Doctor Who: The Handbook - The Third Doctor

Doctor Who: The Handbook #3

by David J. Howe, Stephen James Walker

Doctor Who is the world's longest running science fiction television series. Each handbook provides both a broad overview and a detailed analysis of one phase of the programme's history.

Jon Pertwee burst on the scene as the new man-of-action Doctor in January 1970. Immediately, the series, now in full colour, took a whole new direction. The Earth-bound Time Lord, backed by the hugely popular UNIT team, soon became a household favourite as the show's traditional strengths were blended with elements of James Bond and the star's own dynamism and charisma.

This book is an in in-depth study of Jon Pertwee's tenure as the Doctor, including a profile of the actor, a critical summary of each story in which he starred, an extensive feature on the making of Day of the Daleks which saw the return of the Daleks to the series after almost five years away, and much more. The authors have established their reputation with best-selling books such as The Sixties and The Seventies, and their acclaimed work on the four previous books in the handbook range.

Genres: Doctor Who, Science Fiction, Reference, Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 1996

Reviews

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the last of the three handbooks I would rate as above-average. First of all, there are conflicting opinions on some of the reviews of Pertwee-era episodes, which makes a change of pace from the standard fan dogma of the time. Then there is a focus on a number of interesting areas not covered in other handbooks, such as costume design. Finally, there is the section on the making of "Day of the Daleks" including the DVD commentary (in prose form) that we didn't get on the actual DVD, courtesy of the contribution of the director, Paul Leonard -- one of the most intriguing contributors to the era. I really enjoyed this volume.

[Paul Doody · Rating 5 out of 5]

David J Howe and co wrote one book on each of the first seven Doctor Whos, and this one covers the five-year era of the immensely popular Jon Pertwee. A detailed, brilliantly-researched look at how television was made in the early 1970s, and the circumstances surrounding Jon Pertwee's tenure in this great programme.

[Leonardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third installment in the series of classic Doctor Who Handbooks is an essential read for Doctor Who fans (both classic and new Who), as well as for anyone interested in how pop culture and fandoms were documented in the pre-Internet era. As with other book in the series, this handbook sets off with quotes from various members of the cast and the production team, before presenting a summary of each episode from the Pertwee era (juicy enough for diehard fans and friendly enough for newcomers). However, perhaps the most interesting sections are the interviews with members of the production team that aren't always the focus of books on TV shows and films: costume and set designers, as well as make-up artists. Another of the book's highlights is an in-depth account of the production of "Day of the Daleks", which will give fans a new appreciation (based on the way the production team made the script a reality and overcame techinical problem)of what is perhaps not one of the best serials of the Pertwee era. Finally, a very charming section is devoted to Jon Pertwee's active involvement in the role of the Doctor, beyond the boundaries of the TV show itself.

[Dmk · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's similarly made as Second Doctor's hanbook but with chapter about costumes... Too shallow, too much time spent on describing plots of stories I felt like I learned nothing really interesting or new even through so much happened in this era (like colour, Master, UNIT, change of format...)