The macabre world of Dahl: ‘Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected’ – Series 1

Recently I was in a store and noticed a new DVD of the BBC production of ‘Esio Trot‘, starring Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman. It goes without saying I recommend you watch it, anything by Roald Dahl, one of the best storytellers, is worthwhile. But actually seeing the cover of Esio Trot immediately reminded me of another great series of Roald Dahl’s, the television version of his short tales ‘Tales of the Unexpected’, originally titled as ‘Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected’. I have seen various episodes but not all. I have just commenced watching Series 1 to fill in the gaps.

This series is special to me for many reasons. Firstly, Dahl not only wrote the original stories and scripts but he also presented the first two seasons of the series. He gives some insights into his writing and personal anecdotes. It also for me added a special, British, literary tone to the stories. You almost feel like you are at home with Dahl and he is about to tell you a story in front of the fire. He has also presenter for a suspense series called Way Out. I have found some episodes on Youtube and added them to a playlist on the Eye For The Screen channel.

Secondly, the series features some very well known actors. Although the series was produced on rather a low budget you can see that some high calibre stars jumped at the chance to be involved in a Roald Dahl production.

Thirdly, again, those stars were a mixture of British and American stars. I find it rather unique in itself. You can clearly hear this continental mixture of British and American accents suggests to me whether intentionally or not, a shared love of Dahl’s story. It is also represents his own life. He lived in New York for many years as he was married for to Patricia Neal for thirty years.

Finally, the stories themselves are so strange and also, truly you often don’t expect what is going to happen in the end. And even if you do, there is a strange, dark splendour in the characters. It is as Roald says in one of his presentations, amazing how dastardly cruel people can be too each other. I love the decent strong female roles, and the dark humour.

Also please don’t be put off by the opening titles. The silhouette image of the woman dancing and the rotating tarot cards, devil imagery and so forth are again indicative of the low budget of this series. 112 episodes of this program, Dahl was only involved with 33 of them as a writer or host. See here for details of which episodes can be credited to Roald Dahl: http://www.roalddahlfans.com/tvshows/tale.php

Series 1
* The series commences with Man From The South starring José Ferrer, and a young Pamela Stephenson in a supporting role, notable performance for me at the end was Mexican actress Katy Jurado. shot on location in Jamaica.
* Poor Julie Harris seemed to be lumbered twice with less than favourable marriages to horrid husbands. First in her role as Mrs Bixby in Series 1 Episode 2 ‘Mrs Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat’ and then as Mrs Foster in the Series 1 Episode 3 ‘The Way Up to Heaven’.
* In Episode 3 ‘William and Mary‘, another version of this story was presented in Dahl earlier  TV series Way Out. Elaine Richter (Mary) is so naturally cast.
* ‘Lamb to the slaughter‘, episode 4 is probably one of the best in just sheer simplicity of murderous plot with Susan George as Mary (another Mary, is there a theme here?) and Brian Blessed. Although you can’t help thinking that there is theme of bad marriages in each episode. * Susan also features in Episode 1 of Series 2 ‘Royal Jelly’.
* I really loved Episode 7 ‘Edward The Conqueror‘ with Wendy Hiller and Joseph Cotten (Citizen Kane, Third Man). The reincarnation theme, a demonstration of Dahl’s love of the supernatural.
* Probably my least favourites are ‘Neck‘ and ‘Dip in the Pool‘ but of course make up your own mind.

Sources:
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tales_of_the_Unexpected_(TV_series)
* http://www.talesoftheunexpectedtvseries.co.uk/
* http://www.roalddahlfans.com/
* http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075592/?ref_=tt_ov_inf