Doctor Who: The Troughton Years [VHS]

Orpahned episodes and interviews with the cast from the Patrict Troughton era of Doctor WhoThis is the second of a series of exclusive-to-video feature-length programmes devoted to the seven actors who played Doctor Who in the famous BBC series. Patrick Troughton was the Doctor from 1966-9, and the actor having died in 1987, the programme is introduced by Jon Pertwee, the third Doctor. Apart from brief linking material presented by Pertwee, filmed in various places associated with the programme, there are clips from Troughton’s appearances in such stories as “The Web of Fear” and “The Three Doctors”.

The bulk of the tape comprises three complete episodes. As a result of the BBC’s destruction of valuable archive material, they are the only remaining segments of their respective serials. These are part of a Yeti adventure, episode two of 1967’s “The Abominable Snowman”; episode three of “The Enemy of the World” (1968) and episode two of “The Space Pirates” (1969). While rewarding for the serious fan, watching isolated episodes from incomplete serials does take commitment, such that a booklet with detailed synopses would have made everything much more accessible. Even so, the sight of a Yeti in action or Troughton in the duel roles of the Doctor and the dictator Salamander remain notable pieces of vintage television history. –Gary S. Dalkin