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 (1974 film) named "Swallow", they meet the Blackett children (Nancy and Peggy) who sail a dinghy named "Amazon". The Walkers camp on an island in the lake while the Blacketts live in their house nearby. However, they soon realise this has been the territory of the two other girls who sail the "Amazon", and the scene is set for serious rivalry. Eventually they make friends and agree to join forces against a common enemy – the Blacketts' Uncle Jim whom they call "Captain Flint" (after the character in "Treasure Island"). Uncle Jim, normally an ally of his nieces, has withdrawn from their