Doctor Who has thousands of unproduced story concepts. Indeed, the first ever story ‘An Unearthly Child’ was based on a completely different idea: C.E. Webber’s ‘The Giants’, in which the Doctor and co. would have been shrunken down and faced comparatively massive Earth insects, was in an original series document produced for Doctor Who, and had Rex Tucker assigned to direct.
‘The Giants’ was vetoed for a combination of technical reasons: the small and outdated studio assigned to Doctor Who wasn’t up to the task of giant insects. Said insects drew the ire of Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, who famously disliked bug-eyed monsters – you can’t get any more bug-eyed than literal bugs. Aspects of it ended up in the Season 2 story ‘Planet of Giants’, and the opening scene – where teenager Sue and her teachers Cliff and Lola meet Dr Who (sic) in the fog – was adapted...
‘The Giants’ was vetoed for a combination of technical reasons: the small and outdated studio assigned to Doctor Who wasn’t up to the task of giant insects. Said insects drew the ire of Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, who famously disliked bug-eyed monsters – you can’t get any more bug-eyed than literal bugs. Aspects of it ended up in the Season 2 story ‘Planet of Giants’, and the opening scene – where teenager Sue and her teachers Cliff and Lola meet Dr Who (sic) in the fog – was adapted...
- 4/16/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
The UK’s second most famous 1960s British spy fantasy after James Bond is finally getting its long-rumoured reboot, reports Deadline. But what are they going to call it?
Two years before Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and co. made their comic book debut as ‘The Avengers’ in 1963, a UK TV series of the same name arrived that would continue all the way through the decade, and beyond in the form of 1970s sequel The New Avengers.
The Avengers was a one-hour weekly spy adventure series created by Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, and starring Patrick Macnee as secret agent John Steed, with Bond actor Honor Blackman, Dame Diana Rigg, and Linda Thorson. As one of the UK’s most fondly remembered spy series featuring two of our most recognisable-in-silhouette TV characters, there’s been talk of a revival for years.
And now, says Deadline, it’s happening. StudioCanal is reportedly...
Two years before Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and co. made their comic book debut as ‘The Avengers’ in 1963, a UK TV series of the same name arrived that would continue all the way through the decade, and beyond in the form of 1970s sequel The New Avengers.
The Avengers was a one-hour weekly spy adventure series created by Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, and starring Patrick Macnee as secret agent John Steed, with Bond actor Honor Blackman, Dame Diana Rigg, and Linda Thorson. As one of the UK’s most fondly remembered spy series featuring two of our most recognisable-in-silhouette TV characters, there’s been talk of a revival for years.
And now, says Deadline, it’s happening. StudioCanal is reportedly...
- 1/18/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
To any fans who’d wished for Russell T Davies to return as Doctor Who showrunner and correct where they thought the show had drifted off course since his absence, it might be a case of ‘careful what you wish for’. Oh? You wanted Doctor Who to be like it was in the olden days before it got ‘woke’? Let’s resolve Davies’s first episode with a trans woman of colour chanting “Non-binary”. You wanted Doctor Who to retcon all of Chris Chibnall’s changes to the canon? Well, we’re going to make his plot points key emotional touchstones for the new specials and series – and then invent bigeneration.
And now the next step in Davies’ campaign against those who want Doctor Who to be like it was in the old days (whenever they were), is to make pronouncements about the show’s genre.
“The show is taking a sly step towards fantasy,...
And now the next step in Davies’ campaign against those who want Doctor Who to be like it was in the old days (whenever they were), is to make pronouncements about the show’s genre.
“The show is taking a sly step towards fantasy,...
- 12/27/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
There truly has never been a better time to be a Doctor Who fan.
Not only do we have the three long-awaited 60th anniversary episodes mere weeks away (even if we are still waiting on an official release date beyond “November!”), we’re then getting the return of the Doctor Who festive special with a brand-new Doctor and companion on the way in Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, not to mention the shiny new series 14 launching some time in 2024.
But in the mean time, the surprise 60th anniversary celebration announcements keep on coming – and the BBC’s latest Doctor Who news is a biggie:
The Entire Doctor Who Back Catalogue Is Coming To BBC iPlayer!
From 1st November, BBC iPlayer will host over 800 episodes of Doctor Who, including all the classic series from the very first Doctor, William Hartnell, right the way through to the 1996 TV movie with Paul McGann.
Not only do we have the three long-awaited 60th anniversary episodes mere weeks away (even if we are still waiting on an official release date beyond “November!”), we’re then getting the return of the Doctor Who festive special with a brand-new Doctor and companion on the way in Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, not to mention the shiny new series 14 launching some time in 2024.
But in the mean time, the surprise 60th anniversary celebration announcements keep on coming – and the BBC’s latest Doctor Who news is a biggie:
The Entire Doctor Who Back Catalogue Is Coming To BBC iPlayer!
From 1st November, BBC iPlayer will host over 800 episodes of Doctor Who, including all the classic series from the very first Doctor, William Hartnell, right the way through to the 1996 TV movie with Paul McGann.
- 10/10/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Vicki, who never even got a surname on screen despite appearing in 38 episodes of Doctor Who, is an underrated companion. Indeed, Maureen O’Brien’s character is significant as the template for the young female lead in the show going forward. She has a strong bond with William Hartnell’s Doctor, who provides a father-figure for her, and is smart, confident and funny in her own right.
Appearing in only nine stories, Vicki’s final story has no surviving footage (though the audio exists) and two more of her stories are only partially complete. Only one of her stories was in the top half of the Doctor Who Magazine 50th anniversary poll, and a few of them are in the lower reaches of the rankings. Her only Dalek story is ‘The Chase’, which is one of the less well thought of. So perhaps there are reasons she’s not often cited...
Appearing in only nine stories, Vicki’s final story has no surviving footage (though the audio exists) and two more of her stories are only partially complete. Only one of her stories was in the top half of the Doctor Who Magazine 50th anniversary poll, and a few of them are in the lower reaches of the rankings. Her only Dalek story is ‘The Chase’, which is one of the less well thought of. So perhaps there are reasons she’s not often cited...
- 1/13/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
There are rumours – but, we should stress, just rumours – of David Tennant returning to Doctor Who in the role of the 14th Doctor.
These started on a Facebook group where someone suggested a credible BBC source had leaked the information (this person also leaked the casting of Sacha Dhawan as The Master). This in turn was then reported in The The Plymouth Herald and spread to other newspapers. In other words, it’s impossible to prove or disprove, and there has been no official announcement from the BBC, the new production team, or David Tennant (though his wife did Tweet this the day after the ‘story’ emerged). So this could easily be speculation about nothing, but godammit, if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to thoroughly speculate about nothing.
What’s the Rumour?
The rumour is that Tennant will play the 14th Doctor for three specials – including...
These started on a Facebook group where someone suggested a credible BBC source had leaked the information (this person also leaked the casting of Sacha Dhawan as The Master). This in turn was then reported in The The Plymouth Herald and spread to other newspapers. In other words, it’s impossible to prove or disprove, and there has been no official announcement from the BBC, the new production team, or David Tennant (though his wife did Tweet this the day after the ‘story’ emerged). So this could easily be speculation about nothing, but godammit, if I’m going to do anything, I’m going to thoroughly speculate about nothing.
What’s the Rumour?
The rumour is that Tennant will play the 14th Doctor for three specials – including...
- 1/27/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Times change, and Doctor Who changes with them – literally. What began as a curious science fiction television show for the BBC in 1963 has now evolved into an ever-expanding franchise – encompassing a variety of spinoff series, comic books, radio dramas, novelizations, non-fiction books, video games, and an endless stream of merchandise. While it was originally created by Sydney Newman, C.E Webber, and Donald Wilson, a variety of creative minds have left their mark on the property, and the latest passing of that baton is set to bring the biggest changes of all.
Its original run – iconic theme tune and all – began on November 23rd, 1963, and continued until 1989. A TV movie followed in 1996, then the Tardis fell silent, until Russell T. Davies fired it up again in 2005. Since that reboot, Doctor Who has remained a fixture on the screens of fans around the world and shows no signs of fading from view.
Its original run – iconic theme tune and all – began on November 23rd, 1963, and continued until 1989. A TV movie followed in 1996, then the Tardis fell silent, until Russell T. Davies fired it up again in 2005. Since that reboot, Doctor Who has remained a fixture on the screens of fans around the world and shows no signs of fading from view.
- 12/2/2017
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
“If someone who knew the future pointed out a child to you, and told you that that child would grow up totally evil, to be a ruthless dictator who would destroy millions of lives…could you then kill that child?”
It’s a classic philosophical question, one that the average person would never truly have to face. Of course, The Doctor is not the average person, and as such, has to face it nearly constantly. But never so personally, and so literally as when a young boy calls for help…and The Doctor walks away.
The Magician’S Apprentice / The Witch’S Familiar
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
The Doctor lands on a planet torn asunder by war, a war going on so long that it’s using progressively declining technology – space fighters are being shot at with bows and arrows. When a young boy is trapped in a mine field,...
It’s a classic philosophical question, one that the average person would never truly have to face. Of course, The Doctor is not the average person, and as such, has to face it nearly constantly. But never so personally, and so literally as when a young boy calls for help…and The Doctor walks away.
The Magician’S Apprentice / The Witch’S Familiar
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
The Doctor lands on a planet torn asunder by war, a war going on so long that it’s using progressively declining technology – space fighters are being shot at with bows and arrows. When a young boy is trapped in a mine field,...
- 9/29/2015
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
The fifth film in the "Mission: Impossible" series, 'Rogue Nation,' had its world premiere in Vienna earlier this week ahead of a global launch late next week.
The series has had a rocky history though there's no question that the John Woo-directed second film is seen as an outright dud. Whether Brian DePalma's espionage-oriented first film or J.J. Abrams action-driven third film is better depends upon whom you talk to though both seem to be pretty close.
What is clear is that Brad Bird's fourth film, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," was a winner both with audiences and critics - garnering good reviews and way more box-office than any of the previous entries, revitalising the brand.
The good news is reviews for 'Rogue Nation' so far indicate writer/director Christopher McQuarrie has continued the uptick in quality and has delivered something at least on par -...
The series has had a rocky history though there's no question that the John Woo-directed second film is seen as an outright dud. Whether Brian DePalma's espionage-oriented first film or J.J. Abrams action-driven third film is better depends upon whom you talk to though both seem to be pretty close.
What is clear is that Brad Bird's fourth film, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," was a winner both with audiences and critics - garnering good reviews and way more box-office than any of the previous entries, revitalising the brand.
The good news is reviews for 'Rogue Nation' so far indicate writer/director Christopher McQuarrie has continued the uptick in quality and has delivered something at least on par -...
- 7/24/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Billy Garratt-John is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Patrick Macnee has passed away at the age of 93. The British born actor and star of iconic 60s TV series The Avengers died of natural causes at his home in California with his family around him. His television credits also include The Twilight Zone, Columbo, the original Battlestar Galactica and appearances as Dr. Watson in two Sherlock Holmes TV movies, as well as...
The post Patrick Macnee, Star of Sydney Newman’s Other Great TV Show, Dies Aged 93 appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Patrick Macnee has passed away at the age of 93. The British born actor and star of iconic 60s TV series The Avengers died of natural causes at his home in California with his family around him. His television credits also include The Twilight Zone, Columbo, the original Battlestar Galactica and appearances as Dr. Watson in two Sherlock Holmes TV movies, as well as...
The post Patrick Macnee, Star of Sydney Newman’s Other Great TV Show, Dies Aged 93 appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 7/1/2015
- by Billy Garratt-John
- Kasterborous.com
British actor Patrick Macnee, best known for his long-running role as The Avengers’ John Steed, has died at the age of 93.
Patrick Macnee, fondly remembered as the actor behind dapper gentleman spy John Steed in Sydney Newman’s The Avengers (1961–1969) and The New Avengers (1976-1977), has passed away at the age of 93.
Macnee died at his Southern Californian home, in the company of his family, who are very much in our thoughts today.
Before Macnee embedded suave John Steed’s bowler hat and whangee-handle umbrella firmly into sixties British culture, the actor had roles in a score of television, film and stage productions, from Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes to Bond, having begun his career as an extra at the age of sixteen.
Macnee also served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. But it was opposite co-stars Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Ian Hendry and more in The Avengers...
Patrick Macnee, fondly remembered as the actor behind dapper gentleman spy John Steed in Sydney Newman’s The Avengers (1961–1969) and The New Avengers (1976-1977), has passed away at the age of 93.
Macnee died at his Southern Californian home, in the company of his family, who are very much in our thoughts today.
Before Macnee embedded suave John Steed’s bowler hat and whangee-handle umbrella firmly into sixties British culture, the actor had roles in a score of television, film and stage productions, from Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes to Bond, having begun his career as an extra at the age of sixteen.
Macnee also served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War. But it was opposite co-stars Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman, Ian Hendry and more in The Avengers...
- 6/25/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
A fun fact for Whovians - Doctor Who creator Sydney Newman considered gender-swapping his iconic Time Lord way back in the 1980s...
Every time the Doctor reaches another regeneration, the discussion of potentially swapping the Time Lord's gender comes to the fore. As we learnt today, this debate has been going on longer than we knew. In fact, Doctor Who creator Sydney Newman considered the idea in October 1986.
He mentioned the possibility of a gender change in a letter to BBC One's controller of the time, Michael Grade. Newman wrote that "at a later stage, Dr Who would be metamorphosed into a woman." He added, though, that "this requires some considerable thought – mainly because I want to avoid a flashy Hollywood ‘Wonder Woman’ because this kind of hero(ine) has no flaws – and a character with no flaws is a bore."
This discussion took place during the Colin Baker era,...
Every time the Doctor reaches another regeneration, the discussion of potentially swapping the Time Lord's gender comes to the fore. As we learnt today, this debate has been going on longer than we knew. In fact, Doctor Who creator Sydney Newman considered the idea in October 1986.
He mentioned the possibility of a gender change in a letter to BBC One's controller of the time, Michael Grade. Newman wrote that "at a later stage, Dr Who would be metamorphosed into a woman." He added, though, that "this requires some considerable thought – mainly because I want to avoid a flashy Hollywood ‘Wonder Woman’ because this kind of hero(ine) has no flaws – and a character with no flaws is a bore."
This discussion took place during the Colin Baker era,...
- 6/14/2015
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
Simon Blake is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
First off, I’d just like to say I Love the Daleks! When Sydney Newman first proposed the idea for Doctor Who back in the hazy black-and-white 60s, he made it quite clear that he didn’t want any “bug-eyed monsters.” Then came along the Daleks and arguably secured the show’s future. But that was never meant...
The post “Did I mention it also travels in time?” appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
First off, I’d just like to say I Love the Daleks! When Sydney Newman first proposed the idea for Doctor Who back in the hazy black-and-white 60s, he made it quite clear that he didn’t want any “bug-eyed monsters.” Then came along the Daleks and arguably secured the show’s future. But that was never meant...
The post “Did I mention it also travels in time?” appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 3/30/2015
- by Simon Blake
- Kasterborous.com
BBC
When Sydney Newman devised Doctor Who in 1963, there was no way he could have foreseen the global phenomenon his concept would become. He certainly couldn’t have predicted the passion for the series from its ever-expanding fanbase, or the ardent scrutiny with which they view their favourite programme.
Six years later Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke created Gallifreyan lore when introducing the Time Lords, the Doctor’s own people. They might have known they were onto something big, but twenty years later a juggernaut of continuity had been established – one that wound up so cumbersome the home planet was supposedly dust by the time the show returned in 2005. Conventions and online forums buzzed with anger before it was revealed Rassilon and his kind actually survived.
All these events got a dissection of Silurian proportions via devotees of the Whoniverse over the years. Put simply, it isn’t difficult to offend a Whovian.
When Sydney Newman devised Doctor Who in 1963, there was no way he could have foreseen the global phenomenon his concept would become. He certainly couldn’t have predicted the passion for the series from its ever-expanding fanbase, or the ardent scrutiny with which they view their favourite programme.
Six years later Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke created Gallifreyan lore when introducing the Time Lords, the Doctor’s own people. They might have known they were onto something big, but twenty years later a juggernaut of continuity had been established – one that wound up so cumbersome the home planet was supposedly dust by the time the show returned in 2005. Conventions and online forums buzzed with anger before it was revealed Rassilon and his kind actually survived.
All these events got a dissection of Silurian proportions via devotees of the Whoniverse over the years. Put simply, it isn’t difficult to offend a Whovian.
- 3/20/2015
- by Steve Palace
- Obsessed with Film
Philip Bates is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Historian, Michael Herbert will be teaching an 11-week evening class… about Doctor Who! The course will cover the 51-year history of the show, from its creation in 1963 with William Hartnell at the controls of the Tardis, through his regenerations, and examining the behind-the-scenes crew that shaped the programme, including Verity Lambert and Sydney Newman,...
The post Doctor Who Course In Stockport appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Historian, Michael Herbert will be teaching an 11-week evening class… about Doctor Who! The course will cover the 51-year history of the show, from its creation in 1963 with William Hartnell at the controls of the Tardis, through his regenerations, and examining the behind-the-scenes crew that shaped the programme, including Verity Lambert and Sydney Newman,...
The post Doctor Who Course In Stockport appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 2/12/2015
- by Philip Bates
- Kasterborous.com
54 years ago, ABC Television, the ITV franchise holder for the Midlands and North of England, embarked on a new drama series that stood a good chance of success. The leading man was Ian Hendry, who played David Keel, a Gp avenging the death of his wife; the producer was Sydney Newman, the creator of the acclaimed Armchair Theatre. The first episode was scripted by Brian Clemens, a young writer who had previously worked for the Danziger brothers, the B-film producers who based their masterpieces around stock footage and borrowed props. Against not inconsiderable odds, Clemens’ scripts often managed to make a Danzigers production entertaining. The Avengers would provide a higher profile showcase for his talents.
- 1/16/2015
- The Independent - Film
"A thing that looks like a police box, stuck in a junkyard, can move anywhere in time and space?"
November 23, 2014 is Doctor Who's 51st anniversary - alright, so it's not as big a deal as last year, but all the same, we thought we'd take a look back at the show's very beginnings... and then go even further back than that.
The world's longest-running science-fiction series shot its original 'pilot' episode - in its entirety - on September 27, 1963. But when Sydney Newman, BBC Head of Drama, saw the finished product, he was appalled - demanding that producer Verity Lambert and director Waris Hussein do the entire thing over again from scratch.
But is this first attempt at Doctor Who really as bad as this story would suggest, and how different is it really from the version of 'An Unearthly Child' that we would come to know and love?
Remarkably...
November 23, 2014 is Doctor Who's 51st anniversary - alright, so it's not as big a deal as last year, but all the same, we thought we'd take a look back at the show's very beginnings... and then go even further back than that.
The world's longest-running science-fiction series shot its original 'pilot' episode - in its entirety - on September 27, 1963. But when Sydney Newman, BBC Head of Drama, saw the finished product, he was appalled - demanding that producer Verity Lambert and director Waris Hussein do the entire thing over again from scratch.
But is this first attempt at Doctor Who really as bad as this story would suggest, and how different is it really from the version of 'An Unearthly Child' that we would come to know and love?
Remarkably...
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Alex pays a fond return revisit to 1960s classic TV series, The Avengers...
Stylish crime fighting, despicable evil masterminds, a bowler-hatted old Etonian gentleman spy and a series of beautiful leather cat-suited, kinky-booted, no-nonsense heroines. The Avengers had all this and more. What began as a monochrome tape series in January 1961 ran the whole of the Sixties, becoming a colourful slice of period hokum, full of flair, wit and sophistication, yet with its tongue firmly in its cheek.
Always the perfect gentleman, John Steed was played by Patrick Macnee. Originally billed second to the late Ian Hendry, Macnee was still playing Steed over 15 years later when he was teamed with the youthful duo of Joanna Lumley and Gareth Hunt for The New Avengers in 1976. In the 1998 film, the role of Steed was given to Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman played Emma Peel. I will say no more about the film.
Stylish crime fighting, despicable evil masterminds, a bowler-hatted old Etonian gentleman spy and a series of beautiful leather cat-suited, kinky-booted, no-nonsense heroines. The Avengers had all this and more. What began as a monochrome tape series in January 1961 ran the whole of the Sixties, becoming a colourful slice of period hokum, full of flair, wit and sophistication, yet with its tongue firmly in its cheek.
Always the perfect gentleman, John Steed was played by Patrick Macnee. Originally billed second to the late Ian Hendry, Macnee was still playing Steed over 15 years later when he was teamed with the youthful duo of Joanna Lumley and Gareth Hunt for The New Avengers in 1976. In the 1998 film, the role of Steed was given to Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman played Emma Peel. I will say no more about the film.
- 10/13/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
“Demons run when a Good Man goes to war,” went the ancient line. But the problem is, The Doctor is no longer sure he’s a good man. Further problem is, neither is Clara. So The Doctor’s not quite sure what he’s going to do when he’s invited to go…
Into The Dalek
By Phil Ford and Steven Moffat
Directed by Ben Wheatley
Human rebel fighter Journey Blue is about to have her ship destroyed by a Dalek saucer when The Doctor saves her by materializing the ship around her, a move for which he expects and demands a thank you. Returning her back to her command ship, he’s quickly arrested, until Journey tells them he’s a Doctor…which is lucky because they have a patient. The patient is a Dalek, who is malfunctioning. As in, it has become good – it is raving that the Daleks must be defeated.
Into The Dalek
By Phil Ford and Steven Moffat
Directed by Ben Wheatley
Human rebel fighter Journey Blue is about to have her ship destroyed by a Dalek saucer when The Doctor saves her by materializing the ship around her, a move for which he expects and demands a thank you. Returning her back to her command ship, he’s quickly arrested, until Journey tells them he’s a Doctor…which is lucky because they have a patient. The patient is a Dalek, who is malfunctioning. As in, it has become good – it is raving that the Daleks must be defeated.
- 9/1/2014
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
James Lomond is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
The good Doctor is not the first time-and-space faring eccentric to have emerged from writers’ imaginations. While Canadian television producer and originator of Doctor Who, Sydney Newman, was explicit about the influence of H. G. Wells, there is another mysterious adventurer that bears a striking resemblance to the Doctor… Doctor Omega, from Arnould Galopin’s 1906
The post John Guilor Reads Doctor Omega! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
The good Doctor is not the first time-and-space faring eccentric to have emerged from writers’ imaginations. While Canadian television producer and originator of Doctor Who, Sydney Newman, was explicit about the influence of H. G. Wells, there is another mysterious adventurer that bears a striking resemblance to the Doctor… Doctor Omega, from Arnould Galopin’s 1906
The post John Guilor Reads Doctor Omega! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 8/8/2014
- by James Lomond
- Kasterborous.com
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: May 27, 2014
Price: Blu-ray/DVD Combo $24.98
Studio: BBC/Warner
An Adventure in Space and Time goes back to the beginning of British cult TV hit Doctor Who.
From award-winning writer Mark Gatiss (TV’s Sherlock) and director Terry McDonough (TV’s Clue), the biogaphy movie takes us back to Nov. 23, 1963, when the first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast on BBC One.
About an alien Time Lord exploring space and time in a spaceship the shape of a police box and called the Tardis (Time and Relative Dimension in Space), the show brought together actor William Hartnell (David Bradley, Harry Potter movies), who had felt typecast by a run of tough-guy roles and wannabe producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine, TV’s Call the Midwife), who was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling for women.
In Saturday afternoon drama Doctor Who, filled with time travel and monsters,...
Price: Blu-ray/DVD Combo $24.98
Studio: BBC/Warner
An Adventure in Space and Time goes back to the beginning of British cult TV hit Doctor Who.
From award-winning writer Mark Gatiss (TV’s Sherlock) and director Terry McDonough (TV’s Clue), the biogaphy movie takes us back to Nov. 23, 1963, when the first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast on BBC One.
About an alien Time Lord exploring space and time in a spaceship the shape of a police box and called the Tardis (Time and Relative Dimension in Space), the show brought together actor William Hartnell (David Bradley, Harry Potter movies), who had felt typecast by a run of tough-guy roles and wannabe producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine, TV’s Call the Midwife), who was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling for women.
In Saturday afternoon drama Doctor Who, filled with time travel and monsters,...
- 3/28/2014
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert
Well, that was the 50th Anniversary Year, that was.
Now that the dust has settled (a bit) and we can see the whole year in context, one thing becomes clear. An Adventure in Space and Time, while being the Anniversary Special that fandom cared the least about beforehand, was hands down the best drama of the year. Not just the Best Doctor Who drama – The Best Anything drama.
The first part of that is somewhat unsurprising. In the lead-up to the 50th Anniversary episode the lion’s share of the attention and anticipation was focused on the special, with relatively little of the spotlight falling on Mark Gattiss’ little drama about the shows inception. After all, we all pretty much knew the story of how the show came to exist, if we cared at all to know it. The facts of the story were all...
Well, that was the 50th Anniversary Year, that was.
Now that the dust has settled (a bit) and we can see the whole year in context, one thing becomes clear. An Adventure in Space and Time, while being the Anniversary Special that fandom cared the least about beforehand, was hands down the best drama of the year. Not just the Best Doctor Who drama – The Best Anything drama.
The first part of that is somewhat unsurprising. In the lead-up to the 50th Anniversary episode the lion’s share of the attention and anticipation was focused on the special, with relatively little of the spotlight falling on Mark Gattiss’ little drama about the shows inception. After all, we all pretty much knew the story of how the show came to exist, if we cared at all to know it. The facts of the story were all...
- 2/2/2014
- by Mikey Heinrich
- Obsessed with Film
One of the best things about ‘An Adventure In Space And Time’ was the performance of David Bradley as William Hartnell. And we don’t think it’s too far a step for him to reprise the role in future First Doctor adventures-be they Big Finish audios or television stories.
In this 50th anniversary year surely now’s the time to at least consider bringing back the one who kicked it all off! The grumpy young man did after all pave the way for the show we have today to get off the ground, making up something of a holy trinity with Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert.
What the late Bill himself might make of the modern equivalent to what ‘Who’ was when it first hit screens around the country on November 23 1963 is anyone’s guess. We do know the First thought of his ‘sucessors’ as a dandy and a...
In this 50th anniversary year surely now’s the time to at least consider bringing back the one who kicked it all off! The grumpy young man did after all pave the way for the show we have today to get off the ground, making up something of a holy trinity with Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert.
What the late Bill himself might make of the modern equivalent to what ‘Who’ was when it first hit screens around the country on November 23 1963 is anyone’s guess. We do know the First thought of his ‘sucessors’ as a dandy and a...
- 12/8/2013
- by Chris Morley
- Obsessed with Film
Drew Boynton is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
As shown in Mark Gatiss’ excellent An Adventure in Space and Time, Waris Hussein was an invaluable part of Sydney Newman’s “misfit dream team” in the early days of creating Doctor Who. The young Indian director, who was barely 25 at the time, oversaw the production of Doctor Who’s very first story in 1963 and
The post Radio Times Showcases Waris Hussein’s Annotated Doctor Who Script appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
As shown in Mark Gatiss’ excellent An Adventure in Space and Time, Waris Hussein was an invaluable part of Sydney Newman’s “misfit dream team” in the early days of creating Doctor Who. The young Indian director, who was barely 25 at the time, oversaw the production of Doctor Who’s very first story in 1963 and
The post Radio Times Showcases Waris Hussein’s Annotated Doctor Who Script appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 12/4/2013
- by Drew Boynton
- Kasterborous.com
An Adventure in Space and Time
Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Terry McDonough
Aired November 22nd on BBC America
As a love letter to the creation of Doctor Who, Mark Gatiss’ An Adventure in Space and Time gets a lot right. It’s faithful, it features excellent performances, and it is appropriately wistful about a series that has become an institution. Unfortunately, by adhering so closely to this notion of fond remembrances, the film limits its potential, becoming little more than a curiosity for interested Whovians. Doctor Who, which just celebrated the 50th anniversary of its debut, is a television phenomenon, arguably more popular now than when it burst onto the scene in 1963 with its incredibly popular second story, The Daleks. Given Who’s less-than-smooth journey from concept to broadcast and the many colorful people involved with its creation, a TV movie exploring the series’ beginnings makes narrative and commercial sense,...
Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Terry McDonough
Aired November 22nd on BBC America
As a love letter to the creation of Doctor Who, Mark Gatiss’ An Adventure in Space and Time gets a lot right. It’s faithful, it features excellent performances, and it is appropriately wistful about a series that has become an institution. Unfortunately, by adhering so closely to this notion of fond remembrances, the film limits its potential, becoming little more than a curiosity for interested Whovians. Doctor Who, which just celebrated the 50th anniversary of its debut, is a television phenomenon, arguably more popular now than when it burst onto the scene in 1963 with its incredibly popular second story, The Daleks. Given Who’s less-than-smooth journey from concept to broadcast and the many colorful people involved with its creation, a TV movie exploring the series’ beginnings makes narrative and commercial sense,...
- 11/28/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Mark Gatiss treats the legends of Doctor Who’s creation as only a longtime fan can, in a lovely tribute full of the exasperated acceptance that rose-tinted hindsight brings. I’m “biast” (pro): love love love everything about Doctor Who
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
I suspect even many deeply devoted fans of Doctor Who — people who have no problem acknowledging how profoundly weird a show it is, and who know how insanely popular and profitable it is for the BBC today — have any idea how much of a crapshoot it was at its creation. And I cannot imagine a better valentine to the show and its oddball hero than this lovely docudrama looking at its creation, which has as an underlying premise the notion that only a little band of unlikely outsiders could have possibly gotten it made as something that would endure,...
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
I suspect even many deeply devoted fans of Doctor Who — people who have no problem acknowledging how profoundly weird a show it is, and who know how insanely popular and profitable it is for the BBC today — have any idea how much of a crapshoot it was at its creation. And I cannot imagine a better valentine to the show and its oddball hero than this lovely docudrama looking at its creation, which has as an underlying premise the notion that only a little band of unlikely outsiders could have possibly gotten it made as something that would endure,...
- 11/27/2013
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
The BBC did a cracking job of filling the week before the Doctor Who 50th anniversary with new programming to appeal to Whovians across the globe. Noted scientist Brian Cox hosted a seminar about the nature of space and time, while noted actor Brian Cox starred in An Adventure in Space and Time. Paul McGann starred in a short adventure featuring the eighth Doctor, while Doctors Five, Six, and Seven hatched their own plan to crash the festivities.
David Bradley as William Hartnell as The Doctor in An Adventure in Space and Time
Mark Gatiss penned An Adventure in Space and Time, a dramatic adaptation of the early years of the classic series. Brian Cox and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) starred as Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert respectively, the minds behind the show, while David Bradley (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter) took the role of William Hartnell, the first Doctor.
David Bradley as William Hartnell as The Doctor in An Adventure in Space and Time
Mark Gatiss penned An Adventure in Space and Time, a dramatic adaptation of the early years of the classic series. Brian Cox and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) starred as Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert respectively, the minds behind the show, while David Bradley (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter) took the role of William Hartnell, the first Doctor.
- 11/25/2013
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
Stars: Brian Cox, Jessica Raine, David Bradley, Ross Gurney-Randall, Roger May | Written by Mark Gatiss | Directed by Terry McDonough
Doctor Who is a phenomenon and has fans all over the world. To some becoming a fan started when they first saw Christopher Eccleston take Billie Piper by the hand and say the words “I’m the Doctor” but for others, they all have that one actor that they could call their Doctor. An Adventure in Space and Time takes us back to the very beginning though when the BBC decided to create a kids television show like no other, one that would star William Hartnell as a character who is still as popular now as he was 50 years before his creation.
An Adventure in Space and Time tells the story of how Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) gave Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) the story of creating the new show Doctor Who...
Doctor Who is a phenomenon and has fans all over the world. To some becoming a fan started when they first saw Christopher Eccleston take Billie Piper by the hand and say the words “I’m the Doctor” but for others, they all have that one actor that they could call their Doctor. An Adventure in Space and Time takes us back to the very beginning though when the BBC decided to create a kids television show like no other, one that would star William Hartnell as a character who is still as popular now as he was 50 years before his creation.
An Adventure in Space and Time tells the story of how Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) gave Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) the story of creating the new show Doctor Who...
- 11/24/2013
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
When watching An Adventure In Space And Time, I noticed one feeling dominated all others. It wasn’t excitement at seeing early Doctor Who recreated in high definition colour. It wasn’t admiration in the playing of the lead actors (all wonderful), nor even some fannish desire for accuracy (I let several anachronisms of speech and behaviour slip by, suspending my disbelief in the spirit of the piece).
The overwhelming feeling I had was one of protectiveness. I felt protective towards Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, even Sydney Newman, the old so-and-so. But I felt especially protective towards William Hartnell. As an actor his reputation is pretty much intact, despite a few swipes at his memory from those too ignorant to know better. But as a man I felt that he had been much maligned, and An Adventure In Space And Time could either support the myths, or set the record straight.
The overwhelming feeling I had was one of protectiveness. I felt protective towards Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, even Sydney Newman, the old so-and-so. But I felt especially protective towards William Hartnell. As an actor his reputation is pretty much intact, despite a few swipes at his memory from those too ignorant to know better. But as a man I felt that he had been much maligned, and An Adventure In Space And Time could either support the myths, or set the record straight.
- 11/24/2013
- by David Martin Farmbrough
- Obsessed with Film
Fifty years ago today, the world was recovering from the shocking assassination of John F. Kennedy.But as that death rocked the world and dominated the media, something new was born. At 17:15 on BBC One, the first episode of a new children’s drama serial was broadcast.
At that time, it was practically a miracle that Doctor Who’s first episode An Unearthly Child had been made at all after the disaster of the initial pilot episode. But those twenty-five minutes about a mysterious teenage girl, two inquisitive schoolteachers, and grumpy old man with an impossible machine were the start of a legend that has stretched across fifty years and over two-hundred countries, and become an immortal component of science-fiction, television drama, and British culture.
But the next five decades weren’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Despite a successful run and one of the most visible fan communities of all time,...
At that time, it was practically a miracle that Doctor Who’s first episode An Unearthly Child had been made at all after the disaster of the initial pilot episode. But those twenty-five minutes about a mysterious teenage girl, two inquisitive schoolteachers, and grumpy old man with an impossible machine were the start of a legend that has stretched across fifty years and over two-hundred countries, and become an immortal component of science-fiction, television drama, and British culture.
But the next five decades weren’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Despite a successful run and one of the most visible fan communities of all time,...
- 11/24/2013
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
BBC’s “An Adventure in Space and Time” is a dramatic reimagining of the origins of “Doctor Who”. It is not grand theatre nor is it a documentary. It’s more than that. It is deceptive in its simplicity – stripping away the constraints of history to expose the raw humanity hidden within the story. Writer Mark Gatiss set out to make his passion project and it shows. Sydney Newman, Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein and William Hartnell – the people at the very heart of “Doctor Who” – are lovingly rendered. Strengths are celebrated and flaws are gently acknowledged.
I teared up at times as I sat cross-legged on my lumpy blue sofa with my cup of tea. My laptop lay open in my lap, ready to receive notes. Yet I didn’t type once during my viewing of “An Adventure in Space and Time”. I couldn’t blink away from the riveting...
I teared up at times as I sat cross-legged on my lumpy blue sofa with my cup of tea. My laptop lay open in my lap, ready to receive notes. Yet I didn’t type once during my viewing of “An Adventure in Space and Time”. I couldn’t blink away from the riveting...
- 11/23/2013
- by Mary Ogle
- Obsessed with Film
Doctor Who is one of the running miracles of the television age. On paper, it’s a ridiculous concept: An alien with a time machine shaped like a blue police box zip-zaps around space and time. It was planned as an educational show. It debuted the day after Kennedy was shot. They replace the lead character every few years. It more or less disappeared from television for over a decade. This weekend sees the franchise turn half a century old, and by most metrics, it’s never been more popular.
An Adventure in Space and Time is essentially the appetizer...
An Adventure in Space and Time is essentially the appetizer...
- 11/23/2013
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
The BBC TV movie "An Adventure in Space and Time" is perhaps the most fitting tribute to "Doctor Who" during its 50th anniversary celebration, as it tells the story of the Doctor's origin, as unlikely as it may be.
The movie opens when the first Doctor, William Hartnell (David Bradley) preparing for his final scenes in the role, before retiring from the series. Standing at the console of his Tardis, Hartnell remembers his time as the Doctor, which sets the story.
A lot of interesting things are shown throughout the story. One of the more interesting things to note is how the show is constantly spelled out as "Dr. Who," even though it's become taboo to Whovians to refer to it as such.
The creation of the show was largely in part because the BBC wanted something fun to lift up their programming, a show kids and adults would both love.
The movie opens when the first Doctor, William Hartnell (David Bradley) preparing for his final scenes in the role, before retiring from the series. Standing at the console of his Tardis, Hartnell remembers his time as the Doctor, which sets the story.
A lot of interesting things are shown throughout the story. One of the more interesting things to note is how the show is constantly spelled out as "Dr. Who," even though it's become taboo to Whovians to refer to it as such.
The creation of the show was largely in part because the BBC wanted something fun to lift up their programming, a show kids and adults would both love.
- 11/23/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
In celebrating the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary, BBC America will be showing An Adventure in Space and Time tonight to honor the beginnings of the show. This very special dramatization of the origins of Doctor Who is clearly a labor of love as shown in this behind the scenes featurette. The cast and cameo list is extensive, and this video is almost eleven minutes long, but hang on til the end to see the special cameo playing third doctor John Pertwee.
This behind the scenes look at the making of An Adventure in Space and Time features interviews with Carole Ann Ford (who played the Doctor’s Granddaughter), writer and executive producer Mark Gatiss, Brian Cox (Sydney Newman), Jessica Raine (Verity Lambert), David Bradley (William Hartnell), William Russell (who played Ian Chesterton), Sacha Dhawan (Waris Hussein), first director of Doctor Who, director Waris Hussein, Claudia Grant (Carole Ann Ford), Jamie Glover...
This behind the scenes look at the making of An Adventure in Space and Time features interviews with Carole Ann Ford (who played the Doctor’s Granddaughter), writer and executive producer Mark Gatiss, Brian Cox (Sydney Newman), Jessica Raine (Verity Lambert), David Bradley (William Hartnell), William Russell (who played Ian Chesterton), Sacha Dhawan (Waris Hussein), first director of Doctor Who, director Waris Hussein, Claudia Grant (Carole Ann Ford), Jamie Glover...
- 11/22/2013
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
Who knew? Few could have foreseen the enduring success of Doctor Who given its inauspicious origins a half-century ago — a fascinating story of pluck, luck and imagination delightfully rendered in An Adventure in Space and Time, a new TV movie (Friday, 9/8c) airing as part of BBC America's 50th-anniversary Who celebration this weekend.
You don't have to be a Whovian to appreciate this jaunty re-creation of a simpler, scrappier time in TV history. A "year-ometer" (cute touch) dials back to 1963, when the staid BBC's brash new head of drama, Canadian showman Sydney Newman (a marvelously uncouth Brian Cox), greenlights a new sci-fi serial to appeal to kids and fickle sports fans. With a miniscule budget, an overheated "broom cupboard" of a studio and an edict of "no tin robots or Bem (bug-eyed monsters)," Newman appoints an unorthodox team to realize his vision: Verity Lambert (Call the Midwife's Jessica...
You don't have to be a Whovian to appreciate this jaunty re-creation of a simpler, scrappier time in TV history. A "year-ometer" (cute touch) dials back to 1963, when the staid BBC's brash new head of drama, Canadian showman Sydney Newman (a marvelously uncouth Brian Cox), greenlights a new sci-fi serial to appeal to kids and fickle sports fans. With a miniscule budget, an overheated "broom cupboard" of a studio and an edict of "no tin robots or Bem (bug-eyed monsters)," Newman appoints an unorthodox team to realize his vision: Verity Lambert (Call the Midwife's Jessica...
- 11/22/2013
- by Matt Roush
- TVGuide - Breaking News
You can't rewrite history - not one line. But you can transform it into a gorgeous piece of television drama, or at least a writer/producer as canny and talented as Mark Gatiss can.
BBC Two's An Adventure in Space and Time - commissioned to mark Doctor Who's 50th anniversary - is a lovingly crafted piece of work. Gatiss has spoken on several occasions about how this 'origins' drama has been a long-held passion project and that passion has filtered through to every element of the production.
There's so much to admire, from Edmund Butt's brilliant score to Dave Arrowsmith's gorgeous production design, with its pinpoint accurate reproductions of costumes, the Tardis exterior and, best of all, the control room - perfect in every detail, right down to the green hue of the console.
The chief reason why An Adventure is so successful though is ultimately Gatiss's script.
BBC Two's An Adventure in Space and Time - commissioned to mark Doctor Who's 50th anniversary - is a lovingly crafted piece of work. Gatiss has spoken on several occasions about how this 'origins' drama has been a long-held passion project and that passion has filtered through to every element of the production.
There's so much to admire, from Edmund Butt's brilliant score to Dave Arrowsmith's gorgeous production design, with its pinpoint accurate reproductions of costumes, the Tardis exterior and, best of all, the control room - perfect in every detail, right down to the green hue of the console.
The chief reason why An Adventure is so successful though is ultimately Gatiss's script.
- 11/21/2013
- Digital Spy
Feature Seb Patrick 21 Nov 2013 - 22:30
Here's what writer Mark Gatiss said about An Adventure In Space And Time at the BFI screening. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it...
Warning: contains spoilers for An Adventure In Space And Time. Our spoiler-free review is here.
As part of a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew at the premiere screening of An Adventure in Space and Time at the BFI, writer Mark Gatiss had plenty to say about the making of the ninety-minute BBC2 film. Now that the special has been broadcast – and with the proviso that it contains spoilers if you haven’t yet watched it! - here’s a selection of what he had to say about bringing William Hartnell, Verity Lambert, Sydney Newman and the rest of the early days of Doctor Who to life…
To begin with, Gatiss talked about the origins of the story,...
Here's what writer Mark Gatiss said about An Adventure In Space And Time at the BFI screening. Spoilers ahead if you haven't seen it...
Warning: contains spoilers for An Adventure In Space And Time. Our spoiler-free review is here.
As part of a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew at the premiere screening of An Adventure in Space and Time at the BFI, writer Mark Gatiss had plenty to say about the making of the ninety-minute BBC2 film. Now that the special has been broadcast – and with the proviso that it contains spoilers if you haven’t yet watched it! - here’s a selection of what he had to say about bringing William Hartnell, Verity Lambert, Sydney Newman and the rest of the early days of Doctor Who to life…
To begin with, Gatiss talked about the origins of the story,...
- 11/21/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Danny_Weasel is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
We are now a mere four days away from the big one, but even more tantalizingly, we are only two away from what is shaping up to be a spectacular equal to that of the multi doctor event at the weekend. We have now been gifted with a second trailer for An Adventure in Space
The post “No bug-eyed monsters!” Sydney Newman Makes It Clear appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
We are now a mere four days away from the big one, but even more tantalizingly, we are only two away from what is shaping up to be a spectacular equal to that of the multi doctor event at the weekend. We have now been gifted with a second trailer for An Adventure in Space
The post “No bug-eyed monsters!” Sydney Newman Makes It Clear appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 11/19/2013
- by Danny_Weasel
- Kasterborous.com
If you’ve ever tried to explain the show Doctor Who to someone it probably was very similar to the conversation in this clip between producers Sydney Newman (played by Brian Cox) and Verity Lambert (played by Jessica Raine) for the origin story An Adventure in Space and Time. Although I’m pretty sure the last 50 years time has encompassed more of those monsters into the show. Check out the clip below.
Clip: An Adventure in Space and Time – No Bug-Eyed Monsters
An Adventure in Space and Time, starring David Bradley, Reece Shearsmith, and Claudia Grant, airs November 22 at 9/8c on BBC America.
Clip: An Adventure in Space and Time – No Bug-Eyed Monsters
An Adventure in Space and Time, starring David Bradley, Reece Shearsmith, and Claudia Grant, airs November 22 at 9/8c on BBC America.
- 11/19/2013
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
Trailer Louisa Mellor 19 Nov 2013 - 07:56
Ahead of Thursday's broadcast, BBC Two has released a brand new clip from An Adventure In Space And Time...
"...plus, an older man, quirky, I'll come back to him."
Watch Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) pitch the Doctor Who concept to Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) in BBC Television centre, 1963, in this new clip from An Adventure In Space And Time...
An Adventure In Space And Time airs on BBC Two on Thursday the 21st of November at 9pm. Read our spoiler-free review, here.
BBC
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Doctor WhoAn Adventure In Space And TimeMark GatissDavid Bradley...
Ahead of Thursday's broadcast, BBC Two has released a brand new clip from An Adventure In Space And Time...
"...plus, an older man, quirky, I'll come back to him."
Watch Sydney Newman (Brian Cox) pitch the Doctor Who concept to Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine) in BBC Television centre, 1963, in this new clip from An Adventure In Space And Time...
An Adventure In Space And Time airs on BBC Two on Thursday the 21st of November at 9pm. Read our spoiler-free review, here.
BBC
Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
Doctor WhoAn Adventure In Space And TimeMark GatissDavid Bradley...
- 11/19/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Review Seb Patrick 18 Nov 2013 - 06:00
Seb gives his spoiler-free response to a loving, funny, and at times incredibly touching tribute to Doctor Who...
The last time Mark Gatiss wrote about the creation of Doctor Who, it was for the 1999 Doctor Who Night sketch The Pitch of Fear – and it's safe to say that although broadcast by the BBC, the sketch, in which Gatiss also appeared with David Walliams, was somewhat controversial, largely for a couple of digs at the 1980s Doctors. Having been given a second crack at telling the story, however, it's unsurprising that Gatiss has taken a significantly safer approach this time around.
Although An Adventure in Space and Time fits in what is now becoming an established genre, that of "period docudrama about the behind-the-scenes goings-on of mid-twentieth century television production", as an official anniversary celebration, there was little chance of it being any kind of...
Seb gives his spoiler-free response to a loving, funny, and at times incredibly touching tribute to Doctor Who...
The last time Mark Gatiss wrote about the creation of Doctor Who, it was for the 1999 Doctor Who Night sketch The Pitch of Fear – and it's safe to say that although broadcast by the BBC, the sketch, in which Gatiss also appeared with David Walliams, was somewhat controversial, largely for a couple of digs at the 1980s Doctors. Having been given a second crack at telling the story, however, it's unsurprising that Gatiss has taken a significantly safer approach this time around.
Although An Adventure in Space and Time fits in what is now becoming an established genre, that of "period docudrama about the behind-the-scenes goings-on of mid-twentieth century television production", as an official anniversary celebration, there was little chance of it being any kind of...
- 11/17/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Want to make sure you don't miss anything great on the telly in the next seven days? Never fear, because Tube Talk has done all the hard work for you and smushed all of this week's must-see TV into one snappy rundown. Check out what you should be checking out below...
Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad: Wednesday (November 20) at 10pm on BBC Three
It seems we can't get away from Jack Whitehall nowadays. If it's not Bad Education that's lighting up the box, it's Fresh Meat or A League of Their Own. Now he's called for reinforcements in the shape of his father as he continues his bid to take over the world.
Backchat plays on the awkwardness that arises when Jack unleashes his anarchic posh boy routine around his dry and disapproving dad Michael, while the celebrity guests (Jeremy Paxman and Danny Dyer this week!) presumably look on in bemusement.
Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad: Wednesday (November 20) at 10pm on BBC Three
It seems we can't get away from Jack Whitehall nowadays. If it's not Bad Education that's lighting up the box, it's Fresh Meat or A League of Their Own. Now he's called for reinforcements in the shape of his father as he continues his bid to take over the world.
Backchat plays on the awkwardness that arises when Jack unleashes his anarchic posh boy routine around his dry and disapproving dad Michael, while the celebrity guests (Jeremy Paxman and Danny Dyer this week!) presumably look on in bemusement.
- 11/17/2013
- Digital Spy
Incredible thought it may be think, there was a time when the idea of a show called Doctor Who, about a weirdo who travels through space and time in a British police phone box battling metal death machines shaped like pepper pots, was not considered a slam dunk. The new TV movie An Adventure in Space and Time details how producer Verity Lambert (played by Jessica Raine), BBC Head of Drama Sydney Newman (Brian Cox), and actor William Hartnell (David Bradley), among others, overcame the doubts of naysayers to come up with the one of the most fervently beloved TV shows of all-time.
- 11/15/2013
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside TV
An Adventure in Space and Time - BBC Two's drama biopic charting the origins of Doctor Who and the show's first three years under its original lead, William Hartnell - was screened at London's BFI Southbank last night (November 12) and the 90-minute period piece received a rapturous reception - not to mention a standing ovation - from an appreciative audience of fans and journalists.
Once the lights came up, Mark Gatiss - the man for whom An Adventure has been a long-held passion project - was one of several guests to take to the BFI's stage and discussed how he approached adapting a slice of television history into "a human drama".
> 'Adventure in Space and Time' recreates 'Doctor Who' icons for biopic
"The strange thing is, because I'm a Jon Pertwee child, this was before my time," Gatiss acknowledged. "But I grew up with the story - almost like a...
Once the lights came up, Mark Gatiss - the man for whom An Adventure has been a long-held passion project - was one of several guests to take to the BFI's stage and discussed how he approached adapting a slice of television history into "a human drama".
> 'Adventure in Space and Time' recreates 'Doctor Who' icons for biopic
"The strange thing is, because I'm a Jon Pertwee child, this was before my time," Gatiss acknowledged. "But I grew up with the story - almost like a...
- 11/13/2013
- Digital Spy
With just two weeks before it’s airing, the BBC has finally released an extended trailer for Day of The Doctor, the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who.
The plot: “The Doctors embark on their greatest adventure in this 50th anniversary special. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.”
While this story line seems everyday, the trailer reveals that for the first time since the series returned in 2005 we’ll get a (detailed?) look at the Time War that cost the life of Gallifrey and the Doctor’s people. It will also explore how John Hurt’s Doctor figures within the personal timeline of the Doctor as well. David Tennant...
The plot: “The Doctors embark on their greatest adventure in this 50th anniversary special. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.”
While this story line seems everyday, the trailer reveals that for the first time since the series returned in 2005 we’ll get a (detailed?) look at the Time War that cost the life of Gallifrey and the Doctor’s people. It will also explore how John Hurt’s Doctor figures within the personal timeline of the Doctor as well. David Tennant...
- 11/10/2013
- by spaced-odyssey
- doorQ.com
The good news? If you’re planning on traveling during Thanksgiving week, you won’t be missing any of the amazing Doctor Who programming that BBC America has announced for the 50th anniversary, including several new specials. The bad news? You’re going to need to take an extra week of vacation the week before Thanksgiving, in order to watch it all. Or maybe you feel some illness coming on?
We’ll have all of this on the SciFiMafia.com calendar, but here it all is in one convenient place, along with descriptions of everything. Also included is a confirmation of the Dw:datd simulcast time: 2:50pm Eastern, November 23.
If you’re new to Doctor Who, Now Is The Time to join us. BBC America has included an excellent catch-up summary of the entire show, under “About Doctor Who” in the press release below, so you’ll be ready. You won’t really know,...
We’ll have all of this on the SciFiMafia.com calendar, but here it all is in one convenient place, along with descriptions of everything. Also included is a confirmation of the Dw:datd simulcast time: 2:50pm Eastern, November 23.
If you’re new to Doctor Who, Now Is The Time to join us. BBC America has included an excellent catch-up summary of the entire show, under “About Doctor Who” in the press release below, so you’ll be ready. You won’t really know,...
- 11/8/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
We had a feeling that An Adventure in Space and Time would be aired over the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who celebration weekend, but the exact day and time were still to be specified. We have confirmation of that now, November 22nd at 9/8c on BBC America. Wouldn’t want to miss it. Here’s the official press release.
Doctor Who’s First Doctor Regenerated in BBC America’s An Adventure in Space and Time Premiering on November 22 The story of how it all began stars David Bradley, Jessica Raine and Brian Cox
What do you get when you mix C.S. Lewis with H.G. Wells, and sprinkle in a bit of Father Christmas? An alien Time Lord exploring space and time in a Police Box spaceship called the “Tardis” (Time And Relative Dimension in Space). On November 23, 1963, a television legend began when the very first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast on BBC One.
Doctor Who’s First Doctor Regenerated in BBC America’s An Adventure in Space and Time Premiering on November 22 The story of how it all began stars David Bradley, Jessica Raine and Brian Cox
What do you get when you mix C.S. Lewis with H.G. Wells, and sprinkle in a bit of Father Christmas? An alien Time Lord exploring space and time in a Police Box spaceship called the “Tardis” (Time And Relative Dimension in Space). On November 23, 1963, a television legend began when the very first episode of Doctor Who was broadcast on BBC One.
- 11/5/2013
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
An Adventure in Time and Space. Hal Shinnie BBC 2013
November 23 marks the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. Alongside the special anniversary episode of the show featuring both Matt Smith and David Tennant, BBC America are set to air a special Who themed drama called An Adventure in Space and Time.
The drama is based on real events — the creation of the TV show Doctor Who. It features Harry Potter star David Bradley as the first Doctor (William Hartnell) and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) as the show’s first producer, Verity Lambert. Hollywood big-hitter Brian Cox (Bourne Identity) plays the show’s creator Sydney Newman while Sacha Dhawan (Last Tango in Halifax) plays director Waris Hussein.
An Adventure in Space and Time is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and directed by Breaking Bad’s Terry McDonough. Rumor has it that Gatiss and Doctor Who producer Steven Moffat will appear...
November 23 marks the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. Alongside the special anniversary episode of the show featuring both Matt Smith and David Tennant, BBC America are set to air a special Who themed drama called An Adventure in Space and Time.
The drama is based on real events — the creation of the TV show Doctor Who. It features Harry Potter star David Bradley as the first Doctor (William Hartnell) and Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) as the show’s first producer, Verity Lambert. Hollywood big-hitter Brian Cox (Bourne Identity) plays the show’s creator Sydney Newman while Sacha Dhawan (Last Tango in Halifax) plays director Waris Hussein.
An Adventure in Space and Time is written by Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss and directed by Breaking Bad’s Terry McDonough. Rumor has it that Gatiss and Doctor Who producer Steven Moffat will appear...
- 10/22/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
News Louisa Mellor 18 Oct 2013 - 11:45
See David Bradley as William Hartnell, Brian Cox as Sydney Newman, and more in new pictures from An Adventure In Space And Time...
Each inward groan elicited by seeing glittery reindeer ornaments and tins of Cadbury's Celebrations in prematurely stocked supermarket aisles this month can be balanced by a tacit 'yippee'; for the closer we come to the end of the year, the closer we come to Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary celebrations.
A key part of those celebrations is the Mark Gatiss-scripted ninety-minute docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time, chronicling the birth of Doctor Who on the BBC in the period running up to the first broadcast of An Unearthly Child in November 1963.
A clutch of glossy new stills has been released in the lead-up to broadcast, giving us a proper look at just how wonderful David Bradley and co. look as William Hartnell and chums.
See David Bradley as William Hartnell, Brian Cox as Sydney Newman, and more in new pictures from An Adventure In Space And Time...
Each inward groan elicited by seeing glittery reindeer ornaments and tins of Cadbury's Celebrations in prematurely stocked supermarket aisles this month can be balanced by a tacit 'yippee'; for the closer we come to the end of the year, the closer we come to Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary celebrations.
A key part of those celebrations is the Mark Gatiss-scripted ninety-minute docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time, chronicling the birth of Doctor Who on the BBC in the period running up to the first broadcast of An Unearthly Child in November 1963.
A clutch of glossy new stills has been released in the lead-up to broadcast, giving us a proper look at just how wonderful David Bradley and co. look as William Hartnell and chums.
- 10/18/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Doctor Who's 50th anniversary biopic has unveiled a number of new pictures.
An Adventure in Space and Time, starring David Bradley as the first Doctor William Hartnell, charts the sci-fi drama's early years and has been written by Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss.
Bradley appears alongside Claudia Grant as Carole Ann Ford, who played the Doctor's granddaughter Susan Foreman in one photo.
Jemma Powell and Jamie Glover appear as Jacqueline Hill and William Russell, who were the First Doctor's companions Barbara and Ian.
Elsewhere, Sasha Dhawan stars as director Waris Hussein, while Jessica Raine portrays producer Verity Lambert.
Finally, Brian Cox appears as Sydney Newman, Head of Drama at the BBC in 1963.
An Adventure in Space and Time will air on BBC Two later in 2013.
Watch Gatiss and Bradley talk to Digital Spy about the project below:...
An Adventure in Space and Time, starring David Bradley as the first Doctor William Hartnell, charts the sci-fi drama's early years and has been written by Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss.
Bradley appears alongside Claudia Grant as Carole Ann Ford, who played the Doctor's granddaughter Susan Foreman in one photo.
Jemma Powell and Jamie Glover appear as Jacqueline Hill and William Russell, who were the First Doctor's companions Barbara and Ian.
Elsewhere, Sasha Dhawan stars as director Waris Hussein, while Jessica Raine portrays producer Verity Lambert.
Finally, Brian Cox appears as Sydney Newman, Head of Drama at the BBC in 1963.
An Adventure in Space and Time will air on BBC Two later in 2013.
Watch Gatiss and Bradley talk to Digital Spy about the project below:...
- 10/18/2013
- Digital Spy
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