Movie spotlight
UNIT is providing security cover at an experimental drilling project at Eastchester, designed to penetrate the Earth's crust and release a previously untapped source of energy. Soon, however, the drill head starts to leak an oily green liquid that transforms those who touch it into vicious primeval creatures with a craving for heat. The Doctor is accidentally transported "sideways in time" by the partially repaired TARDIS control console into a parallel universe where the drilling project is at a more advanced stage. Thwarted by his friends' ruthless alter egos, he works to save both universes.
The Doctor, Jo Grant, and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart arrive at a secret underground base where scientists are attempting to control the Earth's core temperature. However, their experiments have gone awry, creating a parallel universe where the Earth is engulfed in flames. The TARDIS is also affected, sending the Doctor and his companions to this fiery alternate reality. They must find a way to reverse the process and escape the inferno before it consumes them and their own timeline.
Inferno is often cited as one of the best Third Doctor serials, praised for its ambitious scope, tense atmosphere, and strong performances. While the visual effects of the 1970s have their limitations, the story's gripping narrative and the compelling portrayal of a dying Earth have cemented its status as a fan favorite.
Praised for its dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
Lauded for the strong performances of Jon Pertwee and Nicholas Courtney.
Appreciated for its creative and high-stakes plot.
Google audience: Audience reception for this classic serial is overwhelmingly positive, with many fans highlighting its intensity and the effective depiction of a disastrous scenario. The serial is often remembered for its memorable cliffhangers and the Doctor's determination to save both parallel worlds.
Director Douglas Camfield famously insisted on using real fire and pyrotechnics for the Earth's surface scenes, leading to considerable safety concerns and a tense filming environment.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
I found this to be very similar to the previous "Ambassadors of Death" series with the "Doctor" (Jon Pertwee) and his assistant "Liz" (Caroline John) recruited by the "Brigadier" (Nicholas Courtney) to help solve some mysterious goings-on a...