Arabel: The Spiral Stair and Mortimer and the Sword Excalibur

Bernard Cribbins' raven croak is just right for the determined Mortimer and only part of the characterful cast he creates. Arabel has gone to stay with her aunt and uncle, who help run Lord Donisthorpe's zoo, whilst her father is having his 'various' veins treated... Mortimer is imprisoned in the meat safe as a punishment - until he and Arabel save the zoo from animal thieves who start loading limp, doped zebras into their getaway van. All the characterisation, raven noises and sound effects make this a good racy story which was originally broadcast on Jackanory.