A Curious Case of Black Magic in Norfolk

For the 19th February 1964 episode of the current affairs programme, 'Tonight',  the BBC sent it's reporter to look at 3 possible instances of magic practices in rural Norfolk.

From the video description...

"Chris Brasher reports on three incidents involving what appears to black magic rituals in Norfolk. The incidents occured at three separate locations; the ruins of Castle Rising - where two human effigies and a sheep's heart were nailed to the door; Bawsey Church, where a sheep's heart and a black candle was discovered; and at Babingley Church, where another human effigy, a sheep's heart and a black candle, were discovered. In all three instances, strange symbols were marked in the ground with soot. What does it all mean - could it be an elaborate hoax?"

It's a great little film made better by the serious, schoolmasterly presentation. Joining the discussion is pulp author F.R. Buckley who shares his 'expertise' as they tour the alleged sites and warn of the danger to anyone who would "monkey with this kind of thing".

But remember, in Wyrd Britain, home is where the heart is, a sheep's heart, pierced with the thorns of a hawthorn tree and nailed to the door.

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The House in Marsh Road

This 1960 movie brings bickering, impoverished couple Jean (Patricia Dainton) and David Linton (Tony Wright) into ownership of a haunted house formerly belonging to Jean's aunt.  Once there, the alcoholic, philandering David can not wait to offload the property and drink the proceeds, but Jean falls for the house and the settled life it promises.

Ghostly mishaps begin immediately with the poltergeist, named Patrick by the housekeeper Mrs O'Brien (Anita Sharp-Bolster), taking an instant dislike to David, an animosity only strengthened by his escalating contempt and murderous intent towards Jean.

For a movie filled with drink, adultery, theft, and attempted murder, 'The House in Marsh Road' is a decidedly polite affair.  It's clunky editing belies a pretty packed script that would certainly have benefitted from another 30 minutes or so to really nail the landing but the core cast are fine, if a bit well-mannered, with Sandra Dorne (who also appeared in the ventriloquist horror, 'Devil Doll') as the vampish Valerie Stockley being the standout.

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If you enjoy what we do here on Wyrd Britain and would like to help us continue, then we would very much welcome a donation towards keeping the blog going - paypal.me/wyrdbritain

Affiliate links are provided for your convenience and to help mitigate running costs.