A Charles Dickens classic short, expertly transformed to mid-seventies TV by director Lawrence Gordon Clark on the expert adaptation for the small screen by Andrew Davies. Taught, direct camera-work keeps the claustrophobic feel of the Signalman's life superbly realized; more so when the 'Traveller' comes to visit unexpectedly in the low autumn sunlight that barely reaches the cutting track below. The use of an actual signal box, so not in a studio, helps to keep the realism and feel of trepidation at a heightened level (their breath can be clearly seen in the cold air come night time when they both step outside of the signal box). All in all, a classic piece of British TV that could been rarely bettered, even today. You don't need cgi and huge production values to scare; just 40 minutes of first class direction and acting, which this has in abundance.
Review of The Signalman
