Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > "Doctor Who" Spearhead from Space: Episode 1 (1970)
Prev | 254 of 695 Episodes | Next

"Doctor Who" Spearhead from Space: Episode 1 (1970)



Overview

User Rating:
8.3/10   71 votes
Director:
Derek Martinus
Writer:
Robert Holmes (written by)
TV Series:
"Doctor Who" (1963)
Original Air Date:
3 January 1970 (Season 7, Episode 1)
Genre:
Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi more
Plot:
As the newly-regenerated Doctor arrives on Earth, so does the Nestene too. full summary | add synopsis
User Comments:
Fantastic debut for both the Third Doctor and the Autons (Story #51) more

Cast

  (Episode Complete credited cast)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Country:
UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
UK:U

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
This episode was watched by 8.4 million viewers on its original transmission. more
Quotes:
Lethbridge-Stewart: In the last decade, we've been sending probes deeper and deeper into space. We've drawn attention to ourselves, Miss Shaw. more
Movie Connections:
References Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) more
Soundtrack:
Oh Well, Part 1 more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
4 out of 6 people found the following comment useful:-
Fantastic debut for both the Third Doctor and the Autons (Story #51), 13 January 2008
Author: AdnanZ from thecinemajournal.blogspot.com

Jon Pertwee's debut as the Third Doctor coincides with Robert Holmes introducing the Autons for one of only three television stories they would be prominently featured in (if I recall correctly, they are the only three they would be featured in, period). Ah, Robert Holmes. Always good to see that name at the start of a story, isn't it? In many ways this was the first story in which he really showed his knack for creating solid dialogue and characterization as well as keeping the science fiction, horror, or adventure plot fresh every episode of the story ('The Krotons' was average and 'The Space Pirates' is missing, but apparently not a hidden classic based on reconstructions). I don't want to give any of the plot away but it will suffice to say that the Autons are really bloody good villains, and so is the intelligence behind them, the Nestenes. There are some pretty violent scenes in this story and I remember being very scared upon watching this story for the first time when I was five or so, which is always good in a Doctor Who story.

It was ingenious to actually have Doctor Who villains who are ACTUALLY made of plastic within the confines of the story, and one of the reasons this doesn't seem particularly dated. The character of the Third Doctor is brilliantly introduced over the course of this four parter, as is Liz Shaw, and there is also some excellent character development for the Brigadier. The story was shot on film rather than video for some reason and does look fabulous and is directed well.

Episode 1: 7/10 Episode 2: 8/10 Episode 3: 8/10 Episode 4: 9/10

Overall: The average rating amounts to 8 out of 10 stars, but I will give it an 8.5 out of 10 overall.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for "Doctor Who" (1963)

Related Links

Main series Episode guide Full cast and crew
Company credits External reviews IMDb TV section
IMDb Adventure section IMDb UK section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.