Flight of the Heron

Flight of the Heron

1968 - United Kingdom

Epic period drama made by Scottish Television and based on D.K. Broster's 1925 novel centred round fictional events at the time of the non-fictional Jacobite Rebellion of 1746 and leading up to the battle of Culloden. 

Angus MacMartin (Finlay Currie) was the blind soothsayer who foresaw the flight of the heron, which was meant to herald the coming together of a young highland chieftain and an English officer. His prophecy is fulfilled by Ewen Cameron (Ian McCulloch) and Captain Keith Windham (Jon Laurimore), who-although on opposing sides, come to know and respect each other. However, history is set on course for one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on British soil, and one that would tear apart the clan system in Scotland forever. The production was Scottish Television's most expensive at that time for a children's drama and their investment amounted to around 60,000 pounds. Much of this was recouped by repeating the series on the same night but in a late-night slot for adults illustrating the strength of children's drama in the 1960s. Extra credence was given to the series by filming all the location scenes right on the spot where the actual events had taken place some 200 years before. 

The series was adapted for television by Moultrie R. Kelsall. Unfortunately, Finlay Currie passed away shortly after the series was made. Among the supporting cast were Richard Wilson and Tom Conti.

Published on December 12th, 2018. Written by Noel Onely for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Crime Buster

Ray Saxon has a nose for sports racketeers. Working for the Sunday Globe he investigates corruption and murder.

Also released in 1968

Devil in the Fog

"In the beginning this tale tells how I, George, eldest born son of Master Salathiel Treet, strolling player and man of genius, came to have greatness thrust upon me."

Also released in 1968

My Good Woman

Wife is compulsive charity worker much to her husband's frustration.

Also starring Richard Wilson

Circus Boy

A ten-year old boy is adopted by a circus clown after his trapeze artist father is killed in a tragic accident.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

The Baker Street Boys

Based on a group of street urchins whom Conan Doyle recruited on behalf of Holmes to perform various missions, take messages, search London following clues and going to places where the detective himself could not.

Also tagged Teenage Drama

Hot Metal

The Crucible is a new muck-raking tabloid newspaper in London and managing editor Russell Spam is always on the lookout for the latest dirt and gossip.

Also starring Richard Wilson

Father, Dear Father

Generation gap comedy starring middle-aged divorcee Patrick Glover, the author of a series of pulp fiction novels, who is left to bring up his two teenage daughters (Anna and Karen) in trendy Hampstead when his wife, Barbara, runs off to marry his best friend.

Also released in 1968

The Georgian House

Eerie teenage drama series with a time-travel context.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

Brendon Chase

Classic children's story shown over thirteen episodes concerning the Hensman brothers, Robin, John and Harold, who spend eight months living as outlaws in the forest of Brendon Chase.

Also tagged Childrens Drama