PLOTLINE  

Seven months after it left the red planet, Mars Probe 7 still hasn't returned to Earth. The Doctor and Liz Shaw join the investigation as a second capsule, Recovery 7, is sent to discover what has happened. But when it returns, something is terribly wrong with its three astronauts...The space-suited figures are kidnapped and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart leads UNIT in a rescue attempt - whilst Liz finds herself at the mercy of dangerous fanatics. Only a solo space flight by the Doctor can break the deadlock surrounding the crew of Mars Probe 7. Closer to home, however, a deadly fear threatens a catastrophic end for the entire Earth.

Includes an interview with Caroline John (the narrator for this release).

COMMENT

Ambitious.

A single word that defines DOCTOR WHO - THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH. And it was 1970, the drama series was exploring new territory, not only in the style of storytelling, in developing the character of the newly regenerated Doctor, and colour film production.

And, like the previous story, DOCTOR WHO AND THE SILURIANS, it succeeds in delivering a contemporary high-octane thriller with a more than of a hint of science fiction (as you would expect from the professional collaboration from Barry Letts, David Whitaker and Malcolm Hulke).

With a missing complete colour print of this CLASSIC SERIES Jon Pertwee adventure absent from the BBC ARCHIVES - it may never be released on DVD, though it was released on VHS in 2002 (containing 90 minutes of colour footage) - then BBC AUDIO's narrated televised soundtrack is to be appreciated.

The story is a re-working of a 1986 idea (a six-parter initially titled INVADERS FROM MARS) from David Whitaker that focussed on the Second Doctor, Jamie & Zoë that evolved into THE CARRIERS OF DEATH and then into its final incarnation under the stewardship of the new production team. Developed at a time when space exploration was at a heightened peak (the story was broadcast at the time of the ill-fated NASA Apollo 13), its contemporary content was superbly timed (Barry Letts had considered foresight in bringing many sci-fi political issues to the DOCTOR WHO format) to hit a nerve with the British public; what would we the cost to humanity if planet Earth continued to explore the universe?

Exclusive to this BBC AUDIO release is a welcome lengthy interview with OST narrator, Caroline (Liz Shaw) John, detailing her time on the drama series.

Caroline John: These two days have been terrific. Thank you.

Caroline John: I was bit alarmed that I had no memory of people in there. I love Ronnie Allen; he was such a kind person. Jon nurtured us.

Caroline John: Jon Scammell did all my stunts, including going over the Weir. I was three months pregnant, and if Barry Letts had known he'd have had kittens.

Caroline John: I did THE FIVE DOCTORS because I was "stony broke". I was very fond of John Nathan-Turner.

The narration is faithfully effective but remains unobtrusive so to allow the atmospherics and sweeping score from Dudley Simpson (either the space sequences have a "balletic" tone & haunting beauty or the music sounds like "muzac" from a 1970s Las Vegas elevator) to balance the technological-laden script. Caroline's bullet-by-bullet description of the Brigadier's storming of the warehouse is thoroughly precise and explains why the UNIT forces were not massacred at the hands of the mercenaries. The narration is even more useful during the lengthy (read: boring) "action sequences" of episode 2 and the space sojourns for the Doctor.

Mark Ayres' "cleaning-up" of the seven-part "James Bond-esque" adventure should be noted as being, once again, excellent, reducing the hiss & woofle (well, not a technical term but you know what I mean) that frequently plagues soundtracks of a certain age.

DOCTOR WHO - THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH captures the tone of the age; hope, expectation and embracing challenge. If it was re-worked by BBC WALES as a two-parter, under the guidance of Steven Moffat, then it would offer the same tone & value.

Relive the 1970s in the 21st century, enjoy the iconic Third Doctor and the Brigadier and treat yourself to DOCTOR WHO - THE AMBASSADORS OF DEATH from BBC AUDIO.