The Nightmare Man
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 Nightmare Man | |
|---|---|
 The Nightmare Man UK DVD release. | |
| Created by |
|
| Directed by | Douglas Camfield |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Ron Craddock |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC1 |
| Original release | 1 May – 22 May 1981 |
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.
