Swallows and Amazons series and observed, "It is the portrayal of this spirit which makes play a matter of desperate yet enjoyable earnestness which gives their distinctive stamp to Mr. Ransome's books. ... Because he understands the whole-heartedness of youth he can invest a momentary experiment, such as young Roger's Indian scout work, with real suspense." In 1963, the BBC screened a television series starring Susan George as 'Kitty' (changed from Titty), which was violently disliked by Arthur Ransome. The six-part series aired in September and October 1963. In 1974, EMI produced a film version of the "Swallows and Amazons", starring Virginia McKenna and
Swallows and Amazons middle of an English lake is thrilling just because it is not fabulous. […] It is make-believe such as all children have indulged in: even children who have not been so fortunate as to have a lake and a boat and an island but only a backyard amongst the semis of Suburbia." In 1963, the BBC produced an adaptation, "Swallows and Amazons," with John Paul as "Captain Flint" and Susan George as the renamed "Kitty". The series was directed by Peter Saunders. EMI released a version in 1974, directed by Claude Whatham and produced by Richard Pilbrow. The film starred