New Zealand author Margaret Mahy has written the screenplay for this adaption of her Carnegie Award winning novel. Young Barney Palmer is finding out about a mysterious family secret: each generation one member of the family appears to be possessed by magical or supernatural powers. Is Barney being haunted by the ghost of his great Uncle Barnaby, or is it the ghost of somebody not yet dead? Will Barney have the strength or enough support from his family, to control his own destiny? The attractive New Zealand landscape, and intriguing special effects help this film appeal to those who already love the book, and to those who enjoy a strong story with elements of the supernatural.