Marco Polo (TV story): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox ClassicTV|
{{Infobox ClassicTV|
story name= Marco Polo|
story name= Marco Polo|
image=[[file:marco_title.jpg|250px]]|
image=[[File:marco_title.jpg|250px]]|
number= [[Season 1]]|
number= [[Season 1]]|
story number= 4|
story number= 4|
doctor=[[First Doctor]]|
doctor=[[First Doctor]]|
companions= [[Susan Foreman]]<br/>[[Barbara Wright]]<br/>[[Ian Chesterton]]|
companions= [[Susan Foreman]]<br />[[Barbara Wright]]<br />[[Ian Chesterton]]|
enemy= [[Tegana]]|
enemy= [[Tegana]]|
year= [[Plain of Pamir]], [[1289]]<br>[[Gobi Desert]], [[1289]]<br>[[Cave of Five Hundred Eyes]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br>[[Sinju]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br>[[Lop]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br>[[Tun-Huang]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br>[[Cheng-Ting]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br>[[Peking]], [[China]], [[1289]]|
year= [[Plain of Pamir]], [[1289]]<br />[[Gobi Desert]], [[1289]]<br />[[Cave of Five Hundred Eyes]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br />[[Sinju]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br />[[Lop]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br />[[Tun-Huang]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br />[[Cheng-Ting]], [[China]], [[1289]]<br />[[Peking]], [[China]], [[1289]]|
writer= [[John Lucarotti ]]|
writer= [[John Lucarotti]] |
director= [[Waris Hussein]] (episode 1-3, 5-7)<br/> [[John Crockett]] (episode 4)|
director= [[Waris Hussein]] (episode 1-3, 5-7)<br /> [[John Crockett]] (episode 4)|
producer= [[Verity Lambert]]|
producer= [[Verity Lambert]]|
broadcast date= [[22 February]] - [[4 April]] [[1964]]|
broadcast date= [[22 February]] - [[4 April]] [[1964]]|
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''Marco Polo'' is perhaps most notable as the earliest and longest ''Doctor Who'' story which is completely [[missing episode|missing]], with its first episode, "The Roof of the World", being the earliest-broadcast episode to be missing.
''Marco Polo'' is perhaps most notable as the earliest and longest ''Doctor Who'' story which is completely [[missing episode|missing]], with its first episode, "The Roof of the World", being the earliest-broadcast episode to be missing.


==Synopsis==
== Synopsis ==
The [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] lands in [[Asia|Central Asia]] in [[1289]], where the [[First Doctor]] and his companions fall in with [[Marco Polo]] as his caravan makes its way along the fabled [[Silk Road]] from the [[Plain of Pamir]], across the treacherous [[Gobi Desert]] and past the fantastic [[Cave of Five Hundred Eyes]] to end up in [[Peking]] at the height of its imperial power.
The [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] lands in [[Asia|Central Asia]] in [[1289]], where the [[First Doctor]] and his companions fall in with [[Marco Polo]] as his caravan makes its way along the fabled [[Silk Road]] from the [[Plain of Pamir]], across the treacherous [[Gobi Desert]] and past the fantastic [[Cave of Five Hundred Eyes]] to end up in [[Peking]] at the height of its imperial power.


Along the way they face many dangers, from natural hazards to assassination attempts by a [[Mongol]] warlord. The Doctor strikes up a friendship with [[Kublai Khan]] in his summer palace, before eventually departing again in the TARDIS, which has been carried with them across thousands of miles.
Along the way they face many dangers, from natural hazards to assassination attempts by a [[Mongol]] warlord. The Doctor strikes up a friendship with [[Kublai Khan]] in his summer palace, before eventually departing again in the TARDIS, which has been carried with them across thousands of miles.


==Plot==
== Plot ==
===The Roof of the World (1)===
=== The Roof of the World (1) ===
:''Not to be confused with the [[The Roof of the World (audio story)|Big Finish adventure of the same name]].''
:''Not to be confused with the [[The Roof of the World (audio story)|Big Finish adventure of the same name]].''
The TARDIS crew have arrived in the snowy wastes of the [[Plain of Pamir]]. [[The TARDIS|The ship]] is damaged and unable to produce light, heat, or water. [[First Doctor|The Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]], and [[Susan Foreman|Susan]] face the prospect of freezing to death as night approaches and the temperatures plummet.
The TARDIS crew have arrived in the snowy wastes of the [[Plain of Pamir]]. [[The TARDIS|The ship]] is damaged and unable to produce light, heat, or water. [[First Doctor|The Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]], and [[Susan Foreman|Susan]] face the prospect of freezing to death as night approaches and the temperatures plummet.
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Ian and Barbara go out into the tundra to look for fuel but Barbara sees a figure in the snow and they hurry back to the TARDIS. Meanwhile, the Doctor has discovered what is wrong with the TARDIS but is interrupted by Ian and Barbara's return. The creature follows them back and appears at the TARDIS door. The foursome chase after it but are soon surrounded by Mongol soldiers who are on the verge of killing them for being evil spirits when a Western man, who turns out to be Marco Polo, interrupts them.
Ian and Barbara go out into the tundra to look for fuel but Barbara sees a figure in the snow and they hurry back to the TARDIS. Meanwhile, the Doctor has discovered what is wrong with the TARDIS but is interrupted by Ian and Barbara's return. The creature follows them back and appears at the TARDIS door. The foursome chase after it but are soon surrounded by Mongol soldiers who are on the verge of killing them for being evil spirits when a Western man, who turns out to be Marco Polo, interrupts them.


[[file:marco101.jpg|left|thumb|[[Tegana]] plans to poison [[Marco Polo]].]]
[[File:marco101.jpg|left|thumb|[[Tegana]] plans to poison [[Marco Polo]].]]
Polo welcomes the Doctor, who is suffering from altitude sickness, and his companions to his company and introduces some of his fellow travellers including [[Tegana]], a Mongol warlord. Tegana is an emissary of peace from the [[Khan Noghai]] who has been at war with [[Kublai Khan]]. A young Chinese woman named [[Ping-Cho]] is also travelling with Polo so that she may meet her 75-year old groom in her arranged marriage. Ping-Cho forms a strong friendship with Susan.
Polo welcomes the Doctor, who is suffering from altitude sickness, and his companions to his company and introduces some of his fellow travellers including [[Tegana]], a Mongol warlord. Tegana is an emissary of peace from the [[Khan Noghai]] who has been at war with [[Kublai Khan]]. A young Chinese woman named [[Ping-Cho]] is also travelling with Polo so that she may meet her 75-year old groom in her arranged marriage. Ping-Cho forms a strong friendship with Susan.


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Meanwhile, the lord [[Tegana]] purchases a [[poison]] to use on the caravan's water supply as it ventures on into the Gobi Desert.
Meanwhile, the lord [[Tegana]] purchases a [[poison]] to use on the caravan's water supply as it ventures on into the Gobi Desert.


===The Singing Sands (2)===
=== The Singing Sands (2) ===


[[file:marco102.jpg|right|thumb|[[Tegana]] taunts [[Marco Polo]] with water.]]The travellers make their way across the Gobi Desert. The Doctor, in a show of petulance, refuses to come out of his tent when they settle for the night, distressing Susan. One night when Ian and Marco Polo are playing chess, Susan vents her frustration at the fact that they are stuck on Earth rather than exploring the stars. This spirit for exploring provokes Ping-Cho and Susan to follow Tegana as they see him walk off into the night. A vicious sandstorm, during which Ping-Cho and Susan are briefly lost, prevents Tegana implementing his plan to poison the gourds. Instead he slices open the gourds during the night knowing full well that bandits would get the blame.
[[File:marco102.jpg|right|thumb|[[Tegana]] taunts [[Marco Polo]] with water.]]The travellers make their way across the Gobi Desert. The Doctor, in a show of petulance, refuses to come out of his tent when they settle for the night, distressing Susan. One night when Ian and Marco Polo are playing chess, Susan vents her frustration at the fact that they are stuck on Earth rather than exploring the stars. This spirit for exploring provokes Ping-Cho and Susan to follow Tegana as they see him walk off into the night. A vicious sandstorm, during which Ping-Cho and Susan are briefly lost, prevents Tegana implementing his plan to poison the gourds. Instead he slices open the gourds during the night knowing full well that bandits would get the blame.


Marco Polo insists the caravan presses on to the next stop, but the water rations get fewer and fewer as the days pass by and eventually Tegana is dispatched to find a fabled oasis. The [[Mongol]] finds the oasis easily, but does not return with water to the caravan as promised.
Marco Polo insists the caravan presses on to the next stop, but the water rations get fewer and fewer as the days pass by and eventually Tegana is dispatched to find a fabled oasis. The [[Mongol]] finds the oasis easily, but does not return with water to the caravan as promised.


===Five Hundred Eyes (3)===
=== Five Hundred Eyes (3) ===


[[file:marco103.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ian Chesterton|Ian]] explains condensation to [[Marco Polo]].]]With the water supply now completely exhausted, the situation becomes ever more desperate. The travellers only survive the arid conditions when the Doctor and Susan are able to collect water which formed as condensation on the walls of the TARDIS during the night.
[[File:marco103.jpg|left|thumb|[[Ian Chesterton|Ian]] explains condensation to [[Marco Polo]].]]With the water supply now completely exhausted, the situation becomes ever more desperate. The travellers only survive the arid conditions when the Doctor and Susan are able to collect water which formed as condensation on the walls of the TARDIS during the night.


The caravan moves on to the next way-station at [[Tun-Huang]] where stocks are replenished and they meet an incredulous Tegana, who rejoins their caravan. Ping-Cho makes their stay pleasant with the tale of Ala-eddin (Aladdin) and the Hashashin (or assassins).
The caravan moves on to the next way-station at [[Tun-Huang]] where stocks are replenished and they meet an incredulous Tegana, who rejoins their caravan. Ping-Cho makes their stay pleasant with the tale of Ala-eddin (Aladdin) and the Hashashin (or assassins).
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The Doctor deduces that Barbara may be at the cave and heads there accompanied by Susan and Ping-Cho. Susan cries out in fear when she see a pair of 'painted' eyes moving!
The Doctor deduces that Barbara may be at the cave and heads there accompanied by Susan and Ping-Cho. Susan cries out in fear when she see a pair of 'painted' eyes moving!


===The Wall of Lies (4)===
=== The Wall of Lies (4) ===


[[file:marco104.jpg|right|thumb|The TARDIS travels to [[Beijing]].]]Marco, Ian and Tegana arrive at the cave after being tipped off by Chenchu. Anxious that his plans will be exposed when the search party find Barbara and Malik behind a fake wall in the cave, Tegana kills his ally to cover his tracks.
[[File:marco104.jpg|right|thumb|The TARDIS travels to [[Beijing]].]]Marco, Ian and Tegana arrive at the cave after being tipped off by Chenchu. Anxious that his plans will be exposed when the search party find Barbara and Malik behind a fake wall in the cave, Tegana kills his ally to cover his tracks.


When the party returns to the caravan, Tegana tries another tactic and attempts to make Marco suspicious by telling him that Susan has an unhealthy hold over Ping-Cho, and that the Doctor has a second key to gain entry to the TARDIS. This is countered when Barbara states that she was only in danger as she followed Tegana to the cave, but Tegana flatly denies ever having been there before. Marco stamps his authority on the caravan by separating Ping-Cho and Susan, making both of them ever more suspicious of Tegana. At the next way station Tegana's plans are further bolstered when he proves to Marco that the Doctor has a second key to the TARDIS by getting Polo to witness the Doctor leaving the ship. Polo seizes the key and tries to go in but the Doctor warns him that the ship will be destroyed if an unauthourised person enters it. He is taken away and held under guard.
When the party returns to the caravan, Tegana tries another tactic and attempts to make Marco suspicious by telling him that Susan has an unhealthy hold over Ping-Cho, and that the Doctor has a second key to gain entry to the TARDIS. This is countered when Barbara states that she was only in danger as she followed Tegana to the cave, but Tegana flatly denies ever having been there before. Marco stamps his authority on the caravan by separating Ping-Cho and Susan, making both of them ever more suspicious of Tegana. At the next way station Tegana's plans are further bolstered when he proves to Marco that the Doctor has a second key to the TARDIS by getting Polo to witness the Doctor leaving the ship. Polo seizes the key and tries to go in but the Doctor warns him that the ship will be destroyed if an unauthourised person enters it. He is taken away and held under guard.
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In an endeavour to escape from Polo, Ian cuts through the tent and avoids the guard. His plan is to knock the guard out and allow the others to escape; however, when he reaches the front of the tent, he discovers that the guard is already dead.
In an endeavour to escape from Polo, Ian cuts through the tent and avoids the guard. His plan is to knock the guard out and allow the others to escape; however, when he reaches the front of the tent, he discovers that the guard is already dead.


===Rider from Shang-Tu (5)===
=== Rider from Shang-Tu (5) ===


[[file:marco105.jpg|left|thumb|[[Tegana]] threatens [[Susan Foreman|Susan]].]]Unwilling to leave Polo and his party to their fate, Ian decides to alert them to the oncoming danger. He wakes Polo, who goes on to wake Tegana, and they begin to arm themselves. Ian decides that it would be best to frighten the attacking bandits off by throwing bamboo into the fire which explodes noisily. When the bandits attack, [[Acomat]] is slain by Tegana as he is on the point of exposing him. This causes the other bandits to flee in fear. In thanks for their help defeating the bandit attack, Marco Polo allows Susan and Ping-Cho to share company once more as well as allow the others to walk freely again.
[[File:marco105.jpg|left|thumb|[[Tegana]] threatens [[Susan Foreman|Susan]].]]Unwilling to leave Polo and his party to their fate, Ian decides to alert them to the oncoming danger. He wakes Polo, who goes on to wake Tegana, and they begin to arm themselves. Ian decides that it would be best to frighten the attacking bandits off by throwing bamboo into the fire which explodes noisily. When the bandits attack, [[Acomat]] is slain by Tegana as he is on the point of exposing him. This causes the other bandits to flee in fear. In thanks for their help defeating the bandit attack, Marco Polo allows Susan and Ping-Cho to share company once more as well as allow the others to walk freely again.


The Doctor and his companions have meanwhile worked out that Tegana is the source of many of the journey's troubles, but cannot make Marco Polo realise how dangerous he is. A new traveller now arrives at the caravan, a message rider named [[Ling-Tau]], who has travelled from [[Shang-Tu]] (300 miles away) in just 24-hours. He tells that this is done by changing horses every three miles. He bears a message commanding the caravan to speed up, and so Marco commands that once they reach the city of [[Cheng-Ting]] the travellers should all take to horseback to speed up their journey while the TARDIS and the other belongings are brought on later. As ever, Tegana has another plot at the next way station. He meets an ally called [[Kuiju]] and bribes him to try to steal the TARDIS when the convoy is split up, and take it to [[Karakorum]], where Noghai's troops are massing.
The Doctor and his companions have meanwhile worked out that Tegana is the source of many of the journey's troubles, but cannot make Marco Polo realise how dangerous he is. A new traveller now arrives at the caravan, a message rider named [[Ling-Tau]], who has travelled from [[Shang-Tu]] (300 miles away) in just 24-hours. He tells that this is done by changing horses every three miles. He bears a message commanding the caravan to speed up, and so Marco commands that once they reach the city of [[Cheng-Ting]] the travellers should all take to horseback to speed up their journey while the TARDIS and the other belongings are brought on later. As ever, Tegana has another plot at the next way station. He meets an ally called [[Kuiju]] and bribes him to try to steal the TARDIS when the convoy is split up, and take it to [[Karakorum]], where Noghai's troops are massing.
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Ping-Cho knows where Marco has hidden the two keys to the TARDIS and gives one to Susan to help the time travellers escape. Later that night the Doctor and his companions sneak out in order to return to the TARDIS and escape, but Susan returns to say goodbye to Ping-Cho and is accosted by Tegana.
Ping-Cho knows where Marco has hidden the two keys to the TARDIS and gives one to Susan to help the time travellers escape. Later that night the Doctor and his companions sneak out in order to return to the TARDIS and escape, but Susan returns to say goodbye to Ping-Cho and is accosted by Tegana.


===Mighty Kublai Khan (6)===
=== Mighty Kublai Khan (6) ===
[[file:marco106.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ian Chesterton|Ian]] rescues [[Ping-Cho]].]]
[[File:marco106.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ian Chesterton|Ian]] rescues [[Ping-Cho]].]]
Ian leaves the TARDIS to convince Tegana to free Susan. Tegana orders the others out of the TARDIS and only frees Susan when the Doctor returns the TARDIS key back to Polo. Ian takes the blame on himself for stealing the TARDIS key so as to save Ping-Cho. As the journey enters its final phases Ian attempts to ingratiate himself to Marco Polo once more by telling him the truth about the TARDIS. Marco does not believe that the TARDIS can move through time and says he knows Ian to be a liar as he has deduced that Ian did not steal the key and that it was Ping-Cho after all. Ping-Cho hears this and, fearing detection flees the caravan. On her discovery both Tegana and Ian offer to go looking for her. Polo says that Ian should go as when they meet Kublai Khan, Tegana should be there. Ian finds her back at Cheng-Ting, having ridden there alone, which is just as well as while there he uncovers the fact that [[Kuiju]] has stolen the TARDIS from the second convoy. Back with Polo, Susan and Barbara foolishly confronts Polo, saying that they believe Ping-Cho should not marry a man so far senior to her. This provokes Polo to send Tegana after Ian to ensure he is not trying to liberate Ping-Cho and make off with the TARDIS. Eventually Polo's party arrive at Kublai Khan's palace. The Doctor initially shows belligerence towards Khan but they soon bond over their great ages and the maladies that ensue from that. Before Khan and the Doctor go off together, Khan tells Polo that soldiers are swelling around their borders, so that it would appear that Tegana's information has been incorrect; Khan awaits the great warrior's return. When Ian and Ping-Cho find the bandit on the road to Karakorum, they force him to admit the truth, but then Tegana arrives and threatens to kill Ping-Cho.
Ian leaves the TARDIS to convince Tegana to free Susan. Tegana orders the others out of the TARDIS and only frees Susan when the Doctor returns the TARDIS key back to Polo. Ian takes the blame on himself for stealing the TARDIS key so as to save Ping-Cho. As the journey enters its final phases Ian attempts to ingratiate himself to Marco Polo once more by telling him the truth about the TARDIS. Marco does not believe that the TARDIS can move through time and says he knows Ian to be a liar as he has deduced that Ian did not steal the key and that it was Ping-Cho after all. Ping-Cho hears this and, fearing detection flees the caravan. On her discovery both Tegana and Ian offer to go looking for her. Polo says that Ian should go as when they meet Kublai Khan, Tegana should be there. Ian finds her back at Cheng-Ting, having ridden there alone, which is just as well as while there he uncovers the fact that [[Kuiju]] has stolen the TARDIS from the second convoy. Back with Polo, Susan and Barbara foolishly confronts Polo, saying that they believe Ping-Cho should not marry a man so far senior to her. This provokes Polo to send Tegana after Ian to ensure he is not trying to liberate Ping-Cho and make off with the TARDIS. Eventually Polo's party arrive at Kublai Khan's palace. The Doctor initially shows belligerence towards Khan but they soon bond over their great ages and the maladies that ensue from that. Before Khan and the Doctor go off together, Khan tells Polo that soldiers are swelling around their borders, so that it would appear that Tegana's information has been incorrect; Khan awaits the great warrior's return. When Ian and Ping-Cho find the bandit on the road to Karakorum, they force him to admit the truth, but then Tegana arrives and threatens to kill Ping-Cho.


===Assassin at Peking (7)===
=== Assassin at Peking (7) ===
[[file:marco107.jpg|left|thumb|[[Marco Polo]] and [[Tegana]] cross swords.]]The stand-off between Ian and Tegana is broken when Ling Tau and a band of soldiers arrive. They kill Kuiju, but once more Tegana talks his way out of a tight situation and the entire party agrees to ride on to the [[Imperial Palace|imperial palace]] in [[Peking]]. During the stand-off, expecting Ian and Ping-Cho to be killed, Tegana pledges his allegiance to Noghi.
[[File:marco107.jpg|left|thumb|[[Marco Polo]] and [[Tegana]] cross swords.]]The stand-off between Ian and Tegana is broken when Ling Tau and a band of soldiers arrive. They kill Kuiju, but once more Tegana talks his way out of a tight situation and the entire party agrees to ride on to the [[Imperial Palace|imperial palace]] in [[Peking]]. During the stand-off, expecting Ian and Ping-Cho to be killed, Tegana pledges his allegiance to Noghi.


Meanwhile at the capital city, the Khan engages the Doctor in a game of backgammon. The Doctor wins 35 elephants, 4000 white stallions, 25 tigers, the sacred tooth of the Buddha and the entire commerce of Burma for a year - but wages all this on the liberation of his TARDIS and loses. The Khan presses Marco for the history of the "magic caravan" and the emissary admits he was wrong to try and obtain the vehicle, but only did it to try and buy his freedom. The Khan is not impressed, and warns Marco that if he does not regain his trust somehow then he will be banished from court.
Meanwhile at the capital city, the Khan engages the Doctor in a game of backgammon. The Doctor wins 35 elephants, 4000 white stallions, 25 tigers, the sacred tooth of the Buddha and the entire commerce of Burma for a year - but wages all this on the liberation of his TARDIS and loses. The Khan presses Marco for the history of the "magic caravan" and the emissary admits he was wrong to try and obtain the vehicle, but only did it to try and buy his freedom. The Khan is not impressed, and warns Marco that if he does not regain his trust somehow then he will be banished from court.
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Tegana has slain Khan's guards and is moving in for the kill when the Doctor and his allies arrive and is prevented in his actions with a lengthly sword fight between Polo and himself. His mission failed, Tegana takes his own life rather than be killed by Khan's men. In the ensuing melee, Marco Polo gives the Doctor and his party the key to the TARDIS and bids them escape. The "magic caravan" fades away before the eyes of the Khan and his courtiers. As a final act, the Khan forgives Marco Polo and agrees he can return to [[Venice]].
Tegana has slain Khan's guards and is moving in for the kill when the Doctor and his allies arrive and is prevented in his actions with a lengthly sword fight between Polo and himself. His mission failed, Tegana takes his own life rather than be killed by Khan's men. In the ensuing melee, Marco Polo gives the Doctor and his party the key to the TARDIS and bids them escape. The "magic caravan" fades away before the eyes of the Khan and his courtiers. As a final act, the Khan forgives Marco Polo and agrees he can return to [[Venice]].


==Cast==
== Cast ==
* [[The Doctor]] - [[William Hartnell]]
* [[The Doctor]] - [[William Hartnell]]
* [[Ian Chesterton]] - [[William Russell]]
* [[Ian Chesterton]] - [[William Russell]]
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* [[Yeng]] - [[O. Ikeda]]
* [[Yeng]] - [[O. Ikeda]]


===Uncredited cast===
=== Uncredited cast ===
*[[Marco Polo]]'s Writing Hand - [[John Woodcock]]
* [[Marco Polo]]'s Writing Hand - [[John Woodcock]]
*[[Mongol]] Extras - [[Leslie Bates]], [[Gordon Bremworth]], [[David Brewster]], [[Ronald Chee]], [[Stanley Chee]], [[Clem Choy]], [[Elton Fing-On]], [[Arnold Lee]], [[John Lee (actor)|John Lee]], [[Philip Lee]], [[Valentino Musetti]], [[Carlton Ngui]], [[Arman Tokyo]], [[Roy Vincente]], [[Santos Wong]]
* [[Mongol]] Extras - [[Leslie Bates]], [[Gordon Bremworth]], [[David Brewster]], [[Ronald Chee]], [[Stanley Chee]], [[Clem Choy]], [[Elton Fing-On]], [[Arnold Lee]], [[John Lee (actor)|John Lee]], [[Philip Lee]], [[Valentino Musetti]], [[Carlton Ngui]], [[Arman Tokyo]], [[Roy Vincente]], [[Santos Wong]]
*Extras - [[David Anderson]], [[Bill Brandon]], [[Robert Chow]], [[Harry Dillon]], [[Kay Fong]], [[Michael Guest]], [[Maung Hlashwe]], [[Irene Ho]], [[Lloyd Lam]], [[Boon Wan Lee]], [[Violet Leon]], [[LL Lim]], [[Henry Loy]], [[Iris Loy]], [[Suk Hee S'Hng]], [[WA Scully]], [[Zohra Sehgal]], [[Peggy Sirr]], [[Suchin]], [[Doreen Tang]], [[Aman Tokyo]], [[Ying Wiu]]
* Extras - [[David Anderson]], [[Bill Brandon]], [[Robert Chow]], [[Harry Dillon]], [[Kay Fong]], [[Michael Guest]], [[Maung Hlashwe]], [[Irene Ho]], [[Lloyd Lam]], [[Boon Wan Lee]], [[Violet Leon]], [[LL Lim]], [[Henry Loy]], [[Iris Loy]], [[Suk Hee S'Hng]], [[WA Scully]], [[Zohra Sehgal]], [[Peggy Sirr]], [[Suchin]], [[Doreen Tang]], [[Aman Tokyo]], [[Ying Wiu]]


==Crew==
== Crew ==
* [[Writer]] - [[John Lucarotti]]
* [[Writer]] - [[John Lucarotti]]
* [[Director]] - [[Waris Hussein]], [[John Crockett]]
* [[Director]] - [[Waris Hussein]], [[John Crockett]]
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* [[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]]
* [[Doctor Who theme|Title Music]] - [[Ron Grainer]]


==References==
== References ==


===[[:Category:Games|Games]]===
=== [[:Category:Games|Games]] ===
* [[Kublai Khan]] refers to [[backgammon]] as a card game.
* [[Kublai Khan]] refers to [[backgammon]] as a card game.


===[[:Category:Individuals|Individuals]]===
=== [[:Category:Individuals|Individuals]] ===
* Barbara is interested in [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] history.
* Barbara is interested in [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] history.
* Ian can ride a horse and is an experienced swordfighter.
* Ian can ride a horse and is an experienced swordfighter.
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* Marco Polo mentions his father Niccolo Polo and uncle Maffeo Polo.
* Marco Polo mentions his father Niccolo Polo and uncle Maffeo Polo.


===[[:Category:TARDIS|TARDIS]]===
=== [[:Category:TARDIS|TARDIS]] ===
* The [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] contains a circuit that, if damaged, can deactivate the lights, water supplies, and heating. Without this circuit, the external temperature can affect the inside of the TARDIS, allowing condensation to form on the walls.
* The [[the Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] contains a circuit that, if damaged, can deactivate the lights, water supplies, and heating. Without this circuit, the external temperature can affect the inside of the TARDIS, allowing condensation to form on the walls.
* The Doctor makes himself a new [[TARDIS key]], and implies that he made the original as well.
* The Doctor makes himself a new [[TARDIS key]], and implies that he made the original as well.


==Story notes==
== Story notes ==
* This was the first story to feature live animals (the Mongol horses).
* This was the first story to feature live animals (the Mongol horses).
* This was the first and only television story to feature a narrative and a map tracking the journey of the main characters (although character voice-over narratives have been featured in part during other stories, such as ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[Army of Ghosts]]/[[Doomsday]]'', ''[[The Family of Blood]]'', and ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'').
* This was the first and only television story to feature a narrative and a map tracking the journey of the main characters (although character voice-over narratives have been featured in part during other stories, such as ''[[The Deadly Assassin]]'', ''[[Army of Ghosts]]/[[Doomsday]]'', ''[[The Family of Blood]]'', and ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'').
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* The working title for this story was '''A Journey to Cathay'''.
* The working title for this story was '''A Journey to Cathay'''.
* Episode 3 was made under the working title '''''The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes''''' and this name even appeared at the end of Episode 2.
* Episode 3 was made under the working title '''''The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes''''' and this name even appeared at the end of Episode 2.
*This is one of three missing [[1960s]] ''Doctor Who'' stories for which no moving images of the actual production or even the characters in costume survive. Though most [[missing episode|missing]] [[serial]]s have at least one surviving clip from a [[16mm]] [[telerecording]], or a few frames from a [[8mm]] home movie, nothing remains of this, ''[[Mission to the Unknown]]'' or ''[[The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve]]''.
* This is one of three missing [[1960s]] ''Doctor Who'' stories for which no moving images of the actual production or even the characters in costume survive. Though most [[missing episode|missing]] [[serial]]s have at least one surviving clip from a [[16mm]] [[telerecording]], or a few frames from a [[8mm]] home movie, nothing remains of this, ''[[Mission to the Unknown]]'' or ''[[The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve]]''.
*Somewhat ironically, this [[serial]] was sold to more countries than any other serial of the [[1960s]]. At least nineteen different countries purchased it.[http://unlimitedricepudding.com/MissingWhoList.html#Story] In order for it to be completely missing, more copies of this story were likely destroyed than of any other serial.
* Somewhat ironically, this [[serial]] was sold to more countries than any other serial of the [[1960s]]. At least nineteen different countries purchased it.[http://unlimitedricepudding.com/MissingWhoList.html#Story] In order for it to be completely missing, more copies of this story were likely destroyed than of any other serial.
* Although originally planned to be the third story in the series it was delayed, with that place being filled by ''[[The Edge of Destruction]]''.
* Although originally planned to be the third story in the series it was delayed, with that place being filled by ''[[The Edge of Destruction]]''.
* Although [[Telesnaps]] of this story were made, all of these were lost. However in 2004 telesnaps of episodes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were found by [[Derek Handley]] in the private collection of [[Waris Hussein]] who directed these episodes. These telesnaps were reproduced in [[Doctor Who Magazine]].
* Although [[Telesnaps]] of this story were made, all of these were lost. However in 2004 telesnaps of episodes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were found by [[Derek Handley]] in the private collection of [[Waris Hussein]] who directed these episodes. These telesnaps were reproduced in [[Doctor Who Magazine]].
Line 179: Line 179:
* Marco Polo appears to be somewhat obsessed with the notion of a "magical, flying box". When the [[Eleventh Doctor]] is erased from history, he instead discovers the [[Pandorica]] and brings it to the Vatican.
* Marco Polo appears to be somewhat obsessed with the notion of a "magical, flying box". When the [[Eleventh Doctor]] is erased from history, he instead discovers the [[Pandorica]] and brings it to the Vatican.


===Ratings===
=== Ratings ===
* The Roof of the World - 9.4 million viewers
* The Roof of the World - 9.4 million viewers
* The Singing Sands - 9.4 million viewers
* The Singing Sands - 9.4 million viewers
Line 188: Line 188:
* Assassin at Peking - 10.4 million viewers
* Assassin at Peking - 10.4 million viewers


===Myths===
=== Myths ===
* [[William Hartnell]] was on holiday during filming of The Singing Sands. (''This was not the case although he did only have one line of dialogue'').
* [[William Hartnell]] was on holiday during filming of The Singing Sands. (''This was not the case although he did only have one line of dialogue'').
* There have been rumours that a man from Australia had a collection of 8mm off-air recordings but had lost them due to a fire.
* There have been rumours that a man from Australia had a collection of 8mm off-air recordings but had lost them due to a fire.


===Filming locations===
=== Filming locations ===
*[[Ealing Television Film Studios]]
* [[Ealing Television Film Studios]]
*[[Lime Grove Studios|Lime Grove Studios (Studio D)]]
* [[Lime Grove Studios|Lime Grove Studios (Studio D)]]


===Production errors===
=== Production errors ===
{{discontinuity}}
{{discontinuity}}
* At the end of episode 2, the caption claimed that episode 3 would be called The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes.
* At the end of episode 2, the caption claimed that episode 3 would be called The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes.
* The name [[Peking]] is an anachronism and the city should properly have been referred to as Khan-balik. Furthermore, had the title of episode 7 been "Assassin at Cambuluc", it would have been an accurate nod to the way that Marco Polo was known to have spelled the name of the city. ''Of course, use of the Mongol name, or its Polo variant, would have likely confused all but the tiniest fraction of the viewing audience. "Peking" was undoubtedly used simply for the audience's benefit. The TARDIS translates for the Doctor and companions, and very likely would have translated the city into an English variant that Barbara and Ian would have recognised (i.e., Peking).''
* The name [[Peking]] is an anachronism and the city should properly have been referred to as Khan-balik. Furthermore, had the title of episode 7 been "Assassin at Cambuluc", it would have been an accurate nod to the way that Marco Polo was known to have spelled the name of the city. ''Of course, use of the Mongol name, or its Polo variant, would have likely confused all but the tiniest fraction of the viewing audience. "Peking" was undoubtedly used simply for the audience's benefit. The TARDIS translates for the Doctor and companions, and very likely would have translated the city into an English variant that Barbara and Ian would have recognised (i.e., Peking).''


==Continuity==
== Continuity ==
* It is later revealed in [[NA]]: ''[[Birthright (novel)|Birthright]]'' that after the Doctor departed, the court of Kublai Khan was visited by [[Jared Khan]], who wished to acquire the TARDIS for the [[Charrl]].
* It is later revealed in [[NA]]: ''[[Birthright (novel)|Birthright]]'' that after the Doctor departed, the court of Kublai Khan was visited by [[Jared Khan]], who wished to acquire the TARDIS for the [[Charrl]].
* The Fourth Doctor mentions his visit to China, saying he had not been there in four hundred years, in [[DW]]: ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]''. If he is referring to this visit and is using the Earth time-scale, he actually had not been there in six hundred years as that story took place in [[1889]].
* The Fourth Doctor mentions his visit to China, saying he had not been there in four hundred years, in [[DW]]: ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]''. If he is referring to this visit and is using the Earth time-scale, he actually had not been there in six hundred years as that story took place in [[1889]].
* Shortly after [[regeneration|regenerating]], the [[Second Doctor]] mentions to his companions [[Ben Jackson|Ben]] and [[Polly Wright|Polly]] that he had once visited China, and that Marco Polo was a "friend." ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'')
* Shortly after [[regeneration|regenerating]], the [[Second Doctor]] mentions to his companions [[Ben Jackson|Ben]] and [[Polly Wright|Polly]] that he had once visited China, and that Marco Polo was a "friend." ([[DW]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks]]'')


===Timeline===
=== Timeline ===
It is stated in the story that it takes place in [[1289]], which would not contradict facts.
It is stated in the story that it takes place in [[1289]], which would not contradict facts.


==[[First Doctor - Timeline|Timeline]]==
== [[First Doctor - Timeline|Timeline]] ==
*This story occurs after [[DW]]: ''[[The Edge of Destruction]]''
* This story occurs after [[DW]]: ''[[The Edge of Destruction]]''
*This story occurs before [[MA]]: ''[[The Sorcerer's Apprentice]]''
* This story occurs before [[MA]]: ''[[The Sorcerer's Apprentice]]''


==DVD, Video, Audio and Other Releases==
== DVD, Video, Audio and Other Releases ==
* Fan produced photo video reconstructions have been made of this story by ''A Change of Identity'' and [[Loose Cannon Productions]].
* Fan produced photo video reconstructions have been made of this story by ''A Change of Identity'' and [[Loose Cannon Productions]].
: The reconstruction of this story by Loose Cannon Production includes the following features:
: The reconstruction of this story by Loose Cannon Production includes the following features:
Line 222: Line 222:


[[File:MarcoPolobbcaudio40.jpg|thumb|151px]]
[[File:MarcoPolobbcaudio40.jpg|thumb|151px]]
*The remastered soundtrack for this story was released on CD as part of the [[BBC Radio Collection]] in [[November]] [[2003]], ISBN 0-563-53508-3. This was narrated by [[William Russell]].
* The remastered soundtrack for this story was released on CD as part of the [[BBC Radio Collection]] in [[November]] [[2003]], ISBN 0-563-53508-3. This was narrated by [[William Russell]].


*A thirty minute reconstruction (with telesnaps) was released in [[The Beginning]] DVD as a bonus feature.
* A thirty minute reconstruction (with telesnaps) was released in [[The Beginning]] DVD as a bonus feature.


==Novelisation and its audiobook==
== Novelisation and its audiobook ==
[[file:Marcopolo novel.jpg|75px|right|Cover for the Target novelisation]]
[[File:Marcopolo novel.jpg|75px|right|Cover for the Target novelisation]]
: ''Main article: [[Marco Polo (novelisation)]]''
: ''Main article: [[Marco Polo (novelisation)]]''


This story was published by [[Target Books]] as ''Doctor Who - Marco Polo'' by [[John Lucarotti]], ISBN 0-426-19967-7, in [[April]] of [[1985]]. It was number 94 in the series of 156 ''Doctor Who'' novels published by Target.
This story was published by [[Target Books]] as ''Doctor Who - Marco Polo'' by [[John Lucarotti]], ISBN 0-426-19967-7, in [[April]] of [[1985]]. It was number 94 in the series of 156 ''Doctor Who'' novels published by Target.


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[DW]]: ''[[The Crusade]]''
* [[DW]]: ''[[The Crusade]]''
*[[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]''
* [[EDA]]: ''[[The Scarlet Empress]]''


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{bbcepguideclassic|marcopolo/|Marco Polo}}
* {{bbcepguideclassic|marcopolo/|Marco Polo}}
*{{dwrefguide|who_d.htm|Marco Polo}}
* {{dwrefguide|who_d.htm|Marco Polo}}
*{{briefhistory|serials/d.html|Marco Polo}}
* {{briefhistory|serials/d.html|Marco Polo}}
* [http://homepages.bw.edu/~jcurtis/Scripts/Polo/intro.html '''Marco Polo''' transcript]
* [http://homepages.bw.edu/~jcurtis/Scripts/Polo/intro.html '''Marco Polo''' transcript]
* [http://www.eofftv.com/episodes/d/doctor_who/1st_doctor/marco_polo_main.htm Encyclopaedia of Fantastic Film and Television entry for '''Marco Polo''']
* [http://www.eofftv.com/episodes/d/doctor_who/1st_doctor/marco_polo_main.htm Encyclopaedia of Fantastic Film and Television entry for '''Marco Polo''']


===Feature article and specific information===
=== Feature article and specific information ===
* [http://www.drwhoguide.com/polo/polo.htm Special feature on '''Marco Polo''' at Doctor Who Reference Guide, with detailed synopses, script excerpts, photos and sound clips]
* [http://www.drwhoguide.com/polo/polo.htm Special feature on '''Marco Polo''' at Doctor Who Reference Guide, with detailed synopses, script excerpts, photos and sound clips]
* [http://www.recons.com/recons/lc17.htm Reconstruction Website entry for '''Marco Polo''']
* [http://www.recons.com/recons/lc17.htm Reconstruction Website entry for '''Marco Polo''']
*[http://www.mentalis.force9.co.uk/DWID/WH/Stories/D.htm Doctor Who in Detail '''Marco Polo''']
* [http://www.mentalis.force9.co.uk/DWID/WH/Stories/D.htm Doctor Who in Detail '''Marco Polo''']


{{DWTV}}
{{DWTV}}
[[category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]]
 
[[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]]
[[Category:First Doctor television stories]]
[[Category:First Doctor television stories]]
[[Category:1964 television stories]]
[[Category:1964 television stories]]

Revision as of 20:23, 4 November 2011

RealWorld.png

Marco Polo was the fourth serial in the first season of Doctor Who. This was the first occasion in which a famous person from history appears: two in fact.

This story also saw the TARDIS act as a plot piece rather than something the travellers must return to once they have finished their adventuring.

Marco Polo did a much better job of recreating historical societies than other serials. It showed a mixed-ethnic group rather than a stereotypical collection of one race. This story also saw the first use of a one-off companion in the form off Ping-Cho. Reference is made to real world narcotics when Ping-Cho relates a fairytale that features hashish. Such references don't reappear until The Talons of Weng-Chiang.

In an almost unique way for the original 1963 series, this story has a narrator. Mark Eden reads aloud while the map of the travellers' journey is shown.

Although it was the first two Dalek films that eventually made it to film, Marco Polo was the first story to be considered for cinematic treatment. In fact, it was Disney who made the approach.

Marco Polo is perhaps most notable as the earliest and longest Doctor Who story which is completely missing, with its first episode, "The Roof of the World", being the earliest-broadcast episode to be missing.

Synopsis

The TARDIS lands in Central Asia in 1289, where the First Doctor and his companions fall in with Marco Polo as his caravan makes its way along the fabled Silk Road from the Plain of Pamir, across the treacherous Gobi Desert and past the fantastic Cave of Five Hundred Eyes to end up in Peking at the height of its imperial power.

Along the way they face many dangers, from natural hazards to assassination attempts by a Mongol warlord. The Doctor strikes up a friendship with Kublai Khan in his summer palace, before eventually departing again in the TARDIS, which has been carried with them across thousands of miles.

Plot

The Roof of the World (1)

Not to be confused with the Big Finish adventure of the same name.

The TARDIS crew have arrived in the snowy wastes of the Plain of Pamir. The ship is damaged and unable to produce light, heat, or water. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Susan face the prospect of freezing to death as night approaches and the temperatures plummet.

Ian and Barbara go out into the tundra to look for fuel but Barbara sees a figure in the snow and they hurry back to the TARDIS. Meanwhile, the Doctor has discovered what is wrong with the TARDIS but is interrupted by Ian and Barbara's return. The creature follows them back and appears at the TARDIS door. The foursome chase after it but are soon surrounded by Mongol soldiers who are on the verge of killing them for being evil spirits when a Western man, who turns out to be Marco Polo, interrupts them.

Tegana plans to poison Marco Polo.

Polo welcomes the Doctor, who is suffering from altitude sickness, and his companions to his company and introduces some of his fellow travellers including Tegana, a Mongol warlord. Tegana is an emissary of peace from the Khan Noghai who has been at war with Kublai Khan. A young Chinese woman named Ping-Cho is also travelling with Polo so that she may meet her 75-year old groom in her arranged marriage. Ping-Cho forms a strong friendship with Susan.

The Mongols fear the Doctor is an evil sorcerer who is powerless while outside of the TARDIS and so Marco Polo forbids him from entering it until their party has made a stop in a town at the edge of the desert where Polo says the Doctor will be able to fix his vessel.

When the caravan stops at the way station in Lop, Marco Polo tells the Doctor that he is requisitioning his "flying caravan" as a prize for the Emperor to attempt to buy his way out of his service.

Meanwhile, the lord Tegana purchases a poison to use on the caravan's water supply as it ventures on into the Gobi Desert.

The Singing Sands (2)

Tegana taunts Marco Polo with water.

The travellers make their way across the Gobi Desert. The Doctor, in a show of petulance, refuses to come out of his tent when they settle for the night, distressing Susan. One night when Ian and Marco Polo are playing chess, Susan vents her frustration at the fact that they are stuck on Earth rather than exploring the stars. This spirit for exploring provokes Ping-Cho and Susan to follow Tegana as they see him walk off into the night. A vicious sandstorm, during which Ping-Cho and Susan are briefly lost, prevents Tegana implementing his plan to poison the gourds. Instead he slices open the gourds during the night knowing full well that bandits would get the blame.

Marco Polo insists the caravan presses on to the next stop, but the water rations get fewer and fewer as the days pass by and eventually Tegana is dispatched to find a fabled oasis. The Mongol finds the oasis easily, but does not return with water to the caravan as promised.

Five Hundred Eyes (3)

Ian explains condensation to Marco Polo.

With the water supply now completely exhausted, the situation becomes ever more desperate. The travellers only survive the arid conditions when the Doctor and Susan are able to collect water which formed as condensation on the walls of the TARDIS during the night.

The caravan moves on to the next way-station at Tun-Huang where stocks are replenished and they meet an incredulous Tegana, who rejoins their caravan. Ping-Cho makes their stay pleasant with the tale of Ala-eddin (Aladdin) and the Hashashin (or assassins).

Tegana slips away during the performance and makes his way to the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes, where he is told by the Mongol agents Malik and Acomat that Noghai is assembling an army and marching toward Karakorum. Tegana tells Acomat, a bandit, to attack the caravan soon and kill Marco Polo and the others. Their plans, however, have been partially overheard by Barbara, who followed Tegana to the cave, though she does not realise the extent of Tegana's involvement. She is found and then kept prisoner by Malik while Tegana returns to the caravan, feigning surprise when her disappearance is discovered.

The Doctor deduces that Barbara may be at the cave and heads there accompanied by Susan and Ping-Cho. Susan cries out in fear when she see a pair of 'painted' eyes moving!

The Wall of Lies (4)

The TARDIS travels to Beijing.

Marco, Ian and Tegana arrive at the cave after being tipped off by Chenchu. Anxious that his plans will be exposed when the search party find Barbara and Malik behind a fake wall in the cave, Tegana kills his ally to cover his tracks.

When the party returns to the caravan, Tegana tries another tactic and attempts to make Marco suspicious by telling him that Susan has an unhealthy hold over Ping-Cho, and that the Doctor has a second key to gain entry to the TARDIS. This is countered when Barbara states that she was only in danger as she followed Tegana to the cave, but Tegana flatly denies ever having been there before. Marco stamps his authority on the caravan by separating Ping-Cho and Susan, making both of them ever more suspicious of Tegana. At the next way station Tegana's plans are further bolstered when he proves to Marco that the Doctor has a second key to the TARDIS by getting Polo to witness the Doctor leaving the ship. Polo seizes the key and tries to go in but the Doctor warns him that the ship will be destroyed if an unauthourised person enters it. He is taken away and held under guard.

The caravan now catches sight of the Great Wall of China and the journey heads South to Lan-Chow along the banks of the Yellow River. At the next town of Sinju Tegana meets with the evil Acomat and tells him to attack the caravan two nights later as they journey through the bamboo forest. The guards of the caravan are to be killed along with everyone else. Acomat goes to wait in the jungle for Tegana's signal to attack.

In an endeavour to escape from Polo, Ian cuts through the tent and avoids the guard. His plan is to knock the guard out and allow the others to escape; however, when he reaches the front of the tent, he discovers that the guard is already dead.

Rider from Shang-Tu (5)

Tegana threatens Susan.

Unwilling to leave Polo and his party to their fate, Ian decides to alert them to the oncoming danger. He wakes Polo, who goes on to wake Tegana, and they begin to arm themselves. Ian decides that it would be best to frighten the attacking bandits off by throwing bamboo into the fire which explodes noisily. When the bandits attack, Acomat is slain by Tegana as he is on the point of exposing him. This causes the other bandits to flee in fear. In thanks for their help defeating the bandit attack, Marco Polo allows Susan and Ping-Cho to share company once more as well as allow the others to walk freely again.

The Doctor and his companions have meanwhile worked out that Tegana is the source of many of the journey's troubles, but cannot make Marco Polo realise how dangerous he is. A new traveller now arrives at the caravan, a message rider named Ling-Tau, who has travelled from Shang-Tu (300 miles away) in just 24-hours. He tells that this is done by changing horses every three miles. He bears a message commanding the caravan to speed up, and so Marco commands that once they reach the city of Cheng-Ting the travellers should all take to horseback to speed up their journey while the TARDIS and the other belongings are brought on later. As ever, Tegana has another plot at the next way station. He meets an ally called Kuiju and bribes him to try to steal the TARDIS when the convoy is split up, and take it to Karakorum, where Noghai's troops are massing.

Ping-Cho knows where Marco has hidden the two keys to the TARDIS and gives one to Susan to help the time travellers escape. Later that night the Doctor and his companions sneak out in order to return to the TARDIS and escape, but Susan returns to say goodbye to Ping-Cho and is accosted by Tegana.

Mighty Kublai Khan (6)

Ian rescues Ping-Cho.

Ian leaves the TARDIS to convince Tegana to free Susan. Tegana orders the others out of the TARDIS and only frees Susan when the Doctor returns the TARDIS key back to Polo. Ian takes the blame on himself for stealing the TARDIS key so as to save Ping-Cho. As the journey enters its final phases Ian attempts to ingratiate himself to Marco Polo once more by telling him the truth about the TARDIS. Marco does not believe that the TARDIS can move through time and says he knows Ian to be a liar as he has deduced that Ian did not steal the key and that it was Ping-Cho after all. Ping-Cho hears this and, fearing detection flees the caravan. On her discovery both Tegana and Ian offer to go looking for her. Polo says that Ian should go as when they meet Kublai Khan, Tegana should be there. Ian finds her back at Cheng-Ting, having ridden there alone, which is just as well as while there he uncovers the fact that Kuiju has stolen the TARDIS from the second convoy. Back with Polo, Susan and Barbara foolishly confronts Polo, saying that they believe Ping-Cho should not marry a man so far senior to her. This provokes Polo to send Tegana after Ian to ensure he is not trying to liberate Ping-Cho and make off with the TARDIS. Eventually Polo's party arrive at Kublai Khan's palace. The Doctor initially shows belligerence towards Khan but they soon bond over their great ages and the maladies that ensue from that. Before Khan and the Doctor go off together, Khan tells Polo that soldiers are swelling around their borders, so that it would appear that Tegana's information has been incorrect; Khan awaits the great warrior's return. When Ian and Ping-Cho find the bandit on the road to Karakorum, they force him to admit the truth, but then Tegana arrives and threatens to kill Ping-Cho.

Assassin at Peking (7)

Marco Polo and Tegana cross swords.

The stand-off between Ian and Tegana is broken when Ling Tau and a band of soldiers arrive. They kill Kuiju, but once more Tegana talks his way out of a tight situation and the entire party agrees to ride on to the imperial palace in Peking. During the stand-off, expecting Ian and Ping-Cho to be killed, Tegana pledges his allegiance to Noghi.

Meanwhile at the capital city, the Khan engages the Doctor in a game of backgammon. The Doctor wins 35 elephants, 4000 white stallions, 25 tigers, the sacred tooth of the Buddha and the entire commerce of Burma for a year - but wages all this on the liberation of his TARDIS and loses. The Khan presses Marco for the history of the "magic caravan" and the emissary admits he was wrong to try and obtain the vehicle, but only did it to try and buy his freedom. The Khan is not impressed, and warns Marco that if he does not regain his trust somehow then he will be banished from court.

When Tegana returns to court he further convinces Khan that Polo has been working against what is believed to be the laws of the land by not confiscating the TARDIS and slaying the Doctor and his companions when they tried to steal it back. Ian and Ping-Cho tell Khan that Tegana stated that he is working for Noghi and is not sure whether to believe them. He says it must be judged in a matter of the court.

Nevertheless, events take a turn for the better for another. Ping-Cho is spared a loveless marriage when the elderly man she was due to marry passes away after drinking an elixir of life. She is content to make eyes at Ling Tau, with whom she has formed an attachment. Something that Polo picks up on and encourages.

The Doctor and his companions, now imprisoned, decide that someone has to stop Tegana as, they believe, he is going to kill Khan so as to create an easy victory for Noghi's army. They attack their guard and break free. They meet Polo and tell him of their theory. Polo immediatly runs to the throne room.

Tegana has slain Khan's guards and is moving in for the kill when the Doctor and his allies arrive and is prevented in his actions with a lengthly sword fight between Polo and himself. His mission failed, Tegana takes his own life rather than be killed by Khan's men. In the ensuing melee, Marco Polo gives the Doctor and his party the key to the TARDIS and bids them escape. The "magic caravan" fades away before the eyes of the Khan and his courtiers. As a final act, the Khan forgives Marco Polo and agrees he can return to Venice.

Cast

Uncredited cast

Crew

References

Games

Individuals

  • Barbara is interested in Buddhist history.
  • Ian can ride a horse and is an experienced swordfighter.
  • Susan has travelled to the metal seas of Venus.
  • The Doctor acquires a walking stick from Kublai Khan which he uses in several subsequent stories.
  • Marco Polo mentions his father Niccolo Polo and uncle Maffeo Polo.

TARDIS

  • The TARDIS contains a circuit that, if damaged, can deactivate the lights, water supplies, and heating. Without this circuit, the external temperature can affect the inside of the TARDIS, allowing condensation to form on the walls.
  • The Doctor makes himself a new TARDIS key, and implies that he made the original as well.

Story notes

  • This was the first story to feature live animals (the Mongol horses).
  • This was the first and only television story to feature a narrative and a map tracking the journey of the main characters (although character voice-over narratives have been featured in part during other stories, such as The Deadly Assassin, Army of Ghosts/Doomsday, The Family of Blood, and Forest of the Dead).
  • Many colour and black and white photographs of this story remain. Along with the soundtrack these were used by Loose Cannon Productions to make a reconstruction of this story. (see external links).
  • The working title for this story was A Journey to Cathay.
  • Episode 3 was made under the working title The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes and this name even appeared at the end of Episode 2.
  • This is one of three missing 1960s Doctor Who stories for which no moving images of the actual production or even the characters in costume survive. Though most missing serials have at least one surviving clip from a 16mm telerecording, or a few frames from a 8mm home movie, nothing remains of this, Mission to the Unknown or The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve.
  • Somewhat ironically, this serial was sold to more countries than any other serial of the 1960s. At least nineteen different countries purchased it.[1] In order for it to be completely missing, more copies of this story were likely destroyed than of any other serial.
  • Although originally planned to be the third story in the series it was delayed, with that place being filled by The Edge of Destruction.
  • Although Telesnaps of this story were made, all of these were lost. However in 2004 telesnaps of episodes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 were found by Derek Handley in the private collection of Waris Hussein who directed these episodes. These telesnaps were reproduced in Doctor Who Magazine.
  • Kuiju the mercenary bandit is never named in the story and is only included in closing credits.
  • As Lance Parkin notes in A History of the Universe, some historians now question the veracity of Marco Polo's accounts, particularly his friendship with Kublai Khan.
  • John Lucarotti also wrote a Canadian TV series about Marco Polo.
  • Marco Polo appears to be somewhat obsessed with the notion of a "magical, flying box". When the Eleventh Doctor is erased from history, he instead discovers the Pandorica and brings it to the Vatican.

Ratings

  • The Roof of the World - 9.4 million viewers
  • The Singing Sands - 9.4 million viewers
  • Five Hundred Eyes - 9.4 million viewers
  • The Wall of Lies - 9.9 million viewers
  • Rider From Shang-Tu - 9.4 million viewers
  • Mighty Kublai Khan - 8.4 million viewers
  • Assassin at Peking - 10.4 million viewers

Myths

  • William Hartnell was on holiday during filming of The Singing Sands. (This was not the case although he did only have one line of dialogue).
  • There have been rumours that a man from Australia had a collection of 8mm off-air recordings but had lost them due to a fire.

Filming locations

Production errors

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
  • At the end of episode 2, the caption claimed that episode 3 would be called The Cave of Five Hundred Eyes.
  • The name Peking is an anachronism and the city should properly have been referred to as Khan-balik. Furthermore, had the title of episode 7 been "Assassin at Cambuluc", it would have been an accurate nod to the way that Marco Polo was known to have spelled the name of the city. Of course, use of the Mongol name, or its Polo variant, would have likely confused all but the tiniest fraction of the viewing audience. "Peking" was undoubtedly used simply for the audience's benefit. The TARDIS translates for the Doctor and companions, and very likely would have translated the city into an English variant that Barbara and Ian would have recognised (i.e., Peking).

Continuity

  • It is later revealed in NA: Birthright that after the Doctor departed, the court of Kublai Khan was visited by Jared Khan, who wished to acquire the TARDIS for the Charrl.
  • The Fourth Doctor mentions his visit to China, saying he had not been there in four hundred years, in DW: The Talons of Weng-Chiang. If he is referring to this visit and is using the Earth time-scale, he actually had not been there in six hundred years as that story took place in 1889.
  • Shortly after regenerating, the Second Doctor mentions to his companions Ben and Polly that he had once visited China, and that Marco Polo was a "friend." (DW: The Power of the Daleks)

Timeline

It is stated in the story that it takes place in 1289, which would not contradict facts.

Timeline

DVD, Video, Audio and Other Releases

  • Fan produced photo video reconstructions have been made of this story by A Change of Identity and Loose Cannon Productions.
The reconstruction of this story by Loose Cannon Production includes the following features:
A celebrity introduction by Mark Eden.
An interview with Mark Eden.
A historical documentary detailing the real Marco Polo narrated by Mark Eden.
A documentary about the making of "Marco Polo."
MarcoPolobbcaudio40.jpg
  • A thirty minute reconstruction (with telesnaps) was released in The Beginning DVD as a bonus feature.

Novelisation and its audiobook

Cover for the Target novelisation
Main article: Marco Polo (novelisation)

This story was published by Target Books as Doctor Who - Marco Polo by John Lucarotti, ISBN 0-426-19967-7, in April of 1985. It was number 94 in the series of 156 Doctor Who novels published by Target.

See also

External links

Feature article and specific information

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