Swallows and Amazons (TV series)

Lore & Background

The series of 6 episodes was shot on location on Coniston Water and Windermere. Arthur Ransome, who lived at Hilltop near Haverthwaite, was not impressed: 'They began by proposing to blow up some of the rocks in the Peel Island harbour, and went on from there.' According to Arthur their child-actors were ugly, their Captain Flint was 'common', their script a travesty of his book, their rural characters were made to talk Cockney, and they introduced some Cockney villains. Genia (his wife, who was always discouraging about his books when he was writing them) missed no chance of telling him he was a fool ever to have consented to the project, and he sadly agreed with her.

Reader's Guide

The 1963 BBC television series Swallows and Amazons represents an early adaptation of Arthur Ransome's beloved children's novel. While the series brought the story to a new medium and was shot on the actual Lake District locations described in the book, it is primarily remembered for the author's vehement disapproval. Ransome criticized the casting, script, and the introduction of Cockney-speaking characters and villains, which he felt were a travesty of his work. His wife Genia reinforced his regret over consenting to the project. The series features a cast including John Paul as Captain Flint, David Lott as John Walker, and Susan George as Kitty (renamed from Titty). Despite its historical interest as an early television adaptation, the series did not receive the author's endorsement and remains a footnote in the legacy of the Swallows and Amazons story.

Did You Know?

• The series was shot on location on Coniston Water and Windermere.
• Arthur Ransome lived at Hilltop near Haverthwaite and was not impressed with the adaptation.
• The character Titty was renamed Kitty for the series.
• The series introduced Cockney villains not present in the original novel.