Home

Doctor 1

Hear the Doctor

Played by

William Hartnell

The first Doctor was, in appearance, an elderly man. Viewers first met him when teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright followed one of their students, Susan Foreman, back to her 'home' which turned out to be a dark and gloomy junkyard. The Doctor was her grandfather, and Ian and Barbara found themselves whisked away for a succession of adventures in his incredible space and time machine. Although apparently old, the Doctor presented a sprightly and devious match for those who would cross him. His quicksilver mind worked fast, solving problems and allowing him to talk his way out of - and often into - difficult situations. He could be angry, conciliatory, calming and inspiring. He loved adventure and travel, and the erratic wanderings of his ship seemed to suit his nomadic and eventful life. He also enjoyed the company of others, even though he seemed initially hostile to the idea of anyone travelling with his grand-daughter and himself. He soon grew to respect Ian and Barbara and they learned that behind the occasionally gruff exterior was someone who could be trusted to the end. The Doctor was, however, a figure of mystery and shadow. Little was known or revealed about his true motivations or background. Viewers learned that Susan was 'born in another time another world', that the Doctor could not return to his own planet and that he really seemed to enjoy the nomadic life. However exactly from where and when the Doctor and Susan came, or any details about their past lives was kept deliberately vague. Despite the mystery of his past, the Doctor won the hearts of millions of viewers who came to see him as their weekly guide to other worlds and times. 1998 David J Howe
Last Updated 7/17/00 4:33:50 PM, by RichardWho Custom Software

Home