Doctor Who Star Peter Purves Declares Classic Era Superior as Missing Episodes Resurface
Peter Purves, a legendary figure from the early days of Doctor Who, has openly criticised the modern incarnation of the iconic sci-fi series, stating it 'isn't a patch on what it was'. The 87-year-old actor, renowned for his role as companion Steven Taylor alongside the First Doctor, William Hartnell, from 1965 to 1966, shared his nostalgic reflections in a recent interview with The Mirror. Following his tenure on the BBC show, Purves became a beloved host on Blue Peter for over a decade, but his heart remains with the classic Doctor Who era, which he describes as 'the golden era'.
Rediscovery of Long-Lost Episodes After Six Decades
In a remarkable turn of events, two missing episodes from the 1960s, The Nightmare Begins and Devil’s Planet, have been unearthed after 63 years. These episodes are part of the third series, The Daleks’ Master Plan, featuring William Hartnell as the Doctor and Peter Purves as Steven Taylor, alongside cast members such as Nicholas Courtney, Adrienne Hill, and Kevin Stoney. Originally written by Terry Nation, these stories were last broadcast in the UK and were presumed lost forever due to archival practices of the time.
The episodes were discovered within a 'ramshackle' collection of vintage films by the charitable trust Film is Fabulous! (FIF). After being donated anonymously from a late collector's estate, the BBC Archives undertook extensive restoration work on the original 16mm telerecordings. Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, expressed excitement, noting that the restored episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer this Easter, offering fans a special treat alongside their holiday celebrations.
Historical Context and Archival Challenges
The Daleks’ Master Plan faced significant hurdles in preservation. Censors in Australia and New Zealand deemed the storyline too violent, leading to a lack of overseas sales and diminished profitability. With the industry shifting towards colour broadcasting, the black-and-white episodes were considered to have little future value and were often discarded. However, some copies were retained by technicians for quality checks, eventually finding their way into private collections.
Professor Justin Smith, chair of trustees at FIF, explained that the collection, which primarily focused on trains and canals, included these Doctor Who gems amidst water-damaged and corroded films. The collector had recognised their significance, though the exact acquisition details remain a mystery. This discovery marks the first public announcement of lost Doctor Who episodes since 2014, reviving hope for other missing segments of the series.
Peter Purves' Emotional Reaction to the Screening
On March 11, Peter Purves attended what he initially believed was a media interview about 1960s television. To his astonishment, he was instead treated to a screening of the long-lost episodes. Overwhelmed by the experience, Purves remarked, 'I'm speechless, knocked out' and later added, 'My flabber has never been so gasted'. His emotional response underscores the enduring impact of these classic stories on both the cast and dedicated fans.
As Doctor Who continues to evolve with new lead actors like David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Ncuti Gatwa, Purves' critique highlights a nostalgic divide between the original series and its contemporary reboot. The availability of these restored episodes on BBC iPlayer not only enriches the Whoniverse but also preserves a crucial piece of television history for future generations to appreciate.
