This special one-off drama travels back in time to 1963 to see how the beloved Doctor Who was first brought to the screen. Actor William Hartnell felt trapped by a succession of hard-man roles. Wannabe producer Verity Lambert was frustrated by the TV industry’s glass ceiling. Both of them were to find unlikely hope and unexpected challenges in the form of a Saturday tea-time drama, time travel and monsters! Allied with a team of brilliant people, they went on to create the longest-running science fiction series ever, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
When the scheduling for the celebrations of the good Doctor’s 50th Anniversary were being announced, it was not the centerpiece episode (Day of the Doctor) that caught my eye, instead it was the commissioned BBC drama that showed people the origins of the show back in 1963. Scripted by longtime writer and producer Mark Gatiss, An Adventure in Space and Time helps the uninitiated appreciate the show’s conception and execution as well as the contribution of several people involved despite numerous odds stacked against them.
This included noted actor William Hartnell (The First Doctor), played here by David Bradley (Game of Thrones, The Harry Potter series) who was at the time typecast in ‘hardman’ roles and seeking a chance to spread his wings. TV executive Sydney Newman (Brian Cox), desperate to shake up the establishment and create new exciting shows Finishing off the core behind the show was young producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine)and Indian-born director Waris Hussein who struggled with sexist and racial discrimination respectively within the industry at the time.
What the BBC has put together here is a love letter to Doctor Who, some parts are a little skimmed over, some details left out, but the focus is on the people behind the endeavor. Struggling to fill a gap in the programming schedule and produce something that would appeal to adults and children, this crew take on a near impossible task. It is fascinating to observe the documented struggles, the executives lacking faith in the shows potential, the occasional temperament and memory problems of Hartnell, the racial discrimination of Hussein. What is part of the shows legend, is beautifully brought to life.
The casting here was absolutely spot on. David Bradley nails the ‘regeneration’ of Hartnell from crotchety typecast actor into a man who is adored by millions of children and revels in it. His growing hurt and upset at the behind the scenes ‘changing of the guard’ coupled with his ailing health is beautifully conveyed. Hartnell doesn’t like farewells, a trait that remains with the Doctor even today. His journey is one taken with producer Verity Lambert (Jessica Raine). She has her own journey, dealing with the mistreatment and coarse behavior you would expect from a male dominated environment in the 60s. Both Lambert and Hartnell are venturing into unexplored territory, there is a very a touching scene together then they realize this, confide their fears and connect. The don’t look back from that moment. Every single cast member gave a great heart-felt performance that highlights their belief in the shows potential. Even premiering against the news of Kennedy’s assassination or the potential of cancellation after only four episodes, their passion to succeed does not dwindle. Its is a hard line to walk, between sincere and schmaltzy and it is accomplished here magnificently. You never fail to root for them nor fear for the show even knowing the institution it has become. There is a little scene at the end as to Hartnell perhaps thinking how the show would indeed go on for a very long time, an incredibly touching moment and one that brings 50 years of history to the fore.
There are few companies capable of capturing a bygone era like the BBC and again they excel themselves. Being set in the 60s, there was a Mad Men feel to proceedings, drinking and smoking in abundance, appropriate fashions represented. But where the drama really excelled was in giving us a glimpse behind the scenes of the actual Doctor Who set, how things were designed and put together. This included the TARDIS herself as well as the process that brought to life with sink plungers and egg whisks, the Doctor’s greatest adversaries, the Daleks. Music composition, sound effects, the conception of all these things now ingrained in people minds were revealed. There was so much charm evoked in these scenes, people with a passion for the show doing the best they could with a meager budget.
There is often debate amongst Whovians as how best to inDOCtrinate a newcomer into the show, which era or story is best or most accessible. An Adventure in Space and Time conveys the soul and social significance of of Doctor Who like no single episode can, and now I believe provides the best introduction to this institution that we have. The glimpses behind the scenes, showing the struggles of those involved only makes the success of the show all the more impressive. It struck a chord with the British public, one that resonates around the world even today. This drama will enlighten, entertain, warm your insides and break your heart(s).