Roses Have Thoughts

Given the recent heatwave we have experienced in the UK, it seemed the right time to check out Terence Fisher’s 1967 Night of the Big Heat, a unique blend of science fiction and mystery set against the backdrop of a remote British island that is inexplicably experiencing a stifling heatwave in the middle of winter. While it may not be as explosive as its premise suggests and contains a strange sexual subplot, the film offers enough intrigue, strong performances, and an eerie atmosphere to secure its place among the era’s lesser-known genre offerings.

Adapted from John Lymington’s novel, the story is set on the fictional island of Fara, where temperatures have reached sweltering levels despite the midwinter season. At The Swan Inn, run by novelist Jeff Callum (Allen) and his wife Frankie (Sarah Lawson), tensions start to run high, particularly with the arrival of, Angela (Jane Merrow), a woman who’s past with Jeff adds a layer of melodrama to the otherwise sci-fi narrative.

The central mystery revolves around the strange behaviour of Godfrey Hanson (Lee), a reclusive and intense scientist who seems to be hiding critical information. Together with Dr. Vernon Stone (Cushing), Hanson gradually reveals that something not of this Earth has landed on Fara, and the increasing temperature signals the beginning of an alien colonization strategy.

Christopher Lee delivers his usual commanding performance as Hanson, lending depth to the story even when the writing is lacking. Peter Cushing, contributes warmth and intellectual credibility to his role despite the unusually low amount of screen time. Patrick Allen anchors the human side of the story with a compelling portrayal of the reluctant hero caught between domestic troubles and the looming alien threat.

Terence Fisher, best known for his work with Hammer Films, directs with a measured pace, building suspense gradually. The island setting enhances feelings of isolation and paranoia, and Fisher makes the most of it, though the film’s modest budget limits its ability to fully realize the alien menace. Much of the horror is suggested rather than shown, and when the creatures finally appear, they are underwhelming, which somewhat diminishes the climactic tension.

The script balances interpersonal drama with otherworldly dread, not always seamlessly. Some viewers may find the romantic subplot excessive or distracting, and the dialogue occasionally dips into cliché. However, there is an appealing earnestness in the film’s approach. It treats its subject matter with just enough seriousness to maintain tension while also acknowledging its limitations.

Ultimately, Night of the Big Heat is a sometimes engaging sci-fi thriller. While it may not match the impact of Quatermass or Village of the Damned, its atmosphere, performances, and central concept make it worth watching, particularly for fans of vintage British genre cinema. It may not scorch the screen, but it simmers with a quiet, unusual charm.

IMDB