Mister Corbett's Ghost

Mister Corbett's Ghost is a 1987 supernatural television drama starring Paul Scofield, John Huston and Mark Farmer.

It is New Years’ Eve in 1767 in the village of Gospel Oak, and young Benjamin Partridge (Mark Farmer) is apprenticed to the dour apothecary Thomas Corbett (Paul Scofield).

Partridge finishes work at 8pm and prepares to leave to join his family and friends for the celebrations, but Corbett finds more and more tasks for him to complete.

Eventually, much later, just as Partridge is finally allowed to leave, a customer (John Huston) arrives with an order that must be filled immediately and delivered that same night, beyond the dangerous woods where footpads dwell and convicted criminals swing on gibbets.

On delivering it Partridge is made a tempting offer that results in the sudden death of Corbett, who consequently haunts his young apprentice who comes to regret his hasty choice.