Jacqueline Hill & The Aztecs
59 years ago, on 23rd May 1964, the first episode of the Doctor Who serial ‘The Aztecs’ was broadcast. Written by John Lucarotti and directed by John Crockett, the four-part historical adventure takes the Doctor and his companions back in time to the height of the Aztec civilisation in the 15th century.
Barbara, played by Jacqueline Hill, is mistaken for the reincarnation of the high priest Yetaxa, and seizes the opportunity to challenge Aztec traditions, advocating for an end to human sacrifices. This raises complex questions about cultural relativism and the ethics of interfering with history. The conflict between Barbara’s progressive ideals and the Doctor’s staunch belief in preserving the integrity of the timeline creates a compelling narrative tension.
‘The Aztecs’ presents viewers with a richly detailed historical setting. The production design and costumes effectively capture the atmosphere of the Aztec civilisation, immersing viewers in the vibrant and fascinating culture of the time. The story’s attention to historical accuracy and cultural authenticity contributed to Doctor Who’s reputation for educational and informative storytelling.
It also highlights the strength and agency of Barbara Wright as a female character. Jacqueline Hill’s portrayal of Barbara showcases her intelligence, bravery, and determination. The character challenges the traditional gender roles of the time, defying expectations and asserting herself as a powerful force within the narrative. Indeed, right from the very first episode in 1963, Hill’s portrayal of Barbara brought a sense of intelligence, warmth, and strength to the show. Her chemistry with fellow cast members, especially William Hartnell, was palpable and added depth to the storytelling.
Jacqueline Hill had a knack for bringing complex emotions to life and effortlessly portrayed the conflicts and dilemmas faced by her characters. Whether it was a historical drama, a mystery, or a science fiction adventure, she always brought a genuine and sincere performance to the screen. She was also known for her professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to her colleagues, approaching every role with meticulous preparation and a desire to deliver the best possible performance.
Even though Jacqueline Hill’s acting career was tragically cut short, her talent, passion, and groundbreaking portrayal of strong female characters have left an enduring legacy. She will always be remembered as a talented actress who brought depth, intelligence, and authenticity to the roles she portrayed.
Louise Bremner’s A Future in Five Minutes: A Biography of Jacqueline Hill is available in hardback from Fantom, while Jessica Carney’s biography of her grandfather, Who’s There?: The Life and Career of William Hartnell, is available in paperback and on audio read by Anneke Wills. Meanwhile, audio commentary on episodes of ‘The Aztecs’, ‘The Crusade’ and ‘The Romans’ is available in Who Talk: Adventures in Time.
