A Ghost of Alchemy (audio story)

A Ghost of Alchemy was the first story in the audio anthology Strange Chemistry. It was written by Louise Jameson and featured Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor and Louise Jameson as Leela.

Publisher's summary

When the TARDIS lands in New York in 1921 the Doctor takes the opportunity to introduce Leela to one of the foremost women of the age - the great Marie Curie, visiting America to be celebrated for her work.

But the time travellers are not the only people interested in the famous scientist. Sinister forces are gathering around her and the TARDIS crew will have to work their utmost to keep her safe on her historic journey through the United States.

Plot

Part one

After the Doctor mentions the strict gender roles of early human history to Leela, he decides to take her to New York City on 18 August 1920, the day that women in America were allowed to vote for the first time, but they instead arrive aboard the Olympic in Hudson in 1921. They meet Marie Curie, whom the Doctor hypnotises to help with her anxiety about addressing the crowd outside. Her physician, Dr Rushton, meets with Professor Browman, a critic of hers, and gives him a press pass so that he might be in attendance at the White House when Curie meets Warren G. Harding.

Mattie Meloney gives the Doctor and Leela permission to travel with Curie to Washington, although Dr Rushton objects. As they leave, Professor Browman throws eggs at the car and calls Curie an impostor, believing that she has stolen the achievements of her husband. They arrive at the event at the White House, largely organised by First Lady Florence Harding, and President Harding presents Curie with the golden key to a casket containing radium. However, Professor Browman attempts to assassinate her, claiming that the radium should belong to him, and raises his gun.

Part two

to be added

Part three

to be added

Part four

to be added

Cast

References

to be added

Notes

to be added

Continuity

Leela mentions how her people sought counsel from Xoanon. (TV: The Face of Evil)
Leela says that she is always being dressed up in clothes unsuitable for running and fighting. (TV: The Talons of Weng-Chiang)

External links

Official A Ghost of Alchemy page at bigfinish.com