The Nightmare Man (TV series)

This article is about the 1981 TV serial. For the 2006 film, see Nightmare Man (2006 film). For the episode from The Sarah Jane Adventures, see The Nightmare Man (The Sarah Jane Adventures).

The Nightmare Man
The Nightmare Man UK DVD release.
Created by	Robert Holmes David Wiltshire (novel)
Directed by	Douglas Camfield
Starring	James Warwick Celia Imrie Maurice Roëves Jonathan Newth James Cosmo
Country of origin	United Kingdom
No. of episodes	4
Production
Producer	Ron Craddock
Running time	30 minutes
Original release
Network	BBC1
Release	1 May (1981-05-01) – 22 May 1981 (1981-05-22)

The Nightmare Man is a science fiction and horror television serial transmitted by the BBC in 1981. The four-part serial was adapted for television by Robert Holmes from the novel Child of Vodyanoi by David Wiltshire. It was produced by Ron Craddock (a former producer of Z-Cars) and directed by Douglas Camfield. Both Holmes and Camfield had worked extensively on Doctor Who.

The serial is set on a small Scottish island, where the population is gripped by fear following a series of savage murders and the discovery of a strange craft on the local beach.

Cast and characters

Michael Gaffikin

Described as a sassenach, being English, dentist Michael Gaffikin (James Warwick) is a keen golfer and in love with the island's pharmacist.

Fiona Patterson

Played by a young Celia Imrie, Patterson is a pharmacist and also an illustrator and cartographer.

Dr Symonds

A Canadian bird-watcher, Dr. Symonds (Tony Sibbald) is on the island watching birds. Canadian actor Sibbald is perhaps best known for playing American parts on television such as Mr Huckle in Doctor Who (Terror of the Zygons - also directed by Douglas Camfield), and Chuck Marshall in Quatermass.

Inspector Inskip

A policeman from Glasgow, recently settled on the island, Inskip is played by Maurice Roëves.

Colonel Howard

A somewhat mysterious character, Colonel Howard (Jonathan Newth) arrives at the start of the story and quickly makes the acquaintance of the other main characters.

Production

The serial was shot in and around the Cornish village of Port Isaac. It was made entirely using outside broadcasting video facilities.

Release

The serial has been released on DVD (Region 2, UK) by BBC Worldwide as part of their Cult TV range. The DVD included a booklet detailing the serial's background and production.

External links

• The Nightmare Man at BBC Online
• The Nightmare Man at IMDb
• Television Heaven