Doctor Who: The Masque of Mandragora
Doctor Who: The Masque of Mandragora

Movie spotlight

Doctor Who: The Masque of Mandragora

1976
Movie
100 min
English

An alien intelligence hitches a ride onboard the TARDIS to 15th century Italy, where a deranged astrologer attempts to harness its power.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Director: Rodney BennettGenres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Horror

Plot Summary

The Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith materialize in 15th-century Italy during the Renaissance, a time of political intrigue and burgeoning science. They soon discover that a mysterious, ancient force known as the Mandragora Helix is subtly influencing events, seeking to control human destiny through a network of its followers. The Doctor and Sarah Jane must uncover the conspiracy and prevent the Helix from plunging humanity into a new dark age.

Critical Reception

The Masque of Mandragora is widely regarded as a classic 'gothic horror' story within Doctor Who fandom, praised for its atmospheric setting, compelling performances, and intricate plot. It successfully blends historical drama with science fiction elements, creating a tense and engaging narrative. The serial is often cited as a high point of Tom Baker's tenure as the Doctor.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its effective blend of historical setting and sci-fi horror.

  • Tom Baker's performance as the Doctor is highlighted as a significant strength.

  • The intricate plot and atmospheric direction are frequently commended.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The story marked the first time Doctor Who filmed extensively on location in Italy, with scenes shot in the historic city of Bristol standing in for Renaissance Italy.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Once again, the steering of the TARDIS proves a bit unreliable as the Mandragora Helix lures it to Earth and to the realm of "Duke Giuliano" (Gareth Armstrong) who has only just recently inherited his title and thereby earned the enmity of ...

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