THE NIGHT CALLER

After receiving an unusually high number of reports of missing women, policeman Detective Hartley (Alfred Burke) begins to search for an explanation. Meanwhile, Jack Costain (John Saxon), an earnest American scientist, investigates the dramatic increase in UFO activity.
The recent Region 2 release of the Night Caller from Renown Pictures gives us the perfect opportunity to have a look back at this unfairly neglected piece of  U.K Sci Fi fun.
Released in 1964 this, like other low budget films of the time relied more on intelligent scripting and atmosphere than action. 

As was also common at the time, an American lead was deemed necessary for pulling power. Fortunately cult favourite John Saxon is a lot less obnoxious than the usual older heroes cast in these roles and doesn't distract from the inherent Britishness of the production.
Elsewhere John Carson is his usual reliable self as the Major.
The script is intelligent and the large amount of screentime given over to talking heads doesn't drag as can often be the case with cheaper b pictures.

Director John Gilling's best was still ahead of him, with the Reptile and Plague of the Zombies for Hammer the following year but it definitely feels like he's getting close to that magic here.
More than anything this reminded me of the old earthbound UNIT era stories from early seventies Doctor Who.  We've got the stubborn, inflexible military butting heads with Saxon and Maurice Denham's scientists, a rubber alien costume ( or at least glove as that's all we see thankfully ), and a beautifully lit, thoughtful somewhat downbeat ending.

Onto the DVD itself now. Don't let the cheap home-made looking packaging put you off what is otherwise a fab set. Renown have sourced a nice quality print, and have provided a colorised version as well as the original black and white. I'm aware that these are often unpopular with collectors, but the pastel colours suit this film particularly well, although there's no denying that the black and white print provides a more claustrophobic atmosphere. Renown have provided us with both so you can take your pick as to which you prefer.

SIX OUT OF TEN

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