The Ghosts Of Motley Hall [1976]

There are three series' altogether, one on each DVD, concerning a group of five ghosts in a condemned stately home, all from different periods, trying to get along with each other. There are also other ghosts that turn up from time to time and cause havoc, as well as property developers, burglars and ghost hunters to deal with.

A very entertaining romp which will give an idea of what 1970's childrens television was like for us '40 somethings - better than the animated rubbish you get nowadays.


Sheer nostalgia and delight!   November 10, 2005
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

As the previous reviewer said, this is a wonderful way to re-live your childhood!
I used to look forward to this programme every Sunday afternoon when I was a kid and watching it again now it hasn't lost any of it's charm or humour (in fact if anything you do tend to see a different side to it with the retrospective point of view of an adult (allegedly!)
If you remember this fondly, you'll probably also remember The Tomorrow People (original) which is also available to buy.
I'm so glad I found and bought this.


THE GHOSTS OF MOTLEY ARE BACK ON DVD !!!   August 14, 2006
NEO (orpington kent)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

I couldn't believe my eyes when i saw that Network Video were to bring out this brilliant series. And here it is ,all three series on a three Dvd set to see again after some 30 years. I do have very fond childhood memories of this spooky series, which follows the cheeky ghosts of Motley hall. There is Arthur English as an 18th century court Jester with Freddie Jones as Lord of the manor Sir James Uproar. And Sheala Stefal As the wailing White lady who haunts the belltower and the main stairs. Along with a ghost of a young Thief and a 17th century Dandy named fanny. Also there is the brilliant Peter Salis who stars as the spooked caretaker who is trying in vain to sell the run down hall. The stories are fun and have not dated to much over the many years due to the performances and great writing. There are two commentaries on the Dvd's and little else which is a pity.


Marvellous   August 12, 2005
Portaderry (Derry, N Ireland)
10 out of 15 found this review helpful

One of the few childrens TV programmes from the 70s was this one. It didn't have animation. Didn't have any sci-fi leanings. Just plain old chromakey and a cast dressed in period costume. Quite a mixtur then for a kids programme from years ago. I don't think it would have the same appeal now but the stories are interesting and really rekindles memories for me from that era. Glad to see that Granada have released it and more may they.
The programme is an uneasy moxture of drama and comedy. Not to be taken too seriously and one episode - 30 mins - is enough at a time. Enjoy.


Brilliant television!   September 2, 2007
Jezz (NEWCASTLE, STAFFS United Kingdom)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

When this was ordered I was not to sure if i can remember the program, however with Amazon's great prices I decided to give it a chance, and it paid off!!

After watching the first episode i started to remember it from my childhood. It has a strong cast, and despite the restrictions of the hall manage to come up with some good story lines. The special effects are nothing compared to today but this was made over thirty years ago.

When it was shown on TV it was on the Sunday afternoon at about 4-15 and the later series was moved to 5pm. To my knowledge the show has not (or rarely) been repeated, which is a shame. Despite this being a children's show the cast and quality actors both guest and regular make it watchable by all. Arthur English & Freddie Jones give a solid performance and look as though they enjoyed making the series. If only they could produce shows of this calibre now it make paying that licence fee that bit easier.

My last words are BUY THIS YOU WON@T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!