Tom Baker was the best Dr Who, because he cared about the script & story

Tom innately understood the Doctor and wasn't afraid to speak up for him.

"I could waggle my ducks?" "No, don't waggle your ducks" "Don't waggle my ducks?"

I've heard that Tom Baker himself admitted that he became withdrawn and moody after Elisabeth Sladen left the show, so he obviously missed her. Louise Jamison did feel as if Baker was treating her badly during her first season, but she would later confront him about it and their working relationship did improve in her next and final season with Baker. But Mary Tamm and Lalla Ward clearly did not have any problems with Baker, as Tamm got along quite well with him and Ward fell in love with him.

I could waggle my ducks ,Tom Baker was winding them up,and they didnt know it lol ,love Tom Baker,best doctor ever.

Tom Baker was not self-centered or egotistical. He simply loved his role and the show and didn't like seeing it go downhill after Elisabeth left. There is a huge difference between acting like a diva and caring about a show you're involved in. He wasn't trying to get more for himself. He was trying to get more for the show.

I like an actor who makes sure that their voice is heard and doesnt just read lines to get a paycheck

re-watching this one. Uhm I think its fair enough. His entire life had been a tragedy, so much sadness that he wanted to run away from the past, to make a change. And when he finally got his chance of a life time which was Dr Who, he didn't simply try his best, he gave it his life, everything.

"I could waggle my ducks" :)

Your assessment of Tom Baker is accurate I feel. And I agree Tom's not "mean" he's just "different". Elisabeth Sladen loved working with Tom, as she makes clear in her autobiography. Tom adored her, because she was "so nice to him" and she solidly supported him right from the start. That's why he was so devastated when she left WHO. He now admits to becoming "moody and withdrawn" when she left, and that's why he treated poor Louise Jameson so terribly at first.

Is it wrong that this makes me like T. Baker even more?

I think there came a point where Tom Baker knew that character inside and out, and took it VERY seriously. When you've been doing something a long time and you know your business, and then someone comes along and says "do this" You fight for what you believe in. The scripts had a very slow decline after Liz left and then a rapid decline by the time Adric came around. It wore on him.I can say Baker has an ego, but I wouldn't say he was a dick for protecting his art and the character/show.

Awww lovely, lovely Mary Tamm. RIP

From the Tom Baker web-site, in his OCT 2009 Newsletter on the death of Barry Letts, Tom says, "I had no idea how to approach the part. I just turned up and did my turn and Elisabeth Sladen was pleased and so was Barry...And I always think of Liz Sladen with such tender memories for the confidence she had in me. We had such a happy time together." Elisabeth Sladen was a star when Tom was an unknown in the long shadow of Jon Pertwee. Her support made him successful.

I had such a crush on Lalla back then, and she looks rather lovely here now.

The last clip, oddly in black and white (?) showed Tom trying his very best to make a great show! He was suggesting improvements and adding value, as was Mary: this is why you want to hire good actors! He took the role seriously and was utterly superb. Compare him to the trainwreck of the last three years and ...Her....

They need to make a entire series of Tom Baker Dr Who outtakes. Failing that, a good solid hour of Tom waggling his ducks.

I think you are correct that Tom can be a bit self-centered. Now, if you carefully watch all the Season 12-14 stories with Tom & Lis Sladen, it is pretty obvious that Tom doesn't get the spotlight most of the time. If anything, Tom & Lis are very much a double act who work superbly well together, & the 2 of them is a main reason that era is so fondly remembered. Tom adored Lis Sladen, and that probably moved him away from being self-centered in those stories with her.

On Tom's website, in the Forum, in "Question Room", Tom answers a SEP-2012 question, "A Companionless Doctor?" from a fan. Tom explains Lis Sladen's mistaken reason for leaving DW, and writes "Anyway I felt the loss terribly and became withdrawn and moody". Tom's answer goes a long way toward explaining his mindset and reasons for his petulant behavior after Lis left in 1976. To Tom's credit, he has expressed much regret for that behavior, and that earns major respect.

From ROBOT thru HAND OF FEAR, watch any "Tom & Lis" scene, & what you will notice is lack of domination by either; instead, the two bounce off each other and work together with "hand-in-glove" perfection. Tom broods in the foreground of Part 1, PYRAMIDS OF MARS, while Lis teases his brooding behind his back with flawless, charming perfection. Tom yells at the Time Lords in BRAIN OF MORBIUS, Part 1, & Lis affectionately picks on his grouchiness with such charm, the viewer is pulled right in!

Early during the commentary on PLANET OF EVIL, as Tom & Lis exit the TARDIS, Tom sighs and says, "I don't think I've ever been as truly happy as I was then...with you Elisabeth.". It is a very revealing and quite touching comment by Tom.

Yes, I know that Ward and Baker eventually got divorced, but that happend AFTER they left the show. And even though Ward won't do DVD commentaries with him, Mary Tamm did do both DVD commentaries as well as audio books with Baker before she passed away, so its apparent that Baker and Tamm got along well.

Anyone else ever notice that Tom's "bad" reputation did not start until after Elisabeth Sladen left? And Tom's tantrums began almost immediately after HAND OF FEAR. First, he didn't want a companion, then he didn't like the Leela character, and was constantly rude to Louise Jamison on set. You can see the uncomfortable, almost fearful expression on Lalla Ward's face in these clips. It appears Lis Sladen's influence somehow kept Tom stable for almost 2 1/2 years. Just an observation...

I can definetely see where Tom's coming from. Because first of all he was angry about the bad scripts from Dr Who. Second of all he was angry at the directors and how they direct actors is probably in the sense from where he's coming from, because he loved playing the Doctor. Then thirdly, he didn't like how the costume was changed with the burgandy costume, plus the question marks as well, which has pushed Tom to leave the series because he didn't get along with JNT the producer and how they've drastically changed it. Phillip Hinchcliffe, Liz Sladen and a few actors supporting Tom Baker were the only ones who kept him happy for 2/3 years. And it was saddening that Liz passed away about 4 years ago. That definetely caused a great pain in Tom Baker and they were totally a companion pair for the Doctor Who series for 3 years before she left Doctor Who. She was a great actress and a brilliant character of the famous Sarah Jane Smith. Best companion pair ever.

When I was a child I wished I had Tom Baker's hair when I grew up. Now here I am all grown up, and truth be known... anyone's hair would do! 😉🇬🇧

He is most certainly the best to ever play The Doctor in my opinion.

❤Tom. We writers can be too close to our work. A television show is a shared effort. Tom was the star lead and the success of the show was on his shoulders. Many writers, but only one Tom Baker🙂...

I liked how they could do good stories without complicated special effects

ROBOT is one of my favorites too. The story has the unique charm and feel of a Pertwee UNIT story, while successfully & colorfully introducing the new maniacal 4th Dr! Maybe the best new doctor intro ever. The story actually centers around Sarah Jane, as did PLANET OF THE SPIDERS immediately previous, in a brilliant way that anchors the audience during a Dr regeneration. Closely watch ROBOT part 2, during the questioning of Kettlewell, to see Tom & Lis magically "click" in the scene. I

Seeing the 2 Romanas is very nice. Sarah Jane Smith is my favorite companion. God bless Elisabeth Sladen. Oh, seeing Tom at work is nice too.

I have read to and heard from Tom's own mouth in recent interviews that he and Lalla have patched things up. I also hate to say it but Tom may have been correct in his criticism's of some of the scripts from the last couple of years of his time on the show. I'm not saying he always expressed those criticism's correctly but I think it points out just how much he cared about the quality of the show and integrity of the character. It also seems like Tom has grown and matured a lot in the last couple of decades.Plus Jesus says in the Bible "let him who is without sin cast( throw ) the first stone". In other words no one here on earth is perfect and if they think they are they better go see a psychiatrist. God bless you Tom. You were the best Doctor Who ever!

"Don't waggle my ducks?" "You'll frighten the horses" Underrated comeback IMO

Mary Tamm was IMO, the most beautiful woman to have ever walked this Earth.

Lol Tom baker should be given a knighthood swearing like that 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Tom's ego definitely got out of hand under Williams, even Hinchcliffe apparently started to have trouble with him a bit, but the man had his share of good ideas to keep the show interesting. Even just that little moment in "The Power of Kroll" is great. He may have derided a lot of the scripts and directors but he definitely cared about the show and his audience. Also, the psittacosis quote is priceless.

a part from his interview. will explain much how he is: “It’s not entirely the money. I do have a sense of choice and I do want to do the best I can, whether I’m doing a commentary about a building site, playing Doctor Who or trying to play something else..." ‘You see, good actors or conscientious actors, that sounds as if I’m defining myself but I am a conscientious actor, conscientious performers who’ve had a bit of experience - and God knows, I’ve been around long enough - want to invest in work. “That’s why you never consciously do shabby work. As a writer, if you’ve got a commission to do a book or a script, and you don’t do the best you can, it goes out and people say it’s feeble and you don’t get another one"

The scene where he swears at K 9 is brilliant.

Good on Tom for wanting those who directed and wrote his episodes to try harder, and be better than what they were. It's why he lasted 8 seasons over 7 years, cause he gave a shit about what he was doing there, and always put quality over quantity. It's why he's also retained his respect from the fanbase over the last, as of 2017, 43 years. More power to ya, Tom! =)

I think Tom Baker was the best Doctor. I think part of it was how seriously he seems to have taken it.

Psittacosis! love it! must remember that one!

I've heard people complain about Tom's behaviour but, while he could have maybe said stuff a little bit nicer, he was just making sure his Doctor had the best lines and delivered them in the best way. There's a reason his Doctor is so successful but went down a notch in his final season with JNT taking a lot more control over the Doctor's character.

Lalla Ward has aged very well, she looks wonderful for her age. Good for her.

If you can't understand someone because of the way they talk, or can't talk, then trying to do what they want is very hard. I've worked in situations like that too and it's very hard.

He was really trying to keep doctor who together. By far my favourite person to play the doctor

I wish that some of the newer actors (and hopefully the new actress) would take action against some of the rather subpar writing and direction in the show. Maybe that's why Baker was able to stick around as long as he did.

I think Tom was not only so pleased and joyful to be given the role of Dr Who he felt he had to give 120 % to not only, make it work, but to make sure he left the best impression of the best Doctor....and he did!!

Tom was amazing as Rasputin in Nicholas And Alexandra, another part he was born to play

Most actors come to life when they hear the cue Tom Baker just notches it down to 8

I particularly remember watching some footage from a studio recording of The Leisure Hive and seeing Tom losing his cool when as The Doctor, he had a scene where he had throw something and he said "Let's just get on with it!"

The marriage lasted a little over a year. And Tom and Lalla had a number of "lovers spats" on set during their WHO time together. And Tom and Lalla will not do DVD commentaries together. Tom Baker's first 13 stories with Elisabeth Sladen were smooth sailing, no problems. The problems started immediately after she left. Tom has made many revealing comments since her passing, as to why Lis Sladen had such a positive effect on him.

It's because of Tom Baker that I know very little about any sports in America. I almost got beat up by my older brothers watching a doctor who marathon on a Sunday in the 80s. And my grandmother would have me watch it in the late 70s in the kitchen. As a child, he was able to get me to watch him. He's a perfect doctor. This was not a kids show, but he had some incredible range. I will always love Tom Baker as Dr Who. And I liked Adric too..He was the proto-wesley crusher..fucking first emo in sci-fi. Badass

Tom is and was the absolute peak of Doctor Who because he cared about entertainment and joy of children

1:41 funniest thing I have ever heard! "I could waggle my ducks!" XDD

Always love that guy

Tom at times could be on Who irasible but that was one of him charms.

Interesting observation. Evaluated from that perspective makes it appear that Tom Baker feared change and resisted it. I'd say the easiest change for Tom was from Mary Tamm to Lalla Ward. Tom liked Mary and had enjoyed working with Lalla on "The Armageddon Factor". When Mary finally decided to leave, she suggested Lalla to replace her, knowing how much Tom liked her. Tom was devastated by Lis Sladen leaving, became withdrawn and moody, and that's the scene poor Louise Jameson entered!

You who played Romana - you are still beautiful

as i've learned from other production stories was that Tom baker was notoriously difficult to deal with and as ibegin to look at it from an older perspective i do begin to see more of what was different about that era and how tis could be the start of something different!!

Most lethal jobs in the world 3,Logging Workers 2,Fishing and Hunting Workers 1, Tom baker's director/scriptwriter

love baker...

4th doctor: nice sweet hilarious and funny tom baker: a producers nightmare

Yes, I've had other faves, but Lalla stood the test of time.

I think Tom Baker and Christopher Eccleston would have a good chat and hug over their grievances with the BBCs bullshit, honestly. The one who cares for the story and the one who cares for the crew.

I don't care what anyone says, Tom was the best Dr

I had read that Tom refused to take direction, but he played the Doctor so so well it's hard to call him out for it. Hate being unoriginal, but he really is my favourite.

Tom Baker was my favorite...I still watch his episodes...

Tom baker was known as a very abrasive person to work with and it's certainly interesting to see the outtakes after all these years i also had such a crush on Lalla ward back then look forwrd to seeing more IN THE FUTURE Cheers!

(Very gravely): "No, no. Don't waggle your ducks." 🤣

I will say, it seemed that he actually really cared about the show.

Lalla Ward, still adorable 😘

That is a good point. In looking at DW at its best, which I consider Seasons 7-14, the writing and production is brilliant, appealing across the age spectrum. And this is where the New Series, as good as it is, falls way short of the program's finest era. What the New Series desperately needs is a modern Barry Letts to guide DW again into brilliant writing & production that is multi-level in ability to span the audience age spectrum.

0:36 made me laugh so much, especially as he was in costume when he said it - I've always wanted to see The Doctor swear.......oh gosh i'm so immature....well there's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes!

He may have been difficult at times but it certainly paid off

Chibbs needs a talking to from Tom

If only we had all the outtakes for Hartnell and Troughton...

Mary Tam was such a beauty.

VERY interesting thought, Tom Baker in "Caves.."! It is amazing how often "Robert Holmes" turns up as writer on universally favorite DW stories! I wish that the BBC had allowed Hinchcliffe-Holmes to remain thru Season 16 at least, instead of moving Hinchcliffe at the end of Season 14 and forcing DW to be toned down. I wish Lis Sladen had remained to the end of Season 14, with Ian Marter's "Harry" and UNIT popping in and out of various stories until then too! The BBC cut its own throat!

"Dear god, you're hard work young" - _River Song_ .

A lot of people have attitudes on set but at least Tom had some talent and wit to back it up. Just like any work place you have a bunch of talentless uninspiring and lazy people in the mix(not everyone) and some of them have a lot of power and influence on the project. Tom just had the guts and spirit to take them on and luckily talent to actually back it up.

And that's why Tom is the true Dr Who. He made the show fantastic. But as he always says; Who nose...

What's the problem? He was usually right.

Mary Tamm was a fox.

Seems like he was always having fun messing with the crew and trying to make the show more exciting

The New Series does "miss the boat" in choosing the Dr's clothing, I think. The first four Dr's hit it right, I think, in choosing clothing heavily influenced by the late Victorian & early Edwardian periods. The men's styles from these periods is functional and practical, doesn't look too far away from the 21st Century, has great class, yet presents a unique, I'm-not-of-this-time look that makes the Dr stand out!

He's a good lad.

If Tom had been the Doctor in 'Caves' it would have been an incredible sign off from him in the role and a perfect intro for Davidson.

Thank you so much for uploading this clip it is so heartening and revealing to read all the comments from people on Tom Baker and the whole suite of the Doctor Who "family" of actors, and all the psycho-social issues which seem to arise out of such an imaginative and creative art form and story telling..... It just encourages more of our own story telling, and becomes part of our lives and hearts and lives on..... How amazing is that?! 😀 I grew up watching the adventures of Dr Jon Pertwee onwards and regard Doctor Who as my "happy place" to which I always seem to return to and search for... it is a relief to know many out there feel and think the same way, so it seems!

TheMasterNo6, agree totally that quickly setting Tom straight would have been the proper thing to do. Pertwee & Baker are both my favorite Drs, in Seasons 7-14, & both the Letts-Dicks & Hinchcliffe-Holmes eras are superb IMO. And the "Sarah Jane era" that I'm collecting on DVD is the peak of it all, IMO. Also, I really like Doctors 1-thru-4 in Seasons 1-14. Coming from a U.S. fan who was first introduced to DW by Tom Baker's first 3 Seasons, 12,13 &14.

He will always be doctor who to me

Miss you Tom you were the best of the Doctors!

bluejeckett, I agree that you may well have a point about Tom being irritated by a woman stealing his spotlight. I have always given Tom the benefit of the doubt and taken him at his word that it was Leela's violence he objected to. But it is possible that deep down Tom viewed the scantily-clad Leela as a threat to his limelight. In the case of Lis & Tom, Lis Sladen's immediate support and encouragement to Tom allowed total mutual trust to develop into an all-time great screen pairing.

Tom loved the Doctor, and he wanted Doctor Who to shine. He held people up to a standard. Sure, he wasn't always right, but I imagine he was most of the time.

dear ms. Ward, Please consider releasing recorded books; ideally family materials read with that heavenly voice of yours!

Still my favorite Dr.!

Although I do seem to remember David Maloney having the measure of him on footage of "Talons.." where Tom repeatedly says 'I think it would be rather good if..' and David saying 'Yes. Yes. And now we move on to this bit..' (Party pooper).

PS, I can't wait to read his book, Scratchman, told from the Doctor's perspective. Everyone says it's a great read, and that seeing inside the Doctor's mind is a delight.

A Matter of Time is the documentary featured in the DVD release of the Ribos Operation, also with the Doctor Who collection called The Key to Time boxset

"I could waggle my ducks" Best Line EVER!

Lalla Ward's face at 0:36. Lol

Tom working with John Nathan-Turner is when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.