Moondial (TV serial)

Moondial is a British children's television serial broadcast by the BBC in 1988. It is a fantasy drama adapted from the 1986 novel Moondial by Helen Cresswell. The story revolves around Minty Cane, a young girl who, while staying with her aunt in a large country house called Belton House, becomes entangled in supernatural events connected to a mysterious sundial.

Minty is drawn into the past by the moondial, where she encounters two children trapped in different eras: Sarah, a kitchen maid from the 18th century who is frequently abused, and Tom, a crippled boy living during the Victorian period. Minty attempts to help Sarah and Tom escape their respective predicaments while also uncovering the secrets of the house and the nature of the moondial's power.

The serial is known for its atmospheric production, blending elements of historical drama, mystery, and the supernatural. It explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the redemptive power of kindness. Moondial was filmed on location at Belton House in Lincolnshire, a stately home owned by the National Trust, which contributed significantly to the serial's visual appeal and sense of authenticity.

The serial was generally well-received and is considered a classic of children's television from the 1980s. It has been repeated on television and released on DVD, maintaining a dedicated following among those who remember its original broadcast.