THE INTERGALACTIC ROBERT REDFORD!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so the saying goes. And it's certainly applicable with this one-eyed alien Monoid servitor on the Refusian space ark, attracting a lot of attention from a bevvy of lovelies in this great press/publicity image taken on set in February/March 1966 for the Third Season sci-fi tale, The Ark. 

FANGS FOR THE MEMORY!

Colourisation by Clayton Hickman.

He's taken on many intergalactic foes in his lifetime, but now the Doctor must confront two of Earth history's most famous literary monsters seemingly come to life: man made creature, Frankenstein's Monster (John Maxim) and the infamous vampire Count Dracula (Malcolm Rogers), in this fun publicity image for Terry Nation's mostly wacky Dalek time and space adventure, The Chase.

THE ARBITAN QUEST!

An adventure unlike any other, full of peril, mystery and danger as never before, lies ahead for the First Doctor and his companions, agreeing to help the mysterious scientist Arbitan (George Coulouris) retrieve the vitally needed The Keys of Marinus, in this lively, never dull yarn from Terry Nation.

THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY...

Arrived once more in the mysterious realm of the playfully dangerous entity known as the Celestial Toymaker, the Doctor soon realises that he and his latest travelling companions are in for a troublesome time pitting their wits and skills against such a unique being, and the disturbing 'games' the ethereal figure likes to initiate.

A classic posed publicity image of Michael Gough and William Hartnell from The Celestial Toymaker. 

It's been a good few months for all Hartnell lovers out there what with the successful DVD/Blu-ray release of The Savages, plus the Demon Records release of The Tenth Planet. Now the efficient vocal talents of Peter Purves return to Who with his audio telling of the classic The Celestial Toymaker novel, written by Gerry Davis and Alison Bingeman, arriving on BBC Audio CD and download from 3rd April, 2025.

Get it here: Doctor Who: The Celestial Toymaker: 1st Doctor Novelisation (Audio Download): Gerry Davis, Alison Bingeman, Peter Purves, BBC Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Books

INVADERS IN THE SNOW!

From a mysterious world now approaching the Earth they have come, ignoring the harsh environmental elements of the Antarctica around them and preparing their brutal plans to absorb what was their once sister planet of both its energy resources and human population. The Cybermen had now arrived in Doctor Who, debuting with the William Hartnell era finale The Tenth Planet, within a haunting and potentially believable monster concept superbly conceived by the show's then regular scientific advisor, Dr. Kit Pedler. 

And the series. plus its ongoing legacy, would soon be all the better for the Cybermen's non-emotional. chillingly scary regular appearances over fifty-seven years...

Available from April 12th, 2025, enjoy The Tenth Planet as the latest memorable Demon Records audio release...

Celebrate Record Store Day 2025 with ‘The Tenth Planet’ on Vinyl | Doctor Who

Get it here:

Doctor Who: The Tenth Planet (2LP White & Silver Vinyl) (RSD25) | Demon Music Group

'MERRY CHRISTMAS!' (2024)

The original explorer of the universe, and a citizen to boot (!), the First Doctor examines his new arctic surroundings in a glorious modern art composition for the special character, and the TARDIS, that's also a perfect celebration of the festive season.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025 to all our worldwide readers!

'MARCO POLO' AT SIXTY - THE COLLECTED LINKS

Target Books cover art by David McAllister, from 1995.

From arriving at the snowbound realms located at the' 'Roof of the World', to witnessing an Assassin at Peking, the original Doctor Who and his companions' epic travels alongside the legendary explorer Marco Polo continue to delight and capture the imaginations of Classic Series fans worldwide.

We hope you've enjoyed our week-long coverage of this important story in the genesis of the series, as well as its well-deserved esteem as part of the unique monochrome era.

Here are the complete links to enjoy...

The memorable cover art to the story's coverage within An Adventure In Space & Time.

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO': CELEBRATING SIXTY YEARS OF THE LOST CLASSIC!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 1: 'THE ROOF OF THE WORLD'!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 2: 'THE SINGING SANDS'...

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 3: ARRIVAL AT TUN-HUANG!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 4: INSIDE THE 'CAVE OF FIVE HUNDRED EYES'!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 5: ESCAPE FROM 'THE WHITE CITY'!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 6: TO ESCAPE FROM WEDDED BLISS!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 7 (PART ONE): 'MIGHTY KUBLAI KHAN!

DOCTOR WHO - ADVENTURES IN THE FIFTH DIMENSION!: 'MARCO POLO' - DAY 7 (PART TWO): 'ASSASSIN AT PEKING'!

Gorgeous Target cover fan art by Philip James Allison.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 7 (PART TWO): 'ASSASSIN AT PEKING'!

Posed publicity image of Marco Polo and Tegana locking swords!

With his leader Noghai's Mongol hordes assembled at nearby Karakorum, much to the concern of Kublai Khan, the warrior Tegana, having now met the Emperor, makes his assassination ploy against the enemy ruler within the huge environs of the Peking palace, of which Khan's vizier is killed. Marco Polo, having finally heeded the Doctor's warning about Tegana. pursues his foe, where their fight takes them towards the arrived TARDIS. Tegana, ultimately defeated after a fierce sword duel struggle, commits suicide as the Noghai plan is thwarted.

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios.

A bodyguard protects the mighty Kublai Khan (Martin Miller).

Now at the palace, Tegana, in his role as ambassador to the Lord Khan Noghai, meets the guarded Kublai Khan to discuss the flying caravan and to ward off accusations made against him by Ping-Cho, and the Doctor's friends.

Publicity shots of Derren Nesbitt as Tegana for the final episode.

Publicity shot of Mark Eden as Marco Polo for the final episode.

Marco Polo goes into danger once discovering that Tegana has tried to kill Kublai Khan.

Marco Polo goes into conflict.

Pre-filmed stunt choreography was handled by veteran Derek Ware.

One of the earliest scenes shot for the story, the fight was captured at Ealing Studios in mid-January, 1964.

 

With Ping-Cho now free to pursue her own destiny, having discovered that her elderly husband-to-be has now died from prior taking a drug to enhance his virility, the Doctor is finally given back the TARDIS by Marco Polo, a situation that Kublai Khan willingly accepts, knowing that the Doctor would likely have won it back anyway had their expansive backgammon games continued!  

Telesnaps for the final scene by John Cura.

Having said their fond goodbyes, our heroes depart in the the TARDIS. As the blue box disappears into time and space, a quietly astounded and humbled Marco wonders where they are travelling now. "The past or the future...?"  

THE END...

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 7 (PART ONE): 'MIGHTY KUBLAI KHAN!

When mighty men meet. Colourised image by Joe DiRenna.

Now arrived at the Shang-Tu Summer Palace, our time travellers enjoy the incredible surroundings of power and beauty whilst awaiting their meeting with the powerful ruler of Cathay, Kublai Khan himself! Soon enough, as adequate rooms are prepared for the caravan party, the Doctor enters into a unique rapport with the equally elderly warlord, with the duo sharing an interest in backgammon that the Doctor may be able to use to his advantage in winning back the TARDIS!

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/ BBC Studios.

Having admired an oriental antiquity, Ian tries but fails to get Marco Polo to release the TARDIS back to the Doctor.

Inside the beauty and power of Kublai Khan's Shang-Tu court.

Barbara conveys her worries about Tegana once more with Marco.

Susan and Barbara enjoy the lavish surroundings of the court.

A defiant Doctor refuses to bow down to the Emperor as the retinue is fully assembled.

With the arrived ruler, his vizier (Peter Lawrence) demands that his subjects kowtow in respect.

The Doctor's bad back gets him the attention of the Khan, the leader at first thinking that he is being mocked by the stranger for his equally frail, gout-induced condition.

The Doctor and Kublai Khan (Martin Miller) soon strike up a unique conversation as interest builds in the Doctor's magical 'flying caravan'. 

Soon travelling 'ride in state' to Peking, the fascinating new friends will soon indulge in long gambling games of backgammon, a weakness in the Khan that the Doctor plans to exploit...

Moved on to Peking and the great estate of the Khan, Marco Polo meets the noble courier and warrior Ling-Tau (Paul Carson), as Ping-Cho's upcoming wedding are discussed, alongside prior hostiles between Ian and Tegana near Karakorum, and the near-stolen TARDIS are discussed.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 6: TO ESCAPE FROM WEDDED BLISS!

A lovely posed shot of Ping-Cho (Zienia Merton) and the Doctor, from Five Hundred Eyes. Image restoration by Clayton Hickman.

In the months that she has shared her adventures with the Doctor and his companions, young bride-to-be Ping-Cho has become a more independent person and enjoys their company, especially the similar-of-age Susan whose forthright opinions and sense of wonder deeply resonate. Fearful of her impending marriage to a much older man, and with her prior relationship with Marco Polo strained. Ping-Cho ultimately chooses to desert his travelling caravan to Cathay and tries to buy passage back to her Samarkand homelands when returning to the way station of Cheng-Ting. Unfortunately, her trusting nature gets the better of her and she is soon conned out of what little money she has by the eye-patched fiend Kuiju (Tutte Lemkow). Thankfully, the ever heroic Ian Chesterton is to the eventual rescue, under promise to Marco Polo to bring her back, whilst also finding that the once briefly stolen TARDIS (by Tegana, as a gift to his warrior leader) is now being delivered to Kublai Khan. With Ping-Cho saved from further harm and emotional distress as they return to the caravan, she encounters one of Kublai Khan's dashing warrior couriers in Ling-Tau (Paul Carson). Marriage to such a handsome and heroic man such as Tau would be a much better choice for Ping, if only there was a way out for her from pre-arranged events.... 

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios.

Ping-Cho is deceived into giving money to bandit thief Kuiju (Tutte Lemkow), thinking that he will help her escape home. 

Journeying back to Cheng-Ting, Ian rescues the vulnerable Ping-Cho and must take her back to the travelling party now reaching the Summer Palace, but soon receives disturbing news from local way station manager Wang-Lo (Gabor Baraker).

Ian and Ping-Cho discuss the recently stolen TARDIS. Thankfully it is soon recovered.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 5: ESCAPE FROM 'THE WHITE CITY'!

Tegana has sounded the alarm as the Doctor and his companions plan a near successful escape using a duplicate TARDIS key (also confiscated by Polo) during the near ending to The Wall of Lies.  

Having survived a potential sneak attack from bandits within the bamboo forest (in reality, Tegana's Noghai warriors, the leader of which is efficiently killed by the Mongol warlord, so as to keep his ongoing caravan infiltration plans intact), our heroes are newly arrived at the Cheng-Ting way station. With Ping-Cho keeping their planned departure a secret from Polo, having retrieved one of their two keys from his quarters, our heroes night of escape to the now repaired TARDIS is once more thwarted by the devious Tegana, who sounds the alarm and holds Susan hostage. Marco now has both TARDIS keys, but the Doctor has prior warned him not to try and enter 'the flying caravan', as it will destroy itself.

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/ BBC Studios.

Ian suspects an attack on the travelling party in the bamboo forest, and Tegana has no choice but to sacrifice his men, so as not to be discovered as an assassin, in Rider From Shang-Tu.

At the Cheng-Ting way station, Ping-Cho, continuing her friendship with Susan, goes on to retrieve a TARDIS key from its hidden location in Polo's quarters, during Rider From Shang-Tu. 

Our heroes second escape attempt at Cheng-Ting (aka 'the White City') is also thwarted when Tegana captures Susan, during the cliffhanger to Rider From Shang-Tu.

Marco Polo and Tegana confer on the Doctor and his friends latest escape attempt.

'MARCO POLO' - DAY 4: INSIDE THE 'CAVE OF FIVE HUNDRED EYES'!

The Doctor and Susan confer with the weasley Chenchu (Jimmy Gardner) so as to find the missing Barbara, during the finale to Five Hundred Eyes.

Now arrived at the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes, the Doctor, Susan and Ping-Cho encounter Tegana (returned to this eerie place where he'd previously captured Barbara), who, reluctant to unleash his murderous plans, tries to ward them away from the evil spirits-filled place. Ian and an angry Marco also arrive, where they uncover a secret passage and ultimately rescue the captured Barbara from a drunken Mongol warrior. Trying to allay Marco's suspicions about him, Tegana places their ongoing troubles on the Doctor and his party, warning him that they are evil and untrustworthy. Marco goes on to ban an upset Ping-Cho from sharing quarters with Susan. 

Selected images by Barry Newbery and Don Smith/Radio Times/BBC Studios.

Having lured Barbara to her potential demise, Tegana discovers from Chenchu at the way station of Tun-Huang that the Doctor and friends have followed her to the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes.

The Doctor, Susan and Ping-Cho search for the missing Barbara in the legendary cave at the nearby Su Chow district. Thankfully, she is soon rescued from death.

Susan tells Marco Polo about her experience with the others at the cave, and her fellow travellers suspicions of Tegana.

Marco confronts Tegana over the treacherous allegations against him made by the Doctor's companions.

But Tegana counters, stating that the Doctor and his friends are deliberately trying to sabotage their journey. And Marco knows that the Doctor has been acting suspiciously recently.

Their journey resumed, and now arrived at the small township on Sinju, the sincere Ping-Cho, aware the Doctor has a second TARDIS key, promises not to let Marco know of this fact. Tegana meets with his warrior comrade Acomat (Philip Voss) to discuss their new plan of attack during the second day of the caravan's upcoming travel within the bamboo forest, where he promises to kill the Doctor with a stake through the heart!

At the Sinju tea house, Tegana meets his fellow warrior Acomat (Philip Voss) and they prepare their trap to kill Marco and his party on their journey through the bamboo forest ahead.

Colour image variation from the scene.

On the night before the caravan continues, our heroes try to escape in the TARDIS, but a watchful Tegana sounds the alarm to Marco. Our heroes now captured, and the vessel officially seized in the name of Kublai Khan, the angry Doctor must release his second key but warns Marco that the ship will be destroyed if he tries to gain access.

The Doctor and Ian make plans to capture Marco Polo so as to aide their party's escape, but danger awaits in the bamboo forest when they find their guard dead...