The actor who played the security guard at the start was the one who played Ian Chesterton.

Hartnell was pretty ill by the time he left, and got progressively worse afterwards. When "The Three Doctors" came up, Hartnell enthusiastically accepted a much bigger part for the story than we eventually saw, and it was his wife, Heather, who had to intervene and tell the BBC that her husband didn't realise that he wasn't up to doing it. So they cut his part right down, and had him reading lines from cue cards on a small studio set instead, although he did take part in photo-shoots with Troughton and Pertwee and, apparently, the whole thing made him happier than he'd been for quite a while. .

In the episode, 'Human Nature', John Smith (David Tennant) says that his parents were named Sidney and Verity. And now you know why. A good solid cast all around. Waris Hussein was played by Sacha Dhawan, whom you will eventually see in a very different role in Doctor Who.

I love your father showing a big rictus grin as he spotted a character from 'The Web Planet'

The best Anniversary offering by a long way. There were a few interesting cameos here: The doorman outside Television Center was indeed played by William Russel (Ian Chesterton). The mum who calls to her kids about their tea was Carole Ann Ford (Susan). Two more companion actors can be seen in the crowd for Verity's leaving party. The man who informs Sydney to 'kill' Dr Who was the actor who played Marco Polo (your next reaction).

The lady looking for her kids cause their tea is getting cold was Susan, the original companion! Carole anne ford

If you do go back to watch the pilot episode, you should notice the TARDIS doors being opened and closed by the struggling stage hands, as well as hear all the thumping as they can't do it. This entire docu-drama was composed of an arsenal of anecdotes which were well known to serious fans, so it's all very accurate, even if they recombined some of them a bit to make it work dramatically. It all seems like a great labour of love, and most viewers got quite emotional at the sight of the first actor seeing his legacy embodied by Matt Smith, fifty years in the future. It was another program that made the anniversary week so special at the time.

"There are some spoilers in this." "That's alright. Like I'm gonna remember." "Oh that's true."

“Wish I knew what bloody dimension I was in” - MOOD

The guy who played Patrick troughton was a mate of the writer mark gatiss called Reece shearsmith they did a dark horror comedy program together for years.... called the league of gentlemen. Very good

Brilliant. Just a side note the uk had approximately 15m tv sets back then so 10 million viewers was pretty awesome

Fun fact. The security guard at the BBC near the beginning is William Russell who played Ian. The mother shouting her kids in to watch Doctor Who is Carole Ann Ford who played Susan. This was a brilliant docudrama. I think it was a great addition to the 50th Anniversary.

As well as William Russell, Carole Ann Ford, Maureen O'Brien, Jean Marsh and Anneke Wills make a cameo.

The person who played Patrick Troughton is Reece Shearsmith who’s one of the oldest friends of Mark Gatiss who wrote “An Adventure in Space and Time”. There are behind the scenes photos and scenes (it’s a 5sec Regeneration scene) where Gatiss is Pertwee (his favourite Doctor). [kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o7Knf7livJisj5c.html that’s the full behind the scenes from the BBC channel, do stay away from the comments, they’re quite spoilery]

Verity Lambert is played here by Jessica Raine, who was in the episode Hide, from Series 7. Lovely lady...

STUDENTS OUT OF BED, STUDENTS IN THE CORRIDORS

"We know how big of a character the Doctor is" Indeed

Whenever I watch this, I always wished they put the after bit where they spoke to Will Hartnell granddaughter and got the thoughts of the actors. It was a nice bit of added context for Bill's person.

Sidney Newman was played by Brian Cox, he's played many roles, he's notable to me at least as Colonel Stryker in X-Men 2 There are many existing casting calls from the show on this too; the actors for Ian and Susan appear in cameos, David Bradley himself has already been in Doctor Who during Matt Smith's era, Troughton's actor appeared in the show 2 years later in the lesser-good 'Sleep No More', Verity's actress appeared in the Smith episode 'Hide' about the ghost, Jeff Rawle had appeared in Doctor Who back in Davidson's time, Ian Hallard portrayed Richard Martin but later appeared in Capaldi's Robin Hood episode, one of the Controllers also was in the episode Marco Polo

Great reaction! Just one thing about David Bradley. Not only was he Argus Filch in Harry Potter, but he was also Walder Frey in Game of Thrones. A lot of people don’t realize that, but I thought you should know ☺️

While Hartnell's health was beginning to fail towards the end of his run, the severity was, perhaps, exaggerated a little as an excuse to push him out as the ratings started to dip a little and the producers wanted to refresh the show. For most serial dramas of the time (excluding the apparently eternal soaps) three seasons would have been seen as a pretty good run so it wouldn't have been unusual to have been thinking about wrapping the show at this point. The concept of 'renewal' (only much later called regeneration) is what allowed Who to enjoy its long run. Every three years or so, the producers could essentially wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. As you will see with the transition to the Third Doctor, this really could be a root and branch rebuild from the ground up (if those metaphors weren't too mixed). It is reported that Hartnell could be difficult to work with although many of his fellow actors have said that, while a perfectionist, he was always ready to support the other cast members. I recall reading an interview with an actor who was appearing in a minor supporting role. He recounted how kind Hartnell had been in offering advice and support during his first television appearance. He also recalled how annoyed Hartnell was with himself when he fluffed a line (something of which all the cast were guilty from time to time), particularly as his long experience in movies would have conditioned him to expect cuts and re-takes that were not possible in the time- and technology limited medium of a weekly television serial. It's worth remembering that, although he didn't take any more television roles, he moved straight from Who into a long running theatre production, hardly the actions of a man unable to remember his lines or cope with a heavy workload. It is true that the schedules in these early years were punishing; the original intention had been to run 52 weeks a year, like a soap opera, but this proved impractical with a small recurring cast (unlike the much larger casts of soaps) and the additional load that a science fiction show put on the support departments: effects, costumes, sets, stunt men etc. Look at 'The Keys of Marinus' or 'The Chase' and consider how many sets and costumes were needed--in each case to appear in a single 23 minute episode. Look at the much loved (!) Web Planet and remember that not only did every single character required a full costume (and those Zarbi couldn't have been cheap) but the flying scenes required the hiring in of the Kirby wire rigs and operators with the associated studio time costs of installing the rigs and training the performers. They did manage over 40 weekly episodes per year for most of the 60s--which contrasts sharply with the current production teams who, with far superior technology, claim it is 'unrealistic' to expect them to produce 10-12 episodes 'every' year. Given the shooting schedules, I'm amazed any of the actors remembered their lines or that the camera operators managed to get their cumbersome equipment into the right position. The actors had 4 days of read through and rehearsal but only had access to the studio on the Friday afternoon a couple of hours before shooting. The crew only had time for 2 short camera rehearsals before shooting in the evening. Bearing in mind the heavy cables with which the cameras were connected every move had to be meticulously planned to avoid the cameras being obstructed by each others cables. Remember too that there were no zoom lenses; each zoom to close up required the operator to physically move his camera closer while maintaining focus on the subject. The cameras did have three turret mounted lenses of different focal lengths but these couldn't be switched while shooting, even from another camera, as the 'clunk' as the turret locked in place would be clearly audible on the mics. When we sometimes criticise the direction as being rather static and 'stagey' remember the poor operators and control room staff who effectively edited the multicamera set up on the fly. Too long? Summary: Hartnell's ill health my have been exaggerated as an excuse to replace him and refresh the show. Given the technical, budgetary and time constraints it's a miracle the show was ever made!

Oh i cried so hard when the first doctor said I don't want to go, beqouse of his illness and old age plus that he was being loved by so many.... children.... adults.... me. He just wanted to be the doctor like the doctor he doesn't like endings

some people talk about how the show isn't kind enough to the first doctor but this is honestly the perfect love letter to the shows inception and william hartnel

"Pathfinders" was originally broadcast in 1960-61 before Richard came to the UK, but it may have been repeated while he was here. The main character in "The Avengers" is named John Steed not "Steel" and hes a secret agent rather than a detective. Honor Blackman played Mrs. Cathy Gale... But yes she could kick ass. He might also remember nightclub singer Venus Smith who helped out in some episodes. Obviously later they were replaced by Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel and then Linda Thorson as Tara King.

back in the 60's i was one of the millions of kids totally enthralled by the adored and esteemed mr. hartnell. at the time those of us at the younger end of the dr who audience had no idea why sir william had suddenly departed. many of the later doctors moved on when the actors decided it was time for them to leave - it was so sad in later years to discover that sir william had, instead, been pushed out of the role for health reasons. by all accounts your assessement of what occurred is totally accurate - it was the punishing schedule of the show that proved to be too much for mr. h. "an adventure in space and time" is mark gatiss' love letter to dr who - beautifully realised by everyone involved and a moving tribute to the originators and, especailly, to sir william who, for many of us dr who devotees, will always be "the original". (sorry for rambling - thanks for a great reaction!)

did you watch the bio bit at the end, about the careers of those involved

Funny thing about Reece Shearsmith, the actor they got to play Patrick Troughton, I remember also thinking he looked really too young for the part. So I looked him up. Turns out Shearsmith was actually probably 42 or 43 when he played this part (he's 50 today), and Troughton was only 46 when he cast as the second Doctor. I think Shearsmith is a bit of a babyface, while Troughton probably appeared older than he was himself, and hence why it looks so off..

Can't look at the director guy the same again

This is any excellent way to get people to watch Classic Who

David Bradley was in game of thrones, and he was in series 7 dinosaurs on a spaceship, and he was the vultures in SJA in the ep death of the doctor

David Bradley was the villain in Doctor Who Dinosaur’s On A Spaceship.

So the original Daleks had the blue domes because they were originally wired to light up. they were going to have the lights in the domes flash in different patterns however by the time they put the wiring in and all the lights and car battery to power them, it restricted the space and weighed too much for the operator inside to move it properly.

Yeah Reece looks and sounds nothing like Troughton, I think it was very much just a case of doing his friend a favour. It's funny that your dad says he's nowhere near old enough, as at the time of this recording, Reece Shearsmith would've only been two years younger than Troughton was when he debuted (44 and 46 respectively). I think it's more of a case of people looking younger for longer these days. Hartnell was only 55 when he started Who, and they get a 71 year old to play him. Plus, Capaldi was the same age as Hartnell when he debuted, yet he doesn't look anywhere near as old as Hartnell did.

You only recall David Bradley from Harry Potter? You don't remember him being responsible for all the slaughter at the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones? How soon we forget! I believe Pathfinders in Space was broadcast in the 50's, so it would have been before your Dad was living in England. Aside from William Russell as the doorman, Carol Ann Ford is the Mum yelling for her kids in the street.

William hartnell was 5’8. David Bradley is 5’10

I remember reading something about the Daleks and TARDIS console being teal because it looked white enough in black and white but kept enough contrast with anything that was actually white like characters or their clothes

The last thing (probably) ever filmed at the BBC studio in London - such an historic building in British TV culture and it’s gone now

The Avengers... John Steed (not Steel) and originally Dr David Keel... then there was Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King... There was a show called Sapphire and Steel (starring Joanna Lumley and David McCallum) that was rather good, though.

In the first series of The Avengers it was Patrick MacNee with Ian Hendry as the muscle. The later series went with the female 'muscle' (although I don't recall Tara King - Linda Thorson, who later appears in some TNG Treks - throwing down) Oddly, another BBC fantasy show nearly took down The Avengers. Adam Adamant Lives! was ratings success, but the BBC powers that be regarded high fantasy as 'beneath the BBC,' and thus cancelled it. Big Finish have recently acquired the right to Adamant, and the first audio play has dropped, the next one being scheduled for June.

Patrick troughtons son was also in the fiveish doctors as one of the 3 unmasked daleks in cardif

Was really looking forward to your dads reaction to this... Was not disappointed

Not many things make me tear up but the ending here when Hartnell looks up and sees Matt Smith always gets me. RIP William Hartnell, Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert without whom my favourite show would not have made it past its first story.

Alex did u know that security guard 💂 at the BBC was the guy who actually played Ian Chesterton in the 60's

This was a beautifully made docu/drama. David bradley plays william hartnell brilliantly!! Looking forward to your 1st dr reactions in order. Aftr marco polo there is only 1 more story in season 1 that has some episodes missing, and they hav been officially animated. Its only seasons 3 and 4 that are badly affected with missing episodes rele

It's interesting to see how when we think of certain decades, we're actually thinking about the decade after it, kinda like how much of culture and fashion associated with the 50s flows into the 60s (especially film of that period), and the hippy, bell-bottom stuff being everywhere and arguably much more prevalent in the 70s when people tend to associate that sort of thing with the 60s.

The Master: "Ah. (plluuurbargh) Alex, Richard! I've had a miserable, disgusting three hundred and twelve years and I'm always glad to see your reactions. Wait! Where am I sTAANnndiiiiiiiing?"

Its hard to put into words the effect of dalekmania in the early 60s... in the uk they were EVERYWHERE , toys,comics and even the 2 movies... it was similar to the reaction to the original star wars in 77.... it made dr who, the program rode the dalek wave for a few years before the 2nd doctor and the ratings started to decline...

Loads of easter eggs in this with classic actors in bit parts etc

Since everything that was white blazed on the screen, anything that was supposed to be white was- anything but white, hence an off green Tardis interior. - Hartnell was right though, as a child, I was paying attention to the knobs and levers, at least the ones used commonly (the one to open the door, take off etc.). So other kids definitely would've noticed as well. - According to the cast, things were so tight that in order to reshoot a scene, the actors had to curse... otherwise, the fluffed line was going in (and I feel that those fluffed lines gave the first doctor his character). - I would've loved to see a continuation with Patrick as the lead, juxtaposing Hartnell's era and Troughton's. I agree that they casted someone who looks nothing like Troughton, but his voice was about right, so that's something. - Yeah, edge of destruction (I don't know if I talked about it during that reaction vid... if I did, sorry) but it seemed to be the breaking point of the crew's tension that had been building since An Unearthly Child. You're definitely right, because after Edge, the entire crew is more cohesive and closer to, almost a family, with the warmth of the first doctor coming through. - I remember being bored to tears watching the cavemen story of the first serial. I had decided at that point (at 6 or 7ish) that all the black and white stories were too boring for me. It was Patrick Troughton's story, The Mindrobber that started me on the b&w stories.

there were two movies, produced by hammer, i don't think the BBC had much to do with them and they got made because Terry Nation owned the rights to the Daleks

the Once and Future Doctor

Late comment but your dad is just awesome 😎

They're really not exaggerating his health issues. I don't think it qualifies as a spoiler to say that there's an episode late in his run that he straight out missed, that he wasn't scheduled to miss, because of his health. Now, my biggest gripe (one of the few I have with this incredible production) is that monologue they use to illustrate Hartnell's decline? Most people who witnessed that scene agree that it was one of Hartnell's last great moments of acting triumph in the role.

I was 14 when it all started... loved the Avengers too.

I can’t wait until u reach season 8,9,10,11,12 of doctor who .

Its strange with your edit no progression of hartnells illness.the actors who played susan,ian and polly in the original series are somewhere in this also jean marsh who also played a potential companion in a story was in this too.

You guys kept your cool, just search KZfaq for other reactors when Matt Smith appears, they went to pieces.

I didn't remember Sacha Dhawan (from Iron Fist) was in this docu-drama :o

This is a docu-Drama and so it’s very dramatised and shorted for this and it’s mainly about Verity and Bill, not really about the odds and ends of the creation of the show

yea wtaf is up with the perpetual every level personell overturn ???

Cathy Gale, Richard. John Steed availed himself of a steel-reinforced bowler (Derby) hat. Just avoid the film version of The Avengers. It didn't transfer well.

10 million viewers back then... 3 million today wonder how low british shows need to go before getting canceled we know Fox likes to cancel thinks under 10