The Nightmare Man at 42
42 years ago this Monday, the first episode of Robert Holmes’ The Nightmare Man was broadcast on BBC television. It marked the beginning of a chilling science fiction series that would captivate audiences for six episodes.
Adapted from David Wiltshire’s 1978 novel Child of Vodyanoi and directed by the legendary Douglas Camfield, the series was set on an isolated Scottish island where strange occurrences and mysterious deaths had taken place. A military detachment arrives on the island, tasked with investigating the strange events and protecting the local population from a savage killer on the loose. The frenzied attacks and the clues left behind point to something inhuman, possibly alien. As the story unfolds, tensions rise between the military personnel and the islanders, and it becomes clear that not everyone is who they seem.
The Nightmare Man was a departure from the typical science fiction fare of the time, with its emphasis on character development and psychological horror. Camfield’s direction played a significant role in establishing the series’ unique tone, using shadowy lighting and claustrophobic camera angles to create a sense of unease.
Douglas Camfield was already a veteran of the television industry by the time he took on The Nightmare Man, having directed numerous episodes of Doctor Who and other popular shows. His talent for creating tension and suspense was on full display in The Nightmare Man, which was praised for its eerie atmosphere and unsettling visuals.
Sadly, The Nightmare Man would be one of Camfield’s final projects, as he passed away just three years later at the age of 52. Nevertheless, his influence on British television and science fiction remains significant to this day, and The Nightmare Man stands as a testament to his talent and vision. In the years since its original broadcast, the series has gained a cult following among fans of science fiction and horror. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted storytelling and masterful direction, and it continues to captivate and terrify audiences who seek it out online or on DVD.
Two books of interest to fans of The Nightmare Man and the career of Douglas Camfield are available from Fantom, both written by Michael Seely. Out of the Archive: The Nightmare Man is a fascinating behind-the-scenes examination of the making of the serial, with contributions from cast and crew and extensive production detail. And the biography Directed by Douglas Camfield recounts the highs and lows of the director’s brilliant career, cut short by his tragically premature death in 1984.
