DVD Region 2: Network 7952546. 225 minutes 9 episodes no extras. Price: £19.99 (UK).

check out website: www.networkdvd.co.uk

Six episodes less than series two yet 'Tales Of The Unexpected' still drew in some...er...unexpectedly highly recognised acting talent from the likes of Alfred Burke, Joan Collins, Pauline Collins, Roy Marsden, Joss Ackland, Denholm Elliott, Anthony Valentine and Sir John Gielgud. It's rather interesting that in small parts actors such as Julian Fellowes, Stephanie Cole, Peter Sallis and Amanda Redman (twice in consecutive stories) who all shone even higher in the decades to pass whereas I suspect some of the star names from the 1980s would be meaningless to today's viewers.

These nine stories varied and not all of them were introduced by Roald Dahl, who only wrote two of the original stories used. Whether this was because of the time factor of the stories or not being involved in the selection should be left up to the viewer to decide. Certainly there was enough of a twist in the tale that should keep even those who've never seen this anthology series before guessing.



The story 'The Flypaper' featuring Alfred Burke is certainly the creepiest with a school-girl fearing for her life walks off with the safest option. There are also three con jobs which go wrong as well as three stories where the characters take revenge without getting all the facts.

I'm finding it hard to tell you about the stories without giving the game away. I mean, if I do that then you're not going to want to watch it or be surprised at the end. Being surprised is part of the game here and in that respect, these stories haven't dated that much. 'Tales Of The Unexpected' was a rewarding series to watch back in the 1980s and is certainly worth watching again today if not to reawaken old memories than to swear at the screen at some character's idiocies and comeuppance, getting their just desserts.

It's a shame no one has considered doing a similar anthology series today. There's certainly enough raw material and talent out there to make it work. In the meantime, these stories might not be the most horrific but they'll certainly remind you that we British know how to tell a damn good story.

GF Willmetts