Originally penned by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Walter Newman back in the 1960s, it seems that the period horror thriller Harrow Alley could finally see the light of day, with Deadline reporting that Emma Thompson and producers Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials) are teaming up to develop a TV adaptation for HBO.
According to the site, Harrow Alley “is set during the Black Plague and follows an English town as it deteriorates. It follows the fortunes of two men, likeable but lawless rogue Ratsey and well-meaning alderman Harry, who are both trying to survive the dangers of the time.”
The project, described by Newman as the “high point of my professional life, a creative frenzy for nearly 12 wonderful months” and widely regarded as one, Harrow Alley found itself stuck in development hell due to its dark subject matter and budget requirements.
Thompson has reportedly been keen to get Harrow Alley onto the screen since the early 2000s, at which time she was working with Miramax on a feature film version.
Originally published March 8, 2018. Updated March 7, 2018.
