DOCTOR WHO AND THE SILURIANS

Written by Malcolm Hulke.

Directed by Timothy Combe.

Transmitted originally: 31 January to 14 March 1970.

"The knowledge I shall gain is worth any risk!." 'Dr. Quinn'

THE STORY

The Doctor and Liz Shaw are summoned to an underground research centre at Wenley Moor by the Brigadier. The director of the facility, Dr Lawrence, informs them that work on a new type of nuclear reactor is being hampered by unexplained power losses and an unusually high number of cases of stress-related illness. Investigating the nearby cave system, the Doctor discovers it is the base of a group of highly-intelligent humanoid reptiles, called Silurians by Quinn, one of the scientists who has agreed to conceal their prescence in exchange for knowledge. The reptiles went into hibernation millions of years ago, but have been revived by the power from the research centre and consider the humans a primitive infestation on what was their world.

The Doctor strives for peace between the humans and reptiles, gaining the trust of the old Silurian leader. However, a rebellious young Silurian seizes control and releases a deadly virus that threatens to wipe out humanity. The Doctor finds an antidote, but the Silurians retaliate by taking over the research centre and prepare to destroy the Van Allen Velt, a natural barrier shielding the Earth from solar radiation which would be harmful to mankind. The creatures are tricked into returning to the caves when the Doctor overloads the reactor, threatening to cause a nuclear explosion. The Brigadier then blows up the Silurian base, much to the Doctor's disgust.

CAST:

The Doctor (Jon Pertwee), Liz Shaw (Caroline John), Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney), Dr. Quinn (Fulton Mackay), Major Baker (Norman Jones), Dr. Lawrence (Peter Miles), Miss Dawson (Thomasine Heiner), Dr. Meredith (Ian Cunningham), Roberts (Roy Branigan), Spencer (John Newman), Davis (Bill Matthews), Captain Hawkins (Paul Darrow), Doris Squire (Nancie Jackson), squire (Gordon Richardson), Silurians (Pat Gorman, Paul Barton, Simon Cain, John Churchill, Dave Carter), Silurian Voices (Peter Halliday), Masters (Geoffrey Palmer), Sergeant Hart (Richard Steele), Travis (Ian Talbot, Old Silurian (Dave Carter), Young Silurian (Nigel Johns), Private Robins (Harry Swift), Silurian Scientist (Pat Gorman), Corporal Nutting (Alan Mason), Private Wright (Derek Pollitt), Hospital Doctor (Brendan Barry).

FACTS:

The Doctor's yellow vintage car, nicknamed Bessie, appears for the first time in this story.

This is the only instance in the series' history of an on-air story beginning 'Doctor Who and...'

Actor Fulton Mackay, now better known as Mr Mackay in the classic BBC sitcom 'Porridge' appears as Dr. Quinn in the story.

OTHER FORMATS:

The Third Doctor Novelisations

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