'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' WEEK - DAY 6: THE MACHINATIONS OF THE EMPEROR DALEK!

With the drama now relocated to Skaro, the Doctor and his friends follow Maxtible and the Daleks, but soon encounter the true mastermind behind the Skaroans insidious plot against humanity and the galaxy; the macabre and dominating Emperor Dalek, it's all-calculating evil well showcased, sitting like a spider in it's metal cobwebbed domain deep in the heart of the Dalek city.

Sure enough, the Doctor discovers that the search for the 'Human Factor' has been but subterfuge, the Emperor Dalek having simultaneously discovered the aggressive 'Dalek Factor', which will turn Humanity into cold-heated killer servants for the Daleks...

Resident Daleks' voice talent Peter Hawkins would handle duties for the Emperor Dalek.

Designed by the talented Chris Thompson, the Emperor Dalek's scenes would be mostly filmed at the more spacious and atmosphere-building Ealing Studios, and especially with so many pyrotechnics soon needed for the story's concluding civil war scenes, as 'Human Factor' converted Daleks soon turn on the Emperor and his machinations... 

Maxtible and the Doctor are summoned to the Emperor Dalek.

Publicity image of Deborah Watling as Victoria on the transferred set at Lime Grove Studios.

Behind the scenes bringing the Emperor Dalek to life during 16th-17th May, 1967.

Later Who director Timothy Combe (centre) would be in charge of directing Skaro-based second unit film scenes at Ealing Studios.

'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' WEEK - DAY 5: PLAYING 'TRAINS'!

An incredulous sight that regular series viewers would never have seen before, or been prepared for, as the menacing Daleks become friendly and almost cuddly with the introduction of the uniquely processed 'Human Factor' into their mutated psyches, and enjoyed by a playful Second Doctor as he and his old foes engage in a fun game of 'Trains'! A bizarre and memorable cliffhanger to the fifth episode/start of the sixth to The Evil of the Daleks back in 1967, in an intriguing idea from the story's writer, David Whitaker.

The above terrific art image, provided in 2011 by the animation team then handling the BBC STUDIOS release of The Reign of Terror, was commissioned for a special feature in the UK's SFX magazine (a superb Who special edition) covering classic 'lost episode' scenes that might be gone forever, of which this scene was deemed the most wanting-to-see-moment chosen by article writer Marcus Hearn.

Original John Cura taken 'Telesnaps' of the classic scene.

The scene as recreated via the new animation for The Evil of the Daleks, out now on DVD, Blu-ray and Steelbook. 

'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' WEEK - DAY 4: RESCUING VICTORIA!

Trapped by a Dalek!

As his friends are threatened with death, the Doctor, firmly caught in the trap engineered by the Daleks, is forced to observe and record all of Jamie's instincts, ingenuity and humanity in rescuing Victoria Waterfield, all part of the Daleks needs to distil the 'Human Factor' and use it as part of their special plans...

Ever since he first met the Time Lord in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden, and stepped into the TARDIS for a variety of dangerous and exciting adventures, Jamie has always been unwaveringly loyal to the Doctor, ready to stake his life to both aid and save him. But this time out he's wary and distrusting of 'the Cosmic Hobo', not so sure what to make of his friend as the drama inside the Maxtible house unfolds, and especially with the Doctor's relationship with the duplicitous Theodore Maxtible and the Daleks, of which the Scotsman is meeting the latter for his sadly one and only time...

A great posed image taken on location inside Grim's Dyke House.

Thanks to great input from its writer David Whitaker, Evil presents a rare opportunity to further develop Jamie McCrimmon's role in the series as both a companion and protectorate to the innocent and vulnerable hostage in Victoria. It's easily one of Frazer Hines greatest performances in the series, combining vulnerability and bravery, of which his on (and off) screen chemistry with Deborah Watling is clear to see.

Superb colourized image from the talents of Clayton Hickman.

An exciting section of the story, with some well-staged action, it's great to see the Grim's Dyke house location's interior also being used alongside planned studio set work. Such a shame that so much of this story was lost in the incredulous episodes purging made by the BBC during the early 1970's...

The captive Victoria is monitored by the Daleks in her opening episode.

The intimidating mute wrestler Kemel (played by Sonny Caldinez) at first challenges Jamie.

Soon comrades, Kemel and Jamie plan their rescue of their friend Victoria.

A Dalek patrols the corridor, filmed on location within Grim's Dyke House.

Original Radio Times magazine clipping launching the story - May, 1967.

Follow Frazer Hines on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/frazerhines

https://twitter.com/WhoFrazer?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' WEEK - DAY 3: HISTORICAL HOSTAGES!

The scheming 'Alchemist' wannabe Theodore Maxtible (Marius Goring) and the weakly compliant Edward Waterfield (John Bailie).

Newly arrived in 1866 at the expansive Maxtible house and estate (near Canterbury), the Doctor and Jamie at first think they are caught in the machinations of the greedy scientist Theodore Maxible's (Marius Goring) all-consuming need to combine his interests in science and profit in ways never before accomplished. Together with the caring but manipulated Edwin Waterfield (John Bailey), a man on the brink of bankruptcy (a dark deed deliberately engineered by Maxtible, if you read John Peel's novelisation of the tale) their experimental efforts linked to static electricity with time travel soon reveal the true enemy lurking within the house, threatening the Waterfield family and its small but loyal staff in their ultimately successful attempts at acquiring the Doctor and Jamie...

Original 1967 Radio Times interview with Marius Goring, who was truly prestigious casting for the series at that time.

The ever-greedy Maxtible (seen here in Part 7) thinks he can work successfully with the Daleks who have recently invaded the Waterfield household.

Victoria shares some rare peaceful quality time with Ruth Maxtible (Brigit Forsyth) and maid Mollie Dawson (Jo Rowbottom) in this posed publicity image.

Deborah Watling poses for a publicity image within Grim's Dyke House.

Radio Times episodic listing for Part 3, from 3rd June, 1967.

'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' WEEK - DAY 2: INTRODUCING VICTORIA WATERFIELD

Remembered by Who's then producer Innes Lloyd for her acclaimed portrayal of young 'Alice' (of Wonderland) in an accomplished and sophisticated BBC production linked to her literary creator, Lewis Carroll, penned by the esteemed Dennis Potter, the young and lovely Deborah Watling is last-minute cast as the new and innocent Victorian era companion joining the Doctor and Jamie on their adventures: Victoria Waterfield. The character would begin her memorable tenure on the show uneasily, as a prisoner of the Daleks, used as a pawn to further coerce/trap the Doctor and Jamie into aiding the scientific ambitions of the corrupt and avaricious Theodore Maxtible (Marius Goring) within the expansive house of her beleaguered and desperate father, Edward (John Bailie).

A lovely series of promotional photos taken of the actress, the daughter of popular British film and TV star Jack Watling, on location at the stately and picturesque Grim's Dyke House (located in Middlesex) in April,1967.  

'THE EVIL OF THE DALEKS' - A WEEK OF CELEBRATION. DAY 1: SOMEONE HAS STOLEN THE TARDIS!

Pawns in whose game? Art by Marshall Tankersley.

It's one of the most intriguing and unusual Dalek stories of the monochrome era of Classic Doctor Who, and also one of its best, with a strong and different kind of story for the Skaroan nightmares to show their cunning villainy (courtesy of the clever and esteemed imagination of that skilled writer David Whitaker), fused with memorable historical characters (who wouldn't be out of place in something like The Forsyte Saga) soon tragically caught in their dark and dramatic high-concept sci-fi scheme. It's also a tale that showcases a darker and more manipulative side to the normally genial Second Doctor, played with suck skillful conviction by Patrick Troughton, as he traps his trappers and turns the tide against his mortal metal enemies for what was then originally conceived as being 'the final end' for Terry Nation's iconic creations on UK TV....

Originally aired in seven episodes from June, 1967, and a story so loved by its star Patrick Troughton (who thought it should have been remade into a film in the 1980's), The Evil of the Daleks is now available in animated form on DVD, Blu-ray and Steelbook from BBC STUDIOS. Early word on the new release is that it is a fine return to quality form after the previous disappointment of Fury from the Deep. 

Join Adventures in the Fifth Dimension in celebrating this genuine all-time classic, with a week of special blog entries covering many of the story's most notable and exciting aspects...

Continuing from the end of The Faceless Ones, the Doctor and Jamie race to catch the stolen TARDIS departed via lorry from Gatwick Airport.

Our story begins on a frantic note with the Doctor and Jamie's search for the recently stolen TARDIS, and a long way round journey that will eventually take the duo to a London Antiques dealer with a difference, Edward Waterfield, a unique man setting up an equally unique time trap for our heroes...

The Radio Times magazine's full page promoting Evil's one and only repeat back in 1968. The outdoor posed image of the Daleks was specially taken at Ealing Studios during original filming.

More details on the official animated release:

https://kooltvblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-dalek-factor-doctor-who-evil-of.html

Other release info:

https://www.bbcstudios.com/news/bbc-studios-announce-doctor-who-the-evil-of-the-daleks-animation-due-for-release-on-27th-september-2021/

Get it here (from September 27th, 2021):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Evil-Daleks-DVD/dp/B098416MKN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SHI3YXP7X379&dchild=1&keywords=evil+of+the+daleks&qid=1632498561&s=dvd&sprefix=evil+of+the+daleks%2Caps%2C243&sr=1-1

IT'S ALL IN THE EYES...

Sharaz Jek has had enough of the Doctor's seemingly flippant behaviour towards him during their creepy first meeting deep within The Caves of Androzani, but the deformed genius scientist soon recognises that behind this new irritant visitor's eyes lies a sharp mind and intellect that's almost the equal to his own...

A classic moment from the Classic Series (still) greatest and most dramatic adventure.

P.A.Y.E. NOW, LIVE LATER!

 

Art by Andrew Skilleter for the TARGET Books adaptation of The Sun Makers.

From his central abode on the Pluto Colony, the greedy and heartless The Collector (adeptly played by Henry Woolf, best known for his work on Steptoe and Son and the unusual children's series Words and Pictures) applies his not inconsiderable skills at accumulating money and wielding death to those who either oppose him or are just too poor to pay him!

Ignore the all too noticeable low budget studio work - Robert Holmes' comedy satire/revenge against the British Tax system in The Sun Makers has a terrific script, full of sly wit for the main series regulars and a great guest cast to savour, and there's some excellent location work. At the peak of his popularity, Tom Baker is well matched against the diminutive Woolf for some memorable verbal confrontations.

"YOU ARE THE DOCTOR! YOU MUST BE EXTERMINATED!"

With the colour TV debut of the infamous Daleks in January, 1972 came a wealth of great location filming posed publicity images featuring Jon Pertwee in numerous dramatic/action poses against the scene-stealing creatures which he'd ultimately despise across the following three seasons. Though at least the face-masked Ogron creatures would be a new creation that the flamboyant actor enjoyed fighting against!

I love this particular image from Day of the Daleks- a similar shot adorned one of the first seventies Doctor Who Jigsaw puzzle boot fair gifts I ever got for the series during the mid-eighties.

OUT OF THE FRYING PAN...

 

It looks like the young Jamie McCrimmon, his Scottish Laird, and the Doctor are in for a distasteful hanging  from British Redcoats, but the shade Royal Commissioner Grey has other plans for the captured party...  A tense moment from a fast-paced and generally exciting first episode to the last purely historical adventure, and a much underrated one: The Highlanders.

Oh, to have properly seen Troughton's evolving into the part of the Doctor back in the day, partaking in wearing various disguises through only his second on-screen adventure - the actor still experimenting with his new role...

Despite a couple of surviving Australian censored clips, The Highlanders still remains missing in its four-part entirety from the BBC Archives, likely never to be recovered. Here's another feature to enjoy on the elusive lost stories...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sasKUUbeQM&feature=push-fr&attr_tag=XoHK5Nx4LMbXSAC0%3A6

1066 AND ALL THAT...

Someone's been mucking about with Earth history, most notably at Hastings in the year 1066, as the crafty and manipulative The Meddling Monk (brilliantly personified by Peter Butterworth) makes his first devious appearance within the Hartnell era. In some ways, the Monk is almost as clever and humorously mischievous as the Doctor - even perhaps a kind of early prototype for Patrick Troughton's later incarnation of our TV hero. The fact that Dennis Spooner crafted this clever and amusing story, and did rewrites on Troughton's first story, The Power of the Daleks (tasked with quirkily enhancing the newly renewed /regenerated Time Lord's character), are surely not coincidental.

Radio Times preview.

A TASTE FOR THE GOTHIC! 'THE ESSENTIAL TERRANCE DICKS - VOLUME TWO' - OUT NOW...

Art by Chris Achilleos.

The power of the evil universe destroyer Sutekh has been accidentally reawakened on Earth, of which  his robot servitors (disguised as hideous man-crushing Egyptian Mummies) now wander the English countryside ready to do his bidding. Only the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith stand in the way of newly unleashed Armageddon in Robert Holmes superb ratings-winning gothic horror drama, The Pyramids of Mars, brought to life so well with its Target book adaptation by Terrance Dicks from 1977, and which makes a welcome and most deserved inclusion in the all-new tribute to the popular script editor/writer from BBC BOOKS: Doctor Who - The Essential Terrance Dicks two-volume set, available from August 2th, 2021, and whose ten tales were specially chosen by fans via a special online poll.

KOOL TV set review:

https://kooltvblog.blogspot.com/2021/08/time-lord-ing-tales-doctor-who.html

Get Volume Two here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Terrance-Dicks-2/dp/1785947354/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=THE+ESSENTIAL+TERRANCE+DICKS&qid=1630252547&sr=8-2

Get Volume One here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Terrance-Dicks-1/dp/1785946641/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=THE+ESSENTIAL+TERRANCE+DICKS&qid=1630252590&sr=8-1