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Drama · 1980s

The Box of Delights

When the Wolves Were Running (Episode 1)

A Punch and Judy man, a magic box and a train home for Christmas.

  • Family-safe
  • Good for kids

Content note: A few spooky moments for the very small

BBC One

1984

First shown 21 Nov 1984

First shown
21 November 1984
Channel
BBC One
Runtime
30 mins
Genre
Drama

Where to watch

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It's not streaming anywhere in the UK at the moment. Specials often pop back up in December, so check again nearer the big day.

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Young Kay Harker is on the train home for the Christmas holidays when he meets a very peculiar Punch and Judy man, snow is on the wind, and wild dogs are said to be roaming the countryside. That is only the start of this magical 1984 adaptation of John Masefield's classic, starring Devin Stanfield, with Patrick Troughton and Robert Stephens. It is the first of six half-hour episodes, and carries on across the run-up to Christmas, so you can pace yourself like a proper advent calendar. Cosy, creepy and gloriously old-fashioned, with that carol theme. One for kids who like adventures and adults who remember.

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