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The Doctors – The Tom Baker Years Vol 2

Here then is the latest instalment in this fascinating series and yes, ‘The Doctors – Behind the Scenes’ releases are coming out with increasing rapidity (no bad thing for the ardent ‘Whovian’). This time we’re discussing ‘The Tom Baker Years – Vol 2’ and once again, we’re talking almost a whopping six hours of interviews!
It’s all tied nicely together by the one and only Nicholas Briggs (the voice of the Daleks and ‘Big Finish’ producer) who, along with Stephen Noonan (now cast as the 1st Doctor in the Audio CD’s), is undoubtedly one of the leading experts on this one-time intriguing series. So, what treats do we have in store this time? Rest assured there will be many! Where would any Whovian be without Keith Barnfather? As previously stated these DVD’s are of a specialist interest and would hardly appeal to anyone who doesn’t appreciate DOCTOR WHO… what?
First up is a comparatively recent interview (2014 – thus good quality is assured) with producer Philip Hinchcliffe who succeeded Barry Letts in ’74. For many Whovians, Hinchcliffe was responsible for the three Dr. Who episodes that still rank as many fans favourites: ‘The Talons of Weng-Chiang’, ‘Pyramids of Mars’ and ‘The Brain of Morbius’ – to say nothing of the brilliant ‘Genesis of the Daleks’. The actual interview that we see shows occasional clips from a Dr. Who Society meeting with Karen Davies; but the main interview takes place backstage in the dressing room with Nick asking his usual penetrating and relevant questions. Nick has to comment on Hinchcliffe receiving his award from the society “a piece of glass with your name on it”. We can see his point – but it’s the thought isn’t it. We learn how he made his way from studying English Literature at University to the story department in the all-powerful Lord Grade’s company – where he learned the business from the inside. We also learn about the casting of Tom Baker, although Hinchcliffe seemed mistakenly to think Rasputin was a character in Bernard Shaw’s ‘The Millionairess’ and his working relationship with Robert Holmes – arguably the greatest of all the Dr. Who scriptwriters. He actually thought the Hammer Horror-like’ Brain of Morbius’ was “too near the knuckle”. This man’s energy and enthusiasm cannot be doubted – he was but 29 when he took over the reins from Barry Letts. A far too modest man who describes himself as a “naive little soul”. He claims he’d like to see a link to the storylines he produced to what was happening in 2014. God knows what he’d think now.
Next up is former actor (like so many Dr. Who technicians) and script editor Christopher H. Bidmead – interviewed by Nick at his home. Bidmead is a fluid speaker and a relaxed sort of chap. With his keen interest in technology he is just the sort of fellow who would have been of interest to John Nathan-Turner. Bidmead succeeded in getting a scholarship for RADA and explains the advantages of such a scholarship (would-be actors: take note). From Birmingham Rep he went to Stratford where his love for writing took root and e eventually found himself in the BBC Radio Script Department (as mentioned in previous reviews – it was a little easier then). He, as a fan of the TV Series ‘Shoestring’, wrote a fan letter to producer Robert Banks- Stewart and the rest in history. Lady luck appears to have been on Mr. Bidmead’s side. He even admits that he initially thought Dr. Who was “rather silly”! There were differences of opinion with John Nathan-Turner and Douglas Adams whom he succeeded as script editor (regarding Adams approach as “silly”). Nor was he overly unhappy about the departure of Tom Baker. It was actually he who came up with the idea of Dr. Who being portrayed by a female actor. J.N-T. would have none of it back then – my oh my, how times have changed! Last up on DISC 1 is an interview with director John Black (recorded in 2022 at his home) – this with Scot ‘Whovian’ Robert Dick (who appears to be on par with Mr. Briggs and Mr. Noonan). Black directed ‘The Keeper of Traken’ and ‘Four to Doomsday’. The elderly director begins by telling Dick “I Iike your Scottish accent”. It seems a rather dotty thing to say – but Black having spent most of his first ten years in Tanganyika went on to study at Fife’s St. Andrews University. From there he was fortunate enough to get a job as a newspaper reporter. In ’67 he directed his first film, then joined the BBC and secured a place on the now near legendary ‘BBC Director’s Course’ – this was in Newcastle and he then went to London as a production assistant. Black finally was given his first little play to direct before writing to Nathan-Turner who offered him ‘The Keeper of Traken’. There were more problems as Barry Letts (described by Black ‘as the nicest man you could possibly meet’) was initially overseeing as executive producer, meaning J.N-T. did not then have total autonomy which annoyed him no end (this is what makes these DVD’s so intriguing). Black later mentions Tom Baker had decided to leave and go back to being a ‘normal’ actor to which Dick replies: “I don’t think Tom Baker was ever a normal actor”. It was he who cast Sarah Sutton (which was hardly a bad thing). He extols the production designs of Tony Burroughs…here, here. It is also amusing that admits he found K-9 a bit of a pain in the butt (he’s not the only one) – but he thought John Leeson wonderful – and Dick is actually wearing a K-9 T shirt. Black had a very successful career later in marketing and as a Pilates instructor: “I’ve always done different things”. Good for him.
DISC 2 kicks off with Nick interviewing the rather extraordinary (and himself quite animated) special effects man Matt Irvine at his somewhat cluttered house. Irvine admits to being a bit of a hoarder (as you will see). Paradoxically he was the man who created K-9 although the actual responsibility wasn’t all his – if anyone is to blame, the finger should be pointed towards Mary Whitehouse (if anyone still remembers her). Irvine actually wanted to be a vet but found himself doing film research for the BBC and it was during the Apollo Mission that his interest was kindled ‘in the spacey side of things’. He started building models of spaceships (most of which he still appears to have). He then found himself in the BBC Model Making Department and got lucky. An eye opener in many respects – he shows us one model that some keen-eyed viewers noticed was actually made from two hair dryers bound together! This interview was recorded in 2000. Next up we meet The Costume Design Team – this was recorded in 1988 at the Imperial College London (so don’t expect the greatest quality). Here we have interviewer Gary Russell talking to Dee Robson, Richard Gregory, June Hudson (probably the best known of the lot) and Roland Warne. Once again you will get a good insight as to how the team actually works. Dee and Gary explain their collaboration in some detail. Possibly they are best known for ‘The Garm’ – the giant dog-like biped. She admits it was based on something but couldn’t remember what. Sometimes this interview nearly lapses into comedy e.g. Gary: “You get a copy of the script – then what’s the next stage after that?” Dee: “The next stage after that is to read the script.”
June Hudson is quite highly regarded and John Nathan-Turner was so impressed with her costume designs he employed her as sole designer on the 18th series. It was she who designed Tom Baker’s outfit for the last season. Like Dee, she also worked on ‘Blake’s 7’. Warne worked on Nick Briggs much favoured ‘Death to the Daleks’ and made the dreaded ‘Brain of Morbius’ monster – now that was a sight to behold!
Last up is the music and sound team from Panopticon 7 – recorded at I.C.L. again in 1986. The interviewer is David Howe and the interviewees are Australian composer Dudley Simpson (for many practically synonymous with Dr. Who) and Dick Mills, the special sounds supremo of whom the same might be said. It is Dudley who monopolies most of the interview with Dick – putting in a few intriguing insights every now and then. Simpson composed the music for 62 stories between 1964 and 1980 – some considerable feat indeed! Dudley explains how he would have to get Dick to make a special sound. And if you don’t know what an 8 Key Oscillator is you are about to find out. Simpson’s favourite of the 62 he worked on was ‘The Seeds of Death’ and for Dick it was ‘The Ark in Space’. If you have ever wondered why Simpson ceased to be the in-house composer in 1980 then his luncheon date with John Nathan-Turner will provide the answer. Listening to Simpson it is not too difficult to see there must have been a clash of something between the men.
Once again, this 2-Disc DVD set is a treasure to behold for all Dr. Who aficionados and can be ordered directly via https://timetraveltv.com/programme/553