Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen
Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen

Movie spotlight

Doctor Who: The Abominable Snowmen

1967
Movie
150 min
English

Mysterious forces are at work in 1930s Tibet. The once gentle Yeti have turned savage and besieged a Buddhist monastery. The Second Doctor, Jamie and Victoria arrive expecting a friendly welcome from the abbot, but soon become ensnared in the plans of the extradimensional being known as the Great Intelligence.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Douglas CamfieldGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Horror

Plot Summary

The Second Doctor, accompanied by Jamie and Victoria, arrives in the Himalayas in 1935, where a remote Buddhist monastery is under siege by a terrifying species known as the Abominable Snowmen. These creatures, controlled by the alien Dastari, are revealed to be Yeti from the planet Arcturus, sent to conquer Earth. The Doctor must uncover the truth behind the Yeti's invasion and prevent them from enslaving humanity.

Critical Reception

As a missing television story, its critical reception is primarily based on surviving fragments, audio recordings, and reconstructions. However, it is generally regarded as a classic Second Doctor adventure, praised for its atmosphere, suspense, and the memorable introduction of the Yeti as formidable monsters. The story is noted for its ambition in scale and its successful blend of horror and adventure.

What Reviewers Say

  • The story is lauded for its chilling atmosphere and effective use of suspense.

  • The introduction of the Yeti as a credible threat is a highlight.

  • Praised for its ambitious scope and the strong performance of Patrick Troughton.

Google audience: Audience reception for this serial is largely based on its reputation as a classic and the nostalgia for the original Yeti. Viewers often express appreciation for its historical significance and its contribution to the lore of Doctor Who.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The Abominable Snowmen were originally intended to be a more intelligent, technologically advanced alien race, but budget constraints led to them being depicted as more monstrous, with rudimentary intelligence and control mechanisms.

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