14 Comments

That is SO funny. I was literally listening to this on an audiobook when your post came through. Having re-read it, I do think that it's a little bit different from The Mezzotint. I love the antique dealer background, the collectors' mentality. Also written, on commission, for Queen Mary's Dolls House. But unlike the other Dolls House authors, James wisely kept the copyright.

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That is funny! I’m keeping an eye out for James TV adaptations over Christmas. And I always read some of his stories on Christmas Eve. Along with re-watching The Muppet Christmas Carol, it’s become a tradition 🎄✨

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Can I also point you in the direction of Richard Williams' brilliant Christmas Carol animation from 1971, based on the original engravings by John Leech and Gustave Doré. A truly wonderful production: https://lukehoney.substack.com/p/a-christmas-carol-1971-e19

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Brilliant! Thank you for the recommendations, and sharing your post. I look forward to checking it out. And I didn’t know about the new Mark Gatiss adaptation. My Christmas Eve is complete 🤍✨

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And I think Mark Gatiss has directed/produced another M R James story for Christmas Eve?

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There are three of the Christopher Lee readings from 2000 on BBC i player. Great fun, lots of props. Atmospheric set.

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I never would have found this story without you--and the painting is a so evocative of being trapped. Do you think Ibsen might have read the story? I didn't check dates.

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Thank you Mary. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. The painting was earlier, 1899-1900. I hope you’re well and enjoying the season 🤎✨

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I recently purchased a doll’s house, not in the same league as the one described in the story but fortunately without the ghostly ghastly apparitions! I do enjoy an M.R.James story particularly at this time of the year. Many thanks for this post.

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You’re very welcome, Ruth. May your dolls house stay spooky free. Merry Christmas 🎄✨

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I have always thought there is something rather spooky about dolls houses, but I still love them. Thank you for sharing this story, Victoria.

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You’re very welcome, Maureen. Thank you for reading :) ✨

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It's far less disturbing than the Mezzotint! The dramatisation of that a couple of years ago, I think Rory Kinnear was in it, scared the bejesus out of me!

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It was difficult to decide which of his wonderfully spooky stories to share 🤎✨

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