The Black Cauldron (1985) with James Swanton

Nov 21, 2025
1h 48m

Episode Description

It's time for one of the most infamous entries in the 80s dark fantasy canon - Disney's boldly ambitious animated epic, The Black Cauldron. Joining our discussion of the film's merits and shortcomings is actor, writer and horror icon James Swanton.


Three wayward witches, an oracular pig, green mist, Welsh mythology, Elmer Bernstein's ondes martenot-heavy score, and one bonechilling villain in the Horned King await.


We share our thoughts on the movie and its themes, some behind the scenes gossip, delve into the nightmarish moments and dream up some ridiculous merch.


How do we feel about Gurgi? Listen and find out!


Art by Ashleigh Jane Cosgrove. Music by Karl Casey at White Bat Audio.


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  • Boxset - reviewing 80s and 90s fantasy TV (including Jim Henson's The Storyteller)
  • Rewind - looking back at fantasy films from before 1980 (including Star Wars)
  • Fast Forward - our thoughts on fantasy movies from 2000 onwards (including The Lord of the Rings)


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