Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner (2019)

Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner Poster

This well researched and insightful documentary about producer John Nathan-Turner looks at his career with a special emphasis on his time at Doctor Who which he worked on throughout the 1980s until the show went on hiatus following the Season 26 story ‘Survival’. Featuring rare footage and commentary from those who knew him and worked with him, Showman is a fascinating look at the life of a troubled showman with lots of stories to tell.

Introduction
"Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner" is a 2019 documentary that becomes part of the Network Distributing's "The Doctors" series. The movie presents an extensive check out the life and career of the longest-serving manufacturer of Doctor Who, John Nathan-Turner. Known for his flamboyant character and ingenious contribution to the program, Nathan-Turner passed away in 2002. This documentary tries to unwind his enigmatic persona through interviews with his colleagues, associates, fans, and critics.

The Early Years
The documentary begins with Nathan-Turner's early years in Birmingham, England. From a young age, he was enthusiastic about theater and worked in different roles prior to signing up with the BBC in 1969. Within the BBC, he worked as a Production Unit Manager, slowly making a reputation for his workmanship and dedication. The movie explores his advancement as a producer, highlighting his determination to reformulate and stimulate the Doctor Who series.

Revolutionizing Doctor Who
"Showman" diligently illustrates how Nathan-Turner revolutionized Doctor Who, turning it into an incredible success throughout the 1980s. He took numerous risks, consisting of presenting a new Doctor played by Peter Davison and taking the program to movie rather of the previous practice of videotaping. The documentary provides remarkable insight into his strong decisions and ambitious visions, typically featuring interviews with his coworkers who discuss his eye for detail and his push for quality.

Controversy and Criticism
Regardless of his substantial contributions, Nathan-Turner faced significant criticism and controversy throughout his career. He was often accused of prioritizing style over substance and phenomenon over story-telling, a concept the documentary explores in detail. Some critics blamed his choices for the eventual cancellation of Doctor Who in 1989, although others safeguarded his creativity and unwavering commitment to the show. The film offers a balanced viewpoint, with interviews from protectors and critics alike, providing a complex picture of the showman.

The Private Life
In one of its riveting sections, "Showman" explores Nathan-Turner's private life, focused mainly around his long-term relationship with fellow BBC production supervisor, Gary Downie. The presentation is sensitive and revealing as it tries to comprehend Nathan-Turner's personal life and how it connected with his expert commitments.

Concluding Remarks
While "Showman: The Life of John Nathan-Turner" revolves around the male who is widely considered the designer of modern Doctor Who, it likewise significantly captures the extreme disputes surrounding his expertise and the trajectory of the renowned series throughout his tenure. This evocative film commemorates a deeply controversial and increasingly skilled guy who had an indelible effect on one of the most enduring franchises in tv history. It offers audiences a much deeper understanding of John Nathan-Turner, his profession, his controversies, his victories, and his legacy, offering a compelling picture of the male behind the myth.

Top Cast

  • John Nathan-Turner
    Himself (archival footage)
  • Peter Davison (small)
    Peter Davison
    Himself
  • Colin Baker (small)
    Colin Baker
    Himself
  • Janet Fielding (small)
    Janet Fielding
    Herself
  • Richard Marson
    Himself
  • Roy Hawkesford
    Himself
  • Jeffrey Richards
    Himself
  • Anita Graham
    Herself
  • Christopher H. Bidmead
    Himself
  • Eric Saward
    Himself
  • Andrew Cartmel
    Himself