God I love the Hartnell era

[rushy]

It's so beautifully old-fashioned, intelligent, mysterious. Like Verne's "20 000 Leagues Under the Sea", you're not quite sure whether to trust the captain, but he seems to have scruples of his own unique kind. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous and gives depth even to the weaker sets. This was the era in which imagination truly dominated. The stories were thoughtful, experimental and always respectful of the audience. Hartnell making sure to get the continuity of the console right for the sake of observant kids is the ultimate evidence of that. 

It's timeless, totally and utterly timeless. The first two seasons in particular are just so iconic and wonderful and engrossing, and I'm always in awe of what they created in a shitty studio with such a minimal budget. Like the scene where they first arrive on an alien planet and the Doctor's standing on a sand dune, wondering to himself why the TARDIS hadn't changed. The sounds of the wind whipping past him, his wary expression, Susan helping Ian and Barbara take their first steps, it's downright cinematic. 

[Spark Doll King]

It is an amazing watch, no arguments from me. So creative and imaginative, with great characters and fun monsters. While other eras are great, none of them ever were Hartnell's.

[burrunjor]

Absolutely adore it, and I agree it is the show at its most imaginative. I honestly would not object to a remake of DW btw, rather than an alternate sequel if it followed the Hartnell template and kept the Doctor as an adventurer of the unknown rather than a superhero for a lot longer. I mean I love the Pertwee era the most, but even I admit that there is more potential in the Hartnell style and there is also really no show like the Hartnell style around today. Seeing what you could accomplish with that mindset and modern effects would be remarkable.

Not that the effects in the Hartnell era apart from the odd stinker like the Web Planet were even that bad. Ironically they were ahead of their time with things like the Daleks, but you know what I mean. You could really play up the going into the unknown vibe with no limitations.

If they do remake it, my choice for the alternate 1st Doctor is Julian Richings.

He not only looks like Hartnell, but his performance as Death in Supernatural reminds me of Hartnell. He is this same, ancient, mysterious thing that at some points seems quite funny, charming and almost approachable, only to give you a terrible reminder of how beneath you he finds you. 




Him talking with Dean there and telling him he's like bacteria so calmly is like Hartnell telling Ian that the children of his society would be insulted being compared to him. 

I'd LOVE to see a genuinely spooky version of DW with the Hartnell we can go anywhere and a Doctor like this, who isn't quite such a safe pair of hands, might lie to you because he's more interested in exploring than saving the day. I think it would be f*cking sensational. 

[Brian MK.II]

Nov 19, 2023 15:52:44 GMT rushy said:

It's so beautifully old-fashioned, intelligent, mysterious. Like Verne's "20 000 Leagues Under the Sea", you're not quite sure whether to trust the captain, but he seems to have scruples of his own unique kind. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous and gives depth even to the weaker sets. This was the era in which imagination truly dominated. The stories were thoughtful, experimental and always respectful of the audience. Hartnell making sure to get the continuity of the console right for the sake of observant kids is the ultimate evidence of that. 

It's timeless, totally and utterly timeless. The first two seasons in particular are just so iconic and wonderful and engrossing, and I'm always in awe of what they created in a shitty studio with such a minimal budget. Like the scene where they first arrive on an alien planet and the Doctor's standing on a sand dune, wondering to himself why the TARDIS hadn't changed. The sounds of the wind whipping past him, his wary expression, Susan helping Ian and Barbara take their first steps, it's downright cinematic. 

Seconded. 

Both 60s eras are my favourite but even though I'd say Troughton's era is more enjoyable, has fewer misfires and is more accessible in that it's less ''in the right mood'' despite being somewhat more formulaic. The unpredictability, variety and experimentalism of the Hartnell era and the dedication and craft of the writers, cast and production crew edges it out there and makes for possibly not just the best period of Doctor Who or 60s science fiction but some of the best television ever made.

[Deleted]

Nov 19, 2023 15:52:44 GMT rushy said:

It's so beautifully old-fashioned, intelligent, mysterious. Like Verne's "20 000 Leagues Under the Sea", you're not quite sure whether to trust the captain, but he seems to have scruples of his own unique kind. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous and gives depth even to the weaker sets. This was the era in which imagination truly dominated. The stories were thoughtful, experimental and always respectful of the audience. Hartnell making sure to get the continuity of the console right for the sake of observant kids is the ultimate evidence of that. 

It's timeless, totally and utterly timeless. The first two seasons in particular are just so iconic and wonderful and engrossing, and I'm always in awe of what they created in a shitty studio with such a minimal budget. Like the scene where they first arrive on an alien planet and the Doctor's standing on a sand dune, wondering to himself why the TARDIS hadn't changed. The sounds of the wind whipping past him, his wary expression, Susan helping Ian and Barbara take their first steps, it's downright cinematic. 

That top image is so atmospheric and mysterious. No way would it be improved in colour. The black and white picture adds so much to those older serials which is why the 60s planets (Skaro, the one in the Web Planet, Dido) are the most unique and compelling of the whole show.