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{{Infobox Story | {{Infobox Story SMW | ||
|image = The Web Planet.jpg | |image = The Web Planet.jpg | ||
|novelisation = Doctor Who and the Zarbi | |novelisation = Doctor Who and the Zarbi (novelisation) | ||
|adapted into = On the Planet Vortis (comic story) | |adapted into = On the Planet Vortis (comic story) | ||
|series = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | |series = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]] | ||
|season number = Season 2 | |season number = Season 2 (Doctor Who 1963)| | ||
|season serial number = 5 | |season serial number = 5 | ||
|story number = 13 | |story number = 13 | ||
| Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
|companions = [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]], [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] | |companions = [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]], [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] | ||
|featuring = | |featuring = | ||
|enemy = [[Animus]] | |enemy = [[The Animus]] | ||
|setting = [[Vortis]] | |setting = [[Vortis]] | ||
|writer = | |writer = Bill Strutton | ||
|director = [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] | |director = [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] | ||
|producer = [[Verity Lambert]] | |producer = [[Verity Lambert]] | ||
|epcount = 6 | |epcount = 6 | ||
|broadcast date = | |broadcast date = 13 February - 20 March 1965 | ||
|network = | |network = BBC1 | ||
|format = 6x25-minute episodes | |format = 6x25-minute episodes | ||
|serial production code = [[List of production codes|N]] | |serial production code = [[List of production codes|N]] | ||
| Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
|bts = Peter Capaldi's favourite classic episodes - Doctor Who Series 9 (2015) - BBC | |bts = Peter Capaldi's favourite classic episodes - Doctor Who Series 9 (2015) - BBC | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''The Web Planet''''' was the fifth serial of [[season 2]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. As with the [[Voord]] before them, the creatures of [[Vortis]] were designed to be memorable, as the show was yet to produce a monster to rival the [[Dalek]]s. ''Web'' also had the highest average viewing figure for the [[William Hartnell|Hartnell]] era with a rating of 13.5 million. | '''''The Web Planet''''' was the fifth serial of [[Season 2 (Doctor Who 1963)|season 2]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. As with the [[Voord]] before them, the creatures of [[Vortis]] were designed to be memorable, as the show was yet to produce a monster to rival the [[Dalek]]s. ''Web'' also had the highest average viewing figure for the [[William Hartnell|Hartnell]] era with a rating of 13.5 million. | ||
The concept first came to [[Bill Strutton]] as he recalled being bitten by a bull-ant as a child and seeing insects fight. He also recognised the merchandising opportunities ''Doctor Who'' afforded, with [[Terry Nation]]'s [[Dalek]]s being his point of comparison. Script editor [[Dennis Spooner]] latched onto the idea, believing it could be a parable about socialism, with the [[Zarbi]] and the [[Menoptera]] as the oppressed and the oppressors respectively. ([[ | The concept first came to [[Bill Strutton]] as he recalled being bitten by a bull-ant as a child and seeing insects fight. He also recognised the merchandising opportunities ''Doctor Who'' afforded, with [[Terry Nation]]'s [[Dalek]]s being his point of comparison. Script editor [[Dennis Spooner]] latched onto the idea, believing it could be a parable about socialism, with the [[Zarbi]] and the [[Menoptera]] as the oppressed and the oppressors respectively. ([[REF]]: ''[[About Time 1]]'') | ||
''Web'' was by far the most technically ambitious and experimental story produced by [[Verity Lambert]]. While some believe it nobly tried to extend the possibilities of ''Doctor Who'', others felt it was simply over-ambitious. ([[DCOM]]: ''The Web Planet'') | ''Web'' was by far the most technically ambitious and experimental story produced by [[Verity Lambert]]. While some believe it nobly tried to extend the possibilities of ''Doctor Who'', others felt it was simply over-ambitious. ([[DCOM]]: ''The Web Planet'') | ||
It was also novel in terms of its advertising, since it was the first ''Doctor Who'' story to ever have a trailer. (''[[Doctor Who Yearbook 1994]]'') Director [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] was irked by this, as he felt it gave away too much of the plot as clips from later episodes were shown. | It was also novel in terms of its advertising, since it was the first ''Doctor Who'' story to ever have a trailer. (''[[Doctor Who Yearbook 1994]]'') Director [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] was irked by this, as he felt it gave away too much of the plot as clips from later episodes were shown. Verity Lambert believed he was upset over the inclusion of a scene showing a Zarbi entering the television studio, justified by her as the application of a familiar setting, designed to stop children from fearing the alien. (''[[About Time 1]]'') | ||
== Synopsis == | == Synopsis == | ||
On the [[planet]] [[Vortis]], [[the Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]] and [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] are swept up in the struggles of the [[butterfly]]-like [[Menoptera]], the original denizens of Vortis who were forced to flee the planet for the [[moon]] [[Pictos]] to escape the encroaching web of | On the [[planet]] [[Vortis]], [[the Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright|Barbara]] and [[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]] are swept up in the struggles of the [[butterfly]]-like [[Menoptera]], the original denizens of Vortis who were forced to flee the planet for the [[moon]] [[Pictos]] to escape the encroaching web of [[the Animus]] and its [[hypnosis|mind-controlled]] minions, the [[ant]]-like [[Zarbi]], and their living weapons, the [[larvae gun]]s. | ||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
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The source of the noise is an [[Zarbi|ant-like creature]] emitting loud beeping noises as a means of communication. Unbeknownst to the travellers, two of these creatures, accompanied by a [[Larvae gun|smaller species]], attack the TARDIS, causing it to rock wildly — much to its inhabitants' surprise. | The source of the noise is an [[Zarbi|ant-like creature]] emitting loud beeping noises as a means of communication. Unbeknownst to the travellers, two of these creatures, accompanied by a [[Larvae gun|smaller species]], attack the TARDIS, causing it to rock wildly — much to its inhabitants' surprise. | ||
Barbara takes Vicki, who is most perturbed by the noise and the battering of the TARDIS, to bed whilst the Doctor, resigning himself to not being able to sort his ship out, asks Ian to come and explore the planet. Ian and the Doctor don [[atmospheric density jacket]]s, inform Barbara of their plan, and set off, using the Doctor's ring and a device in the TARDIS to open the door without power. Left to their own devices, Barbara and Vicki have a conversation about Vicki's futuristic schooling. Vicki later discovers that Barbara and Ian have also been to Rome in their previous adventure after seeing the armlet given to Barbara from Nero. | Barbara takes Vicki, who is most perturbed by the noise and the battering of the TARDIS, to bed whilst the Doctor, resigning himself to not being able to sort his ship out, asks Ian to come out and explore the planet. Ian and the Doctor don [[atmospheric density jacket]]s, inform Barbara of their plan, and set off, using the Doctor's ring and a device in the TARDIS to open the door without power. Left to their own devices, Barbara and Vicki have a conversation about Vicki's futuristic schooling. Vicki later discovers that Barbara and Ian have also been to Rome in their previous adventure after seeing the armlet given to Barbara from Nero. | ||
Out on the planet, Ian and the Doctor discover some very strange goings-on. Ian takes his gold [[pen]] out of his suit jacket, only for it to literally disappear out of his hand. The echoes of their voices seem to take on lives of their own and linger for much longer than normal echoes. Ian confides in the Doctor that he feels he is being watched. The Doctor disagrees at first but later states the only way to prove that theory is to go exploring. | Out on the planet, Ian and the Doctor discover some very strange goings-on. Ian takes his gold [[pen]] out of his suit jacket, only for it to literally disappear out of his hand. The echoes of their voices seem to take on lives of their own and linger for much longer than normal echoes. Ian confides in the Doctor that he feels he is being watched. The Doctor disagrees at first but later states the only way to prove that theory is to go exploring. | ||
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Meanwhile, back in the TARDIS, Barbara is tidying up when she seems to lose all the strength in her arm, which appears to be dragging her out of the door. Just as she reaches the door she regains control. Scared, she goes to sit with Vicki, where the sensation happens again. Vicki, thinking she is joking, laughs, and Barbara leaves her. | Meanwhile, back in the TARDIS, Barbara is tidying up when she seems to lose all the strength in her arm, which appears to be dragging her out of the door. Just as she reaches the door she regains control. Scared, she goes to sit with Vicki, where the sensation happens again. Vicki, thinking she is joking, laughs, and Barbara leaves her. | ||
Outside, Ian and the Doctor discover a large stone pyramid that is obviously not natural and has been built by some sort of creature. The two marvel at this. They discover a pool of what Ian thinks is water, in which he is about to wash his hands, when the Doctor, borrowing Ian's [[ | Outside, Ian and the Doctor discover a large stone pyramid that is obviously not natural and has been built by some sort of creature. The two marvel at this. They discover a pool of what Ian thinks is water, in which he is about to wash his hands, when the Doctor, borrowing Ian's [[Coal Hill School tie]], discovers it's [[acid]]. They decide to head back to the TARDIS when Ian sees some sort of light in the acid. As the Doctor inspects it, the ant creature scuttles away, beeping. The Doctor and Ian head back. | ||
Whilst Barbara is alone, she again loses control over her arm and is dragged out of the door after using the console to open the door. The beeping wakes Vicki and, as she enters the console room, she loses control of her limbs and calls out for Barbara. | Whilst Barbara is alone, she again loses control over her arm and is dragged out of the door after using the console to open the door. The beeping wakes Vicki and, as she enters the console room, she loses control of her limbs and calls out for Barbara. | ||
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=== The Zarbi (2) === | === The Zarbi (2) === | ||
The Doctor returns to find Ian lying prostrate on the floor. He wakes him to inform him that the TARDIS has gone. The men set off to look for the ship. | The Doctor returns to find Ian lying prostrate on the floor. He wakes him to inform him that the TARDIS has gone. They find ridges on the ground and hence deduce the TARDIS had been dragged away. The men then set off to look for the ship. | ||
Meanwhile, on another part of the planet, Barbara is being led by the unseen force that caused her to leave the TARDIS. As she walks, she is accosted by a large, butterfly-like creature. It leads her into a cave where two more of the creatures wait. They take off Barbara's bracelet and throw it into the acid, which awakens Barbara from her trance. She tries to escape but is detained by the creatures. | Meanwhile, on another part of the planet, Barbara is being led by the unseen force that caused her to leave the TARDIS. As she walks, she is accosted by a large, butterfly-like creature. It leads her into a cave where two more of the creatures wait. They take off Barbara's bracelet and throw it into the acid, which awakens Barbara from her trance. She tries to escape but is detained by the creatures. | ||
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Meanwhile, Vicki uses the TARDIS's scanner to discover that it is the ant-like creatures that are controlling the ship — using their minds to drag it to another place on the planet. | Meanwhile, Vicki uses the TARDIS's scanner to discover that it is the ant-like creatures that are controlling the ship — using their minds to drag it to another place on the planet. | ||
On the trail of the TARDIS, Ian stumbles across a chrysalis. On close inspection, the Doctor discovers that it is from the [[Menoptera]] species. This, combined with the rock formations implicit on the planet, leads the Doctor to believe they are on the planet [[Vortis]]. | On the trail of the TARDIS, Ian stumbles across a chrysalis. On close inspection, the Doctor discovers that it is from the [[Menoptera]] species. This, combined with the rock formations implicit on the planet, leads the Doctor to believe they are on the planet [[Vortis]] in the [[Isop Galaxy]]. | ||
Back in the cave of the Menoptera, the butterfly-creatures discuss what to do with Barbara. They say they need to kill her, as a creature they refer to as the Zarbis will extract the information of their whereabouts and hunt them down. Overhearing this, Barbara uses a stick to help her break out and escapes onto the surface. | Back in the cave of the Menoptera, the butterfly-creatures discuss what to do with Barbara. They say they need to kill her, as a creature they refer to as the Zarbis will extract the information of their whereabouts and hunt them down. Overhearing this, Barbara uses a stick to help her break out and escapes onto the surface. | ||
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=== Escape to Danger (3) === | === Escape to Danger (3) === | ||
[[File:Webplanet2.JPG|thumb|left|The | [[File:Webplanet2.JPG|thumb|left|The Menoptera capture Barbara.]] | ||
The disembodied voice is hostile towards the Doctor, assuming that he is an emissary from the Menoptera. As a show of force the voice fires a laser beam towards the TARDIS, but Vicki, in her earlier efforts to stop the ship from moving, accidentally re-aligned the [[fluid link]] and restored power, enabling the ship's shields to combat the attack. The Doctor convinces the voice that he is not part of the Menoptera force. The voice asks if he has a way of monitoring the stars, to which the Doctor replies in the affirmative. The voice agrees to free the travellers if he will help them garner information on the Menoptera. The Doctor asks the voice, which he refers to as the Queen Ant, where Barbara is. The voice tells the Doctor that she is in the Crater of Needles. The Doctor and Ian are allowed into the TARDIS to bring the equipment out to the Zarbi. While they are inside the Doctor hatches a plan whereby Ian should go find Barbara if the opportunity shows itself. Once the Doctor has got the equipment outside, the power that the Zarbi use to control the TARDIS also stops this piece of equipment from working. The Doctor speaks to the voice and says that he will need this power relinquished. The voice agrees but warns the Doctor that if it is betrayed they will be killed. As the power is restored to the ship the Zarbi also power down, which enables Ian to escape. | The disembodied voice is hostile towards the Doctor, assuming that he is an emissary from the Menoptera. As a show of force the voice fires a laser beam towards the TARDIS, but Vicki, in her earlier efforts to stop the ship from moving, accidentally re-aligned the [[fluid link]] and restored power, enabling the ship's shields to combat the attack. The Doctor convinces the voice that he is not part of the Menoptera force. The voice asks if he has a way of monitoring the stars, to which the Doctor replies in the affirmative. The voice agrees to free the travellers if he will help them garner information on the Menoptera. The Doctor asks the voice, which he refers to as the Queen Ant, where Barbara is. The voice tells the Doctor that she is in the Crater of Needles. The Doctor and Ian are allowed into the TARDIS to bring the equipment out to the Zarbi. While they are inside the Doctor hatches a plan whereby Ian should go find Barbara if the opportunity shows itself. Once the Doctor has got the equipment outside, the power that the Zarbi use to control the TARDIS also stops this piece of equipment from working. The Doctor speaks to the voice and says that he will need this power relinquished. The voice agrees but warns the Doctor that if it is betrayed they will be killed. As the power is restored to the ship the Zarbi also power down, which enables Ian to escape. | ||
As Ian searches for Barbara he comes across a Zarbi. He tries to sneak past it but the Zarbi rounds on him. Ian kills the Zarbi but as he tries to escape he gets caught in a web which triggers an alarm. The other Zarbis are awoken and go to fetch Ian. They try to kill him but the laser beam from the smaller species allows Ian to break free. As he runs from the Zarbis he is saved by a Menoptera, who hides him from the pursuing masses. | As Ian searches for Barbara he comes across a Zarbi. He tries to sneak past it but the Zarbi rounds on him. Ian kills the Zarbi but as he tries to escape he gets caught in a web which triggers an alarm. The other Zarbis are awoken and go to fetch Ian. They try to kill him but the laser beam from the smaller species allows Ian to break free. As he runs from the Zarbis he is saved by a Menoptera, who hides him from the pursuing masses. | ||
Ian's | Ian's escape means the other travellers back at the TARDIS have lost the trust of the disembodied voice. The Doctor has uncovered a message from the Menopteran forces saying they are hovering over the Crater of Needles. The Doctor decides to repress this information from the Zarbi. When the Doctor sends Vicki in to get a piece of equipment, she returns with the wrong box. This box contains a specimen of a [[spider]]. As Vicki returns this to the TARDIS she discovers that the Zarbi are afraid of the specimen. | ||
Ian and his Menopteran saviour, [[Vrestin]], lie low and discuss the state of Vortis. Ian learns that Vortis used to belong to the Menoptera. The Zarbi were a species indigenous to Vortis, with which the Menoptera lived at peace; however, they were made militant by a dark power that Vrestin names the Animus. The Menoptera were powerless against the Zarbi and fled the planet to a nearby moon. The Menoptera are now trying to reclaim the planet that was once theirs. They discuss the Crater of Needles. Vrestin tells Ian that the Menoptera that are taken to the Crater have their wings pulled off and are forced to work until they are killed. Vrestin offers to show Ian the way to the Crater of Needles, but on the way there they are set upon by Zarbi. They escape and hide in a cave, but Vrestin slips and falls, causing a cave-in and trapping them. | Ian and his Menopteran saviour, [[Vrestin]], lie low and discuss the state of Vortis. Ian learns that Vortis used to belong to the Menoptera. The Zarbi were a species indigenous to Vortis, with which the Menoptera lived at peace; however, they were made militant by a dark power that Vrestin names the Animus. The Menoptera were powerless against the Zarbi and fled the planet to a nearby moon. The Menoptera are now trying to reclaim the planet that was once theirs. Vrestin was sent to Vortis with two others to make way for the invasion, but one was killed and the other enslaved, leaving Vrestin all alone. They discuss the Crater of Needles. Vrestin tells Ian that the Menoptera that are taken to the Crater have their wings pulled off and are forced to work until they are killed. Vrestin offers to show Ian the way to the Crater of Needles, but on the way there they are set upon by Zarbi. They escape and hide in a cave, but Vrestin slips and falls, causing a cave-in and trapping them. | ||
=== Crater of Needles (4) === | === Crater of Needles (4) === | ||
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Barbara, Hrostar and Prapillus are chased into a crevice by an incoming horde of Zarbi and larvae guns. They find themselves in a Temple of Light, a series of secret underground temples laced around Vortis. There, they encounter Hylnia and Hilio. The creatures are desolate and state that they are not creatures of war. They turn to Barbara in an effort to help them into the mindset of warfare. Barbara asks what their plan was if the onslaught of Menoptera was successful. Hilio displays a device called the Isoptope, which is a "living cell destructor". This would destroy the devices used by the Animus that cast a web of evil over Vortis. Barbara states that the only way forward is to try to use it. | Barbara, Hrostar and Prapillus are chased into a crevice by an incoming horde of Zarbi and larvae guns. They find themselves in a Temple of Light, a series of secret underground temples laced around Vortis. There, they encounter Hylnia and Hilio. The creatures are desolate and state that they are not creatures of war. They turn to Barbara in an effort to help them into the mindset of warfare. Barbara asks what their plan was if the onslaught of Menoptera was successful. Hilio displays a device called the Isoptope, which is a "living cell destructor". This would destroy the devices used by the Animus that cast a web of evil over Vortis. Barbara states that the only way forward is to try to use it. | ||
Meanwhile, back at the Carsinome, whilst the Zarbi are distracted by the battle with the Menoptera, it is revealed that Vicki is not actually under the influence of the harness as the Doctor's experiments rendered that particular harness useless. Vicki releases the Doctor from his harness and the Doctor and Vicki catch a Zarbi using the functioning harness. Somehow the Doctor is able to control how the Zarbi moves and the two friends escape along with the Zarbi. | Meanwhile, back at the Carsinome, whilst the Zarbi are distracted by the battle with the Menoptera, it is revealed that Vicki is not actually under the influence of the harness as the Doctor's experiments rendered that particular harness useless. Vicki releases the Doctor from his harness and the Doctor and Vicki catch [[Zombo|a Zarbi]] using the functioning harness. Somehow the Doctor is able to control how the Zarbi moves and the two friends escape along with the Zarbi. | ||
In the cave, the creatures, now known as the [[Optera]], have agreed to lead Ian and Vrestin to the centre of the Animus, leading the way underground. As they get deeper into the tunnels the Optera try to break through the walls in order to allow air and light in. An attempt at this releases a store of acid which kills one of the Optera, [[Nemini]]. The potholers carry on. | In the cave, the creatures, now known as the [[Optera]], have agreed to lead Ian and Vrestin to the centre of the Animus, leading the way underground. As they get deeper into the tunnels the Optera try to break through the walls in order to allow air and light in. An attempt at this releases a store of acid which kills one of the Optera, [[Nemini]]. The potholers carry on. | ||
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As the Zarbi usher the Doctor and Vicki towards the centre, he asks her for the Isoptope, but she reveals that she hid it in the Astral Map when they were captured. | As the Zarbi usher the Doctor and Vicki towards the centre, he asks her for the Isoptope, but she reveals that she hid it in the Astral Map when they were captured. | ||
Deep underground, Ian, Vrestin and the Optera are making their way to the surface when they discover a pocket of water that the Animus has filtered underground in order to replace the pools and streams with acid. This gives great hope to the Menoptera and the Optera for their future yields if they ever were to overcome the Animus. Eventually, they reach the underside of the surface but struggle to get through the thick crust of the planet. | Deep underground, Ian, Vrestin and the Optera are making their way to the surface when they discover a pocket of water that the Animus has filtered underground in order to replace the pools and streams with acid. This gives great hope to the Menoptera and the Optera for their future yields if they ever were to overcome the Animus. At first the Optera are reluctant to go to the surface but Vrestin convinces them to come along as they are the descendants of the Menoptera. Eventually, they reach the underside of the surface but struggle to get through the thick crust of the planet. | ||
Barbara and her group of rebels come across a few of the Zarbi, and in an attempt to overpower a larva gun, Hrostar is killed. Hilio, Prapillus and Hlynia press on. | Barbara and her group of rebels come across a few of the Zarbi, and in an attempt to overpower a larva gun, Hrostar is killed. Hilio, Prapillus and Hlynia press on. | ||
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* [[Designer (crew)|Designer]] - [[John Wood (designer)|John Wood]] | * [[Designer (crew)|Designer]] - [[John Wood (designer)|John Wood]] | ||
* [[Producer]] - [[Verity Lambert]] | * [[Producer]] - [[Verity Lambert]] | ||
* [[Director]] - [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] | * [[Director (crew)|Director]] - [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] | ||
* [[Insect Movement]] - [[Roslyn De Winter]] | * [[Choreographer|Insect Movement]] - [[Roslyn De Winter]] | ||
* [[Costumes]] - [[Daphne Dare]] | * [[Costumes]] - [[Daphne Dare]] | ||
* [[Make-Up]] - [[Sonia Markham]] | * [[Make-Up]] - [[Sonia Markham]] | ||
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* [[Vision Mixer]] - [[Clive Doig]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Web Planet'') | * [[Vision Mixer]] - [[Clive Doig]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Web Planet'') | ||
* [[Floor assistant|Floor Assistant]] - [[Trevor Beckett]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Web Planet'') | * [[Floor assistant|Floor Assistant]] - [[Trevor Beckett]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Web Planet'') | ||
* [[Design assistant|Design | * [[Design assistant|Design Assistants]] - [[Nigel Curzon]], [[Anthony Thorpe]], [[Jennifer Wyatt]] ([[INFO]]: ''The Web Planet'') | ||
== | == Worldbuilding == | ||
* Vicki hasn't heard of [[aspirin]], and studied [[medicine]], [[physics]] and [[chemistry]] at the age of 10, an hour per week, using a machine. | * Vicki hasn't heard of [[aspirin]], and studied [[medicine]], [[physics]] and [[chemistry]] at the age of 10, an hour per week, using a machine. | ||
* Ian originally thinks the TARDIS has landed on [[the Moon]]. | * Ian originally thinks the TARDIS has landed on [[the Moon]]. | ||
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* Robert Jewell, Jack Pitt, Gerald Taylor, Hugh Lund, and Kevin Manser are credited as "Zarbi Operators" for "The Web Planet" and "The Zarbi", and under the heading "The Zarbi" for "Escape to Danger" to "The Centre". They are billed in ''Radio Times'' as "Zarbi Operators" for "The Web Planet", and as "The Zarbi" for "The Zarbi" to "The Centre". | * Robert Jewell, Jack Pitt, Gerald Taylor, Hugh Lund, and Kevin Manser are credited as "Zarbi Operators" for "The Web Planet" and "The Zarbi", and under the heading "The Zarbi" for "Escape to Danger" to "The Centre". They are billed in ''Radio Times'' as "Zarbi Operators" for "The Web Planet", and as "The Zarbi" for "The Zarbi" to "The Centre". | ||
* Noted choreographer [[Roslyn De Winter]] was hired to create the distinctive movements and stilted speech of the [[Menoptera]]. She was so successful that the production team asked her to take on the role of the Menoptera [[Vrestin]]. A special on-screen credit for De Winter, "Insect Movement by...", was included on the closing credits of "The Zarbi" to "The Centre". | * Noted choreographer [[Roslyn De Winter]] was hired to create the distinctive movements and stilted speech of the [[Menoptera]]. She was so successful that the production team asked her to take on the role of the Menoptera [[Vrestin]]. A special on-screen credit for De Winter, "Insect Movement by...", was included on the closing credits of "The Zarbi" to "The Centre". | ||
* Roslyn De Winter (Vrestin), Arne Gordon (Hrostar), Arthur Blake (Hrhoonda), Jolyon Booth (Prapillus), Jocelyn Birdsall (Hlynia), and Martin Jarvis (Hilio) are credited under the heading "The Menoptra". Roslyn de Winter is credited as "Menoptra Vrestin" for "Escape to Danger". | * [[Roslyn De Winter]] (Vrestin), [[Arne Gordon]] (Hrostar), [[Arthur Blake]] (Hrhoonda), [[Jolyon Booth]] (Prapillus), [[Jocelyn Birdsall]] (Hlynia), and [[Martin Jarvis]] (Hilio) are credited under the heading "The Menoptra". Roslyn de Winter is credited as "Menoptra Vrestin" for "Escape to Danger". | ||
* [[Ian Thompson]] (Hetra) and [[Barbara Joss]] (Nemini) are credited under the heading "The Optera" for "Crater of Needles" and "Invasion". [[Ian Thompson]] is credited as "Optera Hetra" for "The Centre". | * [[Ian Thompson]] (Hetra) and [[Barbara Joss]] (Nemini) are credited under the heading "The Optera" for "Crater of Needles" and "Invasion". [[Ian Thompson]] is credited as "Optera Hetra" for "The Centre". | ||
* [[Jacqueline Hill]] does not appear in "Escape to Danger" as she was on holiday during the week it was recorded. She is not billed in the closing credits for this episode and later complained to the production team about this, but her request for her credit to be reinstated for overseas sales of the story was not acted upon. Despite not appearing and being uncredited on-screen for "Escape to Danger", Hill was still credited in ''Radio Times''. | * [[Jacqueline Hill]] does not appear in "Escape to Danger" as she was on holiday during the week it was recorded. She is not billed in the closing credits for this episode and later complained to the production team about this, but her request for her credit to be reinstated for overseas sales of the story was not acted upon. Despite not appearing and being uncredited on-screen for "Escape to Danger", Hill was still credited in ''Radio Times''. | ||
* [[Peter Purves]] auditioned for one of the | * [[Peter Purves]] auditioned for one of the Menoptera, but [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] turned him down, telling him that he was far too talented to play a rubber-suited monster. However, Martin promised to bear Purves in mind when he needed a human character. Purves was subsequently cast in ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]'', playing not one but two parts: American tourist Morton Dill in "Flight Through Eternity", and new companion [[Steven Taylor]] in "The Planet of Decision". | ||
* The costumes for all of the aliens who appeared in this story (with the exception of the Zarbi, which were built by Shawcraft) were created by [[Daphne Dare]]. | * The costumes for all of the aliens who appeared in this story (with the exception of the Zarbi, which were built by Shawcraft) were created by [[Daphne Dare]]. | ||
* Originally, the Zarbi had the ability to spit venom. | * Originally, the Zarbi had the ability to spit venom, but [[Dennis Spooner]] instead created smaller, grub-like creatures to fulfil this function. These monsters, variously referred to as “Zarbi Guns”, “Zarbi Venom Guns”, “Zarbi Cannons”, “Zarbi Larvae” and “larvi guns”, were intended to be immature Zarbi. | ||
* It was during the production of this serial that [[William Russell]] decided he was leaving the series. He felt his enthusiasm for the series had waned, and he was in need of a change. | * It was during the production of this serial that [[William Russell]] decided he was leaving the series. He felt his enthusiasm for the series had waned, and he was in need of a change. | ||
* Richard | * [[Richard Martin]] portrayed the thin atmosphere of Vortis by placing a distorting lens on the camera, giving the appearance of shooting through a thin, petroleum jelly-like smear. | ||
* "The Zarbi" required a 16-minute overrun, brought about by a variety of flubbed lines, missed cues, equipment problems, and troubles with the Zarbi costumes, one of which broke and had to be repaired. The start of recording on "Escape to Danger" was delayed when it was found that some of the sets had not been delivered to the studio, and the Carsenome floor had not been painted. Lighting and camera problems continued to plague the increasingly frazzled cast, and this time taping went 37 minutes beyond the schedule. This was the day during which one of the Zarbi operators, his vision impaired by his costume, ran right into the camera. So rushed was the recording, however, that this blooper was retained in the finished episode. | * "The Zarbi" required a 16-minute overrun, brought about by a variety of flubbed lines, missed cues, equipment problems, and troubles with the Zarbi costumes, one of which broke and had to be repaired. The start of recording on "Escape to Danger" was delayed when it was found that some of the sets had not been delivered to the studio, and the Carsenome floor had not been painted. Lighting and camera problems continued to plague the increasingly frazzled cast, and this time taping went 37 minutes beyond the schedule. This was the day during which one of the Zarbi operators, his vision impaired by his costume, ran right into the camera. So rushed was the recording, however, that this blooper was retained in the finished episode. | ||
* Believed lost in the BBC's early 1970s purge, negative film prints of all six episodes were recovered from [[BBC Enterprises]] in the late 1970s. These prints appear to have stemmed from a 1973 sale to [[Algeria]], and as a result the final episode was amended so that the "Next Episode" caption referred to ''[[The Space Museum (TV story)|The Space Museum]]'' instead of "The Lion", as the following story, ''[[The Crusade (TV story)|The Crusade]]'', was not sold to Muslim countries. There were also some edits to the first episode to remove the reprise from ''[[The Romans (TV story)|The Romans]]''. Unedited prints of all six episodes were also discovered in Nigeria in 1985. | * Believed lost in the BBC's early 1970s purge, negative film prints of all six episodes were recovered from [[BBC Enterprises]] in the late 1970s. These prints appear to have stemmed from a 1973 sale to [[Algeria]], and as a result the final episode was amended so that the "Next Episode" caption referred to ''[[The Space Museum (TV story)|The Space Museum]]'' instead of "The Lion", as the following story, ''[[The Crusade (TV story)|The Crusade]]'', was not sold to Muslim countries. There were also some edits to the first episode to remove the reprise from ''[[The Romans (TV story)|The Romans]]''. Unedited prints of all six episodes were also discovered in Nigeria in 1985. | ||
* The music soundtrack, although from stock, is a highly unusual one, created by a group called Les Structures Sonorés who produced music on glass tubes. This music was later reused in ''[[Galaxy 4 (TV story)|Galaxy 4]]''. | * The music soundtrack, although from stock, is a highly unusual one, created by a group called Les Structures Sonorés who produced music on glass tubes. This music was later reused in ''[[Galaxy 4 (TV story)|Galaxy 4]]''. | ||
* In Bill Strutton's novelisation, the events of the story take place in the year 20,000. This was not derived from any information given in the televised version. | * In [[Bill Strutton]]'s novelisation, the events of the story take place in the year 20,000. This was not derived from any information given in the televised version. | ||
* To date, this is the only ''Doctor Who'' serial not to feature any | * To date, this is the only ''Doctor Who'' serial not to feature any humanoid characters in its supporting cast (''[[The Edge of Destruction (TV story)|The Edge of Destruction]]'' featured no other cast apart from the regular actors). | ||
* The fifth episode, "Invasion", shares its title with | * The fifth episode, "Invasion", shares its title with part one of [[TV]]: ''[[Invasion of the Dinosaurs (TV story)|Invasion of the Dinosaurs]]''. Though the series had moved to overarching story titles by that time, the title of that story's first episode was shortened to ''Invasion'' part one to avoid spoiling the surprise that dinosaurs were featured. This surprise was spoiled anyway due to Peter Brookes' black-and-white comic strip-style illustrations featuring a [[pterodactyl]] which accompanied the programme listing in ''Radio Times''. | ||
* This story was ranked as ''[[Doctor Who Magazine]]'' readers' least favourite [[First Doctor]] story in their [[2023]] poll, replacing the previous title holder, ''[[The Space Museum (TV story)|The Space Museum]]''. ([[DWM 589]]) | |||
* [[Bill Strutton]]'s wife Marguerite suggested the name Zarbi. | |||
* Many of the invented names had biological origins. “Menoptra” and “Optera” were both derived from ''lepidoptera'', the name for the order of insects which includes the butterfly. “Prapillus” and “Hilio” came from ''papilio'', a Latin word for butterfly. The Carsenome took its name from “carcinoma”, referring to a cancerous tumour. “Animus” was another Latin term, literally meaning “angry spirit”. | |||
* The Menoptera was originally named Menoptra, while Prapillus was originally named Papillus. | |||
* It was [[Dennis Spooner]]'s idea for Barbara's bracelet be a plot point, linking it with his previous serial, ''[[The Romans (TV story)|The Romans]]''. | |||
* The [[seaweed]] used in the titular Cradle of Needles baked under the hot studio lights, leading to an unbearable smell. | |||
* [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] was somewhat disappointed by the script, feeling that the dialogue was "not good", so he worked with [[Dennis Spooner]] to improve it. Martin believed that it had great visual potential, but was hampered by the restricted studio space. | |||
* It was brought to [[Verity Lambert]]'s attention that the cast were changing their dialogue without permission. She criticized [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] for not controlling the cast, citing that [[William Hartnell]] could be awkward when the scripts were changed. | |||
* When Hrhoonda was killed off, the costume was reused for [[Ken McGarvie]], who played a Menoptra slave in the later episodes. | |||
* It was originally intended to hire [[Catherine Fleming]] and [[Ken McGarvie]] to appear in "Invasion". However, they weren't required due to rewrites omitting their characters. | |||
=== Ratings === | === Ratings === | ||
| Line 238: | Line 248: | ||
* At around the 10:53 mark of "Invasion" an off-camera cough can be heard. | * At around the 10:53 mark of "Invasion" an off-camera cough can be heard. | ||
* Towards the end of "Invasion", as the Doctor and Vicki return to the Carsinome, a crew member can be seen operating the door the Doctor uses to enter. | * Towards the end of "Invasion", as the Doctor and Vicki return to the Carsinome, a crew member can be seen operating the door the Doctor uses to enter. | ||
* At 15:50 in "The Zarbi" and also the end of "The Centre", the right window of the TARDIS is leaning in inwards. | |||
* In "The Centre", during the scene when the Doctor speaks with Ian outside the TARDIS, the actors playing the Optera at one point, stop hopping and begin walking normally, possibly because they didn't realise they were still in shot. | |||
== Continuity == | == Continuity == | ||
| Line 250: | Line 262: | ||
=== DVD releases === | === DVD releases === | ||
This story was released to [[DVD]] as ''The Web Planet''. | This story was released to [[DVD]] as ''The Web Planet''. | ||
* Region 2 - [[3 October (releases)|3 October]] [[2005 (releases)|2005]] | * Region 2 - [[3 October (releases)|3 October]] [[2005 (releases)|2005]] | ||
::PAL - [[BBC DVD]] BBCDVD1355 | ::PAL - [[BBC DVD]] BBCDVD1355 | ||
| Line 260: | Line 268: | ||
* Region 1 - [[5 September (releases)|5 September]] [[2006 (releases)|2006]] | * Region 1 - [[5 September (releases)|5 September]] [[2006 (releases)|2006]] | ||
==== Special features: ==== | |||
* ''[[Tales of Isop]]'' - The original cast and crew recall the making of this story, featuring | * Audio Commentary by [[William Russell]] ([[Ian Chesterton|Ian]]), [[Verity Lambert]] (Producer), [[Richard Martin (director)|Richard Martin]] (Director) and [[Martin Jarvis]] ([[Hilio]]), moderated by [[Gary Russell]] | ||
* ''[[The Lair of Zarbi Supremo (short story)|The Lair of Zarbi Supremo]]'' - | * ''[[Tales of Isop]]'' - The original cast and crew recall the making of this story, featuring William Russell, [[Maureen O'Brien]] ([[Vicki Pallister|Vicki]]), Martin Jarvis, Verity Lambert, Richard Martin, [[John Wood (designer)|John Wood]] (Designer) and [[Sonia Markham]] (Make-up) | ||
* [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]] - The first ever Doctor Who Annual from 1965 is presented in its entirety (DVD-ROM only - PC/Mac). | * ''[[The Lair of Zarbi Supremo (short story)|The Lair of Zarbi Supremo]]'' - William Russell reads the short story from the first [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]]. | ||
* [[Doctor Who annual|''Doctor Who'' annual]] - The first ever ''[[Doctor Who]]'' Annual from [[1965]] is presented in its entirety (DVD-ROM only - PC/Mac). | |||
* Spanish soundtrack - An option to view Episode 6 in Spanish. | * Spanish soundtrack - An option to view Episode 6 in Spanish. | ||
* Give-a-Show Slides - A set of 1960s Doctor Who slides, based on ''The Web Planet''. | * [[Give-a-Show Projector|Give-a-Show]] Slides - A set of 1960s ''Doctor Who'' slides, based on ''The Web Planet''. | ||
* Photo Gallery | * Photo Gallery | ||
* Production Subtitles | * Production Subtitles | ||
Rear Credits: | Rear Credits: | ||
| Line 279: | Line 287: | ||
Notes: | Notes: | ||
* Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]. | * Editing for the DVD release was completed by the [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]. | ||
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true"> | |||
WebPlanetDVDCover.jpg|Region 2 cover | |||
File:N-dvd2.jpg|Region 1 cover | |||
The Web Planet DVD Australian cover.jpg|Region 4 Australian cover | |||
</gallery> | |||
=== Blu-ray releases === | |||
The story was released on Blu-ray in the UK on [[5 December (releases)|5 December]] [[2022 (releases)|2022]], as part of the box set ''[[The Collection]]: [[Season 2 (Doctor Who 1963)|Season Two]]''. | |||
=== Digital releases === | === Digital releases === | ||
This story is available: | This story is available: | ||
* for streaming through [[BritBox]] ([[US]]) as part of Season 2 of ''Classic Doctor Who''. | * for streaming through [[BritBox]] ([[US]]) as part of Season 2 of ''Classic Doctor Who''. | ||
* for streaming on [[BBC iPlayer]] (UK) as part of [[Whoniverse (BBC iPlayer)|The Whoniverse]] | |||
=== VHS releases === | === VHS releases === | ||
| Line 302: | Line 320: | ||
Note: | Note: | ||
* The "Next Episode" caption has been removed from "The Centre", which features an American TV movie compilation version of the closing credits — i.e. featuring the cast and production crew of the entire story — and not those as originally broadcast in the UK. These credits bill Martin Jarvis (Hilio) as "Captain Hilio" and Catherine Fleming (Animus Voice) as "Voice of the Animus". Whether this inclusion was a mistake, or to overcome copyright clearance problems with a short piece of incidental music originally played at the end of the episode, remains unclear. | * The "Next Episode" caption has been removed from "The Centre", which features an American TV movie compilation version of the closing credits — i.e. featuring the cast and production crew of the entire story, as opposed to only those for "The Centre" — and not those as originally broadcast in the UK. These credits bill Martin Jarvis (Hilio) as "Captain Hilio" and Catherine Fleming (Animus Voice) as "Voice of the Animus". Whether this inclusion was a mistake, or to overcome copyright clearance problems with a short piece of incidental music originally played at the end of the episode, remains unclear. The DVD release uses the correct, original UK broadcast closing credits. | ||
=== Audio releases === | === Audio releases === | ||
* | * This story's soundtrack was released on Vinyl by Demon Records, with linking narration by [[Maureen O'Brien]], on [[13 December (releases)|13 December]] [[2019 (releases)|2019]]. | ||
* The story was re-released on CD by BBC Audio on [[1 October (releases)|1 October]] [[2020 (releases)|2020]]. | |||
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true" columns="4" spacing="small" width="150px"> | <gallery position="center" captionalign="center" hideaddbutton="true" columns="4" spacing="small" width="150px"> | ||
| Line 326: | Line 345: | ||
{{TitleSort}} | {{TitleSort}} | ||
[[Category:Articles that were originally Wikipedia forks]] | [[Category:Articles that were originally Wikipedia forks]] | ||
[[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]] | [[Category:Doctor Who (1963) television stories]] | ||
| Line 338: | Line 353: | ||
[[Category:Zarbi stories]] | [[Category:Zarbi stories]] | ||
[[Category:Menoptera stories]] | [[Category:Menoptera stories]] | ||
[[es:The Web Planet]] | |||
[[fr:The Web Planet (TV)]] | |||
[[he:כוכב הקורים]] | |||
[[ru:Планета-сеть]] | |||
