William Hartnell Movies
British actor William Hartnell once billed himself as "Billy," befitting his previous life as an apprentice jockey and flyweight boxer. Yearning to be a comedian like his idol Charlie Chaplin, Hartnell went on the stage at age 16 with Sir Frank Benson's Shakespeare company. In films from 1933, he spent several frustrating years playing minor villains and nondescript walk-ons. Hartnell rose to prominence in British films of the 1940s; ironically, he played an Army sergeant in his starmaking film, 1944's The Way Ahead. His film assignments diminished in importance in the 1950s, though he gained a new following in the supporting role of Sergeant Major Bullimore on the BBC TV series The Army Game. On the strength of his performance as a crusty sports agent in the 1963 film This Sporting Life, Hartnell was cast as the first of eight actors to portray TV's Doctor Who. This internationally popular sci-fi series made Hartnell a star all over again; alas, multiple sclerosis forced him to relinquish the role to Patrick Troughton in 1966. William Hartnell was long married to actress/playwright Heather McIntyre. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1964
In the fourth episode of the six-part story arc "The Keys of Marinus," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions have managed to locate two of the four keys necessary to keep the evil Conscience of Marinus alive. Their odyssey has already taken them to the sinsiter city of Morphoton and the treacherous Screaming Jungle. Now they have arrived in an icy wilderness -- and come face to face with the dreaded Soldiers of Ice. Written by Terry Nation, "The Snows of Terror" originally aired on May 2, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the third episode of the six-part story arc "The Keys of Marinus," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his friends continue their search for the keys needed to keep alive the despotic Conscience of Marinus. They manage to find one of the keys in the city of Morphoton, barely escaping with their lives. Their next challgne: to survive a desert jungle festooned with what seems to be the shrieks of the doomed. Written by Terry Nation, "The Screaming Jungle" originally aired on April 25, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fifth episode of the six-part story arc "The Keys of Marinus," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions have managed to locate three of the four keys needed to sustain the omnipotent Conscience of Marinus. It hasn't been easy, what with the terrors inherent in the city of Morphoton, the Screaming Jungle, and the snowy Marinus wilderness. But worse is still to come; upon arriving in the city of Millenius, the time travellers are arrested for murder and sentenced to immediate execution. Written by Terry Nation, "Sentence of Death" originally aired on May 9, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the conclusion of the six-part story arc "The Keys of Marinus," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions have survived one peril after another, and have returned with the four keys necessary to keep alive the despotic Conscience of Marinus. Unfortunately, they discover that Arbitan (George Coulouris), keeper of the Conscience, has been killed, and that his replacement is an even greater threat to the Doctor and his friends. The fate of all concerned lies in the hands of Ian (William Russell), who must either turn over the keys (which will keep Marinus in the bonds of servitude to the Conscience) or face a gruesome demise. Written by Terry Nation, the final chapter of "The Keys of Marinus" originally aired on May 9, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
Doctor Who wound up its first season with episode one of "The Reign of Terror," written by Dennis Spooner. Assuming that they've returned to 1964 England, the TARDIS crew instead finds itself in 18th century France at the height of the Revolution. The first episode in this six-part story arc ends with the Doctor (William Hartnell) trapped in a burning house, and his companions -- Ian (William Russell), Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), and Susan (Carole Ann Ford) -- caught in a power struggle between fanatical revolutionaries and a moderate underground movement. First telecast on August 8, 1964, "A Land of Fear" is one of four episodes of "The Reign of Terror" still known to exist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the second episode of the six-part story "The Reign of Terror," the crew of the TARDIS has landed smack in the middle of the French Revolution. Separated from the Doctor (William Hartnell), his travelling companions -- Ian (William Russell), Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), and Susan (Carole Ann Ford) -- are captured and thrown into the Conciergie Prison. As the time-traveling trio dolefully awaits a rendezvous with the guillotine, the Doctor hits upon a desperate, but brilliant, rescue plan. Written by Dennis Spooner, "Guests of Madame Guillotine" first aired on August 15, 1964, and is one of four episodes of "The Reign of Terror" still known to exist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the third episode of the six-part story "The Reign of Terror," the Doctor (William Hartnell) arrives in the Paris of 1794, intending to save Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) and Susan (Carole Ann Ford). Meanwhile, Ian (William Russell) has managed to link up with a moderate underground revolutionary group, headed by a mercurial, and not altogether trustworthy, spy. As the Doctor prepares to impersonate the Superintendent of Parisian Prisons, Barbara and Susan are unexpectedly snatched from the jaws of doom by underground leader Jules Renan (Donald Morley). Written by Dennis Spooner, "A Change of Identity" first aired on August 22, 1964, and is one of four episodes of "The Reign of Terror" still known to exist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "The Reign of Terror," the Doctor (William Hartnell), still impersonating the Superintendent of Parisian Prisons, comes face to face with "the architect of the Revolution," the dreaded Robespierre (Keith Anderson). Meanwhile, with the help of underground leader Jules Renan (Donald Morley), Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), and Susan (Carole Ann Ford) are reunited with Ian (William Russell). Alas, all three of the Doctor's companions fall into a trap set by a traitor within the Underground. Written by Dennis Spooner, "The Tyrant of France" first aired on August 29, 1964; this episode apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Reign of Terror," a so-called friend of 18th century French underground leader Jules (Donald Morley) turns out to be a spy for the Revolutionary Tribunal and turns Ian (William Russell) over to the authorities. Likewise recaptured are Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) and Susan (Carole Ann Ford), whom the Doctor (William Hartnell), still disguised as the Superintendent of Parisian Prisons, hopes to rescue. By episode's end, the Doctor is forced to strike an unholy bargain with the eminently untrustworthy Lemaitre (James Cairncross) to save the lives of his companions. Written by Dennis Spooner, "A Bargain of Necessity" first aired on September 5, 1964 and apparently no longer exists. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the final episode of the six-part story "The Reign of Terror" -- which, incidentally, was also the final episode of Doctor Who's first season -- the crew of the TARDIS is still trapped in France at the time of the Revolution. Admidst much treachery, the Doctor (William Hartnell) makes a new friend who may be able to expedite the rescue of Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), Susan (Carole Ann Ford), and Ian (William Russell) from the guillotine. As it happens, however, the fate of all concerned may rest with an obscure Corsican corporal named Napoleon Bonaparte (Tony Wall). Written by Dennis Spooner, Doctor Who: Prisoners of the Conciergerie first aired on September 12, 1964, and is one of four episodes of "The Reign of Terror" still known to exist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the first episode of the six-part story arc "The Sensorites," the TARDIS materializes in a 28th century Earth spacecraft. The Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions soon discover that the craft is trapped in an enormous Sense-Sphere, controlled by a race of telepathic aliens called the Sensorites. These beings are none too happy that the TARDIS has arrived, holding the Doctor and his friends responsible for a horrible disease that has been wiping out the Sensorite population. Written by Peter R. Newman, "Strangers in Space" originally aired on June 20, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the second episode of the six-part story "The Sensorites," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and Ian (William Russell) are brought to the Sensorite headquarters via a telepathic link established with Susan (Carole Ann Ford), while Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) is left behind in the Sense-Sphere. Holding the Doctor responsible for the disease that has been decimating their race, the Sensorites force him to fight against a band of rebels. Meanwhile, Ian himself begins to succumb to the mysterious illness. Written by Peter R. Newman, "The Unwilling Warriors" originally aired on June 27, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the third episode of the six-part story "The Sensorites," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions are still the prisoners of the Sensorites, a dying race of telepaths. A new and unexpected enemy arrives on the scene to further imperil the TARDIS crew. And as if that weren't enough, Ian (William Russell) makes an error that could prove to be fatal. Written by Peter R. Newman, "Hidden Danger" originally aired on July 11, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "The Sensorites," the Doctor manages to emerge triumphant from his latest crisis. This impresses his Sensorite captors, but they are still convinced that the Doctor -- and by extension, all of mankind -- is somehow responsible for the mysterious disease that is rapidly killing off their race. As the episode draws to a close, a new and even more terrible threat to the well-being of the Doctor and his companions appears on the horizon. Written by Peter R. Newman, "A Race Against Death" originally aired on July 18, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "The Sensorites," the Doctor (William Hartnell) has made certain that the planet of the Sensorites will not die, as was previously feared. Nonetheless, the Sensorites are angry at the Doctor and his companions because of past misdeeds perpetrated by a previous Earth expedition. Even more vexing, the war between the Sensorites and a strange band of rebels continues to rage unabated. Written by Peter R. Newman, "Kidnap" originally aired on July 25, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the final episode of the six-part story "The Sensorites," the Doctor (William Hartnell), still trapped in the 28th century, finds out who is really responsible for the disease that has been killing off the telepathic Sensorites. But neither the Doctor nor his companions are out of the woods yet -- nor, for that matter, are the Sensorites, whose planet again faces destruction. With time running out, the Doctor must pull one more trick from his sleeve to set things right. Written by Peter R. Newman, "A Desperate Venture" originally aired on August 1, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the second episode of the six-part story "Dalek Invasion of Earth," the Doctor (William Hartnell) and Ian (William Russell) are captured by the Daleks, who rule the Earth of the 22nd century. Rescued by freedom fighters, the two time travelers learn of the plague that has enslaved all of humankind. As his other companions, Susan (Carole Ann Ford) and Barbara (Jacqueline Hill), spearhead an attack against the Daleks, the poor Doctor is recaptured and strapped to a Dalek operating table. Written by Terry Nation, "The Daleks" first aired on November 28, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the third episode of the six-part story "Dalek Invasion of Earth," the Doctor (William Hartnell) is rescued from a Dalek operating table by his traveling companions. By now thoroughly dedicated to fomenting a revolt against the Daleks, the Doctor must first discover why the evil mutants have come to Earth in the first place. If star William Hartnell looks queasy during the closing scenes, it is because the actor injured his spine during filming. Written by Terry Nation, "Day of Reckoning" first aired on December 5, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
The six-part Dr. Who adventure "Dalek Invasion of Earth" gets under way when the TARDIS materializes in 22nd century England. Trapped outside of their time-traveling vessel, the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions quickly learn that the Earth has been taken over by the mutant Daleks from the planet Skaro. Before the Doctor can do anything with this knowledge, his granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford) vanishes, and Barbara (Jacqueline Hill) is seriously injured. Written by Terry Nation, "World's End" first aired on November 21, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the final episode of the six-part story "Dalek Invasion of Earth," the conquering Daleks put their plan to convert the Earth into a giant space vessel into effect. In order to stop the Daleks, the Doctor is forced to release a powerful, magnetically energized bomb -- which may very well destroy all humans as well. Written by Terry Nation, "Flashpoint" first aired on December 26, 1964. This episode represented the final Dr. Who appearance of Carole Ann Ford, who played the Doctor's granddaughter, Susan. The video version of "Dalek Invasion of Earth" is complete, save for the removal of the "Next Episode" teaser at the conclusion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
The current unavailability of the entire first-season Dr. Who story arc "Marco Polo" is perhaps the most frustrating of the many gaps in the series' chronology. Written by John Lucarotti, this seven-part adventure began on February 22, 1964, with the episode titled "The Roof of the World." The TARDIS ends up in 13th century China, high atop the snowy slopes of Pamir Plateau. Here, the Doctor (William Hartnell), his granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford), and his traveling companions Ian and Barbara (William Russell, Jacqueline Scott) come face to face with Venetian explorer Marco Polo (Mark Eden) and his entourage, including duplicitous warlord Tegana (Derren Nesbitt) and highborn Lady Ping-Cho (Zienia Merton). Given no other choice, the crew of the TARDIS joins Marco Polo's journey to visit Mongol ruler Kublai Khan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fourth episode of the six-part story "Dalek Invasion of Earth," the crew of the TARDIS tries to find out why the conquering Daleks have turned the British community of Bedfordshire into a huge mine. At last, the horrible truth is revealed: The Daleks intend to destroy the earth's magnetic core and convert the planet into their own personal space vehicle. Having injured his spine while filming the previous episode "Day of Reckoning," William Hartnell (the Doctor) is largely absent from this episode, with his stand-in, Edmond Warwick, replacing him in long and medium shots. Written by Terry Nation, "The End of Tomorrow" first aired on December 12, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fifth episode of the six-part story "Dalek Invasion of Earth," the Doctor (William Hartnell) has finally tumbled onto the Daleks' scheme to convert the earth into a huge space vessel. Racing against time, the Doctor must find a way to foil the mutants' plans. He receives help in this respect from a most unexpected source -- but is it already too late to save the world? Written by Terry Nation, "The Walking Ally" first aired on December 18, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fourth episode of the seven-part story arc "Marco Polo," the Doctor's (William Hartnell) granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford), is terrified by the phantoms which seem to haunt the Cave of Five Hundred Eyes. Meanwhile, Tegana (Derren Nesbitt) returns to advise Marco Polo (Mark Eden) to rid himself of the Doctor and his friends. And on another front, Ian (William Russell) uncovers gruesome evidence that someone in the traveling party intends to use the TARDIS time-traveling machine for his own evil purposes. Written by John Lucarotti, "The Wall of Lies" first aired on March 14, 1964; alas, none of the episodes in the "Marco Polo" arc are known to have survived. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
- 1964
In the fifth episode of the seven-part story arc "Marco Polo," the lives of the Doctor (William Hartnell), Marco Polo (Mark Eden), and their combined companions are imperiled not only by bandits, but also by a traitor in their midst, the warlord Tegana (Derren Nesbitt). Still, the entourage manages to enjoy a (pitifully brief) bit of rest and relaxation at the way-station managed by the philosophical Wang-Lo (Gabor Baraker). Under cover of darkness, the Doctor and his friends manage to elude Polo and prepare to board the TARDIS for a journey homeward -- but Susan (Carole Ann Ford) is seized by a shadowy assailant. Written by John Lucarotti, "Rider From Shang-Tu" first aired on March 21, 1964; alas, none of the episodes in the "Marco Polo" arc are known to have survived. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Hartnell, William Russell, (more)
