PLEASE don't laugh at "Dr. Who," unless he happens to crack a joke between monsters.
For Jon Pertwee will be most offended.
Mr. Pertwee, best known on TV and radio as a comic, becomes the third Doctor Who—following William Hartnel and Patrick Troughton—when the unsinkable, science-fiction series returns to BBC 1 this afternoon. Jon Pertwee is staking a lot on this show. He hopes it will brainwash producers and film executives Into recognising him as an actor.
"For many years I was a straight actor in the legitimate theatre," he explains.
"Then I did a radio show with Eric Barker and became ... er, illegitimate. Ever since, I've been regarded as a comedian."
Seven years ago, Mr. Pertwee decided to push his type-casting as "eccentric funnyman" into the background. and return to the theatre.
He has scored many successes in plays, starred on Broadway—and is still regarded as a comic, by many TV and film men. "They're a bit slow in the uptake," he comments.
Dashing
"I hope they get the message now. I'm playing Dr. Who absolutely straight —Pat Troughton gave him a touch of Chaphnesque comedy, but I see him as a rather dashing man of action."
The opening tale, he promises. will face Dr. Who with "the most horrinc monster yet encountered."
The story was fumed on location at a BBC research centre in a Worcestershire mansion.
Since he's also flirting with comedy in "The Navy Lark" on radio, and working in cabaret many nights of the week, rest is a thing that actor Jon Pertwee seems able to ignore. However, according to the programme. he IS supposed to be several thousand years old, with superpowers ...
Caption: Jon Pertwee ... facing the most horrific Dr. Who monsters yet.
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