Inside the Spaceship - Definition

Inside the Spaceship is a 2 episode Doctor Who story. It is the third story in the first season, featuring William Hartnell as the Doctor. It first aired in two weekly parts on February 8, 1964 and February 15, 1964.

Synopsis

The Doctor, Barbara, Ian and Susan all appear to be acting strangely. Unexpected events are happening on the TARDIS, the travellers are becoming suspicious of each others motives, and the Doctor even accuses Ian and Barbara of sabotage. Fearing that they have been taken over by some alien force, he drugs them and attempts to explore the problem without interference.

Gradually it becomes clear that the series of strange events are an attempt by the TARDIS itself to warn them that something is wrong. The Doctor traces the problem to a broken spring, and correcting this brings all back to normal. The Doctor is forced to do what he least enjoys - apologise, and admit that he was wrong.

Writer

David Whitaker

Main cast

• The Doctor: William Hartnell
• Susan Foreman: Carole Ann Ford
• Barbara Wright: Jacqueline Hill
• Ian Chesterton: William Russell

Notes

1. This story is unique in a couple of ways. The only cast to appear are the Doctor and his companions, and the story is set entirely within the confines of the TARDIS. Both of these result from budgetary restrictions and the origins of this story as a hasty "filler" epiosde to bring the series up to thirteen episodes. Despite these limitations, the story is remarkably effective; exploring the characters of the travellers and deepening their relationships.

Alternate titles

• Beyond the Sun
• The Edge of Destruction

External links

• Cast and Crew list, on the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/episodeguide/edgeofdestruction/castcrew.shtml)