Movie spotlight
The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. The travellers become involved with an escape chain rescuing prisoners from the guillotine and get caught up in the machinations of an English undercover spy, James Stirling — alias Lemaitre, governor of the Conciergerie prison.
The First Doctor, his granddaughter Susan, and their companions Barbara and Ian, find themselves stranded in 18th-century France during the Reign of Terror. They become entangled in the violent political upheaval, narrowly escaping the guillotine while trying to find a way back to their own time. Their adventure sees them interacting with historical figures and navigating the dangerous streets of revolutionary Paris.
As an early installment of Doctor Who, 'The Reign of Terror' is often viewed as a significant historical adventure that effectively utilized the show's premise to explore a turbulent period. While some aspects of its production might seem dated by modern standards, its ambitious historical setting and the introduction of the Doctor's human companions into such a perilous era were well-received for their narrative potential. The serial is noted for its gritty portrayal of the French Revolution and its suspenseful storylines.
Praised for its ambitious historical setting and the dramatic tension it generated.
Appreciated for its early exploration of the TARDIS crew's ability to interact with historical events.
Seen as a solid early example of Doctor Who's potential for educational and thrilling storytelling.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews specifically for this 1964 serial is not readily available.
This serial is notable for being the first Doctor Who story to be set entirely in Earth's past, paving the way for many future historical adventures.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Aside from a bit of a moral conundrum about how time travel might present a dilemma for people who might be able to use their knowledge to affect the future, this is just a rather clunky drama that gives the crew of the TARDIS an excuse to ...