Doctor Who: Marco Polo (TV Soundtrack)

By: John Lucarotti

Narrated by: Full Cast, William Hartnell, William Russell

When the TARDIS breaks down on the Roof of the World, Central Asia, in 1289, its occupants are met by the explorer Marco Polo. His mammoth undertaking is to cross the desert to Peking, and before long he has set his mind on presenting the TARDIS to the explorer Kublai Khan as a gift on his arrival. Unless they can persuade Polo otherwise, the Doctor and his companions will lose their only means to escape this moment in history. However, Polo isn’t the only one with designs on the TARDIS. The warlord Tegana will go to any lengths to steal the magical blue box - lengths which endanger the lives of the whole travelling party as they are beset by droughts, bandits and the merciless desert. And when the Doctor finally meets Kublai Khan himself, the precious Ship is his only collateral in a high-stakes game of backgammon - and the Khan is a master of the game... William Russell, who plays Ian in the story, narrates the soundtrack to this classic adventure which, long missing from the television archives, has itself gained legendary status as an example of Doctor Who at its finest. Hailing from the programme's first season (1963-4), it also stars Jacqueline Hill, Carole Ann Ford and Mark Eden as Marco Polo.©2003 BBC Worldwide Ltd; (P)2003 BBC Worldwide Ltd

Good Version

What about William Hartnell and full cast ’s performance did you like?

It really was the cast from the tv show and was a dramatisation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

The video version of this episode is not available, but this is basically an audio version of that telecast with descriptive narration added.

Missing Doctor Who Story

Excellent story, formatted well for audio presentation. Would do well if presented in an animated format as well

Wonderful story

It is a shame the video for this story is missing. The narration helps one visualize the scenes.

A great alternative

This mix of the original sounds and a voice-over provides a great opportunity for experiencing the lost stories of classic Who. If it wasn't the original sound with the actual cast I'm not sure if it would be worth it, but as it is I'm a fan, and I'm ready to explore more lost stories this way.

Both a wonderful story and a sad loss

It is a sad fact that the BBC were somewhat careless when it came to preserving TV programs and Dr Who is no exception. There are some episodes that were saved and one might ask the question, "Why bother?". The majority of the really good stories belong firmly in the William Hartnell era and 'Marco Polo' is no exception. In some ways being able to listen to this story and having to rely on imagination is no bad thing. Scenes such as the the sandstorm in the Gobi Desert and Polo's penultimate duel with the treacherous Mongol warlord Tegana are best imagined. So, too, with the description of the interior of the Khan's summer palace at Peking. Even so, I would like to have seen the production, even at the risk of being disappointed! This audio production will not disappoint, however, if you enjoy a good story, brilliantly brought to life by an excellent ensemble cast. The linking narration helps to depict what is taking place and is not in any way intrusive. I am no historian and so do not concern myself with historical accuracy - I suspect liberties are taken here, but who is to say what is real and what isn't? Overall, this production is highly recommended so put on a pot of coffee, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy...