To Build a Fire

In the first winter of the Yukon Gold Rush, a lone newcomer sets out. He is bound for a camp. He does not concern himself with the fact that it is seventy degrees below Zero.

This BBC program is based on the Jack London short story. It is narrated by Orson Welles, reading the words of London in a calm voice, a godlike and uncaring Third Person Omniscient. This version, co-written for the screen and directed by David Cobham, stars Ian Hogg as the lone man, the newcomer, the Chechaquo. He speaks occasionally to the dog, but the sound design is Welles talking quietly, a score of intermittent harmonica and plucked violin, and the sounds of crunching snow.

It's illustrated radio in many ways, akin to the Illustrated Text that flourished briefly as movies struggled to learn to tell a story around 1905. Yet it works, because of the words of Jack London, the murmuring voice of Orson Welles, and the cold, blue shadows on the snow.

I have just seen To Build a Fire minutes ago on U Tube. I agree with Mr. Richman that I shall remember the experience forever. As a young student I read this story and ,like Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, have always been so impressed with the authors ability to create an aura that permeates the story from beginning to end. This film has accomplished creating that same aura of fatalism.

The narration of Orsen Wells is indeed ,not surprisingly, impressive. But where the heck are the immense kudos for Ian Hogg who is hardly mentioned in the film or in reviews. He was magnificent. This was a gripping film experience

Firstly, I cannot believe that this short film has no reviews, and that I am the first to review it. I saw this film many years ago possibly 30 years ago. Despite the time, this film has still left a lasting impression. I would rank it as one of the great short films with An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge and The Red Balloon. Do not waste your time with the newer versions until you have seen this one.

Without spoiling anything, this film is about a man traveling by foot in the snow with his dog.

Again, I am completely flabbergasted that this film is virtually forgotten on this website. It is a shame. Perhaps someone can upload some artwork from this film to help flesh out its profile.

Orson Welles narration added layers to the basic premise of the movie.

This is a wonderful movie. Wells' narration is dramatic, but at the same time understated like the story. Hogg does a very good job in the lead role with virtually no dialogue. I complain a lot about modern short films with no dialogue that have no depth. This one has amazing depth of character.

The dog also is well trained and really adds to this movie.

This screenwriter showed great understanding and respect for London's original story and is an impressive adaptation.

I highly recommend this one.