Episode 187 - The Stone Tape

What happens when cutting-edge science meets ancient ghosts in a crumbling British mansion? This week, John & Planty dive deep into the BBC’s cult classic The Stone Tape Nigel Kneale’s chilling fusion of tech and the supernatural.

We’re unpacking every shocking sound cue, reel-to-reel moment, and experimental psychic theory. You’ll learn about ghostly geology, failed Doctor Whos, and how a 1972 Christmas horror became a timeless slice of sci-fi TV history.

This one’s a proper hauntological rabbit hole.

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About the Film:

Title: The Stone Tape

Air Date: 25 December 1972 (BBC Two)

Written by: Nigel Kneale

Directed by: Peter Sasdy

Produced by: Innes Lloyd

Runtime: 90 minutes

Country: United Kingdom

Genre: Techno-horror / Ghost Story / Sci-Fi

Original Broadcast Format: PAL colour (shot on 2” videotape and 16mm film)

Full Cast & Characters:

Michael Bryant as Peter Brock

Jane Asher as Jill Greeley

Iain Cuthbertson as Roy Collinson

Michael Bates as Eddie Holmes

Reginald Marsh as Hargrave

Tom Chadbon as Stewart

James Cosmo as Maudsley (yes, that James Cosmo)

Philip Trewinnard as Crawshaw

Neil Wilson as Clegg

💥 In This Episode We Cover:

Why The Stone Tape still haunts horror fans

Nigel Kneale’s influence on sci-fi and supernatural TV

What’s “stone tape theory” and how it shaped ghost hunting

cast members from Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, and beyond

The wild production process and location secrets

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