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.
search 100 Things We Learned From Film wherever you get your podcasts
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
💾 Support the Show:
Want your own 60-second film fact bomb made just for you, a shoutout and a chance for your very own fave film rubbished?
Join the cult at 👉 patreon.com/100thingsfilm
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.