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This adaptation of John Wyndham's 1968 novel about a boy visited by a
friendly alien presence is an intelligent retelling for younger audiences. Key
was adapter Anthony Read's decision to ditch the book's point of view figure of
young Matthew Gore's concerned father, and to see events instead from Matthew's
vantage point. At a stroke this removed the ambiguity of the novel, which posed
the question, 'Is it all in Matthew's imagination?' TV craves visuals and when,
in the first episode, the audience see a ball of blue light energy enter a
classroom window and fly into Matthew's head, there can be no doubts about the
alien's existence.
Despite taking Matthew's viewpoint, numerous scenes centred on conversations
between Matthew's mother and father, and giving the production a sophisticated,
adult air (perhaps a tad too adult at times). The complex technical and philosophical
questions Chocky poses of Matthew, regarding human behaviour and technology,
make the presentation distinctly unpatronising.
Read's adaptation inserts many interesting visual scenes to help show not
tell - such as an opening sequence set at the London Planetarium and a cricket
game that Matthew wins with Chocky's assistance. The fusty action of Wyndham's
novel is updated to the digital 1980s, with an Atari games console and infamous
puzzle the Rubik's Cube both attracting Chocky's attention. Slightly grating is
the glossily smug and anodyne Surrey stockbroker belt setting, although James
Hazeldine is never less than convincing as chartered accountant and concerned
parent David Gore.
The serial struck a chord with audiences who had fallen for ET - The
Extra-Terrestrial back in Christmas 1982. Both tales concerned the innocence of
childhood corrupted by adult greed for money and power - with Matthew being
abducted by a cabal desiring Chocky's theories of advanced energy supplies.
The John Wyndham Estate felt it was the best screen adaptation they'd seen
and approved two original sequels written by Read. Both were solid
entertainment, featuring a little less conversation and a little more action
than the original but retreading old ground. In Chocky's Children (1985),
Matthew meets fellow prodigy Albertine Meyer (Anabel Worrell), who has just won
a science scholarship to Cambridge University, but they are spied on by Dr
Deacon (Ed Bishop), a powerful American businessman awaiting Chocky's return. In
Chocky's Challenge (1986), Chocky prodigies from around the world
research anti-gravity power, facing military interference.
Alistair McGown
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1. Chocky's arrival (3:06)
