NIGHT OF THE BIG HEAT (1967)

3 stars

88 Films. Blu ray. 29th July

88 Films continue their exploration of British low budget productions – this time out a film made by Planet Film Productions, a short lived company that also made the horror DEVILS OF DARKNESS (1965) and the much more entertaining sci fi/horror ISLAND OF TERROR (1966) (coming soon from the same label) and a few other productions.

The mainland is having a severe winter – and yet on the remote Scottish island of Fara they are suffering from a rather hot spell. Angela Roberts (Jane Merrow) is driving in her sports car when it breaks down from overheating. Luckily, local mechanic Tinker Mason (Kenneth Cope) happens past to help. Meanwhile, Godfrey Hanson (Christopher Lee) is looking concerned as he setups his equipment. As he leaves, an old boy wanders in to investigate, when he hears an odd noise and is attacked by something…

Angela turns up at the local pub and is greeted by landlady Frankie Callum (Sarah Lawson). Ms. Roberts is there to be the secretary for Jeff (Patrick Allen), Frankie’s husband, who is a novelist and on his way back from the mainland. What she doesn’t know is that Angela had a fling with her other half.

As the temperature continues to rise, something odd is obviously going on. The TV’s stop working and the phones have static on the line. Livestock are mysteriously dying and the odd noise that can be heard is driving folks mad. Hanson tries to convince everyone it is an alien invasion. Most remain sceptical, including Dr Stone – played by Peter Cushing, in what amounts to not much more than a cameo.

Much of the proceedings take place within the pub – exteriors were shot at The Swan Inn, in Milton Keynes Village, a hostelry that is still there, with the interiors fairly obviously in the studio at Pinewood. Some scenes were also shot in Dorset. Helmed by the ever reliable Terence Fisher, this is an okay, if not terribly exciting science fiction based on the novel of the same name by John Lymington and had previously been made into a TV production for ITV in 1960. The notable cast spend much of the film trying to look hot – with much use of glycerin to make them appear sweaty!

The script was initially taken from the one created for the TV adaptation – with additional, last minute changes made by Pip and Jane Baker. Not that it helped much as it is too talky, with little actual action to keep things engaging. Due to budgetary limitations, the creatures are kept off screen for the most part, good job as they are somewhat disappointing when they do eventually appear.

Patrick Allen and Sarah Lawson were husband and wife when the film was made. Released in the US in 1971 under the title Island of the Burning Damned, which was later changed to Island of the Burning Doomed for TV showings. The film has been regraded for this release, eliminating a yellowish tinge present in previous releases. Also features great new cover art by Sean Longmore.

Steve Kirkham

EXTRAS

3 stars

Audio Commentary by Film Journalist David Flint

Jane Merrow Remembers Night of the Big Heat (12 mins). Sounds like she had a good time making the film and talks about Cushing, Lee and the other cast and also director Fisher.

Mike Higgins Remembers Night of the Big Heat (6 mins). Talks about his memories of the film as this was his first feature as Second Assistant Director.

Stills Gallery

Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original poster

Rising Temperatures on the The Night of the Big Heat – Booklet notes by Barry Forshaw