To Fire You Come at Last

What appears to be the first of a planned annual (Christmas) series; if they are all as good as this, we are in for a treat. A small cast, largely unknown, in a low-budget 47-minute gem, a worthy successor to the old BBC Ghost Story for Christmas tradition.

Four men take the body of a fifth for burial on a lonely road. Theatrical in style - perhaps the result of a workshop session - the script has some language that sounds anachronistic (but might well be period-literate) and is occasionally pedestrian, the plot is limited but exploited to the fullest extent, and the acting can feel a little forced, but you will forgive every fault as you are absorbed into this ghostly treat. There are hints of An Inspector Calls, and The Hound of the Baskervilles, as well as many other spooky tales, but enough originality and heart to stand alone.

Hollywood should do away with big stars and huge budgets, and learn something from the team that put this together. I will be waiting for the next in the series.