Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks
Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks

Movie spotlight

Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks

1974
Movie
100 min
English

An energy drain traps the Third Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith on the planet Exxilon with its hostile natives, causing the travellers to make an uneasy alliance with a Marine Space Corps expedition and a squadron of Daleks. The key to escape for all of them lies at the heart of a powerful and mysterious lost city, but only after a series of deadly traps.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Michael FergusonGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure

Plot Summary

The Third Doctor, accompanied by his companion Sarah Jane Smith, travels to the planet Exxilon in the year 4700. There, they encounter the mysterious Exxilons and their advanced cities. The Doctor discovers that the Exxilons are suffering from a deadly plague and are using a mysterious power source. He soon learns that the Daleks have also arrived on Exxilon, seeking to steal this power source for their own nefarious purposes, leading to a desperate race against time to save both the Exxilons and the Doctor's own life.

Critical Reception

This classic Doctor Who serial is generally well-regarded by fans for its inventive plot, atmospheric setting, and the introduction of the Exxilons. While some aspects, like the depiction of the plague, have been noted as somewhat dated, the story is praised for its effective tension and the Doctor's clever problem-solving. The Daleks are presented as a formidable threat, and the serial is often cited as a strong example of the show's classic era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its engaging plot and the classic Dalek threat.

  • The Exxilon setting and mysterious plague add an interesting layer of sci-fi intrigue.

  • Jon Pertwee and Elisabeth Sladen deliver strong performances as the Doctor and Sarah Jane.

Google audience: Audience reception for this classic serial is generally positive, with viewers appreciating the return of the Daleks and the adventurous narrative. Some older viewers might find the special effects less impressive by modern standards, but the story's core elements remain compelling.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The distinctive 'shimmering' effect used to represent the Exxilon city's energy field was achieved by using a technique involving perforated acetate sheets and lighting.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I reckon the TARDIS must be related to the shopping trolley - it never goes where it's supposed to! This time the "Doctor" (Jon Pertwee) and his new pal "Sarah Jane" (Elisabeth Sladen) are planning some leisure time in the sun when they fin...