Nightmare Man, The

1 9 8 1 (UK)
4 x 30 minute episodes

The body count is rising on the remote Scottish island of Inverdee as an unseen rasping psychopath stalks the peaceful grassy knolls.

Heading the investigation is Inspector Inskip (Maurice Roëves). Fuelled by whiskey and cigarettes he remarks that the murders amongst this small Hebridean community are more brutal than anything he ever saw in Glasgow.

Assisting the police is English newcomer Michael Gaffikin (James Warwick), a dentist who is trying to win the heart of local chemist, Fiona Patterson (Celia Imrie).

Police reinforcements are needed to tackle the crime, but cannot reach the island because of severe weather and an enveloping fog that descends upon the isle.

Meanwhile, ever-present in the background is the holidaying Colonel Howard (Jonathan Newth) who seems overly keen to enquire about the murders and offer his help.

He is eventually revealed to be a Russian soldier leading a covert force to retrieve an experimental one-man submarine/aircraft that has washed up on the island’s shores.

Its pilot, Genyeva (Pat Gorman) had been cybernetically wired into the craft and was driven to a murderous rage after being forcibly disengaged during the crash.

The four-part thriller was based upon a 1978 novel called Child of the Vodyanoi by David Wiltshire (who was also a dentist) and originally aired on BBC1 in April and May 1981.

Episodes were shot in and around Port Isaac, Cornwall.

Michael Gaffikin
James Warwick
Fiona Patterson
Celia Imrie
Inspector Inskip
Maurice Roëves
Colonel Howard
Jonathan Newth
Dr Goudry
Tom Watson
Sergeant Carch
James Cosmo
PC Malcolmson
Fraser Wilson
Drummond
Jeff Stewart
Symonds
Tony Sibbald
The Killer (Genyeva)
Pat Gorman
McGrath
Jon Croft
Campbell
Ronald Forfar
Mrs Mackay
Elaine Wells
Lieutenant Carey
Robert Vowles