oceanic scenery and atmos. Thanks so much for posting.
Plum
Plum
3 Feb 2012 - 09.14am
This is very enjoyable but its fantasy not science fiction.
David
David
20 Aug 2010 - 05.36pm
Good to see these interesting films available on-line. :)
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