An Adventure in Space and Time
Sydney Newman was the progressive head of BBC TV’s Drama department in 1963. He wants to fill Saturday tea time with a youth-friendly show. Newman hits upon the idea of a regal figure like a doctor leading a group on time travel adventures with his companions. Verity Lambert, a young and inexperienced producer, is hired by Newman to develop the concept. Verity Lambert, an Indian young director, and Verity fight sexist and racist bigotry. Hartnell, who is a crusty actor, agrees to portray the character. The first episode of Doctor Who, however, was canceled due to technical problems and the competition for coverage on the Kennedy assassination. Hartnell becomes obsessed with the character as the series grows in popularity. However, his ill health soon takes over and he forgets lines. Newman informs Hartnell that Doctor Who would’regenerate’, and that he will be replaced with Patrick Troughton. Hartnell is attached to his role and not willing to let it go. Hartnell hopes Troughton has every success, as he will be the first actor to take on a role that will last fifty years. –don @ minifie-1
Genre: Drama
Director: Terry McDonough
Actors: Brian Cox, Claudia Grant, David Bradley, Jeff Rawle, Jessica Raine, Lesley Manville, Sacha Dhawan
Country: UK
