The Appliance of Science (home video)
Circa 1981, Jon Pertwee reprised the role of the Third Doctor in a corporate video for Zanussi called The Appliance of Science, the Italian appliances manufacturer. It was the first time he had returned to the role since his departure from the show in 1974's Planet of the Spiders. The video is notable for the Doctor's abruptly vulgar remark towards a woman in the final moment.
Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]
A husband and wife are shopping for a washing machine in a large, pale space. The Doctor materialises, and the couple recognise him. The Doctor says that he has just returned from Zanussi, and brought back "something big". A gigantic monolith appears nearby, engraved with the words "5 YEAR ZANUSSI COVER". He explains that it takes care of all breakdowns and repair bills for a five-year period, including parts and labour. The couple are incredulous; the Doctor materialises a brochure with price details. When the wife asks how Zanussi can do this, the Doctor calls Boris, a robot, who emerges from behind the monolith in a billow of mist, and explains that the superior reliability of Zanussi products allows the company to offer cheaper coverage.
The Doctor says that Zanussi will be launching their coverage with a massive TV campaign; he waves a hand, causing a television to appear on a nearby table, and shows the couple a corporate video in which the same monolith materialises in a Zanussi factory. A supervisor explains to an incredulous young employee, Colin, that the company's advantage is the reliability of its products. The Doctor tells the couple that this video will be broadcast to twenty million homes, at least five times, starting May 4. When the husband inquires about people who do not watch television, Boris announces, "They will not escape." The Doctor produces several Zanussi posters, leaflets and newspaper advertisements. When the wife asks how she can "get in on this one", Boris interjects with advice to be well-stocked with Zanussi appliances and ensure one's customers are fully aware of the company's services.
Before the Doctor leaves, the wife asks him to answer one question: "Where in the galaxy is Zanussi?" The Doctor glances down at her body, looks her in the eye, and replies: "Show us your tits and I'll tell you." Suddenly, she looks up to see the orange planet Zanussi become illuminated in the dark sky above, and an orbital ring materialise around it.
Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]
- The Doctor – Jon Pertwee
- Husband – unidentified actor
- Wife – Diana Weston
- Boris – unidentified voice actor
- Zanussi supervisor – Gordon Kaye
- Colin – Patrick Murray
- Narrator – unidentified voice actor
Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]
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Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]
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External links[[edit] | [edit source]]
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