The BBC TV adaptation of the The Box of Delights was broadcast in six parts between 21 November and 24 December in 1984. Featuring notable British actors Patrick Troughton, Robert Stephens, Patricia Quinn, John Horsley and James Grout, the book was written by John Masefield (poet laureate from 1930 until he died in 1967) and published in 1935.
50dw50 @50dw50 its the music that stuck with me the most over the years, the theme was hauntingYes, I love that, so creepy and unsettling, then segues into the Christmas Carol. (The theme's an orchestral arrangement of "The First Nowell" from the Carol Symphony by Victor Hely-Hutchinson.)
50dw50 @50dw50 until it goes all Arc of Infinity at the end!
Ha! Yes, true. Same composer, of course (Roger Limb).
John Mark Frankland @JMFrankland · is really a 'Season 6b' story, taking place shortly before the Doctor's forced regeneration and exile.It did always strike me that Sydney Newman's proposals for season 23 were simply based off seeing this!
1. When the Wolves Were Running
Love that theme tune, so creepy and dark winter nights, then it grows into the carol.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Wonderful visuals in the opening titles too
We meet young boy Kay Harper, who's lost his ticket.
A mysterious stranger, Cole Hawlings, points it out at his feet...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Kay has to hurry to catch the next train but in the book he has a 40 minute wait in the bitter cold.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · I must read the book and listen to the audioplay to see how they differ
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · and I bet you've got the T-Shirt? ;-)
Steve Powner @StevePowner · It's on order lol
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · I have the radio play - Was a present three years ago and have listened every year since!
Kay helps Hawlings with his luggage.
"My name is Harker, Kay Harker!"
"Yes, I do know..."
Love that theme tune, so creepy and dark winter nights, then it grows into the carol.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Wonderful visuals in the opening titles too We meet young boy Kay Harper, who's lost his ticket.
A mysterious stranger, Cole Hawlings, points it out at his feet...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Kay has to hurry to catch the next train but in the book he has a 40 minute wait in the bitter cold. Steve Powner @StevePowner · I must read the book and listen to the audioplay to see how they differMark Walker @Mark_Walker · and I bet you've got the T-Shirt? ;-)Steve Powner @StevePowner · It's on order lolBOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · I have the radio play - Was a present three years ago and have listened every year since!Kay helps Hawlings with his luggage.
"My name is Harker, Kay Harker!"
"Yes, I do know..."
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · 2nd Doctor goes all Worzel Gummidge!
"Scarecrow!"
Back on the train he encounters two strange figures...
It's Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe.
The two strangers insist on a game of cards...
...and reveal vicar's collars to press him into playing for money.
These two aren't all they seem, though...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Brilliantly portrayed too Ha Ha What?
It's Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe.
The two strangers insist on a game of cards...
...and reveal vicar's collars to press him into playing for money.
These two aren't all they seem, though...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Brilliantly portrayed too Ha Ha What? 
Kay arrives at the station and is met by his governess Caroline Louisa.
He's been pickpocketed!
Kay wants to offer Cole Hawlings a lift but he declines.
The secrets of his Punch and Judy show aren't for everyone.
Hawlings has a warning; the wolves are running...
...and he asks a favour.
Kay must find the old lady with a ring like his.
Kay doesn't believe the clergymen would have stolen from him; nor the old man...
It's Caroline Louisa who has to cough up when Kay wants to go to the local Greggs.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · he likes the muffin!
He spots an old woman, but she vanishes...
They watch a gang of Alsatians running alongside them. They remind Caroline Louisa of wolves...
Here we meet the other children, Peter, the gun-toting Maria and the "more sensible sisters" Susan and Jemima.
Later, walking through the snow, Kay encounters a man on horseback...
They watch a gang of Alsatians running alongside them. They remind Caroline Louisa of wolves...
Here we meet the other children, Peter, the gun-toting Maria and the "more sensible sisters" Susan and Jemima.
Later, walking through the snow, Kay encounters a man on horseback...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "If you see someone, say someone is safe!" 
...and then the vanishing woman again.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "The Drop Of Dew!"
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker ·I reckon this kid has been eating 'special' muffins. Or just dropping some acid!
The "Drop of Dew" is a little tavern, where Kay finds Cole Hawkins by the fireside, and tells him 'Someone is safe'.
Hawlings agrees to put on his Punch & Judy show, and shows Kay the eponymous Box of Delights.
The box shows him a phoenix in the fire...
The animated sequences in this are wonderful; charming and magical. Credit to Ian Emes.
Hawlings agrees to put on his Punch & Judy show, and shows Kay the eponymous Box of Delights.
The box shows him a phoenix in the fire...
The animated sequences in this are wonderful; charming and magical. Credit to Ian Emes.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · they definitely add to my 'acid trip' theory!
Hawlings is being pursued by wolves, he says.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "What do you mean, by wolves..."Hawlings' Punch & Judy show goes down a storm with the children...
...and is followed by the arrival of some carollers.
The Bishop of Tatchester is played by John Horsley, who was Doc in the Fall and Rise of Reginal Perrin.
The Bishop of Tatchester invites Hawlings to the party at the palace(!)
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · The Christmas party at the bishop's palace in Tatchester and you're all invited! 
Hawlings spots a painting of the swiss alps by Kay's Grandfather...
...and uses the Box of Delights to disappear inside it.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Cole going into the painting one of the iconic scenes of The Box of Delights 
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Wonderful scene, "come on, Barney Dog!" 
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · Do you think he'll turn up on Gallifrey? Cup-a-soup! 
Caroline Louisa has to go away to visit her sick brother. Kay takes the opportunity to have Jim take him into town.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Shocking child abandonment
It's Home Alone done right! ;-P
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Shocking child abandonment It's Home Alone done right! ;-P
Xander @Rednax42 · I thought the call about her brother's illness was faked by Abner's gang to get her out of the way
That's the suspicion, yeah - she's either abducted on the way there, or on the way back...
Kay overhears a villainous encounter, as we Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe report back to their boss...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · "As for that boy...!"
Rat is played by Bill Wallis, familiar to Blackadder fans as Ploppy (II) and Brigadier General Smith (Goes Forth).
Kay overhears a villainous encounter, as we Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe report back to their boss...
Abner Brown. He's played by Robert Stephens.
Sir Robert Graham Stephens (14 July 1931 – 12 November 1995) was a leading English actor in the early years of Britain's Royal National Theatre. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation and was at one time regarded as the natural successor to Laurence Olivier. He was married to Dame Maggie Smith between 1967 and 1974, and is the father of one-time Bond villain, Toby Stephens (Die Another Day). He voiced Aragorn in the acclaimed 1981 BBC Radio serialisation of The Lord of the Rings.
Abner Brown summons his spy - Rat.
Rat's green cheese looks particularly rancid...
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · Cup-a-green cheese!
Rat tells Abner that the old man will be at King Arthur's camp.
Abner wants the power the Box of Delights will give him.
Sir Robert Graham Stephens (14 July 1931 – 12 November 1995) was a leading English actor in the early years of Britain's Royal National Theatre. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation and was at one time regarded as the natural successor to Laurence Olivier. He was married to Dame Maggie Smith between 1967 and 1974, and is the father of one-time Bond villain, Toby Stephens (Die Another Day). He voiced Aragorn in the acclaimed 1981 BBC Radio serialisation of The Lord of the Rings.
Abner Brown summons his spy - Rat.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · Cup-a-green cheese! Rat tells Abner that the old man will be at King Arthur's camp.
Abner wants the power the Box of Delights will give him.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · "As for that boy...!" Rat is played by Bill Wallis, familiar to Blackadder fans as Ploppy (II) and Brigadier General Smith (Goes Forth).
Back home, Kay waits till night time...
...then sneaks out in the snow.
There he finds a friendly pony.
He'll have to keep an eye out for Wampas, don't want to end up finding out if Pony smells bad on the inside...
...then sneaks out in the snow.
There he finds a friendly pony.
He'll have to keep an eye out for Wampas, don't want to end up finding out if Pony smells bad on the inside...
They're chased by the wolves...
...and have to make an amazing jump to reach the safety of the camp!
And that's the end of part 1!
Love that scary looming wolf face at the end of the credits...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · One of the best opening episodes ever sets up the magic and mystery beautifully
...and have to make an amazing jump to reach the safety of the camp!
And that's the end of part 1!
Steve Powner @StevePowner · One of the best opening episodes ever sets up the magic and mystery beautifully
2. Where Shall the 'nighted Showman Go?
Pony knows more than one trick and leaps into the camp, where Kay is soon doing battle with the wolves...
Inside the camp, he's given a sword by a knight, and the 2 fight off the attackers.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · he seems to relish slaying those animals, the bloodthirsty little git! 
A woman with a torch rushes towards him and he sees a wolf in the flames...
But he only sees these things because Cole Hawlings is here.
Hawlings entrusts the Box of Delights to Kay because the wolves after his box know new magic he can't guard against...
There's a button on the box that can make him go small, or swift...
Kay presses to go swift & is thrown in the air to fly home...
...where he wakes in bed, with the Box of Delights to show it wasn't a dream. Was it?
Peter tells him Caroline Louisa naffing off is the purple pim. He just tells it like it is, we were all thinking it.
The next morning, Kay and Peter trudge out into a snowy field, where they see a gang of men abduct Hawlings...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Well, they scrobbled the old man. 
Is that really a plane...? (we'll see later on!).
The boys seek help from Chief Superintendent Strange off of Morse.
Lisa P & Andrew T @lisacartman · A true Blllloodhound Of The Law! :-) 
"Condicot Seven Thousand? Yeeees. I seeeeee."
The Inspector claims it's Hawlings on the phone, that he was having "his licence checked" to perform at the party. 30s version of a DBS check, presumably.
An almost suspiciously plausible explanation... but was that really Hawlings on the phone?
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · I think not, personally ... Interesting debate about this!The "bloodhound of the law" offers them eggs.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · And after Christmas visit the pet rabbits.When they get home, the others have made a snowman, but Ellen scolds them for getting cold & wet.
Peter is enjoying all the intrigue as the boys spot Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe digging for the Box of Delights only to give up.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Wonderful snow scenes filmed at @RaemoirHouse 
Their car heads off, but as the boys turn around, it's a plane in the sky they see tearing away...
Kay decides it's time to open the Box of Delights. God knows what the others think he's doing alone in his room...
Inside the Box of Delights...
...is the forest home of Herne the Hunter.
He transforms himself & Kay into stags...
They're pursued by wolves, so they become ducks...
A hawk dives, so they become fish...
When a Pike looms they return through the woods as stags and Kay leaves the forest.
Only 2 minutes have passed!
Kay uses the box to go small and climbs down a hole in the floorboards.
Kay meets an ice-skating mouse, whose help he needs to find Rat and Abner.
...is the forest home of Herne the Hunter.
He transforms himself & Kay into stags...
They're pursued by wolves, so they become ducks...
A hawk dives, so they become fish...
When a Pike looms they return through the woods as stags and Kay leaves the forest.
Only 2 minutes have passed!
Kay uses the box to go small and climbs down a hole in the floorboards.
Kay meets an ice-skating mouse, whose help he needs to find Rat and Abner.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · It's a bit of a perilous adventure, there's some terrible characters between there and the Prince Rupert Arms. 
They have to go swift when they bump into some garrulous pirate rats! (Pi-rats?)
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Ah those pirate rats! "Sing diddle diddle dol" 
They reach Abner, scheming and lighting matches, cursing Kay's nosiness.
"What I won't do to that boy!"
End of part 2!
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · what he won't do to that boy! Operation Yewtree alert!By the way...
Yes, *that* Nick Berry, him off of Eastenders and Heartbeat!
3. In Darkest Cellars Underneath
And into Episode 3!
It's probably a good point to point out that The Box of Delights is actually a sequel to Masefield's earlier "The Midnight Folk."
The Midnight Folk was first published in 1927, and in it Kay Harker sets out to discover what became of a fortune stolen from his seafaring great grandfather. The treasure is also sought by a coven of witches who are also seeking it for their own ends. Kay's governess Sylvia Daisy Pouncer is a member of the coven. The witches are led or guided by the wizard Abner Brown. Sylvia Daisy Pouncer dishonourably leaves her role as Kay’s governess at the end of The Midnight Folk, only to return as Abner Brown’s wife in The Box of Delights.
Kay Harker is aided in his quest by various talking animals, most notably Nibbins the cat, who used to be a witch's cat but has reformed. There are two other household cats: the main antagonist is Blackmalkin, and he is aided by the mysterious Greymalkin.
Kay experiences various adventures - sailing on the high seas, swimming with mermaids, flying on broomsticks. At one point in the novel he manages to see into the past. Many maternal characters appear in the book, one takes Kay on a nocturnal ride on a magical horse. She then reappears at the end of the book as Caroline Louisa, Kay's new governess. She tells Kay, "..I loved your mother...". It is possible that she represents Masefield's memory of his own mother who died when he was very young.
Kay's toys (known as "the guards") have been taken away from him at the start of the book, apparently because they will remind him of his parents; there is a strong implication that Kay's parents are deceased. The guards play little part in the main narrative but have a critical role in the final recovery of the treasure.
Caroline Louisa is installed as Kay’s governess at the end of The Midnight Folk, having appeared earlier in the novel as one of Kay’s supernatural helpers. She remains Kay’s governess throughout The Box of Delights.
Abner Brown is the principal villain in both novels, but plays a more prominent role in The Box of Delights.
Sylvia Daisy Pouncer, witch & ex-governess to Kay was one of the villains of the Midnight Folk. Now she's Abner's wife!
It's Patricia Quinn playing Pouncer; She was Lavilla in I, Claudius and Belazs in Dragonfire.
Abner explodes when the useless rats are unable to explain where Hawlings has hidden the Box.
Abner thinks the Box of Delights may have been passed to Caroline Louisa. Sylvia Daisy Pouncer fingers the bishop...
"Charles and his infernal ha ha what! He's in charge of hobbling and scrobbling and it all goes wrong!"
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · They can't get rid of good old Foxy Faced Charles!
Abner has had the trigger-happy Maria summoned. Whose side is she on?
"They know I can take care of myself. I've generally got a pistol or two about me & I'm a dead shot with both hands."
Christina Hollis @ChristinaBooks · Ah, my role model—which is how I led a scrobble-free childhood.
Xander @Rednax42 · Or maybe...
Kay and Mouse scarper and Kay is able to reappear before the others notice he's been gone.
It seems Maria has gone off in a strange car. Kay already knows where.
Ellen's had a call from Caroline Louisa saying she'll be home on tonight's train. Not holding my breath.
Kay goes to ask Mrs. Calamine who her guests were. They've given false names...
"Abner? That's a foreign name, is it not?"
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · But Mrs Boddledale wears the most lovely jewels.
The inspector is no use, again.
Kay & Peter see the Punch & Judy show at the bishop's party, but despite what he says, that wasn't Hawlings' voice...
The bishop has a christmas present for all the children.
Look at the size of that tree, Jamie.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Real 1930's toys on the Christmas tree at the bishop's Christmas party at Tatchester including a Meccano plane and games.
Kay had completely forgotten Maria isn't there. Charming.
While they were at the party, the bishop's palace has been burgled! Was Maria in on it? That *would* be the purple pim!!
Surprise, surprise, Caroline Louisa wasn't on the train...
Peter practically pisses himself when Ellen suggests calling the useless inspector.
Ellen gets her Mary Berry on and rustles up a posset for Kay.
In his dreams, Kay recalls the white rider, King Arthur's camp and the running wolves...
He encounters some Roman soldiers in the snowy woods...
He sees an old woman, who becomes Caroline Louisa.
She's replaced by Abner...
...and the wolf!
In the morning there's a telegram from Caroline Louisa saying she had to turn back to her brother's due to floods. Yeah, right.
While the children play by the river, Abner's gang arrive.
Kay has a plan to escape...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · All hold hands!
Kay's made them all go small so they can use the toy boat to escape the gang...
...but at that size they're headed for something of a waterfall!
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "DO SOMETHING" shouts Peter!
4. The Spider in the Web
It's Patricia Quinn playing Pouncer; She was Lavilla in I, Claudius and Belazs in Dragonfire.
Abner explodes when the useless rats are unable to explain where Hawlings has hidden the Box.
Abner thinks the Box of Delights may have been passed to Caroline Louisa. Sylvia Daisy Pouncer fingers the bishop...
"Charles and his infernal ha ha what! He's in charge of hobbling and scrobbling and it all goes wrong!"
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · They can't get rid of good old Foxy Faced Charles!Abner has had the trigger-happy Maria summoned. Whose side is she on?
"They know I can take care of myself. I've generally got a pistol or two about me & I'm a dead shot with both hands."
Christina Hollis @ChristinaBooks · Ah, my role model—which is how I led a scrobble-free childhood.Xander @Rednax42 · Or maybe...Kay and Mouse scarper and Kay is able to reappear before the others notice he's been gone.
It seems Maria has gone off in a strange car. Kay already knows where.
Ellen's had a call from Caroline Louisa saying she'll be home on tonight's train. Not holding my breath.
Kay goes to ask Mrs. Calamine who her guests were. They've given false names...
"Abner? That's a foreign name, is it not?"
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · But Mrs Boddledale wears the most lovely jewels.The inspector is no use, again.
Kay & Peter see the Punch & Judy show at the bishop's party, but despite what he says, that wasn't Hawlings' voice...
The bishop has a christmas present for all the children.
Look at the size of that tree, Jamie.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Real 1930's toys on the Christmas tree at the bishop's Christmas party at Tatchester including a Meccano plane and games. Kay had completely forgotten Maria isn't there. Charming.
While they were at the party, the bishop's palace has been burgled! Was Maria in on it? That *would* be the purple pim!!
Surprise, surprise, Caroline Louisa wasn't on the train...
Peter practically pisses himself when Ellen suggests calling the useless inspector.
Ellen gets her Mary Berry on and rustles up a posset for Kay.
In his dreams, Kay recalls the white rider, King Arthur's camp and the running wolves...
He encounters some Roman soldiers in the snowy woods...
He sees an old woman, who becomes Caroline Louisa.
She's replaced by Abner...
...and the wolf!
In the morning there's a telegram from Caroline Louisa saying she had to turn back to her brother's due to floods. Yeah, right.
While the children play by the river, Abner's gang arrive.
Kay has a plan to escape...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · All hold hands! Kay's made them all go small so they can use the toy boat to escape the gang...
...but at that size they're headed for something of a waterfall!
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "DO SOMETHING" shouts Peter! 4. The Spider in the Web
Will they survive as we start episode 4? Of course!
Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe are in pursuit, but fail to spot the miniature children, even at the stream's edge.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "Must have set the boat down the mill race. Better check under the bridge!" 
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · "What I want to know is where are the servants!"
"ELLEN why did you leave the house!"
Someone tried to trick Ellen away, and ransacked the place in the meantime.
Maria's back! And now we get to hear her tale of her encounter with Abner's gang...
Maria got in a taxi, whose driver turned out to be Foxy Faced Charles...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Scrobbled! It happens to the best of us.
She claims the car became a silent plane, and took her to an underground tunnel.
There she was led to a cell, where Sylvia Daisy Pouncer tries to recruit her to be an agent in their "business community."
Abner quizzes Maria but she's having none of it, so Sylvia Daisy Pouncer threatens her with the scrounger. Bloody UKIPper.
Kay and Peter fly to the woods to try to track down the hideout where Maria had been held.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Chester Hills. At Hope-Under-Chesters. When there were men dressed as curates and picked Kay's pockets.
"What a place!" It gives Peter the fantods, apparently.
Abner and Charles go for a "bracing" swim. "Bloody freezing" more like!
Kay and Peter watch in amazement as the flying car descends...
(By the way The Box of Delights was published 1935, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1964, so tut tut, Ian Fleming!)
Kay nearly gives himself away to Abner & Charles, but though he's lucky...
...Peter isn't, and they capture him!
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Scrobbled Peter.. well.. that's just the purple pim.
Someone tried to trick Ellen away, and ransacked the place in the meantime.
Maria's back! And now we get to hear her tale of her encounter with Abner's gang...
Maria got in a taxi, whose driver turned out to be Foxy Faced Charles...
Steve Powner @StevePowner · Scrobbled! It happens to the best of us. She claims the car became a silent plane, and took her to an underground tunnel.
There she was led to a cell, where Sylvia Daisy Pouncer tries to recruit her to be an agent in their "business community."
Abner quizzes Maria but she's having none of it, so Sylvia Daisy Pouncer threatens her with the scrounger. Bloody UKIPper.
Kay and Peter fly to the woods to try to track down the hideout where Maria had been held.
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Chester Hills. At Hope-Under-Chesters. When there were men dressed as curates and picked Kay's pockets. "What a place!" It gives Peter the fantods, apparently.
Abner and Charles go for a "bracing" swim. "Bloody freezing" more like!
Kay and Peter watch in amazement as the flying car descends...
(By the way The Box of Delights was published 1935, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1964, so tut tut, Ian Fleming!)
Kay nearly gives himself away to Abner & Charles, but though he's lucky...
...Peter isn't, and they capture him!
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Scrobbled Peter.. well.. that's just the purple pim.
Maria insists on going to the inspector.
Guess how much help he is this time...
Maria makes for a much perkier and proactive ally for Kay than purple-pim-obsessed Peter.
Kay has a nightmare of the wolf threatening Caroline Louisa & flies off to find her.
Kay travels to Chester's Theological Training College, where Abner Brown has installed himself, locking away the clergy.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · then he gets brushed off....
He makes his way to Abner Brown's rooms, where Abner spies on Chubby Joe through a magical viewer in a globe.
Abner's made good use of the library; he's interested in the philosopher Ramon Lulley and his elixir of eternal life...
His research has paid dividends.
"You do see who it is, don't you, Joe?"
Guess how much help he is this time...
Maria makes for a much perkier and proactive ally for Kay than purple-pim-obsessed Peter.
Kay has a nightmare of the wolf threatening Caroline Louisa & flies off to find her.
Kay travels to Chester's Theological Training College, where Abner Brown has installed himself, locking away the clergy.
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · then he gets brushed off.... He makes his way to Abner Brown's rooms, where Abner spies on Chubby Joe through a magical viewer in a globe.
Abner's made good use of the library; he's interested in the philosopher Ramon Lulley and his elixir of eternal life...
His research has paid dividends.
"You do see who it is, don't you, Joe?"
Turns out Patrick Troughton's character must be over 700 years old. Well, duh!
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · So he IS a Time Lord!
5. Beware of Yesterday
Kay looks on from the book case as we start Episode Five...
700 year old "Ramon Lully" has the power of the past and of the future in his box of delights...
James Cooray Smith @thejimsmith · Ramon Lull is a real person.
As there's a reward out for the return of the scrobbled, Joe suggests cashing in as a "Christmas gesture."
That's a "no" from Abner.
The inspector says Kay is "a very good lad, apart from his obsession." Not a fan of Calvin Klein.
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · obsession or hobsession ?
Lol! Definitely the latter!
James Cooray Smith @thejimsmith · "Hobsession". He says "Hobsession".
Kay seeks the help of Herne the hunter and is whisked to a winter wonderland...
Kay's plan is to find the original owner of the box, Arnold of Todi.
Herne tells him it's not safe to go into the past himself, but he can send a shadow of himself...
Another fantastic animated sequence...
...as Kay travels into the past and arrives on a Greek beach.
Funny accents these Greeks have got...
They shove him in a boat to maroon him, and another journey begins...
On the island, he meets Arnold of Todi, who can't let Bigons be Bigons...
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · I actually visited his tomb in Palma earlier this year ... But was he really there?
Arnold's busy roasting his banana.
700 year old "Ramon Lully" has the power of the past and of the future in his box of delights...
James Cooray Smith @thejimsmith · Ramon Lull is a real person. As there's a reward out for the return of the scrobbled, Joe suggests cashing in as a "Christmas gesture."
That's a "no" from Abner.
The inspector says Kay is "a very good lad, apart from his obsession." Not a fan of Calvin Klein.
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · obsession or hobsession ? Lol! Definitely the latter!
James Cooray Smith @thejimsmith · "Hobsession". He says "Hobsession". Kay seeks the help of Herne the hunter and is whisked to a winter wonderland...
Kay's plan is to find the original owner of the box, Arnold of Todi.
Herne tells him it's not safe to go into the past himself, but he can send a shadow of himself...
Another fantastic animated sequence...
...as Kay travels into the past and arrives on a Greek beach.
Funny accents these Greeks have got...
They shove him in a boat to maroon him, and another journey begins...
On the island, he meets Arnold of Todi, who can't let Bigons be Bigons...
BOD appreciation soc @Purplepim · I actually visited his tomb in Palma earlier this year ... But was he really there? Arnold's busy roasting his banana.
Steve Powner @StevePowner · the English have tails it is well known :)
Arnold doesn't want to take the Box of Delights, and threatens to blast Kay back to the stone age...
The girls want to know why Kay had locked himself in his room. It's lunch time!
Joe has made up his mind. "I didn't know you had a mind to make up!"
When Joe doubts Abner's magic he summons a snot boy from under a waterfall. As you do.
Kay, having gone small, is now hitching a ride in Abner's turnup. Into the Abner!
Abner goes to the dungeons to grill his prisoners again. "I am stubborn too!"
Abner tricks Joe into a cell of his own and locks him in. "Stay here and rot forever!"
Then Abner goes to check the box where he keeps his other delights...
The waterfall boy told him he'd have the Box of Delights under his hand. He doesn't realize mini Kay is just beside the chest.
Kay is scooped up and shoved in the chest too, but he's dropped the Box of Delights!
Abner plans to ditch the missus and has "one last great wickedness" planned before he goes...
Joe is freed by Charles and Sylvia! Hurrah! They're not that soft, they know Abner will double cross them.
Not to put too fine a point on it, Sylvia, what!
Episode Five ends with Kay freed from the chest, but unconscious on the floor and separated from the Box of Delights...
6. Leave Us Not Little, Nor Yet Dark
The girls want to know why Kay had locked himself in his room. It's lunch time!
Joe has made up his mind. "I didn't know you had a mind to make up!"
When Joe doubts Abner's magic he summons a snot boy from under a waterfall. As you do.
Kay, having gone small, is now hitching a ride in Abner's turnup. Into the Abner!
Abner goes to the dungeons to grill his prisoners again. "I am stubborn too!"
Abner tricks Joe into a cell of his own and locks him in. "Stay here and rot forever!"
Then Abner goes to check the box where he keeps his other delights...
The waterfall boy told him he'd have the Box of Delights under his hand. He doesn't realize mini Kay is just beside the chest.
Kay is scooped up and shoved in the chest too, but he's dropped the Box of Delights!
Abner plans to ditch the missus and has "one last great wickedness" planned before he goes...
Joe is freed by Charles and Sylvia! Hurrah! They're not that soft, they know Abner will double cross them.
Not to put too fine a point on it, Sylvia, what!
Episode Five ends with Kay freed from the chest, but unconscious on the floor and separated from the Box of Delights...
6. Leave Us Not Little, Nor Yet Dark
Abner Brown wakes in the dark, and adjourns to his secret lair...
...which he opens by tracing a pentagram on the wall.
...in his sanctum, a golden head is his oracle. It declares Christmas open. Oi, that's Noddy Holder's job!
The head tells him knackering the trains won't do the trick, so Abner summons creatures to attack road and air...
He gives his Animus a bag to sew a blizzard of snow...
He turns the head upside down in a rage, but is met with the same equivocation the Waterfall Boy gave him...
Abner's now-reformed gang free the prisoners and start to creep their way to freedom...
He gives his Animus a bag to sew a blizzard of snow...
He turns the head upside down in a rage, but is met with the same equivocation the Waterfall Boy gave him...
Abner's now-reformed gang free the prisoners and start to creep their way to freedom...
Kay drops the Box of Delights again. Was he really such a great choice to look after it?
Mark Walker @Mark_Walker · no, he's a butter-fingered pillock!Abner interrogates Hawlings/Lully, but he won't play ball.
Abner will blow up the tower and flood its innards at the same time; his "one last great wickedness"!
The Waterfall Boy is summoned again, but defiantly sneers that Abner had the Box of Delights 'under his hand' and didn't even know it...
Hawlings/Lully frees the Waterfall Boy...
...but Abner swears revenge. "I'm going to drown you... like a rat in a trap!"
"The sluice is working perfectly!"
Here come the police!
Abner gives them a "warm reception"!
Hawlings has clocked mini-Kay & invites him into the cell. Even without the Box of Delights he might have enough magic to free them...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · The rummage to find an old piece of lead scene is quite effective.
Hawlings draws a set of keys with his x-ray vision and they're away! Sure, why not!
Hawlings has clocked mini-Kay & invites him into the cell. Even without the Box of Delights he might have enough magic to free them...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · The rummage to find an old piece of lead scene is quite effective.
The water is flooding in now, but actually that helps as Kay can see the glow of the Box of Delights!
They free Peter from the purple pim, but not his hobsession...
With Caroline Louisa in tow, Hawlings decides he needs to Motorboat, so throws his hat in...
At the sluice gate, Abner has one last attempt to thwart their escape... "Who the devil let you out!"
Pouncer is off in his flying car with his jewels. "Did you really think to diddle me?"
Foxy Faced Charles has turned pilot while Chubby Joe drops the blizzard bag and knocks Abner in the water.
"He's fallen in the water!"
They free Peter from the purple pim, but not his hobsession...
With Caroline Louisa in tow, Hawlings decides he needs to Motorboat, so throws his hat in...
At the sluice gate, Abner has one last attempt to thwart their escape... "Who the devil let you out!"
Pouncer is off in his flying car with his jewels. "Did you really think to diddle me?"
Foxy Faced Charles has turned pilot while Chubby Joe drops the blizzard bag and knocks Abner in the water.
"He's fallen in the water!"
Christina Hollis @ChristinaBooks · It's been a long time since I heard that, Neddy.The inspector says they'll never make it through the snow drifts, so Kay tells them all to link arms & they all go swift!
They're met by the old woman and Herne the Hunter on flying sleighs, and taken to the Cathedral...
The bishop has a midnight mass to put on - it's Christmas eve, after all!
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Midnight and the cathedral in darkness, some villain's been fiddlin'. 
Just in the nick of time! The carols start, and Kay & Hawlings watch as the Cathedral is filled with light.
Christina Hollis @ChristinaBooks · I'll go and fetch the tissues. The end always brings tears to my eyes... 
It's soon time for Kay to fly away again, but he seems to hit some turbulence...
...and is woken on the train by Caroline Louisa. "You're home for the holidays!"
It was all a dream! Except... there's Foxy Faced Charles and Chubby Joe...
The Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · Was it a dream or.. the magic of the box! Steve Powner @StevePowner · The magic of the box I wish to believe!
Xander @Rednax42 · Always found the "dream" ending disappointing. At least there's some ambiguity with Joe & Charles (does the story repeat?). I'm pretty sure JKR read Masefield's books as there are many parallels with first Harry Potter book... Philosopher's stone, parent-less protagonist, Abner=Snape/Voldemort, Hawlins=DumbledoreThe Box Of Delights @BoxOfDelights84 · See The Box Of Delights filming location photos including the Severn Valley Railway on our page HERE. 
Scott Collier @Recoill1975
TTFN! K.
Coming Soon... Panto season! Dimensions in Time & The Curse of Fatal Death!
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