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:''This article concerns the film. For other uses, see [[Doctor Who and the Daleks]].''
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{{Infobox Story SMW
|name = ''Dr. Who and the Daleks''
|novelisation = The Story of the Film (short story)
|adapted from = The Daleks (TV story)
|image = Dr Who and the Daleks Pic2.jpg
|doctor = Dr. Who (Dr. Who and the Daleks){{!}}Dr. Who
|companions=[[Barbara (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Barbara]], [[Susan (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Susan]], [[Ian Chesterton (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ian]]
|enemy=The [[Black Dalek (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Black Dalek]]
|setting = [[Skaro]]
|writer = Milton Subotsky
|director = [[Gordon Flemyng]]
|producer=[[Milton Subotsky]], [[Max Rosenberg|Max J. Rosenberg]]
|release date= 25 June 1965
|format = [[Techniscope]], 83'
|next = Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (theatrical film){{!}}Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.
|series=[[Dalek films (series)|Dalek films]]
|bts = Special DVD Bonus Cushing and Castle - Doctor Who Death to the Daleks - BBC
|adapted into = Dr. Who and the Daleks (comic story)
}}{{dab page|Doctor Who and the Daleks}}
'''''Dr. Who and the Daleks''''' was the first theatrical film based on ''[[Doctor Who]]''. As an adaptation of ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'', it stars [[Peter Cushing]] as the [[human]] scientist [[Dr. Who (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dr. Who]], who invents ''[[TARDIS (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Tardis]]'' and takes his companions on a journey to the planet [[Skaro]], where they help the peace-loving [[Thal]]s battle the evil [[Dalek]]s.


{|cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" border="0" style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#f1f4fa; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:smaller; line-height:1.5;"
== Synopsis ==
|align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff" colspan="2"|[[Image:Dr Who and the Daleks Pic2.jpeg|250px]]
Accidentally thrown together, [[Dr. Who (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dr. Who]], his granddaughters [[Barbara (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Barbara]] and [[Susan (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Susan]], and their friend [[Ian Chesterton (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ian]] cross the universe in Who's new invention, the space and time machine known as "[[TARDIS (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|''Tardis'']]''"''. When they land on the planet [[Skaro]], the travellers meet the kind and placid [[Thal]]s, who live in fear of the dreaded [[Dalek]]s. Somehow, Dr. Who and his party must find a way to help the Thals overcome the deadly mutants who live inside impenetrable metal casings.
|-valign="top"
|align="center" bgcolor="#0041b7" colspan="2" style="border-bottom:0px solid gray; font-size:larger; color:white;"|'''Dr. Who and the Daleks'''
|-
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Doctor:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Dr. Who (Dalek movies)|Dr. Who]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Companions:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Ian (Dalek movies)|Ian]]
[[Barbara (Dalek movies)|Barbara]]<br />[[Susan (Dalek movies)|Susan]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Enemy:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Dalek|The Daleks]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Setting:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Skaro]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Writer:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Terry Nation]] ''(story)''<br />[[Max Rosenborg]] ''(uncredited)''<br />[[Milton Subotsky]]<br />[[David Whitaker]] ''(additional material, uncredited)''
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Director:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Gordon Flemyng]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Producer:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Max Rosenborg]]
<br />[[Milton Subotsky]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Cinematography:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[John Wilcox]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Release Date:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[25th June]] [[1965]]
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Format:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|Cinematic Theatrical Movie
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Running Time:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|83 minutes
|-valign="top"
|style="text-align: left; border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|'''Next Movie:'''
|style="border-bottom:1px solid gray; border-top: 1px solid gray;"|[[Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD]]
|}
{{nc}}Released in [[1965]], '''''Dr. Who and the Daleks''''' was the first feature film based on the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' television series. Adapted from the television serial [[DW]]: ''[[The Daleks]]'', the colour film stars [[Peter Cushing]] as a [[human]] scientist named [[Dr. Who (Dalek movies)|Dr. Who]] who invents the [[TARDIS (Dalek movies)|TARDIS]] and takes his companions on a journey to the planet [[Skaro]], where they help the peace-loving [[Thal]]s battle the evil [[Dalek]]s.


==Synopsis==
== Plot ==
Accidentally thrown together, Dr. Who ([[Peter Cushing]]), his granddaughters, and their friend Ian cross the universe in Who's new invention, the space and time machine known as "[[TARDIS (Dalek movies)|TARDIS]]". When they land on the planet Skaro, the travelers meet the kind and placid Thals, who live in fear of the dreaded Daleks. Somehow, Who and his party must find a way to help the Thals overcome the deadly mutants who live inside impenetrable metal casings.
[[Dr. Who (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dr. Who]] and his granddaughters, [[Susan (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Susan]] and [[Barbara (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Barbara]], show Who's latest invention, a time and space machine called "''Tardis''", to Barbara's boyfriend [[Ian Chesterton (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ian]]. When Ian accidentally activates the machine, it takes them to a petrified jungle inhabited only by a petrified [[Magnedon|lizard-like animal]]. Who discovers that the ground is merely ashes, burned by a terrible heat, and, when Susan sees a huge futuristic city, they realise that they must be on another planet and possibly in another time.


==Plot==
Ian and Barbara are unnerved by the jungle and demand to return to London but Dr. Who, eager to investigate the city, fakes a leak in one of the vital ''Tardis'' fluid links to keep them on the planet. The group decide to search the city for the mercury needed to refill the link but stumble across a case of drug vials as they leave. In the city, Dr. Who, on reading a Geiger counter, realises that the planet is radioactive and in view of the fact that they are feeling unwell, [[deduce]]s that they are developing radiation sickness. Suddenly, [[cyborg]]s known as "[[Dalek]]s" appear and capture the travellers, confining them to a cell and seizing Dr. Who's fluid link for inspection. The Daleks later explain that many centuries ago, there were two peoples on this planet: the Daleks and the [[Thal]]s, but, after "the Neutronic War", the Daleks were confined in their metallic skirts, and the Thals had "horrible mutations", but Who deduces that they used the drug to survive.
[[Dr. Who (Dalek movies)|Dr. Who]] and his granddaughters,[[Susan (Dalek movies)|Susan]] and [[Barbara (Dalek movies)|Barbara]], show Barbara's boyfriend [[Ian (Dalek movies)|Ian]] the Doctor's latest invention, a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_travel time machine] called [[TARDIS (Dalek movies)|Tardis]]. When Ian accidentally activates the machine, it takes them to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrified petrified] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle jungle] on a world devastated by an ancient [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_warfare nuclear war] fought between the [[Daleks]] and the [[Thals]]. (Although the planet is not named in the film, in its sequel it is retroactively revealed to be called [[Skaro]], matching the name given in the television series.) At the conclusion of the war, the Daleks, heavily [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutated mutated] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation radiation], encased themselves in protective machines and retreated into their city, while the humanoid Thals survived the fallout through the use of an anti-radiation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medication drug] and became a peaceful race of farmers. The Thals' crops have recently failed, however, and they have journeyed to the petrified jungle to seek help from their former enemies. The Daleks, meanwhile, although determined to become the dominant race on Skaro, are unable to leave the city due to their vulnerability to radiation and their reliance on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity static electricity] to power their travel machines.


Ian and Barbara are unnerved by the jungle and demand to return to [[London]] but the Doctor, eager to investigate the city, fakes a leak in one of the vital ''Tardis'' fluid links to keep them on Skaro. The group decide to search the city for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_%28element%29 mercury] needed to refill the link but stumble across a case of Thal drug [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vial vials] as they leave. In the city the Doctor, on reading a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger_counter Geiger counter], realises that the planet is radioactive and in view of the fact that they are feeling unwell, deduces that they are developing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_sickness radiation sickness]. Suddenly, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalek_variants#Mk_I_Movie_Dalek Daleks] appear and capture the travellers, confining them to a cell and seizing the Doctor's fluid link for inspection.
The Daleks hear the travellers talking about the Thal drug and want to reproduce it in large quantities so that they can leave the city and exterminate the Thals. They offer to let the humans use some of the drug to cure their sickness if the vials left outside ''Tardis'' are brought to the city. Whilst carrying out the task, Susan encounters [[Alydon (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Alydon]], the Thal leader who left the vials. Alydon gives Susan a secondary drug supply to use in case the Daleks deviate from their promise and also lends her his plastic cape.


The Daleks know of the Thal drug and want to reproduce it in large quantities so that they can leave the city and exterminate the Thals. They offer to let the humans use some of the drug to cure their sickness if the vials left outside ''Tardis'' are brought to the city. Whilst carrying out the task Susan encounters Alydon, the Thal leader who left the vials. Alydon gives Susan a secondary drug supply to use in case the Daleks deviate from their promise and also lends her his plastic cape.
The Daleks discover Susan's secret drug supply, but allow the humans to treat themselves with it. They then summon Susan to write a letter to the Thals, informing them that they wish to end post-war hostilities and will leave food in their control room as an act of friendship. The adventurers discover that when the Thals arrive, however, they will be ambushed and exterminated.


The Daleks discover Susan's secret drug supply but allow the humans to treat themselves with it. They then summon Susan to write a letter to the Thals, informing them that they wish to end post-war hostilities and will leave food in their control room as an act of friendship. The adventurers discover that when the Thals arrive, however, they will be ambushed and exterminated.
When a Dalek comes to the cell to deliver food and water, Dr. Who and his companions immobilise it by forcing it onto Susan's cape, thus insulating it from the charged metal floor. Ian takes the place of the creature inside the casing and notifies another Dalek that he is taking Who, Barbara and Susan to the control room for questioning. Now free, the travellers shout a warning to the Thals who are entering the city and escape with them into the jungle, but not before an elderly man, [[Temmosus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Temmosus]], is killed by the Daleks.


When a Dalek comes to the cell to deliver food and water, the Doctor and his companions immobilise it by forcing it onto Susan's cape, thus [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulation insulating] it from the charged metal floor. Ian takes the place of the creature inside the casing and notifies another Dalek that he is taking the Doctor, Barbara and Susan to the control room for questioning. Now free, the travellers shout a warning to the Thals who are entering the city and escape with them into the jungle, but not before an elderly man, Temmosus, is killed by the Daleks.
Later the Daleks test the Thal drug on a number of themselves but find that it causes disastrous side effects. With no way of leaving the city, they decide to detonate a neutron bomb to increase the radiation on the planet to a point at which not even the Thals can survive.


Later the Daleks test the Thal drug on a number of themselves but find that it causes disastrous side effects. With no way of leaving the city, they decide to detonate a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_bomb neutron bomb] to increase the radiation on Skaro to a point at which not even the Thals can survive.
At the Thal camp, Who urges Alydon to fight the Daleks to secure a safe future for his species. Alydon insists that the Thals are pacifists, but Dr. Who tests this claim by ordering Ian to take [[Dyoni (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dyoni]], Alydon's love, to the Daleks in exchange for the confiscated fluid link. Alydon punches Ian to the ground, proving that Thals will fight for some things. Alydon, Susan and Dr. Who lead the tribe to the front entrance of the city, where they attempt to confuse the enemy's scanners by reflecting light off small mirrors to give the impression of greater numbers. The plan fails when the Daleks appear and the Thals scatter, however, and Susan and Dr. Who are captured.


At the Thal camp the Doctor urges Alydon to fight the Daleks to secure a safe future for his species. Alydon insists that the Thals are pacifist, but the Doctor tests this claim by ordering Ian to take Dyoni, Alydon's love, to the Daleks in exchange for the confiscated fluid link. Alydon punches Ian to the ground, proving that Thals will fight for some things. Alydon, Susan and the Doctor lead the tribe to the front entrance of the city, where they attempt to confuse the enemy's scanners by reflecting light off small [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror mirrors] to give the impression of greater numbers. The plan fails when the Daleks appear and the Thals scatter, however, and Susan and the Doctor are captured.
Meanwhile, Ian and Barbara, guided by the Thals [[Ganatus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ganatus]], [[Antodus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Antodus]] and [[Elyon (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Elyon]], set out to infiltrate the city from the rear. While navigating a swamp, Elyon is killed by a marsh-dwelling mutation and the party is eventually forced to jump a chasm to proceed any further. Antodus falls short and plunges into the void, but manages to cling to the uneven rock face and is pulled up by the others.


Meanwhile, Ian and Barbara, guided by the Thals Ganatus, Antodus and Elyon, set out to infiltrate the city from the rear. While navigating a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp swamp] Elyon is killed by a marsh-dwelling mutation and the party is eventually forced to jump a chasm to proceed any further. Antodus falls short and plunges into the void, but manages to cling to the uneven rock face and is pulled up by the others.
In the city control room, the Daleks ignore Dr. Who's appeals as they start the bomb countdown. Ian, Barbara, Ganatus and Antodus penetrate the city and join Alydon and the rest of the Thals, who have returned determined to rescue Susan and Dr. Who. The Thals and humans enter the control room and struggle with the Daleks while Dr. Who yells for someone to stop the bomb detonation. Ian calls out his presence and dives for cover as the Daleks fire towards him in unison. The Daleks inadvertently destroy their own control panel, disabling themselves as well as freezing the countdown. Dr. Who then retrieves the ''Tardis'' fluid link.


In the city control room the Daleks ignore the Doctor's appeals as they start the bomb countdown. Ian, Barbara, Ganatus and Antodus penetrate the city and join Alydon and the rest of the Thals, who have returned determined to rescue Susan and the Doctor. The Thals and humans enter the control room and struggle with the Daleks while the Doctor yells for someone to stop the bomb detonation. Ian calls out his presence and dives for cover as the Daleks fire towards him in unison. The aliens inadvertently destroy their own control panel, disabling themselves as well as freezing the countdown. The Doctor then retrieves the ''Tardis'' fluid link.
In the jungle, the Thals bid farewell to Dr. Who and his companions and express their gratitude with special gifts of Thal capes, which Dr. Who says they will treasure. When the travellers depart in ''Tardis'' they materialise not in London, however, but on an ancient battlefield in front of an advancing Roman army, much to Ian's dismay and demands his fellow travellers to assist him to escape.


In the jungle, the Thals bid farewell to the Doctor and his companions and express their gratitude with special gifts. When the travellers depart in ''Tardis'' they materialise not in London, however, but on an ancient battlefield in front of an advancing Roman army.
== Cast ==
* [[Dr. Who (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dr. Who]] - [[Peter Cushing]]
* [[Ian Chesterton (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ian Chesterton]] - [[Roy Castle]]
* [[Barbara (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Barbara]] - [[Jennie Linden]]
* [[Susan (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Susan]] - [[Roberta Tovey]]
* [[Alydon (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Alydon]] - [[Barrie Ingham]]
* [[Ganatus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Ganatus]] - [[Michael Coles]]
* [[Temmosus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Temmosus]] - [[Geoffrey Toone]]
* [[Elyon (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Elyon]] - [[Mark Petersen]]
* [[Antodus (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Antodus]] - [[John Bown]]
* [[Dyoni (Dr. Who and the Daleks)|Dyoni]] - [[Yvonne Antrobus]]
* [[Dalek Operator]]s - [[Bruno Castagnoli]], [[Michael Dillon]], [[Brian Hands]], [[Robert Jewell]], [[Kevin Manser]], [[Eric McKay]], [[Len Saunders]], [[Gerald Taylor]]


==Cast==
== Crew ==
*[[Dr. Who (Dalek movies)|Dr. Who]] - [[Peter Cushing]]
* [[Director of Photography]] - [[John Wilcox B.S.C.]]
*[[Ian Chesterton]] - [[Roy Castle]]
* [[Art director|Art Director]] - [[Bill Constable]]
*[[Barbara (Dalek movies)|Barbara]] - [[Jennie Linden]]
* Associate Art Director - [[Ken Ryan]]
*[[Susan (Dalek movies)|Susan]] - [[Roberta Tovey]]
* [[Editor]] - [[Oswald Hafenrichter]]
*[[Alydon (film)|Alydon]] - [[Barrie Ingham]]
* [[Production Manager]] - [[Ted Lloyd]]
*[[Ganatus (film)|Ganatus]] - [[Michael Coles]]
* [[Assistant director|Assistant Director]] - [[Anthony Waye]]
*[[Temmosus (film)|Temmosus]] - [[Geoffrey Toone]]
* [[Cameraman|Camera Operator]] - [[David Harcourt]]
*[[Elyon (film)|Elyon]] - [[Mark Petersen]]
* [[Sound recordist|Sound Recordist]] - [[A. Ambler]]
*[[Antodus (film)|Antodus]] - [[John Bown]]
* [[Continuity supervisor|Continuity]] - [[Pamela Davies]]
*[[Dyoni (film)|Dyoni]] - [[Yvonne Antrobus]]
* [[Wardrobe supervisor|Wardrobe Supervisor]] - [[Jackie Cummins]]
*[[Dalek Operator]]s - [[Bruno Castagnoli]], [[Michael Dillon]], [[Brian Hands]], [[Robert Jewel]], [[Kevin Manser]], [[Eric McKay]], [[Len Saunders]], [[Gerald Taylor]]
* [[Make-up]] - [[Jill Carpenter]]
'''Uncredited'''
* [[Hairdresser]] - [[Henry Montsash]]
*[[Thal]]s - [[Ken Garady]], [[Martin Grace]], [[Nicholas Head]], [[Mike Lennox]], [[Jane Lumb]], [[Michelle Scott]], [[Virgina Tyler]], [[Jack Waters]], [[Bruce Wells]], [[Gary Wyler]], [[Sharon Young]]
* [[Special Effects]] - [[Ted Samuels]]
*[[Dalek]] Voices - [[David Graham]], [[Peter Hawkins]]
* Special Electronic Effects - [[Les Hillman]]
* [[Construction Manager]] - [[Bill Waldron]]
* [[Set Decorator]] - [[Scott Slimon]]
* [[Grip]] - [[Ray Jones]]
* [[Incidental music|Music]] - [[Malcolm Lockyer]]
* [[Incidental music|Electronic Music]] - [[Barry Gray]]
* [[Writer]] - [[Milton Subotsky]]
* [[Producer]]s - [[Milton Subotsky]], [[Max J. Rosenberg]]
* [[Executive Producer]] - [[Joe Vegoda]]
* [[Director (crew)|Director]] - [[Gordon Flemyng]]


==Crew==
== Story notes ==
*Music - [[Barry Gray]], [[Malcolm Lockyer]]
* Several of the Dalek props were purchased by the BBC and appear in [[TV]]: ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]''. As it was broadcast before the release of this film, the Dalek movie props were seen on TV before they were seen in the cinemas.
*Cinematography - [[John Wilcox]]
* The Daleks were proposed to have flame throwers, but this was vetoed. The effect used for the Daleks' weapons on television could not be achieved on film negatives.
*Editing - [[Oswald Hafenrichter]]
** According to [[Gordon Flemyng]], ''"We used [the fire extinguisher] because we couldn't afford to add a ray to the film and it wouldn't have been good enough to just have people fall down. We wanted something that could be seen."''<ref name="the60s">Howe, David J., Stammers, Mark, Walker, Stephen James, [[1992]], ''[[The Sixties]]'', Doctor Who Books, an imprint of [[Virgin Books|Virgin Publishing Ltd]], London, p.130, p.129</ref>.
** Another reason was given by [[Milton Subotsky]]; ''"We were going to have them shooting out flames, but John Trevelyn, the censor, thought children would be frightened of flames. So we went to the other extreme and armed them with fire extinguishers."''<ref name="the60s" />.
* In the film, ''Tardis'' is referenced as such without the definite article "the", unlike the TV series which always used the phrase "the TARDIS" when referring to the ship.
* The interior of ''Tardis'' is completely different from the TV version, with the outside windows of the ship visible, and it appears there is only a single room, the console room. The revival series' version of the TARDIS interior actually borrows a few of these elements: the exterior police box door (with windows) is visible from inside, and, for the most part, usually only a single room is visible (though others are mentioned or occasionally visited).
* In Spain, the movie was entitled ''Dr. Who y los Daleks''.
* The alien look of the jungles was achieved by filming the scenes without the anamorphic lens (wide-screen lens) on the camera, giving them a strange unearthly quality.<ref name="the60s" />
* [[Jonathan Southcote]] wrote a book about Peter Cushing's time as Dr. Who.


==Story Notes==
=== Crew notes ===
*Several of the Dalek props were purchased by the BBC and appear in [[DW]]: ''[[The Chase]]'', as it was broadcast before the cinematic release of this film, the Dalek movie props were seen on TV before they were seen in the cinemas.
* Barry Gray, best known as Gerry Anderson's staff composer for his numerous Supermarionation and SF TV series, composed the musical score for the film. As a result, this film — and its sequel — are to date the only officially authorised productions based upon ''Doctor Who'' to use theme music other than the original [[Ron Grainer]]/[[Delia Derbyshire]] theme. Several reference books, including ''The Complete Encyclopaedia of Television Programme 1947-1979'', erroneously credit Gray with composing the music for the TV series, too.
*The Daleks were proposed to have flame throwers, however this was vetoed, the reason for the need to have anything is that the negative effect of the Dalek's weapons could not be achieved on film.
* [[Paddy Smith]] was Peter Cushing's uncredited stand-in. ([[DWM 461]])
:*According to [[Gordon Flemyng]] ''"We used that (the fire extinguisher) because we couldn't afford to add a ray to the film and it wouldn't have been good enough to just have people fall down. We wanted something that could be seen."'' <ref name="the60s">Howe, David J., Stammers, Mark, Walker, Stephen James, [[1992]], ''[[Doctor Who: The Sixties]]'', Doctor Who Books, an imprint of [[Virgin Books|Virgin Publishing Ltd]], London, p.130, p.129</ref>
:*Another reason was given by [[Milton Subotsky]] ''"We were going to have them shooting out flames, by John Trevelyn, the censor, thought children would be frightened of flames. So we went to the other extreme and armed them with fire extinguishers."'' <ref name="the60s"/>


*In the film, TARDIS is referenced as such without the definite article "the", unlike the TV series which always used the phrase "the TARDIS" when referring to the ship.
=== Filming locations ===
*The interior of TARDIS is completely different from the TV version, with the outside windows of the ship visible, and it appears there is only a single room, the console room. The 2005 revival's version of the TARDIS interior actually borrows a few of these elements: the exterior police box door (with windows) is visible from inside, and usually only a single room is visible (though others are mentioned).
* [[Shepperton Studios]], Shepperton, [[Surrey]], [[England]]
*The unlicensed book ''[[I Am the Doctor: The Unauthorised Diaries of a Timelord]]'' suggests that the movie was based upon a memoir written by [[Barbara Wright]] of the TV series. As this book is not licenced it cannot be considered canonical.
*In Spain this movie was entitled; '''Dr. Who Y Los Daleks'''.
*The alien-esque look of the jungles was achieved by filming all those scenes without the anamorphic lens (wide-screen lens) on the camera, giving them a strange unearthly quality. <ref name="the60s"/>


===Crew notes===
=== Production errors ===
*Barry Gray, best known as Gerry Anderson's staff composer for his numerous Supermarionation and SF TV series, composed the musical score for the film. As a result, this film - and its sequel - are to date the only officially authorized productions based upon ''Doctor Who'' to use theme music other than the original [[Ron Grainer]]/[[Delia Derbyshire]] theme. Several reference books, including ''The Complete Encyclopedia of Television Program 1947-1979'', erroneously credit Gray with composing the music for the TV series, too.
* There is a staircase next to the Daleks water supply pipe, as they cannot use stairs this is a production design error.
* The Daleks' lights flash indiscriminately and do not match the voice. They also flash when they are not speaking. Director [[Gordon Flemyng]], being unfamiliar with the Daleks, did not realise the lights on the Dalek were there to distinguish which Dalek was speaking and so they flash randomly. This caused problems when the dialogue for the Daleks was being dubbed: some of the Dalek dialogue is rather laborious as the voice artists tried to match the dialogue to the random light flashes.
* When two Daleks escort Susan to the entrance of the city, the top half of one tips backwards for an instant.


===Myths===
== Deviations from television serial ==
*After The [[First Doctor]] regenerated people believed that Dr. Who was just a future or past incarnation of the Doctor. ''Not impossible to imagine, but that doesn't explain the alternate versions of Susan, Barbara and Ian featured in the film.''


===Filming Locations===
* Barbara is Dr. Who's granddaughter and related to Susan rather than being her teacher. She also appears to be studying science rather than teaching history.
*[[Shepperton Studios]], Shepperton, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
* ''Tardis''<nowiki/>' interior doesn't have roundels or the six-sided console.
* Unlike [[Ian Chesterton|his TV counterpart]], Ian Chesterton doesn't appear to be scientifically minded. He is also notably more clumsy rather than cautious and alert.
* The Thals have purple skin rather than being white.
* The Daleks are led by a Black Dalek, with the Red Dalek seemingly being its second-in-command.
* The Daleks' lights continue to flash when they are not talking.
* On leaving Skaro, it is Susan who notices the fluid link is missing rather than Ian.
* The pronunciation of Antodus' name is different here in comparison to the TV version.
* Unlike his TV counterpart, Antodus survives the fall after cutting the rope.
* Other than the black and red Daleks, the other Daleks have blue domes and blue bases.
* ''Tardis'' was created by Dr. Who rather than being stolen.
* The film ends with ''Tardis'' arriving in the Roman era rather than a flash knocking its occupants unconscious.
* It is Dr. Who who persuades the Thals to fight back against the Daleks rather than Ian.
* The creature that the time travellers find in the petrified forest is made of stone rather than metal.
* Dr. Who learns of the history of the Thals from Alydon rather than Dyoni. No mention is made to the Daleks being formerly named Dals, or of Skaro being the twelfth planet.
* Temmosus is less optimistic about making peace with the Daleks than his TV counterpart. Instead, that role went to Alydon.
* It is Dr. Who who warns the Thals that they have walked into the Daleks' trap rather than Ian.
* Temmosus doesn't give a speech to the Daleks before being killed by them.
* Alydon reads the letter from Susan rather than Temmosus.
* Susan discovers the Dalek city first rather than Ian.
* Whilst Barbara's hair style is similar to [[Barbara Wright|her TV counterpart]], it is blonde rather than dark.
* Neither Susan or Barbara's surnames are stated on-screen or in the credits.


===Plot Holes, Errors and Mistakes===
== Home video releases ==
*What need would the Daleks have of a staircase next to their water supply pipe, as they can't use stairs? ''Perhaps they have humanoid slaves/helpers not seen on screen.''
=== Super 8 releases ===
*The Daleks' lights flash indiscriminately and do not match the voice. And their lights flash when they are not speaking as well. ''Since this is an "alternate reality" to the other Dalek stories, its possible the Dalek design works differently. Or the lights are flashing in time with the Dalek language, rather than TARDIS/Doctor-translated English.''
* Released in UK on Super 8 film (8 reels colour/sound) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in [[1977 (releases)|1977]].
*Why do the Daleks have lava lamps in the control room? ''They may look like lava lamps but they may not be''
* Released on UK on Super 8 film Part 1: (one reel colour/sound and one reel black and white/silent) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in 1977.
*Why is TARDIS disguised as a police box? The disguise wouldn't work on an alien planet and it would look out of place in Dr Who's garden. ''Since Dr. Who built the craft, maybe he bought/borrowed/stole a police box so that he had a convenient shell within which to construct TARDIS.''
* Released on UK on Super 8 film Part 2: (one reel colour/sound and one reel black and white/silent) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in 1977.


==Continuity==
=== Video releases ===
*The film ends with a visual gag of the ship appearing in front of a group of Roman soldiers. [[ST]]: ''[[The House on Oldark Moor]]'' picks up on this point and reveals that Ian had become a gladiator.
* Released in the UK on VHS and Beta in [[1982 (releases)|1982]] by Thorn EMI.
* Released in the US on VHS in [[1985 (releases)|1985]] by Thorn EMI.
* Re-released in UK on VHS in [[1988 (releases)|1988]] by Warner Home Video.
* Re-released in US on VHS in [[1989 (releases)|1989]] by GoodTimes Home Video.
* Released in Australia in [[1990 (releases)|1990]] by Universal.
* Re-released in US in [[1994 (releases)|1994]] by Lumiere.
* Re-released in UK in [[1996 (releases)|1996]] by Warner Home Video.


==Timeline==
=== DVD releases ===
*This story occurs before [[ST]]: ''[[The House on Oldark Moor]]''
* Released in Australia in [[2001 (releases)|2001]] by Universal / Studio Canal as a double release with ''[[Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (theatrical film)|Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.]]'' and 1995 Dalekmania documentary in the ''Doctor Who and the Daleks...'' boxset. Note: the print of Dr Who and the Daleks on this Disc set features a different edit, from the generally accepted print, during the battle scene at the end of the movie and is a zoomed version of the VHS master. ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' is a correct anamorphic print but has a sound glitch about 10 seconds in and has the prologue and opening titles switched around.
* Released in US in 2001 by Anchor Bay as a single disc and with ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' and 1995 Dalekmania documentary in 'The Doctor Who Movie Collection' boxset. This release also features the different edit found on the Australian release.
* Released in UK on [[29 July (releases)|29 July]] [[2002 (releases)|2002]] by Studio Canal/Warner as a double release with ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.''. and 1995 ''[[Dalekmania (documentary)|Dalekmania]]'' documentary in the ''The Dr Who Movie Collection'' boxset and the ''Dr Who - The Motion Pictures'' (Gold Edition) boxset. Note: the first pressing of the 'Dr Who and the Daleks' disc in this set had a sound problem which caused all music and effects to sound glassy and "echoed" and so it was re-pressed by Warner, this also had a problem as the disc now froze on chapter 16, this was corrected for the 3rd pressing, this version and the Gold Edition boxset version have no problems.
* Released in the UK on [[25 September (releases)|25 September]] [[2006 (releases)|2006]] by Studio Canal/Optimum as a triple release with ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' and the 1995 documentary ''Dalekmania'' in the ''Doctor Who: The Dalek Collection'' boxset.
* A digitally restored version of the film was released in the UK on [[27 May (releases)|27 May]] [[2013 (releases)|2013]].
* Released, as a non-dubbed edition with often wrong Italian subtitles, in Italy in [[2017 (releases)|2017]] as a triple release with ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' and the 1995 documentary ''Dalekmania'' in the Sinister Films ''Dr. Who Film Collection'' boxset. To date, this is the only known Italian release of the film, as it did not even hit theatres when it was first released in the United Kingdom.
* The film was released on DVD in Germany with a new 4K restoration on [[23 June (releases)|June 23]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]].


==DVD, Video and Other Releases==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
===Super 8 Releases===
Doctor Who and the Daleks Australian DVD Region 4 2001.jpg|2001 Australian DVD release
*Released in UK on Super 8 film (8 reels colour/sound) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in [[1977]].
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_US_DVD_Cover.jpg|2001 US DVD release
*Released on UK on Super 8 film Part 1: (one reel colour/sound and one reel black and white/silent) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in [[1977]].
The_Dr_Who_Movie_Collection_2002_UK_DVD.jpg|2002 UK DVD release
*Released on UK on Super 8 film Part 2: (one reel colour/sound and one reel black and white/silent) by [[Walton Sound and Film Services]] in [[1977]].
Doctor_Who_The_Dalek_Collection_2006_UK_DVD.jpeg|2006 UK DVD release
Dr._Who_and_the_Daleks_2013_UK_DVD.jpg|2013 UK DVD release
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_2022_Germany_DVD_Cover.jpg|2022 Germany DVD release
</gallery>


===Video Releases===
=== Blu-ray releases ===
*Released in the UK on VHS and Beta in [[1982]] by Thorn EMI.
* A digitally restored version of the film was released in the UK on Blu-ray on [[27 May (releases)|27 May]] [[2013 (releases)|2013]].
*Released in the US on VHS in [[1985]] by Thorn EMI.
* A steelbook was released exclusive to Zavvi.
*Re-released in UK on VHS in [[1988]] by Warner Home Video.
* It was also released on Blu-ray alongside ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' in a limited edition collector's set.
*Re-released in US on VHS in [[1989]] by GoodTimes Home Video.
* The film was released on Blu-ray in the US and Canada alongside separately with ''Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.'' by Kino Lorber on [[8 September (releases)|8 September]] [[2020 (releases)|2020]]. This release restored a number of dialogue and sound effects that were missing to prior DVD and Blu-ray releases and was overseen by [[Mark Ayres]].<ref>https://www.facebook.com/KinoLorberStudioClassics/posts/3234564513267100</ref>
*Released in Australia in [[1990]] by Universal.
* The film was released on Blu-ray in Germany with a new 4K restoration on [[23 June (releases)|June 23]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]].
*Re-released in US in [[1994]] by Lumiere.
*Re-released in UK in [[1996]] by Warner Home Video.


===DVD Releases===
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
*Released in Australia in [[2001]] by Universal / Studio Canal as a double release with ''[[Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD]]''.
Dr._Who_and_the_Daleks_2013_UK_Blu-ray.jpg|2013 UK Blu-ray release
*Released in US in [[2001]] by Anchor Bay.
Dr._Who_and_the_Daleks_2013_UK_Blu-ray_Steelbook.jpg|2013 UK Blu-ray steelbook release
*Released in UK in [[2002]] by Studio Canal as a double release with ''[[Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD]]''.
Doctor_Who_Limited_Collector's_Edition_2013_UK_Blu-ray_boxset.jpg|2013 UK Blu-ray Limited Collector's Edition set release
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_Blu-ray.jpg|2020 US Blu-ray release
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_2022_Germany_Blu-ray_Cover.jpg|2022 Germany Blu-ray release
</gallery>


==Novelisations==
=== 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases ===
No novelisation based upon the film script was ever published, however the original teleplay, ''[[The Daleks]]'', was adapted as ''[[Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks]]'' by [[David Whitaker]], published by [[Frederick Muller]] in late [[1964]]. Later, when the book was republished by [[Target Books]], it was retitled ''Doctor Who and the Daleks''.
The film saw a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo release on [[20 June (releases)|20 June]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]] by StudioCanal and was made available in Collector's Edition packaging and steelbook packaging. Both discs contained a new 4K restoration.<ref>https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=30487</ref>


==Comic book adaptation==
French, German, and Australian releases will shortly follow.
''Dr. Who and the Daleks'' was adapted as an American comic book by [[Dell Publishing]] in [[1966]] (the year the film was released in the US). The comic book featured artwork by Dick Giordano and was the first US comic book appearance of anything connected to the Doctor Who franchise.


==See also==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true">
*[[Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD]]
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_4K_Collector%27s_Edition.jpg|2022 UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Collector's Edition release
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_4K_Steelbook.jpg|2022 UK 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray steelbook release
Dr._Who_and_The_Daleks_German_4K_Steelbook.jpg|2022 Germany 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray steelbook release
</gallery>


==External Links==
=== VOD releases ===
*{{dwrefguide|cushing.htm|The Dalek Movies}}
* The original version of the film is available through various VOD providers including Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, YouTube and [[ITVX]].
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059126/ IMDB - '''Dr. Who and the Daleks''']
* The [[RiffTrax]] edition of the film, with a humorous commentary track added, was released on [[23 May (releases)|23 May]] [[2013 (releases)|2013]].<ref>http://www.rifftrax.com/dr-who-and-the-daleks</ref>
*[http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/1273075/ Screenonline - '''Dr. Who and the Daleks''']


==Footnotes==
== Novelisations / Books ==
No novelisation based upon the film script was ever published. However, the original teleplay, ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'', was adapted as ''[[Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks (novelisation)|Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks]]'' by [[David Whitaker]], published by [[Frederick Muller]] in late [[1964 (releases)|1964]]. Later, when the book was republished by [[Target Books]], it was retitled ''Doctor Who and the Daleks''.
 
A new book about the making of both films, ''Dr Who & The Daleks: The Official Story of the Films'' by filmmaker [[John Walsh]], was published by [[Titan Publishing Group]] on 5 December 2022.<ref>https://titanbooks.com/70944-dr-who-the-daleks-the-official-story-of-the-films/</ref>
 
[[File:Dr. Who and the Daleks comic.jpg|thumb|A panel of the comic strip.]]
 
== Comic book adaptation ==
''[[Dr. Who and the Daleks (comic story)|Dr. Who and the Daleks]]'' was adapted as an [[Dr. Who and the Daleks (comic story)|American comic book]] by [[Dell Publishing]] in [[1966 (releases)|1966]] (the year the film was released in the US). The comic book featured artwork by [[Dick Giordano]] and was the first US comic book appearance of anything connected to the ''Doctor Who'' franchise. It was reprinted in the UK by Marvel Comics UK in [[DWCC 9|''Doctor Who Classic Comics'' #9]].
 
== External links ==
{{dwrefguide|cushing.htm|The Dalek Movies}}
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059126/ IMDB - '''Dr. Who and the Daleks''']
 
== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Dalek stories}}
{{TitleSort}}


{{stub}}
[[Category:Theatrical films]]
[[Category:Theatrical movies]]
[[Category:Sources released in 1965]]
[[Category:Dalek stories]]
[[Category:Adaptations of television stories]]
[[Category:Non-canonical stories]]
[[Category:Dalek sources]]
[[Category:Stories set on Skaro]]
[[Category:Dr. Who stories]]
[[Category:Stories featuring non-canonical Doctors]]
[[Category:Thal stories]]

Latest revision as of 12:04, 15 November 2024

RealWorld.png

You may wish to consult Doctor Who and the Daleks for other, similarly-named pages.

Dr. Who and the Daleks was the first theatrical film based on Doctor Who. As an adaptation of The Daleks, it stars Peter Cushing as the human scientist Dr. Who, who invents Tardis and takes his companions on a journey to the planet Skaro, where they help the peace-loving Thals battle the evil Daleks.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

Accidentally thrown together, Dr. Who, his granddaughters Barbara and Susan, and their friend Ian cross the universe in Who's new invention, the space and time machine known as "Tardis". When they land on the planet Skaro, the travellers meet the kind and placid Thals, who live in fear of the dreaded Daleks. Somehow, Dr. Who and his party must find a way to help the Thals overcome the deadly mutants who live inside impenetrable metal casings.

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

Dr. Who and his granddaughters, Susan and Barbara, show Who's latest invention, a time and space machine called "Tardis", to Barbara's boyfriend Ian. When Ian accidentally activates the machine, it takes them to a petrified jungle inhabited only by a petrified lizard-like animal. Who discovers that the ground is merely ashes, burned by a terrible heat, and, when Susan sees a huge futuristic city, they realise that they must be on another planet and possibly in another time.

Ian and Barbara are unnerved by the jungle and demand to return to London but Dr. Who, eager to investigate the city, fakes a leak in one of the vital Tardis fluid links to keep them on the planet. The group decide to search the city for the mercury needed to refill the link but stumble across a case of drug vials as they leave. In the city, Dr. Who, on reading a Geiger counter, realises that the planet is radioactive and in view of the fact that they are feeling unwell, deduces that they are developing radiation sickness. Suddenly, cyborgs known as "Daleks" appear and capture the travellers, confining them to a cell and seizing Dr. Who's fluid link for inspection. The Daleks later explain that many centuries ago, there were two peoples on this planet: the Daleks and the Thals, but, after "the Neutronic War", the Daleks were confined in their metallic skirts, and the Thals had "horrible mutations", but Who deduces that they used the drug to survive.

The Daleks hear the travellers talking about the Thal drug and want to reproduce it in large quantities so that they can leave the city and exterminate the Thals. They offer to let the humans use some of the drug to cure their sickness if the vials left outside Tardis are brought to the city. Whilst carrying out the task, Susan encounters Alydon, the Thal leader who left the vials. Alydon gives Susan a secondary drug supply to use in case the Daleks deviate from their promise and also lends her his plastic cape.

The Daleks discover Susan's secret drug supply, but allow the humans to treat themselves with it. They then summon Susan to write a letter to the Thals, informing them that they wish to end post-war hostilities and will leave food in their control room as an act of friendship. The adventurers discover that when the Thals arrive, however, they will be ambushed and exterminated.

When a Dalek comes to the cell to deliver food and water, Dr. Who and his companions immobilise it by forcing it onto Susan's cape, thus insulating it from the charged metal floor. Ian takes the place of the creature inside the casing and notifies another Dalek that he is taking Who, Barbara and Susan to the control room for questioning. Now free, the travellers shout a warning to the Thals who are entering the city and escape with them into the jungle, but not before an elderly man, Temmosus, is killed by the Daleks.

Later the Daleks test the Thal drug on a number of themselves but find that it causes disastrous side effects. With no way of leaving the city, they decide to detonate a neutron bomb to increase the radiation on the planet to a point at which not even the Thals can survive.

At the Thal camp, Who urges Alydon to fight the Daleks to secure a safe future for his species. Alydon insists that the Thals are pacifists, but Dr. Who tests this claim by ordering Ian to take Dyoni, Alydon's love, to the Daleks in exchange for the confiscated fluid link. Alydon punches Ian to the ground, proving that Thals will fight for some things. Alydon, Susan and Dr. Who lead the tribe to the front entrance of the city, where they attempt to confuse the enemy's scanners by reflecting light off small mirrors to give the impression of greater numbers. The plan fails when the Daleks appear and the Thals scatter, however, and Susan and Dr. Who are captured.

Meanwhile, Ian and Barbara, guided by the Thals Ganatus, Antodus and Elyon, set out to infiltrate the city from the rear. While navigating a swamp, Elyon is killed by a marsh-dwelling mutation and the party is eventually forced to jump a chasm to proceed any further. Antodus falls short and plunges into the void, but manages to cling to the uneven rock face and is pulled up by the others.

In the city control room, the Daleks ignore Dr. Who's appeals as they start the bomb countdown. Ian, Barbara, Ganatus and Antodus penetrate the city and join Alydon and the rest of the Thals, who have returned determined to rescue Susan and Dr. Who. The Thals and humans enter the control room and struggle with the Daleks while Dr. Who yells for someone to stop the bomb detonation. Ian calls out his presence and dives for cover as the Daleks fire towards him in unison. The Daleks inadvertently destroy their own control panel, disabling themselves as well as freezing the countdown. Dr. Who then retrieves the Tardis fluid link.

In the jungle, the Thals bid farewell to Dr. Who and his companions and express their gratitude with special gifts of Thal capes, which Dr. Who says they will treasure. When the travellers depart in Tardis they materialise not in London, however, but on an ancient battlefield in front of an advancing Roman army, much to Ian's dismay and demands his fellow travellers to assist him to escape.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Several of the Dalek props were purchased by the BBC and appear in TV: The Chase. As it was broadcast before the release of this film, the Dalek movie props were seen on TV before they were seen in the cinemas.
  • The Daleks were proposed to have flame throwers, but this was vetoed. The effect used for the Daleks' weapons on television could not be achieved on film negatives.
    • According to Gordon Flemyng, "We used [the fire extinguisher] because we couldn't afford to add a ray to the film and it wouldn't have been good enough to just have people fall down. We wanted something that could be seen."[1].
    • Another reason was given by Milton Subotsky; "We were going to have them shooting out flames, but John Trevelyn, the censor, thought children would be frightened of flames. So we went to the other extreme and armed them with fire extinguishers."[1].
  • In the film, Tardis is referenced as such without the definite article "the", unlike the TV series which always used the phrase "the TARDIS" when referring to the ship.
  • The interior of Tardis is completely different from the TV version, with the outside windows of the ship visible, and it appears there is only a single room, the console room. The revival series' version of the TARDIS interior actually borrows a few of these elements: the exterior police box door (with windows) is visible from inside, and, for the most part, usually only a single room is visible (though others are mentioned or occasionally visited).
  • In Spain, the movie was entitled Dr. Who y los Daleks.
  • The alien look of the jungles was achieved by filming the scenes without the anamorphic lens (wide-screen lens) on the camera, giving them a strange unearthly quality.[1]
  • Jonathan Southcote wrote a book about Peter Cushing's time as Dr. Who.

Crew notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Barry Gray, best known as Gerry Anderson's staff composer for his numerous Supermarionation and SF TV series, composed the musical score for the film. As a result, this film — and its sequel — are to date the only officially authorised productions based upon Doctor Who to use theme music other than the original Ron Grainer/Delia Derbyshire theme. Several reference books, including The Complete Encyclopaedia of Television Programme 1947-1979, erroneously credit Gray with composing the music for the TV series, too.
  • Paddy Smith was Peter Cushing's uncredited stand-in. (DWM 461)

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • There is a staircase next to the Daleks water supply pipe, as they cannot use stairs this is a production design error.
  • The Daleks' lights flash indiscriminately and do not match the voice. They also flash when they are not speaking. Director Gordon Flemyng, being unfamiliar with the Daleks, did not realise the lights on the Dalek were there to distinguish which Dalek was speaking and so they flash randomly. This caused problems when the dialogue for the Daleks was being dubbed: some of the Dalek dialogue is rather laborious as the voice artists tried to match the dialogue to the random light flashes.
  • When two Daleks escort Susan to the entrance of the city, the top half of one tips backwards for an instant.

Deviations from television serial[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Barbara is Dr. Who's granddaughter and related to Susan rather than being her teacher. She also appears to be studying science rather than teaching history.
  • Tardis' interior doesn't have roundels or the six-sided console.
  • Unlike his TV counterpart, Ian Chesterton doesn't appear to be scientifically minded. He is also notably more clumsy rather than cautious and alert.
  • The Thals have purple skin rather than being white.
  • The Daleks are led by a Black Dalek, with the Red Dalek seemingly being its second-in-command.
  • The Daleks' lights continue to flash when they are not talking.
  • On leaving Skaro, it is Susan who notices the fluid link is missing rather than Ian.
  • The pronunciation of Antodus' name is different here in comparison to the TV version.
  • Unlike his TV counterpart, Antodus survives the fall after cutting the rope.
  • Other than the black and red Daleks, the other Daleks have blue domes and blue bases.
  • Tardis was created by Dr. Who rather than being stolen.
  • The film ends with Tardis arriving in the Roman era rather than a flash knocking its occupants unconscious.
  • It is Dr. Who who persuades the Thals to fight back against the Daleks rather than Ian.
  • The creature that the time travellers find in the petrified forest is made of stone rather than metal.
  • Dr. Who learns of the history of the Thals from Alydon rather than Dyoni. No mention is made to the Daleks being formerly named Dals, or of Skaro being the twelfth planet.
  • Temmosus is less optimistic about making peace with the Daleks than his TV counterpart. Instead, that role went to Alydon.
  • It is Dr. Who who warns the Thals that they have walked into the Daleks' trap rather than Ian.
  • Temmosus doesn't give a speech to the Daleks before being killed by them.
  • Alydon reads the letter from Susan rather than Temmosus.
  • Susan discovers the Dalek city first rather than Ian.
  • Whilst Barbara's hair style is similar to her TV counterpart, it is blonde rather than dark.
  • Neither Susan or Barbara's surnames are stated on-screen or in the credits.

Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

Super 8 releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

Video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Released in the UK on VHS and Beta in 1982 by Thorn EMI.
  • Released in the US on VHS in 1985 by Thorn EMI.
  • Re-released in UK on VHS in 1988 by Warner Home Video.
  • Re-released in US on VHS in 1989 by GoodTimes Home Video.
  • Released in Australia in 1990 by Universal.
  • Re-released in US in 1994 by Lumiere.
  • Re-released in UK in 1996 by Warner Home Video.

DVD releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Released in Australia in 2001 by Universal / Studio Canal as a double release with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. and 1995 Dalekmania documentary in the Doctor Who and the Daleks... boxset. Note: the print of Dr Who and the Daleks on this Disc set features a different edit, from the generally accepted print, during the battle scene at the end of the movie and is a zoomed version of the VHS master. Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. is a correct anamorphic print but has a sound glitch about 10 seconds in and has the prologue and opening titles switched around.
  • Released in US in 2001 by Anchor Bay as a single disc and with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. and 1995 Dalekmania documentary in 'The Doctor Who Movie Collection' boxset. This release also features the different edit found on the Australian release.
  • Released in UK on 29 July 2002 by Studio Canal/Warner as a double release with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.. and 1995 Dalekmania documentary in the The Dr Who Movie Collection boxset and the Dr Who - The Motion Pictures (Gold Edition) boxset. Note: the first pressing of the 'Dr Who and the Daleks' disc in this set had a sound problem which caused all music and effects to sound glassy and "echoed" and so it was re-pressed by Warner, this also had a problem as the disc now froze on chapter 16, this was corrected for the 3rd pressing, this version and the Gold Edition boxset version have no problems.
  • Released in the UK on 25 September 2006 by Studio Canal/Optimum as a triple release with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. and the 1995 documentary Dalekmania in the Doctor Who: The Dalek Collection boxset.
  • A digitally restored version of the film was released in the UK on 27 May 2013.
  • Released, as a non-dubbed edition with often wrong Italian subtitles, in Italy in 2017 as a triple release with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. and the 1995 documentary Dalekmania in the Sinister Films Dr. Who Film Collection boxset. To date, this is the only known Italian release of the film, as it did not even hit theatres when it was first released in the United Kingdom.
  • The film was released on DVD in Germany with a new 4K restoration on June 23 2022.

Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • A digitally restored version of the film was released in the UK on Blu-ray on 27 May 2013.
  • A steelbook was released exclusive to Zavvi.
  • It was also released on Blu-ray alongside Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. in a limited edition collector's set.
  • The film was released on Blu-ray in the US and Canada alongside separately with Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. by Kino Lorber on 8 September 2020. This release restored a number of dialogue and sound effects that were missing to prior DVD and Blu-ray releases and was overseen by Mark Ayres.[2]
  • The film was released on Blu-ray in Germany with a new 4K restoration on June 23 2022.

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

The film saw a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo release on 20 June 2022 by StudioCanal and was made available in Collector's Edition packaging and steelbook packaging. Both discs contained a new 4K restoration.[3]

French, German, and Australian releases will shortly follow.

VOD releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The original version of the film is available through various VOD providers including Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, YouTube and ITVX.
  • The RiffTrax edition of the film, with a humorous commentary track added, was released on 23 May 2013.[4]

Novelisations / Books[[edit] | [edit source]]

No novelisation based upon the film script was ever published. However, the original teleplay, The Daleks, was adapted as Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks by David Whitaker, published by Frederick Muller in late 1964. Later, when the book was republished by Target Books, it was retitled Doctor Who and the Daleks.

A new book about the making of both films, Dr Who & The Daleks: The Official Story of the Films by filmmaker John Walsh, was published by Titan Publishing Group on 5 December 2022.[5]

A panel of the comic strip.

Comic book adaptation[[edit] | [edit source]]

Dr. Who and the Daleks was adapted as an American comic book by Dell Publishing in 1966 (the year the film was released in the US). The comic book featured artwork by Dick Giordano and was the first US comic book appearance of anything connected to the Doctor Who franchise. It was reprinted in the UK by Marvel Comics UK in Doctor Who Classic Comics #9.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]