Dr. Who And The Daleks

Dr. Who (no relation) is an inventor, who decides to show off his latest invention to granddaughter Barbara‘s (no relation) new boyfriend, Ian (no relation). Dr Who calls his new invention a Tardis (no relation…well perhaps), and it can travel through both space and time. Ian doesn’t believe any of it, until he accidentally throws the travel switch, and Ian, Barbara, Dr. Who, and his other granddaughter Susan (no relation), find themselves on a strange world. The trees and ground are all dead, but then on the horizon, they spot a metallic city, and decide to take a look!

Released in 1965, and directed by Gordon Flemyng; Dr. Who and the Daleks is a British science fiction film, and the first of two films based on the TV series Doctor Who. The film stars Peter Cushing, Roy Castle, Jennie Linden, and Roberta Tovey, with Barrie Ingham, Geoffrey Toone, Michael Coles, Yvonne Antrobus, John Bown, and Mark Petersen in supporting roles. The film was based on the 1963 TV serial, The Daleks written by Terry Nation. The film was then followed by a sequel in 1966 titled Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (which also starred future Doctor Who TV star; Bernard Cribbins).

Before I begin, I think it’s important I point out a few things, especially to new Doctor Who fans who have never heard of this film. Whilst it is titled Dr. Who and the Daleks, this film is in no way connected to the TV series bearing a somewhat similar name. For a start, The Doctor doesn’t in any way shape or form refer to himself as simply ‘The Doctor‘; no in this film he is genuinely called Dr. Who. Also he is not an alien (or Time Lord if you prefer) from Gallifrey, rather an inventive grandfather living with his granddaughters in London. And the Tardis is merely just an invention he has created in his back yard. So any fore-knowledge in the folklore of Gallifrey, Timelords, or Tardis control (which is a lot more stable in this film), is useless here. Also the Doctor Who theme is nowhere to be heard.

I’ve never seen the original Dalek serial in full. I did once see the last part of it thanks to Doctor Who Night on BBC back in 1999. So I have a decent idea, but this film is most of what I know in regards to the story. Although it was a good idea idea of the producers to create this film independently of the series, as it has a quick launch pad, as it doesn’t go into the long winded explanations, and instead just gets on with it.

But whilst the story largely just gets on with it, it still works hard at creating surprises, and waiting until the last moment to make important reveals. We pretty much all know what a Dalek looks like, but this film still takes it’s time before showing off a single one. Similarly the Thals first appearance is also drawn out, allowing spooky moments, such as a mysterious hand, and an unexpected knocking.

From this point forward it goes at a relatively steady pace, whilst allowing room for more tension, the occasional surprise, and even the odd bit of drama; although that is largely hidden behind Roy Castle’s consistent clumsiness. But otherwise, the story keeps on moving, and doesn’t waste time with unnecessary moments; which is a good thing, as there is a lot about this film to enjoy.

First off the Daleks can be quite scary. Not John Carpenter levels of terror, but there’s still something creepy about the way they act (and also how they are not massive losers after over 60 years of losing!). Also, Fire extinguishers are also a lot more aesthetically pleasing on a visual level for weaponry, than randomly changing the room lighting. Long winded sentences are not really their thing though, as due to how they pronounce every syllable, it can take a while to explain more detailed things. These moments are few in number, and it doesn’t detract from their best feature: colour!

The Daleks in this film are so beautifully coloured. In the TV series they are usually just a blend of one colour, and rarely ever explore a more vibrant look. In this film however, you have a leader in black, a second command in red, and lots of soldiers in silvery blue. It’s really helps point out those of higher ranks, and thus larger importance in the story. Also those base colours are not the only colours, as there is also elements of gold, blue, silver, all sorts. Seriously, we need more of these wonderfully coloured Daleks.

Also they have access to blowtorches, and some even have usefully handcuff shaped claws. When was the last time you saw either of those in the TV series? Come on BBC, get your act together!

The set pieces are also nothing short of magnificent. The producers left no stone unturned, as they built huge set pieces, to highlight the inside of The Tardis, the dead forest, outside the Dalek City, inside the Dalek City, and even the odd swamp and cave. You wonder how much of the budget went into producing just the sets. And whilst in a similar fashion to the (no relation) TV series, some corridors look the same, but are filmed in such a way to make each one as different as possible.

The soundtrack is a bit limiting, as for the most part you’ll only remember one track, as it’s the one used in virtually every serious scene; genuinely. The opening theme though is pretty interesting, as it has a futuristic sound, but is very much of the film’s period in it’s more 1960’s style.

Dr. Who and the Daleks is a really funky film, and a fantastic addition to the world of Doctor Who. The cast are interesting if occasionally silly, but never get boring. The set pieces are so well made, they create a pretty believable world, and above all else; The Daleks are both sinister, and cool (although that’s largely thanks to their uniquely colourful design). It may be over 60 years old now, and in no-way feature any of the advanced computer generated imagery of the TV series today, but it’s still a genuinely fun watch, with a good story, and best of all…colourful Daleks!