User Reviews

The second episode of Dead of Night - and one of only three that still survives in the archives - is written by Robert Holmes, arguably classic Doctor Who's greatest scriptwriter. Like the other episodes, it's a ghost story of sorts, but it proves to markedly different from the preceding episode.

'Return Flight' sees aeroplane pilot Captain Hamish Rolph under investigation after his plane almost collides with another; the problem is that the other craft didn't show up on radar and nobody else saw it. With Rolph having undergone a recent bereavement and nearing the end of his career, investigator Samuels wonders if the plane was merely a figment of Rolph's tormented imagination, but as the episode unfolds it becomes apparent that he's actually being haunted by the spectre of a wartime Lancaster bomber.

If there is a problem with 'Return Flight', it is that it unlike 'The Exorcism' it isn't particularly creepy. It is, however, very well written, as anyone familiar with Holmes' work might expect. His knack for characterisation is in evidence, with Rolph proving very sympathetic and entirely believable, and his friendship with Frank Warley feeling very realistic. One nice touch is the fact the death of Rolph's wife has caused Rolph to reflect on the fact that he was her second husband, the first having been a wartime fling, which leads the viewer to wonder if he has imagined the Lancaster as a result. Another nice touch is the fact that Samuels is not only far more human and sympathetic than he could have been, but more so than dramatic conventions might lead one to expect.

The great Peter Barkworth stars as pilot Captain Hamish Rolph and gives the sort of totally naturalistic, convincing performance that was typical of his career, whilst Artro Morris and Bernard Brown give strong support as Samuels and Frank. Denis Lill also impresses as Rolph's increasing nervous co-pilot Froggat. And whilst 'Return Flight' doesn't chill like 'The Exorcism' did, it carries real horror in the ending, as the ghosts that haunt Rolph inevitably result in tragedy.

Rodney Bennett's direction is polished and it helps that the aeroplane sets - especially the cockpit - are pretty impressive. The close-ups of Barkworth's sweaty face near the end as Rolph hears the crew of the Lancaster are particularly effective. Anyone expecting a spine-tingling episode of Dead of Night in the mould of the opening episode will find 'Return Flight' disappointing, but anyone wanting a well-written, well-acted and well-made slice of vintage supernatural drama won't be left wanting.