The Velvet Web

"You can't apply Earth standards here, you just can't!"

Phew. It's ok, Barbara's fine. My heart would have been in my mouth for a week if I'd seen this back then. And look where's she's ended up:

Isn't that lovely? One of the things that I most like about this story is the variety of societies and environments that exist on one planet. This seems much more realistic to me, more like here on Earth.

But the idyll does as idylls must and so this one does not last for long. Ian's scepticism proves to be well founded; I love the scene where Barbara is the only one who can see that the place is in a state of decay and that the clothes are rags.

It's clever, particularly when Ian, Susan and the Doctor are at the end of her bed looking to camera. Director John Gorrie has several attempts at unusual shots during this episode which help to move it beyond its obvious limitations. Shooting the Morphotons from behind reinforces that they are trapped in glass cases:

I'm rather fond of the Morphotons.....

But Barbara has other ideas...

The Doctor picking up a tatty old mug in an empty room and marvelling at the quality of the instruments is nicely played, as is his motivation for requesting a laboratory in the first place - to fix part of the TARDIS.

Our regulars are joined by Sabina and Altos. Ah, Altos. The longest legs to ever appear in Dr Who I think, and possibly the shortest pants. Not until Turlough in 'Planet of Fire' will I marvel at such legs again. They deserve a colour picture:

And another...

William Hartnell is about to begin a two week holiday and so the Doctor is particularly cheerful about abandoning his companions and leaping ahead to find the last key.  Here's a lovely rehearsal shot of him without the Doctor's wig:

And finally, a few last photos from the production of this episode...

What a treat.

It is Susan's turn to go ahead into jeopardy this week and she is soon hearing voices. I hope the jungle knows what it's let itself in for as next week it encounters 'The Screaming Susan'. Oops, I mean of course,

Next episode: The Screaming Jungle