ZOOM IN

Best character

At first the gorgeous, golden-haired Irma comes across as a spoiled princess. But cracks soon reveal depths and vulnerabilities, and a girl who desperately to wants to be loved.

Best line

“I’ve met your true father,” Appleyard says to orphaned Sara, icily. “He has horns and a tail and eyes that look the wrong way, and feet with little yellow hooves.”

trivia

The original draft of Joan Lindsay’s novel explained the mystery, with girls encountering a “hole in space” in a final chapter. Her editor convinced her to cut it.

DvD release

The series is out now on DVD. It comes with 10 behind-the-scenes interviews with members of the cast and crew (45 minutes).

unsung hero

Edie Kurzer deserves a special shout-out for her stunning costume design. She recreated the girls’ iconic lace dresses and Appleyard’s darkly gothic and sharply suited wardrobe.