Planet of Giants: Difference between revisions

Planet of Giants
Author	Terrance Dicks
Cover artist	Alister Pearson
Series	Doctor Who book:; Target novelisations
Release number	145
Publisher	Target Books
Publication date	18 January 1990
ISBN	0-426-20345-3

009 – *Planet of Giants*
009 – Planet of Giants
Doctor Who serial
	The miniaturised Susan and Ian encounter a normal-sized ant
Cast
	Doctor William Hartnell (First Doctor);
	Companions Carole Ann Ford (Susan Foreman); Jacqueline Hill (Barbara Wright); William Russell (Ian Chesterton);
	Others Alan Tilvern — Forester; Frank Crawshaw — Farrow; Reginald Barratt — Smithers; Rosemary Johnson — Hilda; Fred Ferris — Bert;
Production
Directed by	Mervyn Pinfield; Douglas Camfield (episode 3);
Written by	Louis Marks
Script editor	David Whitaker
Produced by	Verity Lambert; Mervyn Pinfield;
Music by	Dudley Simpson
Production code	J
Series	Season 2
Running time	3 episodes, 25 minutes each
First broadcast	31 October 1964
Last broadcast	14 November 1964
Chronology
← Preceded by; The Reign of Terror	Followed by →; The Dalek Invasion of Earth
	List of episodes (1963–1989)

Browse history interactively

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Revision as of 01:35, 25 January 2020

Planet of Giants is the first serial of the second season in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Written by Louis Marks and directed by Mervyn Pinfield and Douglas Camfield, the serial was first broadcast on BBC1 in three weekly parts from 31 October to 14 November 1964. In the serial, the First Doctor (William Hartnell), his granddaughter Susan Foreman (Carole Ann Ford), and teachers Ian Chesterton (William Russell) and Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill) are shrunk to the size of an inch after the Doctor's time machine the TARDIS arrives in contemporary England.

The story's concept was first proposed as the first serial of the show's first season, but was rejected due to its technical complexity and lack of character development. When Marks was commissioned to write the script, he inspired by Rachel Carson's 1962 environmental science book Silent Spring, the first major documentation on human impact on the environment. The story was originally written and filmed as a four-part serial, but later reduced to three parts; the third and fourth episodes were cut down to form a faster-paced climax. The serial premiered with 8.4 million viewers, maintaining audience figures throughout the three weeks. Retrospective response for the serial was mixed, with criticism praised at its story and characterisation despite praise for its ambition. It later received several print adaptations and home media releases.

Plot

Despite indications of a malfunction in the TARDIS, its fault locator shows nothing is wrong and that it is safe to go outside. The First Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Susan consequently explore the vicinity, finding the remains of giant earthworm and ant, which appear to have died instantaneously. The travellers realise they have returned to Earth but have shrunk to the height of an inch. Ian investigates the interior of a discarded matchbox when it is picked up by a government scientist called Farrow, who is visiting a callous industrialist named Forester to tell him that his application for a new insecticide called DN6 has been rejected as it is far too deadly to all forms of insect life. News of this appraisal prompts Forester to fatally shoot Farrow. The Doctor, Barbara, and Susan hear the gunshot and head for the house to find Ian unhurt near Farrow's corpse.

Forester's aide, Smithers, arrives but does not report the murder for fear of undermining the DN6 project to which he has dedicated his life. Ian and Barbara hide inside Farrow's briefcase to avoid being stepped on by Forester and Smithers, and get separated from the Doctor and Susan after the briefcase is brought inside the house. The Doctor and Susan climb up a drain pipe to find them. Forester alters Farrow's report to give support to the DN6 licence application and, disguising his voice as Farrow’s, makes a supportive phone call to the ministry to the same effect. This is overheard by the local telephone operator Hilda Rowse and her policeman husband Bert, who suspect something is wrong.

Within the house, Ian and Barbara encounter a giant fly, which is killed instantly when it contacts sample seeds that had been sprayed with DN6. Barbara had handled one of these seeds and begins to feel unwell. The Doctor, realising the toxic nature of DN6 and the probable contamination of Barbara, proposes they alert someone by hoisting up the giant telephone receiver, but they cannot make themselves heard. At the telephone exchange, the engaged signal makes Hilda and Bert increasingly concerned. Bert heads off to the house to investigate. The Doctor and his companions decide to attract attention by starting a fire, succeeding in manoeuvring an aerosol can into the flames of the Bunsen burner gas outlet. This coincides with Smithers discovering the true virulence of DN6 and demanding Forester cease his licence application. In the lab, the makeshift bomb explodes in Forester’s face as PC Rowse arrives. Back in the TARDIS, the Doctor succeeds in returning the craft and crew to normal size, a process which cures Barbara of her infection by DN6.

Production

Conception and writing

The concept of the Doctor and his companions shrinking in size was initially proposed as the first story of the show's first season, written by C. E. Webber and entitled The Giants.^[1] After some rewrites, the serial was rejected by show creator Sydney Newman in June 1963 due to its technical complexity and lack of character development.^[2] The concept of The Giants was given to writer Robert Gould in mid-1963 to develop as the four-part fourth serial of the first season, but it was dropped by January 1964 due to scripting difficulties.^[3] By February 1964, the serial was assigned to writer Louis Marks.^[4] The main narrative was inspired by Rachel Carson's 1962 environmental science book Silent Spring, the first major documentation on human impact on the environment.^[5] The fictional insecticide featured in the story, DN6, was inspired by incidents described by Carson regarding the impact of DDT on insects.^[6] Whitaker commissioned Marks for the serial in May 1964, then titled The Planet of Giants.^[7] Mervyn Pinfield was assigned to direct the serial.^[8]

Filming

The special effect inserts of a cat were filmed on 30 July 1964 using silent 35mm film, with sound added later during a studio recording.^[9] The show's regular cast—William Hartnell, William Russell, Jacqueline Hill, and Carole Ann Ford—filmed the sequences in which they appeared alongside giant props; the effect was achieved by recording the actors through glass and reflecting the object onto a half-silvered mirror. The footage was later deemed unsatisfactory, and the scenes were re-shot on 13 August.^[10] Rehearsals for the first episode took place on 17 August at the London Transport Assembly Rooms, across the road from the BBC Television Centre. Weekly recording for the serial began on 21 August at the Television Centre, Studio 4.^[11] Due to Pinfield's other commitments, the fourth and final episode was directed by Douglas Camfield, who had worked as a production assist to Waris Hussein during the show's first season. The final episode was recorded on 11 September.^[12]

Post-production

Planet of Giants is the first Doctor Who serial to feature the work of incidental music composer Dudley Simpson, who first recorded on 14 August 1964.^[10] On 19 October 1964, head of serials Donald Wilson decided to reduce the four-part serial to three episodes, as it was felt to be an unsatisfactory opening to the show's second season; he preferred to open the season with the following serial, The Dalek Invasion of Earth, but narrative events prevented the change. The two 24-minute episodes were edited together into a single 25-minute episode from 29 October–2 November to form a faster-paced climax featuring the main characters.^[13]^[14] Camfield was credited for the final episode.^[15]

Reception

Broadcast and ratings

Episode	Title	Run time	Original air date	UK viewers (millions)	Appreciation Index
1	"Planet of Giants"	23:15	31 October 1964 (1964-10-31)	8.4	57
2	"Dangerous Journey"	23:40	7 November 1964 (1964-11-07)	8.4	58
3	"Crisis"	26:35	14 November 1964 (1964-11-14)	8.9	59

Planet of Giants was considered a strong debut to the second season,^[16] receiving 8.4 million viewers for the first two episodes and 8.9 million for the third.^[17] An Audience Research Report on the first episode indicated that the show had gained 17% of the viewing audience.^[16] The Appreciation Index increased slightly over the three episodes, from 57 to 59.^[17] The BBC Film and Videotape Library did not select the serial for preservation, and the original tapes were wiped in the late 1960s. In 1977, BBC Enterprises discovered 16mm film prints of the serial.^[17]

Critical response

At the BBC Programme Review Board after the broadcast of the first episode in November 1964, the director-general Hugh Greene was unimpressed by the story's concept; following the second episode's broadcast, he noted his disappointment at the serial and eagerness for the Daleks' return.^[16] An Audience Research Report on the first episode noted that the response had been positive, with praise directed at the props and special effects.^[17]

Retrospective reviews of the serial were mixed. Patrick Mulkern of Radio Times wrote that the story had ambition and impressive set design, but felt that "the drama itself is less than enthralling". Mulkern noted that Barbara "[came] across as uncharacteristically wet" and described Simpson's score as "annoyingly childish".^[15] DVD Talk's John Sinnott felt that the serial was a "solid installment", but considered it strange that the main characters do not interact with the criminals.^[18] Dave Golder of SFX described the serial as "undeniably slow, talky and lacking in excitement", particularly criticising Barbara's characterisation.^[19] Christopher Bahn of The A.V. Club appreciated the ambition of the serial but felt that it "never quite gels together" and the condensed final episodes hindered the overall story.^[20]

Commercial releases

A novelisation of Planet of Giants, written by Terrance Dicks, was published by Target Books in January 1990. It was the final First Doctor serial to be novelised. Dicks used the original rehearsal script for the first episode and a camera script for the scrapped final episode to restore the missing sequences.^[21]

The serial was released on VHS by BBC Video in January 2002;^[21] it was the first commercially released story to receive the VidFIRE process.^[22] 2 Entertain released the serial on DVD in August 2012; the release featured several special features, including audio commentaries, documentaries, and a recreation of the original third and fourth episodes using newly recorded dialogue and animation based on the original scripts.^[23]

References

^ Howe, Stammers & Walker 1994, pp. 178–179.
^ Wright 2016, pp. 104–105.
^ Wright 2016, p. 105.
^ Wright 2016, p. 106.
^ Wright 2016, p. 107.
^ Wright 2016, p. 108.
^ Wright 2016, p. 109.
^ Wright 2016, p. 111.
^ Wright 2016, p. 112.
^ ^a ^b Wright 2016, p. 114.
^ Wright 2016, p. 115.
^ Wright 2016, p. 118.
^ Wright 2016, p. 120.
^ Howe, Stammers & Walker 1994, p. 275.
^ ^a ^b Mulkern, Patrick (13 November 2008). "Planet of Giants". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Archived from the original on 21 September 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 21 September 2018 suggested (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c Wright 2016, p. 124.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Wright 2016, p. 125.
^ Sinnott, John (31 October 2012). "Doctor Who: Planet of Giants". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
^ Golder, Dave (17 August 2012). "Doctor Who: Planet Of Giants REVIEW". SFX. Future plc. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
^ Bahn, Christopher (9 December 2012). "Doctor Who (Classic): "Planet Of Giants"". The A.V. Club. G/O Media. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
^ ^a ^b Wright 2016, p. 126.
^ Roberts, Steve (23 August 2004). "VidFIRE". Doctor Who Restoration Team. Archived from the original on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
^ Wright 2016, pp. 126–127.

Bibliograhy

Howe, David J.; Stammers, Mark; Walker, Stephen James (1994). Doctor Who The Handbook - The First Doctor. London: Doctor Who Books. ISBN 0-426-20430-1. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
Wright, Mark, ed. (2016). "The Sensorites, The Reign of Terror and Planet of Giants". Doctor Who: The Complete History. 3 (21). Panini Comics, Hachette Partworks. {{cite journal}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)

External links

Planet of Giants at BBC Online

Planet of Giants on Tardis Wiki, the Doctor Who Wiki

[FOOTNOTEHoweStammersWalker1994178–179-1] Howe, Stammers & Walker 1994, pp. 178–179.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016104–105-2] Wright 2016, pp. 104–105.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016105-3] Wright 2016, p. 105.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016106-4] Wright 2016, p. 106.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016107-5] Wright 2016, p. 107.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016108-6] Wright 2016, p. 108.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016109-7] Wright 2016, p. 109.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016111-8] Wright 2016, p. 111.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016112-9] Wright 2016, p. 112.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016114-10] Wright 2016, p. 114.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016115-11] Wright 2016, p. 115.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016118-12] Wright 2016, p. 118.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016120-13] Wright 2016, p. 120.

[FOOTNOTEHoweStammersWalker1994275-14] Howe, Stammers & Walker 1994, p. 275.

[Radio_Times_Review-15] Mulkern, Patrick (13 November 2008). "Planet of Giants". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Archived from the original on 21 September 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2020. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 21 September 2018 suggested (help)

[FOOTNOTEWright2016124-16] Wright 2016, p. 124.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016125-17] Wright 2016, p. 125.

[DVD_Talk_Review-18] Sinnott, John (31 October 2012). "Doctor Who: Planet of Giants". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2020.

[SFX_Review-19] Golder, Dave (17 August 2012). "Doctor Who: Planet Of Giants REVIEW". SFX. Future plc. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2020.

[AV_Club_Review-20] Bahn, Christopher (9 December 2012). "Doctor Who (Classic): "Planet Of Giants"". The A.V. Club. G/O Media. Archived from the original on 3 November 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2020.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016126-21] Wright 2016, p. 126.

[VidFIRE-22] Roberts, Steve (23 August 2004). "VidFIRE". Doctor Who Restoration Team. Archived from the original on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2020.

[FOOTNOTEWright2016126–127-23] Wright 2016, pp. 126–127.

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@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 * [[Rosemary Johnson]] — Hilda
 * [[Fred Ferris (actor)|Fred Ferris]] — Bert
-| director           = [[Mervyn Pinfield]]<br />[[Douglas Camfield]] (episode 3)
+| director           = {{Unbulleted list|[[Mervyn Pinfield]]|{{nowrap|[[Douglas Camfield]] (episode 3)}}}}
 | writer             = [[Louis Marks]]
 | script_editor      = [[David Whitaker (screenwriter)|David Whitaker]]
-| producer           = [[Verity Lambert]]<br />[[Mervyn Pinfield]] (associate producer, uncredited)
+| producer           = {{Unbulleted list|[[Verity Lambert]]|Mervyn Pinfield}}
-| executive_producer = None
 | composer           = [[Dudley Simpson]]
 | production_code    = J
@@ Line 31: / Line 30: @@
 | following          = ''[[The Dalek Invasion of Earth]]''
 }}
-'''''Planet of Giants''''' is the first serial of the [[Doctor Who (season 2)|second season]] in the British [[science fiction television]] series ''[[Doctor Who]]'', which was first broadcast in three weekly parts from 31 October to 14 November 1964.
+'''''Planet of Giants''''' is the first [[Serial (radio and television)|serial]] of the [[Doctor Who (season 2)|second season]] in the British [[science fiction television]] series ''[[Doctor Who]]''. Written by [[Louis Marks]] and directed by [[Mervyn Pinfield]] and [[Douglas Camfield]], the serial was first broadcast on [[BBC1]] in three weekly parts from 31 October to 14 November 1964. In the serial, the [[First Doctor]] ([[William Hartnell]]), his granddaughter [[Susan Foreman]] ([[Carole Ann Ford]]), and teachers [[Ian Chesterton]] ([[William Russell (English actor)|William Russell]]) and [[Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)|Barbara Wright]] ([[Jacqueline Hill]]) are shrunk to the size of an inch after the Doctor's time machine the [[TARDIS]] arrives in contemporary England.
+The story's concept was first proposed as the first serial of the show's [[Doctor Who (season 1)|first season]], but was rejected due to its technical complexity and lack of character development. When Marks was commissioned to write the script, he inspired by [[Rachel Carson]]'s 1962 environmental science book ''[[Silent Spring]]'', the first major documentation on human impact on the environment. The story was originally written and filmed as a four-part serial, but later reduced to three parts; the third and fourth episodes were cut down to form a faster-paced climax. The serial premiered with 8.4 million viewers, maintaining audience figures throughout the three weeks. Retrospective response for the serial was mixed, with criticism praised at its story and characterisation despite praise for its ambition. It later received several print adaptations and home media releases.
-In the serial, the [[First Doctor]] ([[William Hartnell]]), his granddaughter [[Susan Foreman]] ([[Carole Ann Ford]]), and teachers [[Ian Chesterton]] ([[William Russell (English actor)|William Russell]]) and [[Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)|Barbara Wright]] ([[Jacqueline Hill]]) are shrunk to the size of an inch after the Doctor's time machine the [[TARDIS]] arrives in contemporary England. The Doctor and Susan head inside a laboratory to find Ian and Barbara after the two parties get separated.
-==Plot==
+== Plot ==
-Despite indications of a malfunction in the [[TARDIS]], its fault locator shows nothing is wrong and that it is safe to go outside. The [[First Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)|Barbara]] and [[Susan Foreman|Susan]] consequently explore the vicinity, finding the remains of giant earthworm and ant, which appear to have died instantaneously. The travellers realise they have returned to Earth but have shrunk to the height of an inch.
+Despite indications of a malfunction in the [[TARDIS]], its fault locator shows nothing is wrong and that it is safe to go outside. The [[First Doctor]], [[Ian Chesterton|Ian]], [[Barbara Wright (Doctor Who)|Barbara]], and [[Susan Foreman|Susan]] consequently explore the vicinity, finding the remains of giant earthworm and ant, which appear to have died instantaneously. The travellers realise they have returned to Earth but have shrunk to the height of an inch. Ian investigates the interior of a discarded matchbox when it is picked up by a government scientist called Farrow, who is visiting a callous industrialist named Forester to tell him that his application for a new insecticide called DN6 has been rejected as it is far too deadly to all forms of insect life. News of this appraisal prompts Forester to fatally shoot Farrow. The Doctor, Barbara, and Susan hear the gunshot and head for the house to find Ian unhurt near Farrow's corpse.
+Forester's aide, Smithers, arrives but does not report the murder for fear of undermining the DN6 project to which he has dedicated his life. Ian and Barbara hide inside Farrow's briefcase to avoid being stepped on by Forester and Smithers, and get separated from the Doctor and Susan after the briefcase is brought inside the house. The Doctor and Susan climb up a drain pipe to find them. Forester alters Farrow's report to give support to the DN6 licence application and, disguising his voice as Farrow’s, makes a supportive phone call to the ministry to the same effect. This is overheard by the local [[switchboard operator|telephone operator]] Hilda Rowse and her policeman husband Bert, who suspect something is wrong.
-Ian is investigating the interior of a discarded matchbox when someone picks it up. That someone is a government scientist called Farrow who is visiting a callous industrialist named Forester to tell him that his application for a new insecticide called DN6 has been rejected as it is far too deadly to all forms of insect life. News of this appraisal prompts Forester to fatally shoot Farrow. The Doctor, Barbara and Susan hear the gunshot and head for the house to find Ian unhurt near Farrow’s corpse.
+Within the house, Ian and Barbara encounter a giant fly, which is killed instantly when it contacts sample seeds that had been sprayed with DN6. Barbara had handled one of these seeds and begins to feel unwell. The Doctor, realising the toxic nature of DN6 and the probable contamination of Barbara, proposes they alert someone by hoisting up the giant telephone receiver, but they cannot make themselves heard. At the telephone exchange, the engaged signal makes Hilda and Bert increasingly concerned. Bert heads off to the house to investigate. The Doctor and his companions decide to attract attention by starting a fire, succeeding in manoeuvring an aerosol can into the flames of the [[Bunsen burner]] gas outlet. This coincides with Smithers discovering the true virulence of DN6 and demanding Forester cease his licence application. In the lab, the makeshift bomb explodes in Forester’s face as PC Rowse arrives. Back in the TARDIS, the Doctor succeeds in returning the craft and crew to normal size, a process which cures Barbara of her infection by DN6.
-Forester’s aide, Smithers, arrives but does not report the murder for fear of undermining the DN6 project to which he has dedicated his life. Ian and Barbara hide inside Farrow's briefcase to avoid being stepped on by Forester and Smithers, and get separated from the Doctor and Susan after the briefcase is brought inside the house. The Doctor and Susan climb up a drain pipe to find them. Forester alters Farrow’s report to give support to the DN6 licence application and, disguising his voice as Farrow’s, makes a supportive phonecall to the ministry to the same effect. This is overheard by the local [[switchboard operator|telephone operator]], Hilda Rowse, and her policeman husband, Bert, who suspect something is wrong.
+== Production ==
-Within the house, Ian and Barbara encounter a giant fly, which is killed instantly when it contacts sample seeds that had been sprayed with DN6. Barbara had foolishly handled one of these seeds and begins to feel unwell. The Doctor, realising the toxic nature of DN6 and the probable contamination of Barbara, proposes they alert someone by hoisting up the giant telephone receiver, but they cannot make themselves heard. At the telephone exchange, the engaged signal makes Hilda and Bert increasingly concerned. Bert heads off to the house to investigate.
+=== Conception and writing ===
+The concept of the Doctor and his companions shrinking in size was initially proposed as the first story of the show's [[Doctor Who (season 1)|first season]], written by [[C. E. Webber]] and entitled ''The Giants''.{{sfn|Howe|Stammers|Walker|1994|pp=178–179}} After some rewrites, the serial was rejected by show creator [[Sydney Newman]] in June 1963 due to its technical complexity and lack of character development.{{sfn|Wright|2016|pp=104–105}} The concept of ''The Giants'' was given to writer Robert Gould in mid-1963 to develop as the four-part fourth serial of the first season, but it was dropped by January 1964 due to scripting difficulties.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=105}} By February 1964, the serial was assigned to writer [[Louis Marks]].{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=106}} The main narrative was inspired by [[Rachel Carson]]'s 1962 environmental science book ''[[Silent Spring]]'', the first major documentation on human impact on the environment.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=107}} The fictional insecticide featured in the story, DN6, was inspired by incidents described by Carson regarding the impact of [[DDT]] on insects.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=108}} Whitaker commissioned Marks for the serial in May 1964, then titled ''The Planet of Giants''.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=109}} [[Mervyn Pinfield]] was assigned to direct the serial.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=111}}
+=== Filming ===
-The Doctor and his companions decide to attract attention by starting a fire, succeeding in manoeuvring an aerosol can into the flames of the [[Bunsen burner]] gas outlet. This coincides with Smithers discovering the true virulence of DN6 and demanding Forester cease his licence application. In the lab, the makeshift bomb explodes in Forester’s face as PC Rowse arrives.
+The special effect [[Insert (filmmaking)|inserts]] of a cat were filmed on 30 July 1964 using silent [[35mm]] film, with sound added later during a studio recording.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=112}} The show's regular cast—[[William Hartnell]], [[William Russell (English actor)|William Russell]], [[Jacqueline Hill]], and [[Carole Ann Ford]]—filmed the sequences in which they appeared alongside giant props; the effect was achieved by recording the actors through glass and reflecting the object onto a [[Beam splitter|half-silvered mirror]]. The footage was later deemed unsatisfactory, and the scenes were re-shot on 13 August.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=114}} Rehearsals for the first episode took place on 17 August at the London Transport Assembly Rooms, across the road from the [[Television Centre, London|BBC Television Centre]]. Weekly recording for the serial began on 21 August at the Television Centre, Studio 4.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=115}} Due to Pinfield's other commitments, the fourth and final episode was directed by [[Douglas Camfield]], who had worked as a production assist to [[Waris Hussein]] during the show's first season. The final episode was recorded on 11 September.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=118}}
+=== Post-production===
-Back in the TARDIS the Doctor succeeds in returning the craft and crew to normal size, a process which cures Barbara of her infection by DN6.
+''Planet of Giants'' is the first ''Doctor Who'' serial to feature the work of incidental music composer [[Dudley Simpson]], who first recorded on 14 August 1964.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=114}} On 19 October 1964, head of serials [[Donald Wilson (writer and producer)|Donald Wilson]] decided to reduce the four-part serial to three episodes, as it was felt to be an unsatisfactory opening to the show's [[Doctor Who (season 2)|second season]]; he preferred to open the season with the following serial, ''[[The Dalek Invasion of Earth]]'', but narrative events prevented the change. The two 24-minute episodes were edited together into a single 25-minute episode from 29 October–2 November to form a faster-paced climax featuring the main characters.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=120}}{{sfn|Howe|Stammers|Walker|1994|p=275}} Camfield was credited for the final episode.<ref name="Radio Times Review"/>
-==Production==
+== Reception ==
+=== Broadcast and ratings ===
-An early version of this concept – by [[C. E. Webber]] and entitled ''The Giants'' – was originally meant to be the first story of the first season.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Howe |first1=David J. |authorlink1=David J. Howe |last2=Stammers |first2=Mark |last3=Walker |first3=Stephen James |authorlink3=Stephen James Walker |title=Doctor Who The Handbook - The First Doctor |year=1994 |publisher=[[Virgin Books|Doctor Who Books]] |location=London |isbn=0-426-20430-1 |pages=178–9 |ref=harv }}</ref> ''Planet of Giants'' was recorded in the production block, but it was decided to hold it for transmission as the start of season 2.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} This story was originally four episodes in length. Upon viewing Episodes 3 and 4, which focused more heavily on Hilda and Bert, Head of Serials [[Donald Wilson (writer and producer)|Donald Wilson]] ordered them spliced together in order to form a faster-paced climax (Episode 3) focusing on the core characters of the series.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Howe |first1=David J. |authorlink1=David J. Howe |last2=Stammers |first2=Mark |last3=Walker |first3=Stephen James |authorlink3=Stephen James Walker |title=Doctor Who The Handbook - The First Doctor |year=1994 |publisher=[[Virgin Books|Doctor Who Books]] |location=London |isbn=0-426-20430-1 |pages=275 |ref=harv }}</ref> Episode 4 was called "The Urge to Live" and directed by [[Douglas Camfield]] (instead of [[Mervyn Pinfield]], who directed Episodes 1-3). When Episodes 3 and 4 were edited together to make the new Episode 3, only Camfield was credited.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2008-11-13/planet-of-giants/|title=Planet of Giants ★★|website=Radio Times}}</ref>
-The decision to splice the last two episodes into one would have ramifications for the second production block of the series, when the producers were left with a one-episode space following ''[[Galaxy 4]]''. Rather than producing a single-episode stand-alone story or extend any of the planned serials, "[[Mission to the Unknown]]" was commissioned to serve as a prelude to ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan]]'' without the participation of any of the regular cast. This was produced in the same block as ''Galaxy 4'', and both were held over to form the first five episodes of Season 3.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
-==Broadcast and reception==
 {{Episode table
  |background =
- |series = 6 |title = 20 | aux1=6 | airdate = 10 | viewers = 6 | aux4 = 16 | country = UK
+ |series = 6 |title = 20 | aux1=6 | airdate = 10 | viewers = 6 | aux4 = 6 | country = UK
  |seriesT    = Episode
  |aux1T      = Run time
- |aux4T      = Archive
+ |aux4T      = [[Appreciation Index]]
- |aux4R      = <ref name="ArchiveStatus" />
- |viewersR   = <ref name="AllRatings" />
  |episodes   =
 {{Episode list/sublist|Planet of Giants
@@ Line 70: / Line 67: @@
  |Viewers            = 8.4
  |Aux1               = 23:15
- |Aux4               = 16mm t/r
+ |Aux4               = 57
  |LineColor          =
 }}
@@ Line 80: / Line 77: @@
  |Viewers            = 8.4
  |Aux1               = 23:40
- |Aux4               = 16mm t/r
+ |Aux4               = 58
  |LineColor          =
 }}
@@ Line 90: / Line 87: @@
  |Viewers            = 8.9
  |Aux1               = 26:35
- |Aux4               = 16mm t/r
+ |Aux4               = 59
  |LineColor          =
 }}
 }}
+''Planet of Giants'' was considered a strong debut to the second season,{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=124}} receiving 8.4 million viewers for the first two episodes and 8.9 million for the third.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=125}} An Audience Research Report on the first episode indicated that the show had gained 17% of the viewing audience.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=124}} The [[Appreciation Index]] increased slightly over the three episodes, from 57 to 59.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=125}} The BBC Film and Videotape Library did not select the serial for preservation, and the original tapes were [[Wiping|wiped]] in the late 1960s. In 1977, [[BBC Enterprises]] discovered [[16mm]] film prints of the serial.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=125}}
-In 2008, ''[[Radio Times]]'' reviewer Patrick Mulkern wrote that the story had ambition and impressive set design, but felt that "the drama itself is less than enthralling". He pegged the scientists to stereotypes and found it disappointing that they did not directly interact with the miniature TARDIS crew about their plans. Mulkern also noted that Barbara "[came] across as uncharacteristically wet" and Dudley Simpson's score was "annoyingly childish".<ref name="Radio Times">{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Mulkern|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/blog/2008-11-14/doctor-who-planet-of-giants|title=Doctor Who: Planet of Giants|work=[[Radio Times]]|date=14 November 2008|accessdate=2 December 2012}}</ref> [[DVD Talk]]'s John Sinnott gave ''Planet of Giants'' three out of five stars, feeling that it was an average "solid installment". Sinnott noted that it was a strange story because the TARDIS crew did not directly interact with the "pretty stupid" criminals and they seemed more concerned about exploring than returning to their normal size.<ref name="DVD Talk">{{cite web|first=John|last=Sinnott|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/56812/doctor-who-ep-09-planet-of-giants/|title=Doctor Who: Planet of Giants|publisher=[[DVD Talk]]|date=31 October 2012|accessdate=2 December 2012}}</ref> Dave Golder of ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' gave the serial two and a half out of five stars, feeling that it was "undeniably slow, talky and lacking in excitement" and "not quite in synch with the main show" because Barbara and Ian never note that they are in contemporary Britain, to which they are trying to return. Despite praising the TARDIS crew for using "intelligence, ingenuity and simple science to get themselves out of problems", he felt they lacked their usual chemistry and also criticised Barbara's characterisation.<ref name="SFX review">{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Golder|url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/08/17/doctor-who-planet-of-giants-review/|title=Doctor Who: Planet of Giants Review|work=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]|date=17 August 2012|accessdate=2 December 2012}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' reviewer Christopher Bahn described the serial as "not lacking in ambitious ideas but never quite [gelling] together, and a last-minute re-edit that condensed the original third and fourth episodes into one hurt the story more than it helped". Bahn felt that the script "is constantly undercutting its own dramatic potential in subtle but pervasive ways", such as when the characters tried calling the police on a telephone, and the "plot-dragger" of Barbara keeping her illness a secret. However, he praised set design and acting of Hill and Tilvern.<ref name="AV Club">{{cite web|first=Christopher|last=Bahn|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/planet-of-the-giants,89561|title=Planet of Giants|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=9 December 2012|accessdate=15 December 2012}}</ref>
-===Original filming===
+=== Critical response ===
+At the BBC Programme Review Board after the broadcast of the first episode in November 1964, the [[Director-General of the BBC|director-general]] [[Hugh Greene]] was unimpressed by the story's concept; following the second episode's broadcast, he noted his disappointment at the serial and eagerness for the [[Dalek]]s' return.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=124}} An Audience Research Report on the first episode noted that the response had been positive, with praise directed at the props and special effects.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=125}}
-{{Episode table
- |background =
- |series = 6 |title = 20 | aux1=6 | airdate = 10 | viewers = 6 | aux4 = 16 | country = UK
- |seriesT    = Episode
- |aux1T      = Run time
- |aux4T      = Archive
- |aux4R      = <ref name="ArchiveStatus" />
- |viewersR   = <ref name="AllRatings" />
- |episodes   =
-{{Episode list/sublist|Planet of Giants
- |EpisodeNumber      = 3
- |RTitle             = "Crisis" [original recorded version]{{ref|a|†}}
- |OriginalAirDate    = Unaired
- |Viewers            = {{TableTBA|N/A}}
- |Aux1               = -
- |Aux4               = Only stills and/or fragments exist
- |LineColor          =
-}}
-{{Episode list/sublist|Planet of Giants
- |EpisodeNumber      = 4
- |RTitle             = "The Urge to Live" [original recorded version]{{ref|a|†}}
- |OriginalAirDate    = Unaired
- |Viewers            = {{TableTBA|N/A}}
- |Aux1               = -
- |Aux4               = Only stills and/or fragments exist
- |LineColor          =
-}}
-}}
-{{note|a|†}} [[Doctor Who missing episodes|Episode is missing]]
+Retrospective reviews of the serial were mixed. Patrick Mulkern of ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote that the story had ambition and impressive set design, but felt that "the drama itself is less than enthralling". Mulkern noted that Barbara "[came] across as uncharacteristically wet" and described Simpson's score as "annoyingly childish".<ref name="Radio Times Review"/> ''[[DVD Talk]]''{{'}}s John Sinnott felt that the serial was a "solid installment", but considered it strange that the main characters do not interact with the criminals.<ref name="DVD Talk Review"/> Dave Golder of ''[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]]'' described the serial as "undeniably slow, talky and lacking in excitement", particularly criticising Barbara's characterisation.<ref name="SFX Review"/> Christopher Bahn of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' appreciated the ambition of the serial but felt that it "never quite gels together" and the condensed final episodes hindered the overall story.<ref name="AV Club Review"/>
-==Commercial releases==
+== Commercial releases ==
-===In print===
 {{Infobox book
 |name = Planet of Giants
@@ Line 144: / Line 113: @@
 |isbn= 0-426-20345-3
 }}
-A novelisation of this serial, written by [[Terrance Dicks]], was published by [[Target Books]] in January 1990. It was the final serial of the William Hartnell era to be novelised.
+A novelisation of ''Planet of Giants'', written by [[Terrance Dicks]], was published by [[Target Books]] in January 1990. It was the final First Doctor serial to be novelised. Dicks used the original rehearsal script for the first episode and a camera script for the scrapped final episode to restore the missing sequences.{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=126}}
+The serial was released on [[VHS]] by [[BBC Video]] in January 2002;{{sfn|Wright|2016|p=126}} it was the first commercially released story to receive the [[VidFIRE]] process.<ref name="VidFIRE"/> [[2 Entertain]] released the serial on [[DVD]] in August 2012; the release featured several special features, including audio commentaries, documentaries, and a recreation of the original third and fourth episodes using newly recorded dialogue and animation based on the original scripts.{{sfn|Wright|2016|pp=126–127}}
-===Home media===
-This serial was released on [[VHS]] in 2002;<ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Roberts|url=http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/pog.htm|title=Planet of Giants|publisher=[[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]|date=28 September 2001|accessdate=2 December 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319005720/http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/pog.htm|archivedate=19 March 2014}}</ref> it was the first commercially released story to receive the [[VidFIRE]] process.<ref>{{cite web
- |last        = Roberts
- |first       = Steve
- |title       = VidFIRE
- |publisher   = [[Doctor Who Restoration Team]]
- |url         = http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/vidfire.htm
- |accessdate  = 24 April 2007
- |url-status     = dead
- |archiveurl  = https://web.archive.org/web/20110517121208/http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/vidfire.htm
- |archivedate = 17 May 2011
-}}</ref> It was released on [[DVD]] in Region 2 on 20 August 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2012/05/dwn030512103008-dvd-update-summer.html |title=DVD Update: Summer Schedule |publisher=Doctor Who News |date= |accessdate=2013-09-18}}</ref>
+== References ==
-The 2012 DVD includes recreations of the original Episodes 3 and 4, based on the original scripts and featuring newly recorded dialogue<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.drwho-online.co.uk/Planet-of-Giants-DVD-Cover-and-Details.aspx |title=Doctor Who Online - News & Reviews - Planet of Giants - DVD Cover and Details |publisher=News.drwho-online.co.uk |date=2012-05-03 |accessdate=2013-09-18}}</ref> from regular cast members Ford and Russell and other actors impersonating the remaining (all deceased) cast. A variety of techniques were used to re-create the missing visual material, but most of this was done by re-editing existing footage from the finished episode 3.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}}
+{{Reflist|refs=
+<ref name="AV Club Review">{{cite web |url=https://tv.avclub.com/doctor-who-classic-planet-of-giants-1798175248 |title=Doctor Who (Classic): "Planet Of Giants" |last=Bahn |first=Christopher |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |date=9 December 2012 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103100710/https://tv.avclub.com/doctor-who-classic-planet-of-giants-1798175248 |archivedate=3 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+<ref name="DVD Talk Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/56812/doctor-who-ep-09-planet-of-giants/ |title=Doctor Who: Planet of Giants |last=Sinnott |first=John |work=[[DVD Talk]] |date=31 October 2012 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103110821/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/56812/doctor-who-ep-09-planet-of-giants/ |archivedate=3 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+<ref name="Radio Times Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2008-11-13/planet-of-giants/ |title=Planet of Giants |last=Mulkern |first=Patrick |work=[[Radio Times]] |publisher=[[Immediate Media Company]] |date=13 November 2008 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921230413/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2008-11-13/planet-of-giants/ |archivedate=21 September 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
-==References==
-{{Reflist|refs=
-<ref name="ArchiveStatus">{{cite web |url= http://gallifreyone.com/episode.php?id=j|title= Planet of Giants|publisher = Outpost Gallifrey |author = Shaun Lyon|date = 31 March 2007|accessdate = 30 August 2008|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080331033343/http://www.gallifreyone.com/episode.php?id=j <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 31 March 2008 |display-authors=etal}} </ref>
+<ref name="SFX Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/08/17/doctor-who-planet-of-giants-review/ |title=Doctor Who: Planet Of Giants REVIEW |last=Golder |first=Dave |work=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=17 August 2012 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820231726/http://www.sfx.co.uk/2012/08/17/doctor-who-planet-of-giants-review/ |archivedate=20 August 2012 }}</ref>
-<ref name="AllRatings">{{cite web|title=Ratings Guide |url=http://guide.doctorwhonews.net/info.php?detail=ratings&type=date |website=Doctor Who News |accessdate=28 May 2017}}</ref>
+<ref name="VidFIRE">{{cite web |url=http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/vidfire.htm |title=VidFIRE |last=Roberts |first=Steve |publisher=[[Doctor Who Restoration Team]] |date=23 August 2004 |accessdate=25 January 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517121208/http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/vidfire.htm |archivedate=17 May 2011 }}</ref>
 }}
+== Bibliograhy ==
+* {{cite book |last1=Howe |first1=David J. |authorlink1=David J. Howe |last2=Stammers |first2=Mark |last3=Walker |first3=Stephen James |authorlink3=Stephen James Walker |title=Doctor Who The Handbook - The First Doctor |year=1994 |publisher=[[Virgin Books|Doctor Who Books]] |location=London |isbn=0-426-20430-1 |ref=harv }}
+* {{cite journal |editor-last=Wright |editor-first=Mark |year=2016 |title=The Sensorites, The Reign of Terror and Planet of Giants |journal=Doctor Who: The Complete History |publisher=[[Panini Comics]], [[Hachette Book Group|Hachette Partworks]] |volume=3 |issue=21 |ref=harv }}
-==External links==
+== External links ==
 {{wikiquote|First Doctor}}
 *{{BBCCDW | id=planetofgiants | title=Planet of Giants}}
@@ Line 174: / Line 141: @@
 {{TardisIndexFile|Planet of Giants}}
-===Reviews===
-*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070930213143/http://www.gallifreyone.com/review.php?id=j ''Planet of Giants''] reviews at [[Outpost Gallifrey]]
-===Target novelisation===
-*{{Isfdb title|id=10721|title=Planet of Giants}}
-*[https://archive.is/20121223053131/http://www.personal.leeds.ac.uk/~ecl6nb/OnTarget/1990/planet/90planet.htm On Target — ''Planet of Giants'']
 {{Doctor Who episodes|C2}}
-[[Category:First Doctor serials]]
+[[Category:1964 British television episodes]]
-[[Category:Fiction about size change]]
 [[Category:Doctor Who serials novelised by Terrance Dicks]]
-[[Category:1964 British television episodes]]
 [[Category:Doctor Who stories set on Earth]]
+[[Category:Fiction about size change]]
+[[Category:First Doctor serials]]

v t e Doctor Who episodes
Original series (1963–1989, 1996) Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Film Missing episodes Revived series (2005–present) Series 1 2 3 4 2008–2010 specials 5 6 7 2013 specials 8 9 10 11 12 13 2022 specials 2023 specials 14 15
Season 2	Planet of Giants The Dalek Invasion of Earth The Rescue The Romans The Web Planet The Crusade The Space Museum The Chase The Time Meddler