Doctor Who - Horror of Fang Rock [1977] [DVD] [1993]

Story: 5/5 - Extras: 4/5

Five stars may be a little over-generous for this early offering by incoming producer Graham Williams, as penned by Who veteran Terrance Dicks, but "Horror of Fang Rock" remains a very atmospheric instalment of "Doctor Who", even though it was produced entirely in the studio.

The gloomy lighthouse is an innately claustrophobic setting, especially since the new electric generator is being tampered with, causing the lights to go out without warning on a semi-regular basis. Something alien is haunting the lighthouse, raising paranoia among its depleted crew, including the young and naïve junior keeper Vince (John Abbott) and the old-fashioned senior keeper Reuben (Colin Douglas). The Doctor and Leela, of course, arrive at exactly the wrong moment, but for once they don't spend most of the story under suspicion of murder.

A shipwreck on the rocks whilst the light is out brings a small collection of additional survivors into the confines of the lighthouse, all of whom are distinct characters, and they help to sustain the story (and the body count) over its full four episodes. The anxiety of the new arrivals is set against the backdrop of the intermittent lights and the sinister sound of the fog horn, and combined with the good set design it all works rather well. The lamp gallery is a particular technical accomplishment given the studio-bound nature of the story.

The special effects are poor, of course, and the enemy (when it finally reveals itself in its true form) is a massive disappointment, but on atmosphere and performances alone, "Horror of Fang Rock" deserves a high score. On the DVD, we have a commentary with writer Terrance Dicks, and actors John Abbott and Louise Jameson (Leela). The bonus documentaries are devoted to writer Dicks and director Paddy Russell and their respective careers, with particular focus on "Doctor Who". A decent package.

One of my fav Tom Baker stories! It's early 20th century Lighthouse setting and gothic atmosphere juxtaposes well with the scifi elements.
A clear example of studio sets, and fog machines working REALLY well!
Eerily reminiscent of such movies as Tower Of Evil, Day Of The Triffids (lighthouse scenes), The Island Of Terror and even John Carpenter's The Fog AND The Thing!!
If you prefer the Earthbound stories (I do),then you will like this 1977 production.
If you've seen the recent Sontaran story, in the latest series, you will have heard mention of the Sontaran war with the Rutans - want to see a Rutan?? Then this is the place as the shapeshifting beastie picks off people one by one (in true Alien fashion!). An unusual design, when finally revealed - reminded me of the brain monsters from 1958's Fiend Without A Face.
Decent extras, and audio/visual quality.
Classic Baker; along with Planet Of Evil, Pyramids Of Mars and Genesis Of The Daleks.

This is an absolute classic. Traditional DW format, a small group of people, isolated and under threat. But it's the mix of diverse characters and rich dialogue that really elevates this story to the top of the tree. Oddly enough, most of the people behind this story dislike it. I really don't understand this... notably Tom Baker has gone on record as disparaging the tale. (But then Tom seems to have a low opinion of any story that doesn't involve talking cabbages, sitting on his shoulder.)

I love the claustrophobic feel of the production from the fog on the rocks to the cramped quarters of the lighthouse. Yes, the Rutan looks a bit ropy but again the quality of the story far outweighs visual effects. This is Terrance Dicks at his best.

`Aye, though they hunted high and low
and hunted everywhere. Of the three mens' fate
they found no trace, of any kind in any place.
But a door ajar and an untouched meal and an
Over toppled chair.'

Marvelous!