Dead of Night
Dead of Night was a British television anthology series of supernatural fiction, produced by the BBC and broadcast on BBC2 in 1972. It ran for a single series; of its seven 50-minute episodes, only three—'The Exorcism', 'Return Flight', and 'A Woman Sobbing'—are known to survive in the Archives. Another programme made by the same production team under Innes Lloyd, 'The Stone Tape', intended to be the eighth episode, does survive in the Archives but was not broadcast under the Dead of Night banner. BBC Four rebroadcast "The Exorcism" on 22 December 2007.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman inherits a secluded mansion and begins to experience terrifying visions and encounters that blur the line between reality and nightmare. As her sanity frays, she uncovers dark secrets about the house and its previous inhabitants, leading her to a chilling confrontation with her own fears.
Critical Reception
Dead of Night (1972) received a mixed to negative reception from critics upon its release, often being cited for its slow pacing and confusing narrative. However, it has since gained a cult following among horror enthusiasts for its atmospheric dread and unsettling psychological elements.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its genuinely creepy atmosphere and unsettling psychological horror.
- Criticized for a convoluted plot and pacing issues that detract from the scares.
- Some found the ending to be ambiguous and unsatisfying.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and often divided, with some appreciating the film's mood and unsettling nature, while others found it to be a forgettable or confusing horror entry.
Fun Fact
Bob Clark, the director, would later go on to direct other notable horror films such as 'Black Christmas' (1974) and 'A Christmas Story' (1983), showcasing his diverse range within the genre and beyond.
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