King of the Castle (TV series)

Did You Know?

• The complete series was released by Network DVD exclusively through their online website on 8 June 2009.
• Episode 3 no longer exists in the archives in any broadcast quality format; the DVD version is sourced from an off-air VHS videocassette recording.
• The Guinness Book of Classic British TV noted King of the Castle as one of several prominent ITV telefantasy series for younger viewers in this period.

Production

The series was written by Bob Baker and Dave Martin. It centres on Roland Wright, a lonely boy living unhappily in a council flat with his father Ron and stepmother June. After escaping local bullies in a malfunctioning lift, Roland is transported to a strange fantasy environment where people and places are twisted versions of his real life. HTV spent £300,000 on the production, a large sum for a children's programme, and spent nine months auditioning 200 actors for the role of Roland. Originally intended for a children's television slot, ITV's Network Planning Committee deemed it too scary for children to watch alone, delaying it four months. It eventually aired in a Sunday teatime slot for parents and children to watch together. Philip Da Costa starred as Roland, with Talfryn Thomas, Fulton Mackay, Milton Johns, and Angela Richards in other prominent roles.

Episode guide

The seven episodes, each 30 minutes including advertisements, aired on Sundays at 17:45 or 17:00. Episode 1 (8 May 1977) introduces Roland Wright, who has just moved into a new block of flats with a broken lift and dangerous staircase; being bright and intelligent, he is a natural victim for the Ripper, leader of a gang haunting the stairways. In Episode 2 (15 May 1977), Roland wakes in the strange world of the Castle and meets Vein, the keeper of the keys. Episode 3 (22 May 1977) sees Roland fleeing from Hawkspur and Ergon, confronting the Warrior, and meeting the Lady, a glamorous self-styled clairvoyant. In Episode 4 (29 May 1977), Roland is captured by a castle guard and sent to the kitchens as a skivvy; he plans to escape but is betrayed and trapped. Episode 5 (5 June 1977) has Roland arguing his case before the Lord, getting through the ante-chamber to face the Warrior. In Episode 6 (12 June 1977), Roland decides to make numerous changes before escaping, but everyone plots against him. Episode 7 (19 June 1977) puts Roland on trial with hostile witnesses, leading to a final confrontation with his old enemy Ripper. Episodes 1 and 2 were directed by Peter Hammond; Episodes 3, 5, and 7 by Terry Harding; and Episodes 4 and 6 by Leonard White. For the sword fight in Episode 5, John V. Clarke of the British Kendo Association acted as fight adviser and received an on-screen credit.