---
title: "The Place of the Dead"
year: 1997
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-place-of-the-dead-1997"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 262263
imdb_id: "tt0165426"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 100
community_rating: 5.8
vote_count: 4
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Place of the Dead (1997) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-place-of-the-dead-1997

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Place of the Dead is a 1997 television film directed by Suri Krishnamma and written by Jeff Pope. It provides a dramatized retelling of a 1994 British Army expedition in Malaysia that resulted in a public crisis, focusing on the team's attempt to explore a deep gully in the Borneo jungle. The film is categorized as an adventure, drama, and thriller, highlighting the human struggle against incomprehensible environmental forces.

Culturally, the film serves as a screen adaptation of a real-world event that captured global media attention during the mid-1990s. With a runtime of one hour and forty minutes, the production emphasizes the psychological toll of the mission, though critical reception has noted that the execution of the story may not fully realize its narrative potential.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A British Army expedition into a remote Borneo gully turns into a desperate struggle for survival."

### Why Watch
- Based on a real 1994 British Army expedition that garnered international headlines
- Explores the psychological and physical limits of men in extreme environments
- Offers a dramatized account of a high-stakes exploration mission gone wrong

### Caveats & Content Note
- The narrative pacing and execution may feel disjointed or underwhelming to some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: This television film maintains a serious, dramatic tone focused on the tension of a failed expedition and the physical challenges of the jungle environment.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #survival-drama, #based-on-a-true-story, #jungle-expedition, #british-army, #wilderness-thriller, #1990s-television-film

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel | Fawesome | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV | None |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Suri Krishnamma
- **Networks / Studios**: LWT

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Greg Wise** as *Corporal Hugh Brittan*
- **Simon Dutton** as *Lt Colonel Robert Neill*
- **Dougray Scott** as *Lance Corporal Richard Mayfield*
- **John McArdle** as *Major Ron Foster*
- **Ralph Brown** as *Sgt Bob Mann*
- **David Nellist** as *Lance Corporal Steve Page*
- **Phil McKee** as *Lance Corporal Peter Shearer*
- **Timothy West** as *Chairman of the Inquiry*
- **Anna Bolt** as *Kathryn*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this film based on true events?
Yes, it is based on a true story regarding a 1994 British Army expedition in Malaysia that went wrong and made international headlines.

### Q: What genre is The Place of the Dead?
It is classified as a television film spanning the adventure, drama, and thriller genres.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The film has a total runtime of one hour and forty minutes.

### Q: Where can I watch this film?
Information regarding current streaming availability is not provided in the source material.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Place of the Dead — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/262263)
- [The Place of the Dead - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Place_of_the_Dead)
- [The Place of the Dead (TV Movie 1997) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0165426/fullcredits/)
- [The Place of the Dead (1997) - Cast & Crew — The Movie ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/262263-the-place-of-the-dead/cast)
- [The Place of the Dead - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-place-of-the-dead/cast/2060187697/)
- [A Place Among the Dead](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*