The Nightmare Begins 

The Doctor runs afoul of the Daleks and Special Security Agent Bret Vyon on the planet Kembel.

Director:

Douglas Camfield

Writer:

Terry Nation

Stars:

William Hartnell, Adrienne Hill, Peter Purves

Cast

Episode cast overview:
William Hartnell	...	Dr. Who
Adrienne Hill	...	Katarina
Peter Purves	...	Steven Taylor
Brian Cant	...	Kert Gantry
Nicholas Courtney	...	Bret Vyon
Luanshya Greer	...	Lizan (as Pamela Greer)
Philip Anthony	...	Roald
Kevin Stoney	...	Mavic Chen
Michael Guest	...	Interviewer
Peter Hawkins	...	Daleks (voice)
David Graham	...	Daleks (voice)
Robert Jewell	...	Dalek
Kevin Manser	...	Dalek
Gerald Taylor	...	Dalek
John Scott Martin	...	Dalek

Storyline

In the year 4000, the Daleks conspire to conquer the Solar System. Their scheme involves treachery at the highest levels, and a weapon capable of destroying the very fabric of time. Only the Doctor and his friends have the means to prevent catastrophe - and there is no guarantee they will escape with their lives...(Originally broadcast in twelve parts.)

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Plot Keywords:

dalek | solar system | first doctor | lost film | enemy | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Family | Sci-Fi

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Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode takes place on Kembel in 4000.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Katarina: He has a strange sickness. Can you not help him?
Dr. Who: I'm doing the very best I can, my child. Oh dear, dear, dear. It is such a worry. This poison seems to be spreading throughout the whole of his system. Yes, we need a special drug. I shall have to land somewhere.
Katarina: [lights on the console start flashing] What is that?
Dr. Who: Oh, we're slowing down, my dear. We're going to land in a moment.
Katarina: Can we have reached the place of perfection so soon?
Dr. Who: Ah, well, I rather doubt it. At least, that is, we shall ...

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Connections

Referenced in The Watch-A-Thon of Rassilon: The Daleks' Master Plan (Booger Guy Vs. Leech Face) (2015)

User Reviews

The longest serial kicks off in style.

After the Myth Makers and the teaser episode Mission to the Unknown Doctor Who fans were given a huge 12 part Dalek serial which aimed to capitalise on the early success of the Daleks.

Katarina has joined the Doctor and Steven, Vicki has stayed behind in Troy. Steven is sick and the Doctor tries to find him help. The TARDIS lands on the planet Kembel, the scene of recent Dalek activity. Space security agent Bret Vyon is on the planet desperate to get off to warn Earth about the Dalek's plan, he's even prepared to pinch the TARDIS. The Dalek's have assembled a formidable set of allies ready to conquer the Solar System, even the Guardian on Earth Mavic Chen is part of it.

It's a brilliant opening episode, it starts off really strongly, I love the premise. It feels so big, it feels truly epic. One of my favourite parts to this episode is Katarina, she was beautifully portrayed by Adrienne Hill, such a soft, sweet and innocent performance, a great line when she says 'are these tablets?' her lack of understanding was greatly realised, more so then later characters.

Why did they have to lose this one! It's brilliant. 10/10

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 November 1965 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

22 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1