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Space Helmet for a Cow #1
Space Helmet for a Cow: The Mad, True Story of Doctor Who
In Space Helmet for a Cow, Paul Kirkley (SFX magazine) provides a sweeping, wry and warm look at the behind-the-scenes story of Doctor Who - not just the greatest TV show ever made, but frequently the most insane TV show ever made. Which other program, for example, would attempt to sink Atlantis, wage inter-planetary war and crash Concorde - all in BBC Television Centre, on a budget that would barely cover a sitcom? This is the story of how, over 50 years, a bunch of very clever, very dedicated and sometimes plain crazy people made Doctor Who happen, often against seemingly insuperable odds; a story of triumph and tragedy, tears and tantrums, and an awful lot of men called Donald. Space Helmet for a Cow also answers the burning questions few have dared tackle before. Questions How does a talking cabbage get an Equity card? What would have been in William Hartnell's Glastonbury set? And if you meet a Yeti coming out of a loo in Tooting Bec, how long should you give it?
- GenresDoctor WhoNonfiction
274 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2014
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 21, 2019
This is a very fun read about the original run of Doctor Who. The back story is so improbable, that it has the ring of one of the episodes. Added to all the behind-the-scenes drama is the fairly hilarious telling of the story. Will be reading book 2 on the return of the series.
April 6, 2019
42 WORD REVIEW:
A derivative though informative critique of Doctor Who’s original run. Kirkley admits that his only original contribution is the humorous slant he brings, but unfortunately this is facetious in its execution and grows old very quickly. The title is the best part.
A derivative though informative critique of Doctor Who’s original run. Kirkley admits that his only original contribution is the humorous slant he brings, but unfortunately this is facetious in its execution and grows old very quickly. The title is the best part.
May 26, 2024
A truly excellent read. Written with insight, knowledge, wit, and love for the subject. As a lifelong Who fan, I can feel the love baked into the fun-making and amusing, sometimes hilarious, asides.
I cannot recommend highly enough for anyone interested in the classic era of Dr Who
I cannot recommend highly enough for anyone interested in the classic era of Dr Who
July 12, 2017
Loved it, loved it, loved it. When's volume two coming out?
March 2, 2025
For a show that's more than 60 years old, it's unsurprising that the history of Doctor Who is a rich and fascinating one. But this history is told amongst a variety of different media. Official publications, numerous DVD commentaries, fanzines, conventions - a rich and heady brew of anecdotes, personal recollections and the odd moment of indiscretion.
But, despite the numerous books and related media dedicated to our favourite Time Lord, there hasn't really been a book that takes us through each Doctor and the real life history of the making of the show
In Space Helmet For A Cow (taking from a line uttered during the Hartnell era), fellow Leodensian Paul Kirkley takes the reader of a journey from the inception of the show to - for this Volume at least - the great hiatus that took place soon after Sylvester McCoy's era. Utilizing various sources, Kirkley takes us through the showrunners and the decisions that would go on to shape the shape the show we love (and if you are reading this, then I assume you would love it). There's stories of the production problems (often exacerbated by being stuck in a freezing cold quarry), the egos (plenty of the mercurial personalities are explored, especially one who we'll refer to as 'Bom Taker'), the highs and lows of viewing figures and cultural importance. It's a fascinating cultural history that speaks not only of the changing face of television, but also of sci-fi and - indeed - Britain itself.
Throughout Kirkley keeps an insouciant tone, reviewing each Doctor Who story and interjecting a few silly jokes (think The Completely Useless Encyclopedia) that speaks of a love of the show with an appreciation of it's flaws.
Even die hard fans will learn something (I learned that there is somewhere a audio pilot for a proposed radio show for Peter Cushing's alt-universe version of the Doctor and also that Sophie Aldred and Les Dennis used to be an item) and there's a creditable amount of painstaking research.
Painstaking, comprehensive and more than a bit silly, this is the history the Doctor deserves. And there is still more to come....
But, despite the numerous books and related media dedicated to our favourite Time Lord, there hasn't really been a book that takes us through each Doctor and the real life history of the making of the show
In Space Helmet For A Cow (taking from a line uttered during the Hartnell era), fellow Leodensian Paul Kirkley takes the reader of a journey from the inception of the show to - for this Volume at least - the great hiatus that took place soon after Sylvester McCoy's era. Utilizing various sources, Kirkley takes us through the showrunners and the decisions that would go on to shape the shape the show we love (and if you are reading this, then I assume you would love it). There's stories of the production problems (often exacerbated by being stuck in a freezing cold quarry), the egos (plenty of the mercurial personalities are explored, especially one who we'll refer to as 'Bom Taker'), the highs and lows of viewing figures and cultural importance. It's a fascinating cultural history that speaks not only of the changing face of television, but also of sci-fi and - indeed - Britain itself.
Throughout Kirkley keeps an insouciant tone, reviewing each Doctor Who story and interjecting a few silly jokes (think The Completely Useless Encyclopedia) that speaks of a love of the show with an appreciation of it's flaws.
Even die hard fans will learn something (I learned that there is somewhere a audio pilot for a proposed radio show for Peter Cushing's alt-universe version of the Doctor and also that Sophie Aldred and Les Dennis used to be an item) and there's a creditable amount of painstaking research.
Painstaking, comprehensive and more than a bit silly, this is the history the Doctor deserves. And there is still more to come....
November 16, 2024
OK, I admit it. Stick a Tardis on something and I'd probably buy it. Sporks, pizza cutters, books.
Same for Star Trek I suspect.
Only, in this case, it's a good thing.
You see, Paul Kirkley here has managed to blend the two things that make the perfect Doctor Who book - facts and hilarious asides.
And this book is hilarious. Especially when you get to the Adric era. But I digress...
Using excellent reference materials, Kirkley takes us all the way from bringing Hartnell to the screen to taking McCoy off it - and even though you know how this whole period ends, you still feel the sadness and disappointment that seeps of the final pages.
A lot of what Kirkley covers has now, unfortunately, been thrown together, burnt on to a BluRay and stuffed into a collectable boxset (yes, I do have them all, why do you ask), but even though he is taking us down well-worn and familiar paths, Paul does it in such a way that the book is pretty much unputdownable.
Yes that's a word.
His engaging prose, hilarious asides (seriously, tea was spat reading this) and his undiluted love of Adric (always nice to see one's own views reflected back) make this a compelling, essential read for all Whovians.
Not you Matthew. You just hop on to the second volume....
Same for Star Trek I suspect.
Only, in this case, it's a good thing.
You see, Paul Kirkley here has managed to blend the two things that make the perfect Doctor Who book - facts and hilarious asides.
And this book is hilarious. Especially when you get to the Adric era. But I digress...
Using excellent reference materials, Kirkley takes us all the way from bringing Hartnell to the screen to taking McCoy off it - and even though you know how this whole period ends, you still feel the sadness and disappointment that seeps of the final pages.
A lot of what Kirkley covers has now, unfortunately, been thrown together, burnt on to a BluRay and stuffed into a collectable boxset (yes, I do have them all, why do you ask), but even though he is taking us down well-worn and familiar paths, Paul does it in such a way that the book is pretty much unputdownable.
Yes that's a word.
His engaging prose, hilarious asides (seriously, tea was spat reading this) and his undiluted love of Adric (always nice to see one's own views reflected back) make this a compelling, essential read for all Whovians.
Not you Matthew. You just hop on to the second volume....
April 15, 2018
I thought I didn't need another book about Doctor Who but Space Helmet For a Cow is on my book shelf because it told me some things I didn't know (and I've been a nerdy fan for since I can remember fannying about) and also made me laugh. Volume 2 is now on the To Read pile!
August 10, 2019
Fantastic book! It sets the series in great context, taking us chronologically through the events of the time and explaining what was going on behind the scenes. It's written in a very enjoyable fashion and is a great read.
August 21, 2018
Entertaining and interesting look behind the scenes.
Quite good actually.
Quite good actually.
July 23, 2023
Probably the craziest idea on television, a madman who can travel across both time and space in a small spaceship, became a mainstay of the BBC for twenty six years. 'Space Helmet for a Cow' is Paul Kirkley's irreverent look back at the first long haul of 'Doctor Who'. There's a lot of ground covered and all with a sense of flair and enjoyment. This is the history of a television series for people who don't usually like history.
September 13, 2016
This is an engaging book, informally written, with lots of snarky asides to the reader and imagined conversations between the figures that form this history. I'm a confirmed fan of many years standing, but there was still a fair bit in here that I didn't know. Kirkley admits in the acknowledgements at the end that he relied heavily on secondary works, but for a book like this that's perfectly reasonable. And he provides his references in a comprehensive source section at the back.
Although I didn't really get into the fandom properly until later, I've always tended to go along with the general notion that John Nathan-Turner wasn't good for the programme, but Kirkley is sympathetic to him and I find myself coming away with a much more nuanced view of the chap. The higher echelons of the BBC in the 80s, though, come in for a drubbing.
One thing that the book sorely needs is an index. There are so many names that it's difficult to keep track of them all, so an index to let you flip back and check up on them would be invaluable. Without it, it makes it hard to use as a reference. In saying that, the book is clearly intended as a narrative history, not a scholarly one, so the omission is understandable.
So overall, this is an entertaining history of the fascinating story of a remarkable television programme. One that somehow managed to survive its first couple of disaster-laden episodes and is still going strong, more than fifty years later.
Although I didn't really get into the fandom properly until later, I've always tended to go along with the general notion that John Nathan-Turner wasn't good for the programme, but Kirkley is sympathetic to him and I find myself coming away with a much more nuanced view of the chap. The higher echelons of the BBC in the 80s, though, come in for a drubbing.
One thing that the book sorely needs is an index. There are so many names that it's difficult to keep track of them all, so an index to let you flip back and check up on them would be invaluable. Without it, it makes it hard to use as a reference. In saying that, the book is clearly intended as a narrative history, not a scholarly one, so the omission is understandable.
So overall, this is an entertaining history of the fascinating story of a remarkable television programme. One that somehow managed to survive its first couple of disaster-laden episodes and is still going strong, more than fifty years later.
November 23, 2016
Surely if there’s one thing the world doesn’t need it’s yet another reference/potted history book on BBC television’s Doctor Who? With the possible exception of Star Trek, there can surely be no other tv show which has been so well documented in print , every second achingly poured over in literally hundreds of books, not to mention an official ongoing magazine, itself with a 30-year history. After reading this, the somewhat remarkable answer is yes, there is.
What sets ‘Space Helmet for a Cow’ (a line from a William Hartnell story in which The Doctor is baffled as to why anyone would question whether a Viking helmet is indeed a Viking helmet) apart from the rest is that writer Paul Kirkley knows it’s a cheap and silly show but loves it all the same, eschewing dry facts and somber seriousness for a delightful spirit of Joie de Vivre. It’s a well-researched history peppered with affectionate piss taking, but also lavishes praise when deserved. It’s fun, informative, occasionally laugh out loud funny and managed to hold a few nuggets and surprises for even this old time fan. If you pick up one Doctor Who complete history (well, 1963-89 anyway, there’s a volume 2 due imminently!) then make it this one.
It's entirely coincidental that I've finished this on the show's 53rd anniversary by the way...Happy Birthday!
What sets ‘Space Helmet for a Cow’ (a line from a William Hartnell story in which The Doctor is baffled as to why anyone would question whether a Viking helmet is indeed a Viking helmet) apart from the rest is that writer Paul Kirkley knows it’s a cheap and silly show but loves it all the same, eschewing dry facts and somber seriousness for a delightful spirit of Joie de Vivre. It’s a well-researched history peppered with affectionate piss taking, but also lavishes praise when deserved. It’s fun, informative, occasionally laugh out loud funny and managed to hold a few nuggets and surprises for even this old time fan. If you pick up one Doctor Who complete history (well, 1963-89 anyway, there’s a volume 2 due imminently!) then make it this one.
It's entirely coincidental that I've finished this on the show's 53rd anniversary by the way...Happy Birthday!
September 12, 2015
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2516626.html
Yet another history-of-Doctor-Who book, but one with a difference: rather than analysing the stories for content or cultural context, Kirkley tells the story from the production point of view, including inside details of how each Doctor was hired and how each departed, and what the background mood music was like in the production team. I knew some of this but by no means all, and the full gory details of the friction between Eric Saward and John Nathan-Turner really made my jaw drop. The whole is written in a breezy style, with invented conversations jostling with real interview material (the difference clearly signalled in that the real quotes are given proper citations). I think it ends up being rather a good gateway drug for those who think they might want to read more about Who but aren't sure where to start - the end points, obviously, being Wood and Miles' About Time series and Philip Sandifer's TARDIS Eruditorum. And even those of us who thought we knew it all may get some surprises. This volume covers all of Old Who; I will get the second volume, which apparently starts with Dimensions in Time.
Yet another history-of-Doctor-Who book, but one with a difference: rather than analysing the stories for content or cultural context, Kirkley tells the story from the production point of view, including inside details of how each Doctor was hired and how each departed, and what the background mood music was like in the production team. I knew some of this but by no means all, and the full gory details of the friction between Eric Saward and John Nathan-Turner really made my jaw drop. The whole is written in a breezy style, with invented conversations jostling with real interview material (the difference clearly signalled in that the real quotes are given proper citations). I think it ends up being rather a good gateway drug for those who think they might want to read more about Who but aren't sure where to start - the end points, obviously, being Wood and Miles' About Time series and Philip Sandifer's TARDIS Eruditorum. And even those of us who thought we knew it all may get some surprises. This volume covers all of Old Who; I will get the second volume, which apparently starts with Dimensions in Time.
February 16, 2017
What's so funny about geeky fandom and detailed, some might say over-, analysis, of a hit TV show? Well - lots it turns out. The jokes are bigger on the inside with this book and Mr Kirkley shows he is a massive geek without letting that stop him from mocking his affliction. Very informative and very funny. Not sure what a non-Who fanatic will make of it but I loved it. And there's a lot to love - with the sort of textual density you'd expect from a Tolstoy/ Einstein mash-up PK has put in the hours. I can't wait for the sequel - Quantum Tiara for a Bivalve (or is that the next Bond movie?).
January 15, 2017
The best book about Doctor Who I've ever read, and I've read quite a few (or I've started to read quite a few!) I only bought it because I'm an obsessive completest; I'm not sure I ever meant to read it. I mean, "Space Helmet for a Cow"? How good can a book be with a title like that? Very good.
It's very funny, and spends a LOT of time poking fun at Doctor Who. But not in a mean way - it's also very affectionate about the programme.
It's very funny, and spends a LOT of time poking fun at Doctor Who. But not in a mean way - it's also very affectionate about the programme.
January 7, 2016
A wonderful look back over the original run of Doctor Who from its inception to 1989 cancellation. Packed full of anecdotes i never heard before, with some very affectionate wit, this is hugely enjoyable read.
Can't wait for volume 2.
Can't wait for volume 2.
June 5, 2015
A highly entertaining history of the making of the classic Doctor Who series, peppered with snarky jokes but at heart an affectionate tribute.
November 19, 2015
Very comprehensive book detailing Doctor Who from 1963 to 1989,every episode with anecdotes and humour.Would recommend to Whovians interested in the older series.
January 31, 2016
This is an amazing book! Packed full of triva and anecdotes it's witty (actually laugh out loud funny) warm and truly a labour of love.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews