William Hartnell (1963-66)

Season One (1963-64)

An Unearthly Child
The Daleks
The Edge of Destruction
Marco Polo
The Keys of Marinus
The Aztecs
The Sensorites
The Reign of Terror

Season Two (1964-65)

Planet of Giants
The Dalek Invasion of Earth
The Rescue
The Romans
The Web Planet
The Crusade
The Space Museum
The Chase
The Time Meddler

Season Three (1965-66)

Galaxy 4
Mission to the Unknown1
The Myth Makers
The Daleks’ Master Plan
The Massacre
The Ark
The Celestial Toymaker
The Gunfighters
The Savages
The War Machines

Season Four (1966)

The Smugglers
The Tenth Planet

 

The William Hartnell era of Doctor Who, which spanned from 1963 to 1966, laid the foundation for the iconic British television series that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Hartnell portrayed the First Doctor, an eccentric and mysterious time-traveling alien known as the Doctor. During his tenure, the show established its unique premise and introduced audiences to the concept of regeneration, which has since become a core aspect of the series. Hartnell’s portrayal of the Doctor set the stage for future iterations of the character and contributed to the show’s enduring legacy.

One of the defining characteristics of the Hartnell era was its exploration of the Doctor’s enigmatic nature. The First Doctor was initially portrayed as a cantankerous and irascible figure, with a hint of unpredictability. He was a gruff yet compassionate character, displaying a mix of wisdom and impatience. This complexity added depth to the Doctor’s personality, allowing viewers to witness his growth and transformation throughout the series.

The era also showcased the Doctor’s profound intellect and problem-solving abilities. Hartnell’s Doctor was often portrayed as a brilliant strategist, using his intelligence and knowledge to outwit enemies and navigate dangerous situations. His cunning and resourcefulness became a hallmark of the character, establishing the Doctor as a formidable force against the various alien adversaries encountered in the show.

Furthermore, the Hartnell era featured a diverse range of historical and futuristic settings. The Doctor, accompanied by his companions, embarked on thrilling adventures that took them from ancient Rome to far-flung alien planets. This exploration of different time periods and locations added a sense of grandeur and scope to the show, allowing for a rich tapestry of storytelling possibilities. The era’s blend of historical and science fiction elements laid the groundwork for the show’s ongoing tradition of mixing genres and exploring the infinite possibilities of time and space.

The production values of the Hartnell era reflected the technological limitations of its time, yet the show managed to create a captivating atmosphere with its imaginative storytelling and strong character dynamics. Hartnell’s performance as the Doctor, along with the talented ensemble cast, brought the show’s characters to life and captivated audiences with their unique chemistry. The era’s charm lay in its ability to transport viewers to new and exciting worlds, despite the practical constraints of the era’s production techniques.

Ultimately, the William Hartnell era of Doctor Who set the stage for the enduring success of the series. It introduced audiences to the concept of the Doctor and established the show’s iconic blend of science fiction, adventure, and fantasy. Hartnell’s portrayal of the First Doctor showcased the character’s complexity and set the standard for future iterations. The era’s exploration of diverse settings and its ability to captivate viewers with imaginative storytelling laid the foundation for the show’s longevity and ongoing popularity.