Moondial

"Moondial" is a captivating British television series that initially ran on BBC1 in 1988. The program, which setup is primarily fantasy-oriented, builds on a supernatural narrative interspersed with elements of time-travel and historical storytelling. The series, created by Helen Cresswell, is an adaptation from her wonderful 1987 children's book of the same name and reflects her skill at spinning highly imaginative yarns that can captivate both children and adults.

The central character of this atmospheric series is a young girl named Minty (Siri Neal), who is moved to live with her aunt Mary (Jacqueline Pearce) when her mother falls into a coma after a car accident. The aunt's house is adjacent to an old manor house named Belton House, which now operates as an open-to-the-public Trust property. It's in the grounds of this house that Minty finds a mysterious sundial, which is nicknamed, the ‘Moondial.’ This time-machine-like device sends Minty back into different historical periods where she encounters two other children, ghosts from the past, who are facing perilous situations.

One of these children is a Victorian boy named Tom (Tony Sands) who is tormented by a sadistic maidservant and the other is a disabled Regency girl named Sarah (Helena Avellano), who has been locked away for being different. Both Tom and Sarah are characters who touchingly reveal the harsh realities of childhood in those times. The irony here is that while the manor house seems more welcoming to visitors in Minty's own time, in the past it has been a place of isolation, suffering, and terror for the children living there.

However, where Moondial shines is in its depiction of the relationships that Minty develops with Tom and Sarah. Throughout the series, Minty is deeply committed to helping her newfound friends overcome their individual adversities, despite the chasm of time that separates them. The idea of a common human bond, transcending eras, is one of the integral themes of this series.

Notably, Moondial also manages to deliver a deep social commentary without being overtly preachy. The narrative subtly tackles issues like child labor, disability prejudice, and social class disparities. These realities are smartly integrated into the storyline, allowing viewers to appreciate and understand the historical perspectives presented. As such, Moondial can be an excellent introductory show for younger viewers to learn about the different facets of life in the Victorian and Regency eras of Britain.

The series is also enriched by its brilliant resources, both in terms of cast and location. Siri Neal, Tony Sands, and Helena Avellano all deliver extremely believable performances. Moreover, the series, filmed at Belton House, uses this historical backdrop to its advantage. The manor house, its outbuildings, and gardens help to create a respectable, believable world within the past periods depicted. Furthermore, Moondial employs its dark and supernatural elements effectively, creating an ominous atmosphere that permeates the entire series.

The production quality of Moondial is a testament to the capabilities of BBC during the 1980s. Although some might find the pacing slow compared to contemporary shows, the series beautifully builds suspense and intrigue with each episode. The supernatural elements and undertones of gothic fantasy in the cinematography work well, alongside the historical drama and mystery, becoming quintessential to Moondial's unique charm.

Moreover, the music score composed by David Ferguson is both eerie and enchanting, perfectly complementing the aura of the series. The Moondial's theme music is particularly haunting and etches itself in viewer's memories even years after watching the series.

In conclusion, Moondial is a beautifully realized adaptation that brilliantly brings together elements of history, supernatural, and social commentary in a digestible narrative for a younger audience. While it might be over 30 years old, the series continues to hold relevance and poignancy due to its timeless themes of friendship, courage, and empathy. "Moondial" remains a riveting watch and a testament to the storytelling prowess of Helen Cresswell. It’s a must-watch for fans of fantasy, time-travel, and historical drama genres.