The story 'Three Miles Up' by Elizabeth Jane Howard is a compelling take on the modern supernatural tale, set on a canal barge with a mysterious young woman. The TV adaptation changes some elements but fails to capture the enigmatic power of the original.
Elizabeth Jane Howard's 'Three Miles Up' is a standout ghost story, originally published in 1951. The tale follows two friends on a canal holiday who encounter a mysterious young woman, leading to a chilling and enigmatic conclusion. The story's setting and atmosphere make it a powerful and memorable read. The TV adaptation, part of the short-lived series 'Ghosts,' alters some elements, including making the two men brothers and adding a backstory about their mother's death. While the adaptation offers an interesting attempt to update the story, it lacks the subtle power and enigmatic ending of the original. Fans of the original tale may find the TV version disappointing, but it still holds some merit as an interpretation of Howard's work.
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If, like me, you are a fan of the original story I doubt this version will take it's place in your affections but it's an interesting attempt at updating and filming one of the finest takes on the modern supernatural tale.
The original tale sets two friends, one recovering from a breakdown, on a canal holiday that they are woefully ill-prepared for and soon fall to bickering before the discovery of a young woman asleep near the canal who agrees to travel with them sets them down a very different ~~path~~ canal.
The TV version made for the short lived mid 90s series 'Ghosts' changes some elements of the story making the two men brothers (played by Douglas Henshall & Dan Mullane, with Jacqueline Leonard playing the mysterious Sara) and adding in a slightly confused and overwrought back story regarding the death of their mother that allows the actors chance to chew some scenery and for the director to bring the story to a more definite close than the more powerful and enigmatic ending of the original.