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{{ImageLinkTV}} | {{ImageLinkTV}} | ||
{{Infobox Story | {{Infobox Story | ||
|novelisation= The Myth Makers (novelisation)|The Myth Makers | |image = mythmakers title.jpg | ||
|novelisation = The Myth Makers (novelisation)|The Myth Makers | |||
|series=[[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | |series = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | ||
|season number= Season 3 | |season number = Season 3 | ||
|season serial number = 3 | |season serial number = 3 | ||
|story number= 20 | |story number = 20 | ||
|doctor=First Doctor | |doctor = First Doctor | ||
|companions= [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]], [[Steven Taylor|Steven]] | |companions = [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]], [[Steven Taylor|Steven]] | ||
|featuring= [[Katarina]], [[Troilus]] | |featuring = [[Katarina]], [[Troilus]] | ||
|enemy= [[Cassandra (The Myth Makers)|Cassandra]] | |enemy = [[Cassandra (The Myth Makers)|Cassandra]] | ||
|setting= [[Troy]], circa [[BC#2nd Millennium B.C.|1200 BC]] | |setting = [[Troy]], circa [[BC#2nd Millennium B.C.|1200 BC]] | ||
|writer= [[Donald Cotton]] | |writer = [[Donald Cotton]] | ||
|director= [[Michael Leeston-Smith]] | |director = [[Michael Leeston-Smith]] | ||
|producer= [[John Wiles]] | |producer = [[John Wiles]] | ||
|epcount=4 | |epcount = 4 | ||
|broadcast date= [[16 October (releases)|16 October]] - [[6 November (releases)|6 November]] [[1965 (releases)|1965]] | |broadcast date = [[16 October (releases)|16 October]] - [[6 November (releases)|6 November]] [[1965 (releases)|1965]] | ||
|network=[[BBC1]] | |network = [[BBC1]] | ||
|format= 4x25-minute episodes | |format = 4x25-minute episodes | ||
|serial production code= [[List of production codes|U]] | |serial production code = [[List of production codes|U]] | ||
|prev= Mission to the Unknown (TV story) | |prev = Mission to the Unknown (TV story) | ||
|next = The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story) | |next = The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story) | ||
}}{{dab page|Myth Makers (disambiguation)}} | }} | ||
{{dab page|Myth Makers (disambiguation)}} | |||
'''''The Myth Makers''''' was the third serial of [[season 3]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the final regular appearance of Maureen O'Brien as Vicki Pallister and saw the introduction of new companion [[Katarina]], played by [[Adrienne Hill]]. | '''''The Myth Makers''''' was the third serial of [[season 3]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was the final regular appearance of Maureen O'Brien as Vicki Pallister and saw the introduction of new companion [[Katarina]], played by [[Adrienne Hill]]. | ||
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Outside Troy, two warriors, who reveal themselves to be [[Achilles]] and [[Hector]], are engaged in a long fight. The warriors are so engaged in their battle that they fail to notice the TARDIS materialise behind them. For a protracted length of time, the Doctor and his companions observe the fight between the two men. Eventually, the Doctor decides to intervene. As he emerges from the TARDIS, he distracts Hector. Achilles uses this opportunity to kill Hector, much to the Doctor's anger. Achilles immediately assumes the Doctor is [[Zeus]], citing his sudden appearance coupled with the fact that his presence seemingly aided him in killing his foe as proof positive. The Doctor plays along with this assumption to make Achilles feel guilty about slaying Hector. The Doctor tries to return to the TARDIS, which he refers to as his "temple", but Achilles pleads for the Doctor to stay in order to help them seek victory over the Trojans. While they are having this discussion, the Doctor and Achilles are interrupted by [[Odysseus]]. Achilles tells Odysseus that he killed Hector, but Odysseus is disbelieving. Achilles tells Odysseus to ask Zeus if he doesn't believe him. Odysseus pours scorn on Achilles' claim that the Doctor is Zeus and marches the Doctor back to camp, claiming that he is a spy. | Outside Troy, two warriors, who reveal themselves to be [[Achilles]] and [[Hector]], are engaged in a long fight. The warriors are so engaged in their battle that they fail to notice the TARDIS materialise behind them. For a protracted length of time, the Doctor and his companions observe the fight between the two men. Eventually, the Doctor decides to intervene. As he emerges from the TARDIS, he distracts Hector. Achilles uses this opportunity to kill Hector, much to the Doctor's anger. Achilles immediately assumes the Doctor is [[Zeus]], citing his sudden appearance coupled with the fact that his presence seemingly aided him in killing his foe as proof positive. The Doctor plays along with this assumption to make Achilles feel guilty about slaying Hector. The Doctor tries to return to the TARDIS, which he refers to as his "temple", but Achilles pleads for the Doctor to stay in order to help them seek victory over the Trojans. While they are having this discussion, the Doctor and Achilles are interrupted by [[Odysseus]]. Achilles tells Odysseus that he killed Hector, but Odysseus is disbelieving. Achilles tells Odysseus to ask Zeus if he doesn't believe him. Odysseus pours scorn on Achilles' claim that the Doctor is Zeus and marches the Doctor back to camp, claiming that he is a spy. | ||
Meanwhile in the TARDIS, Vicki and Steven have watched the Doctor being led away. Vicki's ankle is still injured, so Steven ventures out alone to help the Doctor. | Meanwhile, in the TARDIS, Vicki and Steven have watched the Doctor being led away. Vicki's ankle is still injured, so Steven ventures out alone to help the Doctor. | ||
At the Grecian camp, [[Agamemnon]] and [[Menelaus]] are arguing about the cause of the war. Agamemnon states that if Menelaus had kept control of his wife or fought Paris, none of this would have happened. This discussion is interrupted by Achilles, who has beaten Odysseus to the camp and informs Agamemnon of his story. Agamemnon is doubtful. Soon, Odysseus arrives with the Doctor. Odysseus mocks the Doctor openly in front of all the men and claims that he is a spy. The Doctor tries to prove that he has omnipotent powers by using his knowledge of history. He tells Agamemnon that his wife is unfaithful to him, but Odysseus claims that everyone in the camp knows this. Agamemnon is unsure what to do. He cannot kill him if he is Zeus, but he cannot let him walk free if he is a spy. He decides to imprison the Doctor until such a time as a better decision can be made. | At the Grecian camp, [[Agamemnon]] and [[Menelaus]] are arguing about the cause of the war. Agamemnon states that if Menelaus had kept control of his wife or fought Paris, none of this would have happened. This discussion is interrupted by Achilles, who has beaten Odysseus to the camp and informs Agamemnon of his story. Agamemnon is doubtful. Soon, Odysseus arrives with the Doctor. Odysseus mocks the Doctor openly in front of all the men and claims that he is a spy. The Doctor tries to prove that he has omnipotent powers by using his knowledge of history. He tells Agamemnon that his wife is unfaithful to him, but Odysseus claims that everyone in the camp knows this. Agamemnon is unsure what to do. He cannot kill him if he is Zeus, but he cannot let him walk free if he is a spy. He decides to imprison the Doctor until such a time as a better decision can be made. | ||
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In the city of Troy, a crowd is gathering around the TARDIS which has been brought into the city centre by [[Paris (The Myth Makers)|Paris]]. [[Priam]] asks his son why he is bringing back trinkets rather than seeking vengeance upon the man who killed his brother Hector. Paris tries to convince his father that his spoil of war is an important acquisition, but his case is not helped when his sister, the prophetess [[Cassandra (The Myth Makers)|Cassandra]], says that she has dreamed of a ploy devised by the Greeks whereby they seize Troy by hiding in a vessel which is willingly brought inside the city walls. It is decided that the TARDIS must be sacrificed to the gods by burning it. Inside the TARDIS, Vicki is watching this scene unfold and is terrified to hear that her life is in imminent danger. | In the city of Troy, a crowd is gathering around the TARDIS which has been brought into the city centre by [[Paris (The Myth Makers)|Paris]]. [[Priam]] asks his son why he is bringing back trinkets rather than seeking vengeance upon the man who killed his brother Hector. Paris tries to convince his father that his spoil of war is an important acquisition, but his case is not helped when his sister, the prophetess [[Cassandra (The Myth Makers)|Cassandra]], says that she has dreamed of a ploy devised by the Greeks whereby they seize Troy by hiding in a vessel which is willingly brought inside the city walls. It is decided that the TARDIS must be sacrificed to the gods by burning it. Inside the TARDIS, Vicki is watching this scene unfold and is terrified to hear that her life is in imminent danger. | ||
By this time, the Doctor and Steven have fully explained how they arrived in Greece. Initially Odysseus is furious, but he soon reasons that their story is too outlandish to be a lie. He puts the veracity of the story to the test by demanding that they use their knowledge of the future to help the Greeks infiltrate the city walls and seize Troy. Faced with very little choice, the Doctor and Steven consent. | By this time, the Doctor and Steven have fully explained how they arrived in Greece. Initially, Odysseus is furious, but he soon reasons that their story is too outlandish to be a lie. He puts the veracity of the story to the test by demanding that they use their knowledge of the future to help the Greeks infiltrate the city walls and seize Troy. Faced with very little choice, the Doctor and Steven consent. | ||
Back in Troy, an altar has been placed around the TARDIS in preparation for its sacrifice. Just before the TARDIS is incinerated, Paris protests. Possessive over his find, he suggests that the gods may not want such an item sacrificed. Cassandra asks the gods to give them a sign if this is the case. Seizing this opportunity, Vicki exits the TARDIS, much to the surprise of the gathered Trojans. After questioning, Vicki states that she is from the future. The Trojans take this to mean that she is a prophet too, which annoys Cassandra. However, Vicki insists that she is literally from the future. Priam seems very fond of Vicki, whom he renames [[Cressida]] because Vicki doesn't sound like a very Trojan name. [[Troilus]] and Paris also seem fond of Vicki, but their feelings are of a more amorous nature. Paris tries to engage Vicki in conversation, but he is interrupted by Priam. Priam demands that he leave the city and fight Achilles, a task which he does not look forward to with any considerable relish. Priam and Vicki go into the palace to discuss her knowledge of the future. | Back in Troy, an altar has been placed around the TARDIS in preparation for its sacrifice. Just before the TARDIS is incinerated, Paris protests. Possessive over his find, he suggests that the gods may not want such an item sacrificed. Cassandra asks the gods to give them a sign if this is the case. Seizing this opportunity, Vicki exits the TARDIS, much to the surprise of the gathered Trojans. After questioning, Vicki states that she is from the future. The Trojans take this to mean that she is a prophet too, which annoys Cassandra. However, Vicki insists that she is literally from the future. Priam seems very fond of Vicki, whom he renames [[Cressida]] because Vicki doesn't sound like a very Trojan name. [[Troilus]] and Paris also seem fond of Vicki, but their feelings are of a more amorous nature. Paris tries to engage Vicki in conversation, but he is interrupted by Priam. Priam demands that he leave the city and fight Achilles, a task which he does not look forward to with any considerable relish. Priam and Vicki go into the palace to discuss her knowledge of the future. | ||
Meanwhile at the Greek camp, the Doctor and Steven are discussing ideas that they can offer to Odysseus for infiltrating the walls of Troy. Steven suggests the Trojan horse, but the Doctor rejects the idea. He claims that the horse is a ludicrous myth probably invented by Homer as a literary trope. Odysseus interrupts them to ask if they have concocted a plan yet; the Doctor replies in the negative. The Doctor presents Odysseus with some demands of his own: he will only help Odysseus if he can ensure that Vicki is safely carried away from Troy when the Greeks attack. Odysseus says that he cannot guarantee such protection due to the chaos of war. Steven suggests that he make the attempt to save Vicki himself. He proposes to disguise himself as a Greek soldier and allow himself to be seized as a prisoner of war by the Trojans. They will take him into Troy and, once inside, he will find a way to liberate Vicki. Odysseus admires Steven's bravery and gives him the uniform of Diomedes, a friend of Odysseus who had died the previous day. Steven thanks him and leaves. The Doctor asks Odysseus if he has ever considered flying machines as a means of gaining access to Troy. | Meanwhile, at the Greek camp, the Doctor and Steven are discussing ideas that they can offer to Odysseus for infiltrating the walls of Troy. Steven suggests the Trojan horse, but the Doctor rejects the idea. He claims that the horse is a ludicrous myth probably invented by Homer as a literary trope. Odysseus interrupts them to ask if they have concocted a plan yet; the Doctor replies in the negative. The Doctor presents Odysseus with some demands of his own: he will only help Odysseus if he can ensure that Vicki is safely carried away from Troy when the Greeks attack. Odysseus says that he cannot guarantee such protection due to the chaos of war. Steven suggests that he make the attempt to save Vicki himself. He proposes to disguise himself as a Greek soldier and allow himself to be seized as a prisoner of war by the Trojans. They will take him into Troy and, once inside, he will find a way to liberate Vicki. Odysseus admires Steven's bravery and gives him the uniform of Diomedes, a friend of Odysseus who had died the previous day. Steven thanks him and leaves. The Doctor asks Odysseus if he has ever considered flying machines as a means of gaining access to Troy. | ||
Outside the city of Troy, Paris is calling for Achilles to come and fight. However, his "calls" are practically whispers as he desperately hopes that the famous warrior will not hear him; he knows he stands no chance against Achilles and dreads fighting him, but he must at least go through the motions of challenging him to maintain his honour. Much to his terror, his calls are answered by a man in a Greek uniforming claiming to be Achilles. However, Paris soon sees that the man is not Achilles and demands to know his true identity. It is actually Steven, but he tells Paris that he is Diomedes and has been sent on behalf of Achilles to fight him. Paris tries to wheedle his way out of the fight, but Steven is insistent. The two men fight until it looks like Paris is about to win. At that point, Steven yields the fight and admits that he has been thoroughly beaten by Paris. Playing up to Paris' ego, Steven says that he should have listened to everyone in the Greek camp who told him that Paris was a mighty warrior who couldn't be beaten. Paris excitedly asks if that is truly what the Greeks think of him. Steven confirms that it is, adding that he will tell anyone he sees of Paris' formidable skills from then on. Seeing an opportunity to improve his reputation in the Trojan camp as well as a way of further avoiding Achilles, Paris takes Steven into Troy. | Outside the city of Troy, Paris is calling for Achilles to come and fight. However, his "calls" are practically whispers as he desperately hopes that the famous warrior will not hear him; he knows he stands no chance against Achilles and dreads fighting him, but he must at least go through the motions of challenging him to maintain his honour. Much to his terror, his calls are answered by a man in a Greek uniforming claiming to be Achilles. However, Paris soon sees that the man is not Achilles and demands to know his true identity. It is actually Steven, but he tells Paris that he is Diomedes and has been sent on behalf of Achilles to fight him. Paris tries to wheedle his way out of the fight, but Steven is insistent. The two men fight until it looks like Paris is about to win. At that point, Steven yields the fight and admits that he has been thoroughly beaten by Paris. Playing up to Paris' ego, Steven says that he should have listened to everyone in the Greek camp who told him that Paris was a mighty warrior who couldn't be beaten. Paris excitedly asks if that is truly what the Greeks think of him. Steven confirms that it is, adding that he will tell anyone he sees of Paris' formidable skills from then on. Seeing an opportunity to improve his reputation in the Trojan camp as well as a way of further avoiding Achilles, Paris takes Steven into Troy. | ||
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Back at the Greek camp, Odysseus is putting pressure on the Doctor to formulate a plan to infiltrate Troy. Desperate, the Doctor proposes his theory of flying machines, modelling his idea on a paper aeroplane that could be jettisoned with the help of a catapult. Odysseus is intrigued by this idea and informs the Doctor that he will be first to try this machine out. As a result, the Doctor is considerably less keen on constructing his invention. Whilst explaining the idea to Menelaus, Odysseus decides that the Doctor should join them. The Doctor is reluctant but has little choice. | Back at the Greek camp, Odysseus is putting pressure on the Doctor to formulate a plan to infiltrate Troy. Desperate, the Doctor proposes his theory of flying machines, modelling his idea on a paper aeroplane that could be jettisoned with the help of a catapult. Odysseus is intrigued by this idea and informs the Doctor that he will be first to try this machine out. As a result, the Doctor is considerably less keen on constructing his invention. Whilst explaining the idea to Menelaus, Odysseus decides that the Doctor should join them. The Doctor is reluctant but has little choice. | ||
In the cells of Priam's palace, Steven informs Vicki of the situation in which the Doctor has found himself at the Greek camp. Vicki becomes all too aware that she and the Doctor are now both employed by rival factions of the Trojan war; both have one day to help their respective sides succeed or face death. Their conversation is interrupted by Cyclops, who is standing at the prison bars. Cyclops is given a message for the Doctor. It asks the Doctor to delay an attack for two days so they are not killed. Their conversation is interrupted also, this time by Troilus, who has come to visit Vicki. The pair flirt. Troilus explains that he is disenchanted with the world of war and wishes to have a life of adventure rather than bloodshed. When Troilus leaves, Steven teases Vicki for flirting | In the cells of Priam's palace, Steven informs Vicki of the situation in which the Doctor has found himself at the Greek camp. Vicki becomes all too aware that she and the Doctor are now both employed by rival factions of the Trojan war; both have one day to help their respective sides succeed or face death. Their conversation is interrupted by Cyclops, who is standing at the prison bars. Cyclops is given a message for the Doctor. It asks the Doctor to delay an attack for two days so they are not killed. Their conversation is interrupted also, this time by Troilus, who has come to visit Vicki. The pair flirt. Troilus explains that he is disenchanted with the world of war and wishes to have a life of adventure rather than bloodshed. When Troilus leaves, Steven teases Vicki for flirting but encourages her to use her relationship with Troilus to their advantage later on if need be. He adds that hopefully, Cyclops will get his message to the Doctor and render such tactics unnecessary. | ||
At the Greek camp, Odysseus has rallied his men round to create the Doctor's flying machine. Ironically, the Doctor now tries to convince him that it is not a feasible invention as he fears for his own life. Grasping for any alternative, he pitches the [[Trojan Horse]] to Odysseus, who immediately takes up the idea and orders his men to begin its construction. | At the Greek camp, Odysseus has rallied his men round to create the Doctor's flying machine. Ironically, the Doctor now tries to convince him that it is not a feasible invention as he fears for his own life. Grasping for any alternative, he pitches the [[Trojan Horse]] to Odysseus, who immediately takes up the idea and orders his men to begin its construction. | ||
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On the outskirts of Troy, two guards are startled by Cyclops. One of them tries to stop him. Cyclops turns and runs, but he is struck dead by the other guard's arrow. | On the outskirts of Troy, two guards are startled by Cyclops. One of them tries to stop him. Cyclops turns and runs, but he is struck dead by the other guard's arrow. | ||
Meanwhile the Doctor, Odysseus, and his men have gotten inside the Trojan horse. The Doctor is now very uncertain about his plan and tries to find an excuse to escape, but Odysseus does not relent. Soon they hear sounds from outside and see the Trojans start to congregate around the horse. | Meanwhile, the Doctor, Odysseus, and his men have gotten inside the Trojan horse. The Doctor is now very uncertain about his plan and tries to find an excuse to escape, but Odysseus does not relent. Soon they hear sounds from outside and see the Trojans start to congregate around the horse. | ||
The following morning, Vicki is awakened by a jubilant Troilus. He explains that the war has come to an end and that the Greeks have sailed for home. Priam is hailing this as divine intervention on Vicki's behalf and has declared that her imprisonment is at an end. While Vicki is freed, Steven is left to languish. Not everyone believes that Vicki is the bringer of peace, however. On being received in the palace, Vicki is met by further hostility and scepticism by Cassandra. Cassandra warns Priam about Vicki, but he pays her no heed. Instead, he continues to celebrate, becoming even more joyful when Paris returns from the plains with good news: he believes that he has found the mythical Horse of Asia in the plains and he has had it brought into Troy. Everyone goes to the window to see the sight of the horse just outside Priam's palace. | The following morning, Vicki is awakened by a jubilant Troilus. He explains that the war has come to an end and that the Greeks have sailed for home. Priam is hailing this as divine intervention on Vicki's behalf and has declared that her imprisonment is at an end. While Vicki is freed, Steven is left to languish. Not everyone believes that Vicki is the bringer of peace, however. On being received in the palace, Vicki is met by further hostility and scepticism by Cassandra. Cassandra warns Priam about Vicki, but he pays her no heed. Instead, he continues to celebrate, becoming even more joyful when Paris returns from the plains with good news: he believes that he has found the mythical Horse of Asia in the plains and he has had it brought into Troy. Everyone goes to the window to see the sight of the horse just outside Priam's palace. | ||
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* [[Peter Purves]] named this as his favourite story. | * [[Peter Purves]] named this as his favourite story. | ||
* Both [[Cavan Kendall]] and [[James Lynn]] received minor injuries filming the fight scene between Achilles and Troilus, forcing remounts of some scenes. | * Both [[Cavan Kendall]] and [[James Lynn]] received minor injuries filming the fight scene between Achilles and Troilus, forcing remounts of some scenes. | ||
* For timing reasons, there was an exchange between Vicki and Katarina in "Horse of Destruction" that was cut. The two discuss how Katarina came to serve as a handmaiden, and in the process Katarina reveals that recent auguries have foretold her imminent death. | * For timing reasons, there was an exchange between Vicki and Katarina in "Horse of Destruction" that was cut. The two discuss how Katarina came to serve as a handmaiden, and in the process, Katarina reveals that recent auguries have foretold her imminent death. | ||
* A half-page article titled ''Doctor Who and the Trojan War'' was published in ''Radio Times'' (cover dated: 16-22 October 1965) to tie-in with the start of the story. | * A half-page article titled ''Doctor Who and the Trojan War'' was published in ''Radio Times'' (cover dated: 16-22 October 1965) to tie-in with the start of the story. | ||
* The ''Radio Times'' programme listings for "Small Prophet, Quick Return" to "Horse of Destruction" credit "[[Max Adrian]] as King Priam". | * The ''Radio Times'' programme listings for "Small Prophet, Quick Return" to "Horse of Destruction" credit "[[Max Adrian]] as King Priam". | ||
