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 first saw this movie many years ago on television and I remember being very moved by it.

The simplicity of the action and the dispassionate narration meant that it had to rely on the strength of the plot and the underlying messages.

Jack London wrote several stories about the perils of the frozen North. This movie captures the essence of this story without having to resort to gimmicks or tricks. The bleakness of the environment and its hostility to humans emerges from the landscape and the simple narrative.

The underlying lessons are still very relevant today. The fate of the man is in his own hands at the start but as the story unfolds we see that it is his belief in his own abilities that ultimately leads to the final outcome.

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.

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.

I saw this short film many years (possibly 40!) on TV one Christmas. It impressed me no end and I could never forget it. Orson Welles narration is superb,atmospheric and chilling(no pun intended). The main character ,played by Ian Hogg ,is just right in this part and his desperation is clearly portrayed. The dilemma of having to create fire in order to save one's life is portrayed wonderfully and however warm the viewer is while watching this one can feel the severe cold which the protagonist experiences. It may be only a short film but it feels much longer as the frustration of the situation becomes apparent. It is a hugely cautionary tale which stays with the viewer for a very long time.