Doctor Who: The Lost Stories (The First Doctor) Jump: A | C | E | G | I | L | N | P | S | U | X | ? Alexander The Great see Farewell Great Macedon Britain 408 AD Writer: Malcolm Hulke Notes: “Britain 408 AD” was first submitted on September 4th, 1963. Story editor David Whitaker asked Hulke to revise his original storyline, however; he felt that the plot -- with its many opposing factions -- was too complicated, and also that the serial's conclusion echoed that of 100,000 BC too closely. It was hoped that an amended version of “Britain 408 AD” might occupy the sixth slot of Season One (Serial F), to be directed by Christopher Barry, but on September 23rd it was decided that the production block did not need another historical story and Hulke's serial was abandoned. The spot in the schedule was ultimately occupied by The Aztecs, while Hulke began work on “The Hidden Planet” instead. Following Whitaker's departure, Hulke resubmitted “Britain 408 AD”. It was rejected on April 2nd, 1965 by Whitaker's successor, Dennis Spooner, because the Romans had already featured in his own The Romans. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara (original submission; the resubmission presumably replaced Susan with Vicki) Episodes: 6 Planned For: Seasons One and Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Involved the departure of the Romans from Britain around the start of the fifth century in the midst of clashes against the Celts and the Saxons, culminating with the time travellers fleeing the local peoples back to the safety of the TARDIS. References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 The Clock Writer: David Ellis Notes: “The Clock” was rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on April 4th, 1966. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Dark Planet Writer: Brian Hayles Notes: Hayles' storyline was rejected on February 26th, 1965 because story editor Dennis Spooner feared that it hewed too closely to Malcolm Hulke's unused serial “The Hidden Planet”. The intended episode titles were 1. The City Of Silence, 2. The Shadow People, 3. The Doomed Planet, 4. The Caves Of Night, 5. The Sun Bomb, 6. Invasion By Darkness. In September 2013, Big Finish Productions released an audio adaptation of “The Dark Planet” by Matt Fitton. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, Vicki Episodes: 6 Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: The TARDIS lands on the planet Numir, whose sun has been extinguished. The people of Numir have become divided into two factions: the surface-dwelling Light people and the subterranean Shadow people. The Doctor, Barbara and the TARDIS are captured by the Shadow people, but rescued by Teelss and the Light people using a powerful laser weapon. However, the time travellers discover that the Light people are fanatics who intend to launch a “sun bomb”: an artificial sun which will eradicate the Shadow people. But the Shadow people have snuck into the city by hiding in the TARDIS; seizing control of the laser weapon, they destroy the sun bomb. The time travellers escape in the TARDIS, even as Numir is destroyed in the conflagration. References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7, Nothing At The End Of The Lane #3 The Dream-Spinner Writer: Paul Wheeler Notes: Wheeler originally submitted “The Dream-Spinner” to the Doctor Who production office in early 1966. Although story editor Gerry Davis was impressed with its ideas, he felt that it was not the kind of adventure that the production team was looking for, and it was rejected on June 8th. Wheeler subsequently resubmitted “The Dream-Spinner”, and he was commissioned to write a four-part story breakdown on February 23rd, 1968. The story had been expanded to six episodes by the time the first installment was requested on March 13th. “The Dream-Spinner” was intended to bear the production code Serial WW, making it the second story into production during the sixth recording block (and therefore the fourth story of Season Six). However, Wheeler's script for Episode One was not to the satisfaction of the production office, and it was abandoned on April 9th. The Invasion was extended to eight episodes as a result. Characters: The First Doctor (original submission); the Second Doctor (resubmission) Episodes: 6 (initially 4) Planned For: Season Four (original submission); fourth story of Season Six (resubmission) Stage Reached: Script for episode one Synopsis: Involved a person with the power to make others believe that their dreams are real. References: Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #4, The Doctors: 30 Years Of Time Travel, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The Evil Eye Writer: Geoffrey Orme Notes: “The Evil Eye” was rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on April 4th, 1966. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Face Of God Writer: John Wiles Notes: Wiles appears to have contemplated this idea while he served as producer of Doctor Who in 1965. Characters: The First Doctor Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Presumably Season Three Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: In space, a massive countenance materialises in front of the TARDIS; the being claims to be God, but this is eventually revealed to be a hoax. References: Doctor Who: The Sixties Farewell Great Macedon aka Alexander The Great Writer: Moris Farhi Notes: Although a sample script written by Farhi, “The Fragile Yellow Arc Of Fragrance”, was rejected by story editor David Whitaker, he was nonetheless encouraged to continue to develop ideas for Doctor Who. Aware that Farhi was interested in Greco-Roman mythology, on January 24th, 1964 Whitaker suggested an adventure about the Greek pirate Barbarossa, in which the Doctor would be forced to invite somebody into the TARDIS. Farhi instead began work on “Farewell Great Macedon” (also called “Alexander The Great”). He was commissioned to write the first episode on March 31st, but such was his enthusiasm for the project that he instead produced a full six-part serial. His episodes bore the titles 1. The Hanging Gardens Of Babylon, 2. The Wrath Of The Greatest Grecian Of Them All! or O, Son! My Son!, 3. A Man Must Die..., 4. The World Lies Dead At Your Feet..., 5. In The Arena, 6. Farewell, Great Macedon!. The first episode, notably, would have explained the time travellers' ability to understand other languages by showing them hooked up to a computer which teaches them Ancient Greek. But while Whitaker was impressed by the quality of Farhi's writing, he did not believe that “Farewell Great Macedon” was appropriate for Doctor Who, and it was rejected on July 31st. Farhi resubmitted his scripts around the start of 1966, but they were rejected again on January 17th. In November 2010, Big Finish Production released an audio adaptation of “Farewell Great Macedon” by John Dorney. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 6 Planned For: Season One Stage Reached: Complete script Synopsis: The TARDIS materialises amidst the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, where the Doctor and his companions meet Alexander the Great. However, four members of Alexander's retinue are plotting to murder the king and his successors so that one of their number, Seleucus, can ascend to the throne and allow them to return to their homeland. The conspirators try to frame the time travellers, but the Doctor and Ian succeed in a series of trials and Alexander's bodyguard, Ptolemy, proves their innocence. But history cannot be changed and, despite the Doctor's efforts to save the king's life by having Ian build an iron lung, Alexander dies while Ptolemy helps the companions escape to the TARDIS. References: Doctor Who Magazine #294, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The Fragile Yellow Arc Of Fragrance Writer: Moris Farhi Notes: On January 6th, 1964, Farhi contacted story editor David Whitaker about writing for Doctor Who. They arranged a meeting for January 17th, where Farhi offered Whitaker “The Fragile Yellow Arc Of Fragrance”. Whitaker rejected it on the 24th, having deemed its subject matter to be unsuitable for Doctor Who, but he encouraged Farhi to continue to develop ideas for the programme. In November 2010, Big Finish Production released an audio adaptation of “The Fragrant Yellow Arc Of Fragrance” by John Dorney. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 1 Planned For: Season One Stage Reached: Complete script Synopsis: On the idyllic planet Fragrance, a man named Rhythm woos Barbara. She is unaware, however, that her rejection of his advances mean that Rhythm is now sentenced to die. References: Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The Giants Writer: CE Webber Notes: The “miniscules” idea originated in Webber's earliest format guide for Doctor Who, which had been written by May 1963. The first episode was outlined in a subsequent iteration of the guide dated May 16th, with the description of the concluding episodes completed by June 4th. Rex Tucker was assigned to direct “The Giants”. Biddy, Cliff and Lola would eventually become Susan, Ian and Barbara, while the idea of the Doctor being explicitly referred to as “Dr Who” would go effectively unused. Doctor Who creator Sydney Newman disliked the use of the caterpillar and spider as “monsters” and felt the story lacked incident and character. However, it appears that it may have been the technical limitations of the outdated Lime Grove studio where Doctor Who was to be recorded which forced the abandonment of “The Giants” in favour of 100,000 BC. It was formally rejected on July 16th. The miniaturisation idea was unsuccessfully reused in a treatment by Robert Gould before finally making it to the screen in the form of Planet Of Giants by Louis Marks. Characters: Dr Who, Sue, Cliff, Lola Episodes: 4 Planned For: The first serial of Season One Stage Reached: Scripts for episodes one and two Synopsis: Teenager Sue and her teachers Lola and Cliff meet a strange old man in the fog. Calling him Dr Who, they discover that his home appears to be a police box, and it is in fact a time machine larger on the inside than on the outside. Wrong buttons are pressed and the four are transported to Cliff's laboratory, but reduced to just an eighth of an inch in height. There, Cliff and Sue are separated from the Ship and are menaced by a caterpillar, a spider, a student's compass and a microscope lens. Finally, they manage to communicate with the students and their teacher, and are returned to the time machine. References: Doctor Who Magazine #209, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Greatest Game Of All Writer: David Fisher Notes: Having had his proposal for “The Whirlpool Of Time” rejected earlier in 1964, David Fisher submitted “The Greatest Game Of All” on December 9th. However, story editor Dennis Spooner felt that the ideas would not sustain the intended six-episode length, while producer Verity Lambert deemed the content inappropriate for Doctor Who. As a result, Fisher was informed on December 17th that the production office was not interested in “The Greatest Game Of All”. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and either Susan or Vicki Episodes: 6 Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: Involved humans being hunted as part of a competition. References: Doctor Who: The Production Diary: The Hartnells Years The Hands Of Aten Writer: Brian Hayles Notes: Hayles was commissioned to write a storyline for “The Hands Of Aten” on November 16th, 1965. It was abandoned on January 17th, 1966 because departing story editor Donald Tosh felt that it did not fit the vision espoused by the incoming production team of Innes Lloyd and Gerry Davis. Characters: The First Doctor, Steven, Dodo Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who Magazine #196, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Hearsay Machine Writer: George Kerr Notes: This idea was submitted around the start of April 1966 and rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on June 15th. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: The Doctor Who Chronicles: Season Four, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 The Heavy Scent Of Violence Writer: George Kerr Notes: This idea was submitted around the start of April 1966 and rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on June 15th. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: The Doctor Who Chronicles: Season Four, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 The Herdsmen Of Aquarius aka The Herdsmen Of Venus Writer: Donald Cotton Notes: Submitted by Cotton following the completion of The Gunfighters, it was likely not viewed by story editor Gerry Davis as being in line with his and producer Innes Lloyd's more serious vision of Doctor Who. Lloyd and Davis had also complained that Cotton was difficult to contact. “The Herdsmen” was apparently rejected on June 15th, 1966, although it still appears on documentation dated August of that year. Characters: The First Doctor, Steven, Dodo Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Involved the revelation that the Loch Ness Monster was a type of cattle bred by Aquarian (or Venusian) farmers. References: Doctor Who Magazine #221, Doctor Who: The Sixties The Herdsmen Of Venus see The Herdsmen Of Aquarius The Hidden Planet Writer: Malcolm Hulke Notes: This was an idea submitted by Hulke on September 2nd, 1963, after being invited to contribute to Doctor Who in July. Although it was not initially pursued by the production team, on September 23rd, Hulke was asked to stop working on “Britain 408 AD” and begin developing “The Hidden Planet” instead. “The Hidden Planet” was soon pencilled in as the sixth story of Season One, then pushed back to seventh by the time of its formal commissioning on December 2nd, following the insertion of Inside The Spaceship into the running order. A month later, “The Hidden Planet” had been promoted to the fifth spot, due to difficulties with two other serials. Unfortunately, when Hulke delivered his script for episode one in January 1964, the production team found it unacceptable and asked Hulke to undertake rewrites; The Keys Of Marinus was hastily commissioned to take its place. Hulke disputed the rewrites, arguing that the episode one script had adhered to the accepted storyline and that he should therefore be paid extra for any rewrites. This request was refused and, in March, Hulke agreed to revise his scripts. Subsequently, the second installment was given the title The Year Of The Lame Dog. In April, “The Hidden Planet” was a possible second story for Doctor Who's second recording block. By July, Hulke had rewritten the adventure to be five episodes long, and consideration was given to making it first in the second block. However, it was felt that too much work would be needed to restructure “The Hidden Planet” following the departure of Susan, and there was also concern about the adventure's lack of monsters, now viewed as a key component of the programme's science-fiction serials. “The Hidden Planet” was therefore abandoned by story editor David Whitaker on September 24th, with its formal rejection coming on October 20th. On March 3rd, 1965, Hulke resubmitted his storyline to the production office following Whitaker's departure from Doctor Who, but it was again rejected on April 2nd by new story editor Dennis Spooner, because it still included Ian and Barbara, who were about to exit the series. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara (originally; the resubmission presumably replaced Susan with Vicki) Episodes: 6 (original submission); 5 (resubmission) Planned For: Seasons One, Two and Three Stage Reached: Probably partial script Synopsis: The TARDIS lands on “the Tenth Planet”, a world identical to the Earth but whose orbit around the Sun is diametrically opposite to our planet's, and which has therefore gone undetected. This world is very much like Earth, but there are subtle differences: four-leaf clovers are plentiful, for example, and glass refracts oddly. Most notably, women are the dominant sex while men struggle for equality. The leader of the planet is Barbara's double, and Barbara is kidnapped by rebels. Meanwhile, the Doctor, Susan and Ian are embroiled in the struggle for male suffrage. References: Doctor Who Magazine #310, DWM Special Edition #7, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The Hounds Of Time Writer: Brian Hayles Notes: This storyline appears to have been submitted around the time that Hayles was developing The Smugglers in early 1966. It was discovered by Mark Hayles amongst his late father's files. Characters: The First Doctor, Ben, Polly Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: A scientist named Melloris has despatched robotic hunters to capture humans from throughout Earth's history and bring them to his laboratory on the planet Terrin. Amongst those kidnapped are Ben and Polly, but the Doctor pursues them to Terrin and confronts Melloris. He discovers that Terrin's warlord, Vartan, is studying mankind in order to determine the optimal point in history to invade and make Earth a vassal of Terrin. The controlling computer now identifies 1970 as the crucial year. Having second thoughts, Melloris tries to stop Vartan but is killed. However, Ben and Polly escape from the trap, and the Doctor sabotages the computer with a logical paradox, depriving Vartan of the power he needs to launch the invasion. References: Nothing At The End Of The Lane #3, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The Living Planet aka The Living World Writer: Alan Wakeman Notes: Wakeman was part of an early set of writers approached in the summer of 1963 to contribute to Doctor Who, which was still in development. Wakeman's storyline, initially called “The Living World” and soon retitled “The Living Planet”, was deemed to have sufficient potential that the script for the first episode was commissioned on July 31st. (References on some production documents which described this script as a “pilot” would later provoke erroneous speculation that Wakeman's episode may have been considered as an alternative to launch Doctor Who in lieu of 100,000 BC.) At this point, the Doctor's granddaughter was still known as Suzanne (rather than Susan) and her female teacher was Barbara Canning (instead of Barbara Wright). Wakeman also used ideas for the programme's backstory developed by 100,000 BC writer Anthony Coburn but ultimately discarded, in which Suzanne was really an alien princess named Findooclare and she and the Doctor were being pursued by the mysterious Palladins. Wakeman's planned episode titles were 1. Airfish, 2. What Eats What?, 3. The Living Planet, 4. Just In Time. “The Living Planet” was deemed to be too sophisticated for the intended child audience, and it was abandoned on September 13th. In 2005, following Doctor Who's successful return to television, Wakeman offered “The Living Planet” for use by executive producer Russell T Davies. Characters: The First Doctor, Suzanne, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season One Stage Reached: Script for episode one Synopsis: The TARDIS lands on a planet whose surface is largely covered with a pattern of small, edible hexagonal structures. The travellers are attacked by flying metallic fish which also surround the TARDIS. The Doctor fears that the mysterious Palladins have finally caught up to himself and Suzanne, but they are saved when long stems extend out from the hexagons, spearing the animals. They realise that the fish are part of the planet's bizarre ecosystem. Drawn by a strange, maddening sound, they discover a series of holes, down which Suzanne becomes trapped. Ian ventures into a hole to rescue her, and they deduce that the entire planet is a gigantic living organism -- the hexagons are like skin cells and the holes permit respiration. The planet tries to absorb the TARDIS, but its alien construction is incompatible and the planet is forced to release it, allowing the travellers to escape. References: Doctor Who Magazine Summer Special 1994, DWM Special Edition #4, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, Nothing At The End Of The Lane #3 The Living World see The Living Planet The Man From The Met Writer: George Kerr Notes: This idea was submitted around the start of April 1966 and rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on June 15th. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: The Doctor Who Chronicles: Season Four, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 The Masters Of Luxor aka The Robots Writer: Anthony Coburn Notes: When Coburn's 100,000 BC, Doctor Who's original second serial, was brought forward to replace “The Giants” in June 1963, Coburn was commissioned on June 18th to supply a replacement second story as well, to be directed by Rex Tucker. When Coburn left the BBC to become a freelance writer, the serial had to be recommissioned; this happened on July 3rd, by which time it had gained the title “The Robots” and had been expanded from four to six episodes. “The Robots” was originally set on thirtieth-century Earth, but by the end of the month its location had been shifted to an alien planet. The production team grew increasingly unhappy with “The Robots”, however, and on September 23rd decided to switch it in the running order with the intended fifth story, The Daleks. The following month, the scripts gained a new title: “The Masters Of Luxor”. Around the start of 1964, “The Masters Of Luxor” was postponed until Season Two, at one point being considered for the sixth slot of Doctor Who's second production block. By the end of the year, however, the decision had been made to drop “The Masters Of Luxor” from the schedule altogether. The episode titles for the serial were: 1. The Cannibal Flower, 2. The Mockery Of A Man, 3. A Light On The Dead Planet, 4. Tabon Of Luxor, 5. An Infinity Of Surprises, 6. The Flower Blooms (originally The Flower In Bloom). In August 1992, Titans Books published “The Masters Of Luxor” as a script book, edited by John McElroy. Then, in August 2012, Big Finish Productions released an audio adaptation by Nigel Robinson. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 4 (original submission); 6 (resubmission) Planned For: Seasons One and Two Stage Reached: Complete script Synopsis: The TARDIS is drawn by a signal to one of the moons of Luxor. There they discover the world dominated by robots led by the Perfect One. The Perfect One has been experimenting on people to discover the secret of life, and kidnaps Barbara and Susan; he plans to use them as test subjects before draining their life force. The Doctor and Ian escape to the wilderness, where they find and reawaken Tabon, the scientist who invented the Perfect One. Tabon confronts the Perfect One, sending the robots out of control. The robots kill Tabon and destroy the Perfect One, while the time travellers escape in the TARDIS. References: Doctor Who: The Scripts: The Masters Of Luxor, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, Doctor Who Magazine #331, DWM Special Edition #7 The Nazis Writer: Brian Hayles Notes: Hayles was commissioned to write a storyline for “The Nazis” on March 8th, 1966. Shortly thereafter, however, he was engaged to write The Smugglers, which he was told should take a higher priority. “The Nazis” was ultimately abandoned on June 15th, following a decision to abandon historical Doctor Who stories. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who Magazine #321, DWM Special Edition #7, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The New Armada Writer: David Whitaker Notes: By late February 1964, story editor Whitaker had decided to write one of the first recording block's final serials himself. Gerald Blake was allocated to direct. Not long after, however, he began casting about for a replacement for this untitled Armada story, eventually finding it in the form of The Reign Of Terror. By mid-April, Whitaker was considering using his Armada tale as the first serial of Doctor Who's second production block (so that it would have been broadcast after The Dalek Invasion Of Earth), although this did not ultimately come to pass. Long afterward, having since left the programme, Whitaker submitted a storyline entitled “The New Armada” -- presumably a revised version of his original idea -- to the Doctor Who production office. This was rejected on January 17th, 1966 by then-story editor Gerry Davis, who felt it was too complex, with a preponderance of characters and subplots. Nonetheless, Davis invited Whitaker to submit further ideas, eventually leading to Whitaker writing The Power Of The Daleks. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 6 Planned For: Seasons One, Two and Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Set in sixteenth-century Spain after the Armada. References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor Nothing At The End Of The Lane Writer: CE Webber Notes: Barely even rating as a “lost” story, this was the title for Doctor Who's first episode suggested by Webber in the programme's developing format guide, circa early May 1963. Biddy, Lola and Cliff would eventually become Susan, Barbara and Ian, while the idea of the Doctor being explicitly referred to as “Dr Who” would go effectively unused. Series creator Sydney Newman also disliked the idea of the Ship being invisible. “Nothing At The End Of The Lane” would be replaced by “The Giants”. Characters: Dr Who, Biddy, Cliff, Lola Episodes: 1 Planned For: The first episode of Season One Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: Teenager Biddy and her teachers Lola and Cliff meet a strange, amnesiac old man and discover his invisible time machine. References: Doctor Who Magazine #208, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Ocean Liner Writer: David Ellis Notes: “The Ocean Liner” was rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on April 4th, 1966. Characters: The First Doctor (with Steven and Dodo?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: A spy thriller. References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 The People Who Couldn't Remember Writers: David Ellis and Malcolm Hulke Notes: After being submitted in April 1966, the satirical “The People Who Couldn't Remember” was rejected by story editor Gerry Davis on June 15th. Davis wanted to avoid outright comedies in the wake of the poor reception of The Gunfighters. Characters: The First Doctor (with Polly and Ben?) Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Complete script Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who Magazine #212, DWM Special Edition #7, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Red Fort Writer: Terry Nation Notes: The scripts were commissioned on September 24th, 1963. It appears that Nation, who had not particularly enjoyed writing The Daleks, did little work on “The Red Fort”, and may have even forgotten about it entirely. “The Red Fort” was intended to be the eighth story of Season One (then pushed back to ninth when Inside The Spaceship was added to the schedule in November), but was dropped altogether on January 21st, 1964. At this time, Nation was asked to write The Keys Of Marinus instead. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 7 Planned For: Season One Stage Reached: Storyline, possibly partial script Synopsis: The time travellers become embroiled in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, when Indian troops rose up against the colonial officers of the British East India Company. Presumably, the assault on the Red Fort -- a Moghul palace in Delhi -- on May 11th, 1857, would have featured prominently. References: Doctor Who Magazine #310, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Robots see The Masters Of Luxor The Slide Writer: Victor Pemberton Notes: Pemberton's storyline was rejected on September 24th, 1964, by story editor David Whitaker, who felt that “The Slide” was a “stewpot” of earlier Doctor Who science-fiction ideas with a hint of Nigel Kneale's Quatermass serials. However, Pemberton had also submitted a version of “The Slide” to BBC Radio on August 17th; this audio treatment saw the Doctor replaced by Chilean seismologist Professor Joseph Gomez. This seven-part version of “The Slide” was transmitted weekly on the BBC Light Programme beginning on February 13th, 1966. The following year, Pemberton adapted “The Slide” as the Doctor Who adventure Fury From The Deep. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Two Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: A sentient form of mud emerges from a fissure and begins to take over the minds of British townsfolk. References: Doctor Who Magazine #277, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor The Son Of Doctor Who Writer: None (originated by William Hartnell) Notes: Hartnell was interested in playing characters other than the Doctor in Doctor Who. As a mechanism for achieving this, he suggested that he could also play the Doctor's son, who would be an adversary for the Doctor. This does not appear to have been seriously pursued. Characters: The First Doctor Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Presumably Seasons Two or Three Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: The Doctor encounters his evil time-travelling son, to whom he bears an uncanny physical resemblance. References: Doctor Who Magazine #233 The Trap Writer: Robert Holmes Notes: In early 1965, Holmes submitted an idea for a science-fiction thriller to Shaun Sutton, the BBC's Head of Serials. Holmes was informed that this wasn't the sort of material the Corporation was looking to broadcast at that time, but it was suggested that he might reformat his submission for Doctor Who. Holmes met with story editor Donald Tosh on April 23rd, 1965. He quickly reworked his idea into a storyline entitled “The Trap”. Tosh responded in May with concerns that the sleepers' robotic servants were too similar to the Mechonoids, which would shortly feature in The Chase. Soon thereafter, Holmes began working on the drama series Private Eye, and “The Trap” fell by the wayside. Three years later, the proposal was revived and reworked to become The Krotons. Characters: The First Doctor, presumably with Ian, Barbara and Vicki Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: The Doctor and his companions find a spaceship on an uninhabited planet. Robot servitors use an amnesia gas to wipe their memories, and then encourage the demonstration of certain skills. The ship's crew awakens from suspended animation, and reveals that they crashlanded on the planet millennia ago. Because some of their number were killed, they need three of the time travellers to help them pilot the ship and return home. The expendable fourth TARDIS crewmember will be killed. The Doctor and his friends manage to sabotage the ship and escape. References: Doctor Who: The Complete History #13 The Whirlpool Of Time Writer: David Fisher Notes: David Fisher came to the attention of the Doctor Who production team when he pitched The Face Of Fire, a children's science-fiction serial, to the BBC in January 1964. Story editor David Whitaker considered whether it might be adapted for use in Doctor Who, but its modern-day setting precluded this. Following its rejection on March 11th, Fisher offered a new story idea for Doctor Who called “The Whirlpool Of Time”, which drew upon his longstanding interest in stone circles. However, Whitaker informed Fisher on April 21st that there was no room in the schedule for his proposal. Fisher later provided another narrative based around the same theme, The Stones Of Blood, in 1978. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Two Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: A group of children discover a spaceship buried under Stonehenge. References: Doctor Who: The Complete History #29, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years The White Witch Writer: Brian Hayles Notes: Hayles was commissioned to write a storyline for “The White Witch” on November 16th, 1965. It was abandoned on January 17th, 1966 because departing story editor Donald Tosh felt that it did not fit the vision espoused by the incoming production team of Innes Lloyd and Gerry Davis. Characters: The First Doctor, Steven, Dodo Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who Magazine #196, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor (untitled) Writer: Margot Bennett Notes: In late February 1964, Bennett was discussing an idea for an historical adventure with the Doctor Who production office. It was thought that this might be suitable as the penultimate serial of the first production block (the slot ultimately filled by Planet Of Giants), but could also be held over to the second production block. In the end, however, it does not appear that any further development took place. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season One or Two Stage Reached: Unknown Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who: The Complete History #3 (untitled) Writer: Robert Gould Notes: With the abandonment of CE Webber's “The Giants”, Gould was asked to make a fresh attempt at a “miniscules” story. By mid-September 1963, this was intended to be the fourth serial of Season One (following Marco Polo); it was pushed back one slot following the insertion into the schedule of Inside The Spaceship in November. The intended director was Richard Martin. In early January 1964, however, Gould's story was removed from the schedule and the writer met with story editor David Whitaker on February 4th to discuss the difficulties he was having. At this time, it was agreed that Gould would stop working on the miniaturisation concept and try his hand at something else. A third attempt at the “miniscules” idea was made by Louis Marks, and this finally saw production as Planet Of Giants. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season One Stage Reached: Storyline; possibly partial script Synopsis: The TARDIS crew are shrunk to one-sixteenth of an inch in size. They are menaced by carpet dust “storms”, falling cigarette ash, and other creatures, and must figure out how to obtain food and water. References: Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor (untitled) Writer: Robert Gould Notes: On February 4th, 1964, Gould and story editor David Whitaker agreed to abandon the “miniscules” idea Gould had been working on for some months. Whitaker offered to entertain another storyline from the writer, and Gould suggested this concept. Producer Verity Lambert subsequently noted her concern that this might be too similar to the John Wyndham novel The Day Of The Triffids. On the 9th, Gould informed Whitaker that he had decided against taking the idea any further. However, on March 26th, Whitaker was forced to defend episode three of The Keys Of Marinus against Gould's assertion that it made use of his “plants vs people” notion. Whitaker successfully demonstrated to BBC Head of Serials Donald Wilson that no plagiarism had occurred. Characters: The First Doctor, Susan, Ian, Barbara Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Presumably Seasons One or Two Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: Would have concerned a planet where plants treat people the way people on Earth treat plants. References: Doctor Who Magazine #310, Doctor Who: The Handbook: The First Doctor (untitled) Writer: Eric Laithwaite Notes: An electrical engineer, in early 1966 Laithwaite was a candidate for the post of scientific adviser to the Doctor Who production team (ultimately won by Kit Pedler). On June 28th of that year, he submitted this single-episode story. However, it was deemed unsuitable for Doctor Who -- not least because it utilised the Daleks without the participation of their creator, Terry Nation -- and was returned to Laithwaite by story editor Gerry Davis on May 8th, 1967. Characters: The First Doctor, Steven, Dodo Episodes: 1 Planned For: Season Four Stage Reached: Full script Synopsis: The Doctor and his friends face extermination by the Daleks. Suddenly, their enemies are eradicated by an extradimensional collective intelligence which has absolute mastery over atomic arrangement. The Doctor plays a higher-dimensional version of football with the aliens, who take the form of a field of a grass, and Dodo announces that their existence means she need no longer feel fear. However, the aliens realise that fear is an essential part of the human experience, and decide to wipe the memory of the encounter from the time travellers' minds. References: Doctor Who Magazine #536 (untitled) Writer: John Lucarotti Notes: On February 26th, 1965, Lucarotti agreed to develop an idea for an historical story set in India. On March 22nd, he discussed the project with former Doctor Who director Waris Hussein, who indicated that such a story would probably have to be set within the past couple of centuries, and suggested the 1857 Indian Mutiny as a possibility. Lucarotti was keen on the idea, but it ran afoul of a policy which precluded historicals set between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, since this was a time period that commonly featured in the BBC's Sunday night classic serials. Spooner tried unsuccessfully to obtain an exemption; Lucarotti would ultimately write The Massacre Of St Bartholomew's Eve instead. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, Vicki Episodes: Unknown Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: The time travellers become embroiled in the Indian Mutiny of 1857, when Indian troops rose up against the colonial officers of the British East India Company. References: Doctor Who Magazine #233, The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years (untitled) Writer: John Lucarotti Notes: In the spring of 1965, after his initial proposal of an historical set around the 1857 Indian Mutiny was rejected, Lucarotti gained agreement from story editor Dennis Spooner to instead write a storyline for a serial involving the Vikings, and particularly Erik the Red (whom Lucarotti confused with his offspring, Leif Eriksson). Lucarotti began writing his storyline for Ian, Barbara and Vicki, although he knew that Ian and Barbara would likely have to be replaced. When Donald Tosh succeeded Spooner, he was unaware of Lucarotti's project, and contacted him independently. Tosh and incoming producer John Wiles were initially satisfied with the Viking storyline, asking only that Lucarotti make a few changes to bring it in line with their vision of Doctor Who. On June 24th, shortly after making these changes, Lucarotti was surprised to learn his storyline had been rejected. Frustrated at having two proposals turned down, Lucarotti contacted his agents, who soon earned him a commission to write The Massacre Of St Bartholomew's Eve. In 1992, Lucarotti turned his Viking storyline into a short story for Doctor Who Magazine, entitled “Who Discovered America?”. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, Vicki Episodes: 4 Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Storyline Synopsis: After landing in 1002 Greenland, the time travellers are captured by Leif Eriksson and his Vikings. The Doctor needs some plutonic rock to repair the TARDIS, but knows that this can only be found in Newfoundland. He convinces Eriksson to lead an exploration party across the ocean. After acquiring the necessary minerals, he then takes Eriksson further on to Nova Scotia, where the Viking orders the time travellers to remain to help start a settlement. The Doctor uses the unusual tidal properties of the nearby Bay of Fundy to convince Eriksson that he is a magician, and the companions are returned to the TARDIS. References: Doctor Who Magazine #184, DWM #233 (untitled) Writer: Terry Nation Notes: Nation was commissioned to write a fourth Doctor Who serial on October 6th, 1964. This original idea was abandoned for unknown reasons and, on December 16th, it was replaced by a new commission for what eventually became The Chase. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, Vicki Episodes: 6 Planned For: Penultimate story of Season Two Stage Reached: Unknown Synopsis: Unknown References: Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #7 (untitled) Writer: Unknown Notes: This proposal was apparently developed sometime after the decision, made around the start of Spring 1965, that Ian and Barbara would be leaving Doctor Who in The Chase. Characters: The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, Vicki Episodes: 4 or 6 Planned For: Season Three Stage Reached: Story idea Synopsis: The TARDIS lands on Earth, reuniting the Doctor and Vicki with Ian and Barbara. Together, they discover that aliens called Daggets have invaded the planet, and have established their headquarters underground. References: The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years (untitled) Writer: Unknown Notes: This story appears on a list of forthcoming serials compiled around the end of July 1965. It was ultimately replaced by The Massacre Of St Bartholomew's Eve, by which time it had been decided that Vicki would be written out of Doctor Who earlier in the season. Characters: The First Doctor, Vicki, Steven Episodes: 4 Planned For: Fifth story of Season Three Stage Reached: Unknown Synopsis: In mediaeval England, Vicki is accused of being a witch. References: The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years

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