Celebrating William Russell!
On what would have been his 101st birthday, we look back at William Russell, time travelling teacher, Ian Chesterton!
Together with Jacqueline Hill, who played teacher, Barbara Wright, William Russell played one of the first human passengers to travel in the TARDIS back in 1963.
Fantom Publishing was honoured to welcome William Russell to many events over the years and he also made an outstanding contribution to our Who Talk series, reflecting on those early days travelling in space and time!
WHO TALK: AN UNEARTHLY CHILD
On Saturday 23rd November 1963, on BBC 1, a television legend was born.
The opening episode of Doctor Who was transmitted, and for the next month the mysterious traveller in time and space embarked upon his first adventure with granddaughter Susan, and reluctant companions Ian and Barbara, as the foursome faced the perils of the stone age.
For the very first time, presented here are commentaries for all four episodes of Doctor Who’s opening story, as well as the original unbroadcast pilot episode.
WHO TALK: THE DEAD PLANET
Having survived a skirmish with a Stone Age tribe, the TARDIS crew were flung far into space in the distant future for an encounter with alien foe on a radiation soaked planet which would change the shape of British television forever.
For the first time, viewers would be introduced to the evil Daleks, creatures who transformed Doctor Who into an international success, and became an instant science fiction icon. In celebration of this landmark serial, we present brand new commentaries for five episodes, featuring key contributors.
WHO TALK: THE EDGE OF DESTRUCTION
Having survived adventures on prehistoric Earth and the future menace of the Daleks on Skaro, the Doctor’s next adventure was to be one of his most unusual and disturbing.
As a budget saving measure, a two-part serial was commissioned set entirely inside the TARDIS. A creeping, shadowy, atmospheric piece was the result, featuring only series regulars.
For the first time ever, cast and crew gather to provide commentary tracks for these episodes.
WHO TALK: ADVENTURES IN TIME
From its inception in 1963, Doctor Who’s unique format allowed adventures not only in the modern age, but also the chance for audiences to be transported back in time to iconic periods of history,or flung forward and out into the furthermost reaches of space and all the weird and wonderful worlds of the galaxy and beyond.
Adventures In Time contains commentaries for individual episodes from some of Doctor Who’s historical escapes starring William Hartnell, including The Aztecs, The Romans, The Crusade and a bonus interview on Marco Polo.
A web exclusive special edition is also available featuring two commentaries from The Crusades and The Time Meddler with Maureen O’Brien and William Russell.
FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF WHO TALK COMMENTARIES, CLICK HERE.
