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...

Crown Court TV series

Courtroom drama in which the jury, who were made up of members of the public, would decide the verdict.

Also starring Richard Wilson

This Man Craig

Thought-provoking 1960s drama series that tackled a number of social problems which it addressed with intelligence and sensitivity

Also starring Tom Conti

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

Adventure Weekly

Five budding young reports get involved in a series of adventures.

Also released in 1968

Andy Robson

Based on Frederick Grice's 1969 novel, The Courage of Andy Robson, about a young boy who is uprooted from his life in the pit community of Easington, in 1910, when his father is killed in a mining accident.

Also tagged Teenage Drama

Danger Island

A 12-year old boy overhears two sinister men plotting to assassinate their country's ruler.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

The Feathered Serpent

Studio-bound Children's drama series set in the Aztec period starring former Doctor Who Patrick Troughton; formerly the hero of millions - but here the villain of the piece.

Also tagged Teenage Drama

Lizzie Dripping

BBC children's series about a mischievous 12 year-old girl, Penelope Arbuckle, and her imaginary witch friend who only Penelope (and the TV audience) could see.

Also tagged Childrens Drama

Thora Hird as The First Lady

A female official takes her seat on a local council. But the no-nonsense councillor has to face up to the bureaucracy of both local and central government.

Also released in 1968