The Godsend (1980) – Gabrielle Beaumont.

A kindly middle-class family takes in a distinctly odd pregnant woman (Angela Pleasence), who secretly absconds after giving birth to her seemingly perfect baby. Happily raising the child as their own, until a series of terrible tragedies disturbingly suggests that Bonnie might be anything but a bonnie wee lassie! The Cannon Groups attempt at supernatural horror proves atmospheric, if not altogether terrifying, boasting a fine cast, pleasingly bucolic exteriors, and Roger Webb's quality score, The Godsend, not exactly heaven sent, remains a more than watchable vintage Brit-shocker. I maintain a great fondness for British chillers produced in the 70s/early 80s, and ANYTHING starring the delightful Angela Pleasence remains essential viewing. Angela is so effective at quietly portraying unfathomable strangeness, I'm always surprised that folk don't simply run away screaming as soon as they meet her! Like snuggling warmly into your cosiest slippers, watching The Godsend with nut-brown tea and choccy biccies guarantees a toasty, spooky kid treat! Bouncy, blue-eyed Bonnie proves to be an ill-omened terror tyke, with a toxic touch of the Midwich Cuckoos! While the horror/bloody content is mostly implied, The Godsend is certainly well-made, and concludes dramatically in a suitably demonic fashion. I can't recall ever having seen this broadcast on the telly, and I don't think it got much of a push on VHS, hopefully, both the internet, and remastered Blu-ray edition should deservedly increase its fanbase. The Godsend would make for a less schlocky sibling to Peter Sasdy's Baphomet seeded cult classic 'The Monster'.