DVD Review: The Owl Service (1969)

Remember The Owl Service? Me neither - but after watching the newly-released DVD version of the 1969 teen drama, it's a show that will certainly stick in my mind for some time.

Set on a remote Welsh farm, The Owl Service mixes family intrigue with ancient legend in a complex tale that will require more than just casual viewing. Based on Alan Garner's 1967 novel, the tale revolves around a family brought together by marriage - Clive and his son Roger, plus the (unseen) Margaret and her daughter Alison (played by Gillian Hills - better known for appearing in A Clockwork Orange, Blow-Up and Beat Girl). They are joined by housekeeper Nancy and her son Gwyn.

One day, Alison hears a scratching in the loft and asks Gwyn to investigate - but he finds nothing but some plates with owls on them (The Owl Service). Seems fairly innocuous, but it kicks off a stream of events that see Alison becoming obsessed with the owls, cutting them out in secret, as well as developing a relationship with Gwyn.

And there are other things afoot too. A strange stone by the river (the Stone of Gronw) and a mysterious gardener (Huw Halfbacon), plus photos taken by Roger which seem to show a man throwing a spear and another on a motorbike - images that have a significance to the past. And housekeeper Nancy has a tale too - claiming a romance with the previous owner, which should have seen the house come into her hands. Initially, all seem like fairly random events, but as the days pass, their relevance to each other and to the legend that surrounds the Stone of Gronw becomes clear.

I'm guessing all that sounds pretty vague - intentionally so, as I don't want to give away all the twists and turns that make The Owl Service so watchable. Indeed, outside of the stunning Welsh scenery, the story is everything here - every episode adding a piece of the jigsaw to both the legend, recent history and the roles of the people in the house to the ancient tale. And it all builds to a rather startling, surreal and slightly dark conclusion as the slow pace gives way to final scenes which quite honestly, are pretty much impossible to explain.

But there is a negative side, The Owl Service is unlikely to be for everyone. A slow drama based around an old Welsh legend and lasting over three hours might well be a toil for all but the dedicated. And the complex plot isn't the easiest thing to get to grips with - leave the room for 10 minutes and you'll struggle to get back into it. I pity the anyone who missed an episode of the original transmission!

But these are just minor criticisms. If you're on the look out for an intelligent vintage drama, especially if you love the odd folk tale, The Wicker Man or that late 60s hippy vibe, The Owl Service will be right up your street. They really don't make teen dramas like this anymore. Maybe they should.

Extras on the DVD:

Alan Garner documentary
Image gallery

Find out more about the DVD at Amazon.co.uk