Can any one please tell me if they know the title of a short movie or TV film made about the Luxtons'

There were 2 brothers and a sister who were farmers in Devon, UK.

Robert Luxton killed his brother Alan and sister Frances then killed himself.

There is a book about the murders called Earth to Earth by John Cornwell.

There was also a short film made about the incident, presumably a docu-drama.

I am trying to find out the title of this film and whether anyone knows if it is available in any format.

This is all based on an actual occurrence.

Any help will be greatly received.

Poseidon

There was a movie, made in 1981, called "Recluse" which told this story.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poseidon

Can any one please tell me if they know the title of a short movie or TV film made about the Luxtons'

There were 2 brothers and a sister who were farmers in Devon, UK.

Robert Luxton killed his brother Alan and sister Frances then killed himself.

There is a book about the murders called Earth to Earth by John Cornwell.

There was also a short film made about the incident, presumably a docu-drama.

I am trying to find out the title of this film and whether anyone knows if it is available in any format.

This is all based on an actual occurrence.

Any help will be greatly received.

Poseidon

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The move is called Recluse (1981) The director is Bob Bentley. This film actuaslly wond the BAFTA Film award.

It is a true story of murder and suicide,set in the hills north of Dartmoor.The plot centres on an isolated farming family,called the luxtons who time has left behind,with their problems in getting to grip with ageing,and mental illness. It was filmed on location, on the actual farm where the three main characters really lived (and died)With a great cast. It is a small Classic.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poseidon

Can any one please tell me if they know the title of a short movie or TV film made about the Luxtons'

There were 2 brothers and a sister who were farmers in Devon, UK.

Robert Luxton killed his brother Alan and sister Frances then killed himself.

There is a book about the murders called Earth to Earth by John Cornwell.

There was also a short film made about the incident, presumably a docu-drama.

I am trying to find out the title of this film and whether anyone knows if it is available in any format.

This is all based on an actual occurrence.

Any help will be greatly received.

Poseidon

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There is also an ITV documentary in a series presented by Jack Shepherd called "Murder Most Foul", made by West Country Television. We are about to repeat it in a series called "Nightwatch with Steve Scott" which airs at midnight or later 6 nights a week. I can get you a DVD copy of the original programme if you wish.
Frazer

Hello Frazer,

Thank you for your reply.

I live in the Westcountry area and have watched the extremely interesting series about local crimes introduced by Jack (Wycliffe) Shepherd. Unfortunately I cannot recall an episode which featured this particular murder/suicide.

The other program you refer to appears to be more of a fly on the wall series which goes out on the road with the police to see what they do and not connected with the Murder Most Foul series or with past crimes.

I have only read the synopsis for this program and not actually seen it yet so if I am wrong I am sure you will correct me.

The reason the Luxton story intrigues me is because according to Cornwell's book, when the bodies were found, there were 3 bodies, it was obvious that a shotgun was used in all 3 cases, but it appears that only 2 shell cases were discovered, not 3.

One other thing please, what DVD are you referring to and does it contain anything to do with the Luxtons' incident?

Please feel free to send me a PM if you would prefer.

Kindest regards

John
(Poseidon)

Addendum

In your answer you say "We are about to repeat it". Are you connected with either of these shows?

Also it seems a coincidence that the presenter of the Murder Most Foul series is Jack Shepherd and your username is 'fshep'. Any connection there?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fshep

There is also an ITV documentary in a series presented by Jack Shepherd called "Murder Most Foul", made by West Country Television. We are about to repeat it in a series called "Nightwatch with Steve Scott" which airs at midnight or later 6 nights a week. I can get you a DVD copy of the original programme if you wish.
Frazer

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Hi I too am interested in the luxtons, could Frazer or John please contact me with information on how to obtain a DVD of the episode.

Many thanks

Bonita

Hi Bonita -
I have since returned the original tape to ITV West Country but my opposite number there who commissioned the programme would sort one out for you.
Email me your details to [email protected] and I will try and sort it out.
Frazer

Hello Bonita,

I have read Frazer's reply to your post and I am sure he will be able to help you out. He was extremely helpful to me and supplied me with a copy of the Murder Most Horrid episode.

I would also love to know why you are interested in the Luxton tragedy too. If you like I would welcome an AMHD Personal Message from you.

I do have clippings from the local paper, The Western Morning News, which were published at the time.

If Frazer cannot supply you with a copy of the episode, although I am sure he will be able to arrange it, let me know and I I will try to copy it for you and send it.

John

PS It is nice to know that other people are interested in the Luxton case

Hello all - how nice to find a thread running about one of the Bees in my Bonnet. I too would very much like to source a copy of the film "The Recluse" and also any documentaries on this. I have the book, and also a copy of the Robinson Country documentary. If anyone can help with other stuff I'd be most grateful.

I visited the farm in about 1998 and the new owner kindly gave me a tour.

Hello, I am a luxton myself and would be very interested in this dvd any ideas? X

Hi All

I regularly pass through Winkleigh and have become interested in the Luxton Case. Having searched for DVD of The Recluse, I was surprised (and pleased) to find it was included as an extra on the DVD: The Black Panther, a film about Donald Neilson. This is available on Amazon and elsewhere:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Black-Panther-DVD-Blu-ray/dp/B007A0QTQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344187247&sr=8-1

There is also an interesting extra to The Recluse that shows recently found footage of West Chappel Farm taken by Bob Bentley about two years prior to making the film.

Bob Bentley's 'Recluse' has just been made available as an extra on the BFI DVD of a film called 'The Black Panther'.