Dr. Who: Hot TV for an August night

http://cuttingsarchive.org/images/7/76/1982-08-15_Tallahassee_Democrat.jpg

Publication: Tallahassee Democrat
Date: 1982-08-15
Author: Christopher Farrell
Page: TV Week, p. 3
Language: English

So call me a cultureless clod and pass the jujubes.

During "Hot August Nights," one of two annual money-raising schemes on WFSU-TV, Channel 11, the station will present notable programs including Frank Capra's classic film "It's a Wonderful Life," a couple of tributes to Fred Astaire and Luciano Pavorotti's performance in "La Boheme."

There also are five specials featuring Leo Buscaglia, TV's award-winning champion of the human spirit. And a host of music programs, including performances by the Kingston Trio, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Willie Nelson.

But, for me at least, the most arresting item in the Aug. 20-29 schedule is the premiere of "Dr. Who." The British series exists frankly on the level of Saturday afternoon cliffhangers, and it does it with an irony that makes the show delightful.

There's something about the deadpan rendering of horrible dialog, especially when done with a British accent, that strikes my funnybone.

Tom Baker — whose credits include a role in Passolini's "Canterbury Tales" as well as co-star status in "The Voyage of Sinbad" — fills the role of Dr. Who, a cosmic adventurer born with two hearts and a body temperature of 60 degrees.

Baker wasn't the original Dr. Who, but American imports of the British series begin with his tenure in the role, so the already-confusing plots are twisted by an uncertainty — which prevails at least for the first four weeks of the series — as to who and what Dr. Who is.

That hardly matters, as following the flimsy narrative of Dr. Who's science-fiction style adventures is perhaps the least of this program's joys.

Instead, savor the wonderful absurdity of the costumes; not just Dr. Who's impossibly long muffler and floppy hat, but the sort of polyester frocks and stacked shoes — like the kind British band Slade sported in rock's glam era — favored by his assistant Sarah Jane Smith.

Then there's that dialouge, of which a few samples must suffice:

✓ "He used to drive me mad," says Dr. Who's brigadier-general colleague, "but I miss having him about."

✓ "What are we dealing with, doctor?" the general asks later. "Invasion from outer space — again?"

✓ "I think you must be the sort of girl who gives motorcars pet names!" rants a pinched-lipped villainess to Dr. Who's assistant.

The whole thing is strung together with gloriously dippy incidental music and inventively inexpensive special effects. The premier features a half-mad robot, surely the British cousin of that bucket of bolts who prowled the galaxy on "Lost in Space. "Don't miss the action when the already 7-foot mechano grows even huger and grabs Ms. Smith, King-Kong-style.

Perhaps the best testimonial for the show comes from one P.B. of Royersford, Pa., who wrote: "'Dr. Who' is the most enjoyable program ever. I even refuse to eat dinner while watching."

The "Dr. Who" series premieres Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.; WFSU has enough episodes to last a couple of years, at least.

Dr. Who: Hot TV for an August night

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