Doctor Who: The Time Meddler (the William Hartnell years 1963-66)
by Douglas Camfield
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Maureen O'Brien, Peter Butterworth, Peter Purves, William HartnellDirector: Douglas Camfield
Brand: Warner Brothers
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-08-05
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC Video / Warner Bros.
Movie Reviews of Doctor Who: The Time Meddler (the William Hartnell years 1963-66)
Movie Review: Classic Hartnell
Summary: 3 Stars
While this is not the best of the Hartnell years, it stands the test of "time" very well (pun fully intended). One of the "let's revisit history" storylines, this introduces the first glimpse of another time-lord, and suggests the Doctor is part of a race instead of merely being a quirky individual. The character of the monk is quite interesting and rather funny, and the Doctor's disdain for his violation of the "prime directive" (to borrow from Trek) is interesting considering the directions the series would take in later years. Had this avenue been explored, the show might very well have turned out more like Quantum Leap, with the Doctor running around trying to correct mistakes throughout history. In sum: a worthy episode, but not as exciting as many others, nor as lavish in scope or atmosphere. Most of the supporting roles are rather lack-luster. Of interest mainly to those who are amassing a Hartnell years collection.
Summary of Doctor Who: The Time Meddler (the William Hartnell years 1963-66)
The TARDIS seems emptier without Barbara and Ian - at least until the Doctor and Vicki discover that the astronaut Steven stowed away before they left Mechanus. Steven's skepticism toward time travel pushes the Doctor to confront him with living proof. Shortly after landing on a beach in England, they discover a Viking helmet, but Steve remains unconvinced. Instructing Steve and Vicki to wait with the TARDIS, the Doctor seeks further proof. Heedless of the Doctor's warning, Steven persuades Vicki to explore the cliffs above the beach, where they find an abandoned wristwatch. Meanwhile, the Doctor investigates a ruined monastery, where he encounters an electric toaster, a gramophone playing ecclesiastic chants, and a monk who traps him in an alcove. Eventually, the Doctor realizes that the famous Battle of Hastings is only a few weeks away. That should provide ample proof for Steven, but who is this mysterious monk, and what is his interest in the events of 1066?One of the most popular adventures from the William Hartnell era of Doctor Who, The Time Meddler pits the Time Lord against Carry On star Peter Butterworth in an entertaining, well-written adventure. Set in England back in 1066, on the eve of the Battle of Hastings, The Time Meddler sees the Doctor drawn to a monastery where a single monk resides. So how come the singing of the monks can be heard from far away? And what's the reasoning behind the modern utensils he discovers? All paths lead to the aforementioned Butterworth, whose character's backstory adds a nice twist to the story. The Time Meddler throws in the backstory of Jamie discovering the world of time travel for the first time, but it's the sparring between Hartnell and Butterworth that provides the sparks. And while it's not a perfect adventure, The Time Meddler is very entertaining, and a nice slice of classic Doctor Who. Poignantly, the late Verity Lambert joins an intelligent, interesting commentary track in the highlight of the disc's extras. The Time Meddler was the last Doctor Who story she produced, and her contribution to the supplementary features package is both interesting and a fitting tribute to her work. --Simon Brew
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