Doctor Who: Horror Of Fang Rock

A fantastic atmospheric thriller. when classic Doctor Who works it really works and this is one of the very best stories. It's perfect in its claustrophobic nature - trapped in a light house whilst alien things and murders take place. Brilliantly shot, brilliant set, brilliant acting. The only thing you can feel sad about is if Doctor Who at this time had the budget that it has today what would this have been like?

Having seen every story that still exist as television episodes - and having listened to the ones that don't - I have to say that this remains my favourite story of all time. I used to love reading the Target novelisation as a child and now it is available on dvd with the usual quality extras. The Doctor trapped in a very small base under seige, with a shape changing enemy! You can do worse than start here with Classic Who.

My second favourite 'classic series' story "Horror of Fang Rock" is a marvellously tense minimal cast tale with characters isolated on a lighthouse whilst the spooky hostile jellyfish-like Rutan stalks the occupants out of the swirling evening fog. Considering it was a last minute script replacement its effective success through period detail and well defined characters is all the more impressive as this exciting dramatic tale pulls you further in with each subsequent plot development. In addition to Tom Baker and Louise Jameson's fine on screen working partnership I love the avaricious scheming Lord Palmerdale (Sean Caffrey), the likeable Colonel Skinsale (Alan Rowe) and the upper class extremely on edge Adelaide (Annette Wollett) plus Colin Douglas really nails the portrayal of crusty old lighthouse keeper Reuben. Story writer Terrance Dicks is suitably honoured in a pleasingly relaxed 36 min 'Fact or Fiction' feature whilst the four stories that director Paddy Russell worked on for the series is suitably incorporated in an interesting 14 min 'A Life In Television' item. If you factor in an approx 4 ¾ min 'The Antique Doctor Who Show' and a rather short 3 ½ min Photo Gallery this is indeed a very pleasing title sporting a suitably stunning deeply evocative cover.

I have to agree with Bigalbuyer, this is a great Dr Who story, small sets makes for some great chills. Great cast and as always Tom Baker is his eccentric best. These older stories in my opinion are some of the finest put to film. This price for what is one of the best Dr Who stories is fantastic.

One of the last genuinely creepy Dr Who stories. A claustrophobic, excellently realised period drama (apart from the odd dodgy effect). I have read reports that Tom Baker and Louise Jameson were unhappy during the making of this production with Baker apparently storming off the set in a fit of pique! These real life tensions seem to add to their performances - they are both superbly dramatic throughout with Baker stealing every scene he's in. And they were admirably supported by a great guest cast.