Doctor Who - The Troughton Years [VHS]

Amazon.com This is the second of a series of exclusive-to-video feature-length programs devoted to the seven actors who played Doctor Who in the famous BBC series. Patrick Troughton was the Doctor from 1966 to 1969. Troughton passed away in 1987, so this program is introduced by Jon Pertwee, the third Doctor. Pertwee provides some brief linking material filmed in various places associated with the program, and there are also clips from Troughton's appearances in such stories as "The Web of Fear" and "The Three Doctors." But the bulk of the tape comprises three complete episodes. As a result of the BBC's destruction of valuable archive material, they are the only remaining segments of their respective serials. Shown here are episode two of "The Abominable Snowman" (1967), episode three of "The Enemy of the World" (1968), and episode two of "The Space Pirates" (1969). While rewarding for the serious fan, watching isolated episodes from incomplete serials does take commitment, and a booklet with detailed synopses would have made everything much more accessible. Even so, the sight of a Yeti in action or Troughton in the dual roles of the Doctor and the dictator Salamander remain notable pieces of vintage television history. --Gary S. Dalkin