Whose Doctor Who (1977)

Whose Doctor Who Poster

Melvyn Bragg presents this 1977 documentary about Doctor Who from BBC2's 'The Lively Arts' strand, featuring extensive behind-the-scenes coverage of the making of The Talons of Weng-Chiang and looking back at the history of the programme and its psychological impact on the viewers, particularly children.

Introduction to "Whose Doctor Who"
"Whose Doctor Who" is a British television documentary that aired on BBC2 on Easter Sunday, 1977. It is part of "The Lively Arts" series and is considerable due to the fact that it was dedicated totally to the widely popular science-fiction television program "Doctor Who". This was an acknowledgment of the cultural impact the series had made because its beginning in 1963. The documentary existed by Melvyn Bragg, now extensively acknowledged for his contributions to the arts and media.

Exploring the World of "Doctor Who"
"Whose Doctor Who" was mostly a retrospective analysis and an event of the program's then fourteen years of broadcast history. It delved into the genesis of the series, the vision of its developers, and its advancement for many years. The documentary consisted of interviews with essential figures from the show, including producers, writers, actors, and technical staff who shed light on the procedure of bringing the imaginative world of "Doctor Who" to tv screens.

The film explored the elaborate behind-the-scenes efforts that went into crafting the program's special blend of sci-fi, scary, and dream. It offered glances into set style, unique results, and the factors to consider involved in scripting and storytelling that looked for to captivate both children and adults. Among the interviewed was Tom Baker, the 4th star to play the Doctor, whose eccentric representation had actually made him a favorite among fans.

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception
An important focus of "Whose Doctor Who" was its expedition of the cultural significance and fan reception of "Doctor Who". The movie paid special attention to the program's effect on its younger audience, acknowledging how it had become a vital part of the childhood of millions of British kids. The documentary included discussions with children and educationalists, examining the effects of the program on its audiences, including its educational value and how it stimulated imagination and creativity.

The program discussed the ethical elements of the show, the difference between great and wicked, and how the character of the Doctor acted as a role model of intelligence and morality. It examined the program's impact through fan letters, merchandise, and the growing "Doctor Who" fandom that was emerging as an influential force.

Emphasizes from the Episodes
To highlight the success and creativity of "Doctor Who", "Whose Doctor Who" included clips from different episodes covering the show's history. This offered a hands-on take a look at the development of the series, the diversity of storylines, and the various incarnations of the Doctor himself. It likewise showcased the variety of alien creatures and villains that the Doctor encountered, emphasizing the imagination required to develop such a vibrant and long-lasting fictional universe.

Legacy and Conclusion
Lastly, the documentary highlighted the tradition of "Doctor Who" as a critical piece of British tv. It acknowledged the program's contribution to the medium and its status as a national institution. The film acknowledged "Doctor Who's" unique position as a show that transcended age barriers and categories, using something for everybody in addition to essential themes and life lessons.

In summarizing "Whose Doctor Who", it can be seen as a heartfelt tribute to a series that had already attained cult status by the late 1970s. The documentary was a testament to the show's development, storytelling, and its special location in British popular culture-- a location that would just grow in the years that followed. It offered a comprehensive insight into the series and its progenitors, and by taking a look at the audience's reaction, it achieved a much deeper understanding of the relationship between a tv show and its audiences.

Top Cast

  • Melvyn Bragg (small)
    Melvyn Bragg
    Presenter
  • Caron Scott
  • Rosemary Matthews
  • Keith Hewett
  • Caspar Hewett
  • Eric Sherwood Jones
  • Tom Baker (small)
    Tom Baker
  • Kenneth Bailey
  • Elizabeth Fiberry
  • Elizabeth Matthews
  • Dick Mills