

Movie spotlight
Doctor Who: Marco Polo
The TARDIS crew lands in the Himalayas of Cathay in 1289, their ship badly damaged, and are picked up by Marco Polo's caravan on its way along the fabled Silk Road to see the Emperor Kublai Khan. The story concerns the Doctor and his companions' attempts to thwart the machinations of Tegana, who attempts to sabotage the caravan along its travels through the Pamir Plateau and across the treacherous Gobi Desert, and ultimately to assassinate Kublai Khan in Peking, at the height of his imperial power.
Insights
Plot Summary
The TARDIS lands in the treacherous Himalayan mountains in 1227 AD, where the Doctor, his companions Ian, Barbara, and Susan find themselves stranded without the TARDIS. They encounter the formidable Mongol warrior and explorer, Marco Polo, and his caravan. The Doctor and his companions must help Marco Polo complete his perilous journey to Kublai Khan's court in Cathay, facing numerous dangers and political intrigue along the way.
Critical Reception
While 'Marco Polo' is a legendary and highly sought-after lost story, its critical reception is based on surviving scripts, anecdotal evidence, and the performances of its cast, particularly William Hartnell's portrayal of the Doctor. It is generally regarded as a significant early adventure that showcased the show's potential for historical and epic storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its ambitious historical scope and the introduction of a compelling historical figure.
Recognized for William Hartnell's strong performance as the Doctor navigating challenging circumstances.
Considered a significant early example of Doctor Who's ability to blend science fiction with historical adventure.
Google audience: As a lost serial, there is no direct audience feedback available for 'Doctor Who: Marco Polo'. However, based on its reputation and surviving documentation, it is remembered fondly by fans for its epic scale and early portrayal of the Doctor's adventures.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (Lost episode)
Fun Fact
This is one of the most famous 'lost' stories in Doctor Who history, with all seven episodes believed to have been lost or destroyed by the BBC archives.
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