Dr. Who and the Daleks
Dr. Who and the Daleks

Movie spotlight

Dr. Who and the Daleks

1965
Movie
82 min
English

Scientist Doctor Who accidentally activates his new invention, the Tardis, a time machine disguised as a police telephone box. Who, his two granddaughters Barbara and Susan, and Barbara's boyfriend Ian are transported through time and space to the planet Skaro, where a peaceful race of Thals are under threat of nuclear attack from the planet's other inhabitants: the robotic mutant Daleks.

Insights

IMDb5.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Google Users70%
Director: Gordon FlemyngGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Family

Plot Summary

The eccentric Doctor Who, along with his granddaughter Susan and her friends Barbara and Ian, accidentally invents a time travel device within his police box laboratory. After a mishap sends them hurtling into the future, they land on the planet Skaro, where they encounter the menacing Daleks, a reptilian alien race who have encased themselves in robotic suits. The Doctor and his companions must find a way to outwit the Daleks and escape their planet.

Critical Reception

Dr. Who and the Daleks was met with a mixed to positive reception, primarily seen as a fun, albeit low-budget, science fiction adventure for families. While praised for its imaginative premise and the introduction of the iconic Daleks to a wider film audience, critics often noted its campy tone and rudimentary special effects, which were characteristic of its era. It successfully capitalized on the popularity of the ongoing BBC television series.

What Reviewers Say

  • A charmingly quaint and often silly sci-fi romp.

  • Features the beloved Daleks in their first cinematic outing.

  • Budget limitations are apparent, but the adventure spirit shines through.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally find the film to be a nostalgic and entertaining throwback, appreciating its straightforward adventure and the novelty of seeing the Daleks on the big screen. Some viewers point out its dated special effects and acting style as charming quirks rather than significant flaws.

Fun Fact

Although Peter Cushing played the Doctor in this film and its sequel, he did not portray the character in the original BBC television series; the TV Doctor was played by William Hartnell.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Though this is quite a watchable feature based on the BBC serial, the production is just a bit too basic. Roy Castle ("Ian") comes courting "Barbara" (Jennie Linden) but is diverted by her grandfather (Peter Cushing) and "Susan" (Roberta To...

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