 In many ways "An Unearthly Child" consists of two stories; there is a strong discontinuity between the first episode, introducing the characters and establishing the premise of the series, and the last three episodes set in the Paleolithic age. The first episode, in particular, is often seen as a classic of television science fiction.
As was usual at the beginning of the show’s history, no overall title appeared on-screen, as each episode has its own title. Therefore which overall title should be used for this story has become a subject that has generated deep controversy amongst Doctor Who fans.
This story is sometimes referred to as being "100,000 BC" and also "The Tribe of Gum", but is more commonly called "An Unearthly Child". The Titan Script book release in January 1988 uses "The Tribe of Gum".
Companion Susan is heard to say that she made up the acronym 'TARDIS' from "Time and Relative Dimension in Space", although later it is referred to as "Dimensions" (in the plural).
We learn that Susan can read very fast, is a brilliant scientist, and calculates in terms of five dimensions (all Time Lord characteristics). Ian Chesterton teaches science, shares Susan's knowledge of the pop group 'John Smith and the Common Men', and owns a car. Barbara Wright teaches history, and lives in a flat.
The Doctor and Susan show surprise when the TARDIS remains stuck as a police box. Susan is heard to explain that the TARDIS is supposed to change its appearance to blend in with its surroundings (an idea seriously considered by the show's creators but ruled out on grounds of cost).
Ian is heard to call The Doctor ‘Doctor Foreman’. In which The Doctor replies, ‘Eh, Doctor who? What's he talking about?’. The question about who The Doctor is can be heard being asked for a humorous effect several times in the show’s history.
During the shows history The Doctor has returned twice to the Foreman junkyard: First, in "Attack of the Cybermen" with the Sixth Doctor and Peri, and then in "Remembrance of the Daleks" which featured the Seventh Doctor and Ace returning to the same time period as this story and so revealing what The Doctor was doing on Earth prior to him meeting Barbara and Ian.
Two ‘pilot’ versions of the first episode were recorded. This pilot exists in two parts - the first section includes all scenes in the school and at the junkyard; the second begins after a recording break and includes all the scenes set in the TARDIS. Two versions of the second section exist as well as a short aborted take. Despite never being broadcast in 1963 both versions have previously been released into the public domain. The first version, containing the original second section was shown, on 26th August 1991, as part of the BBC's commemoration of filming at Lime Grove Studios. While the second version, containing the retake of the second section, was included in the BBC video documentary "The Hartnell Years" (BBCV 4608) in June 1991. A complete version of the pilot, containing all three takes has been released on the video "The Edge of Destruction and Dr Who: The Pilot Episode" (BBCV 6877) in April 2000.
The first time the first episode was broadcast, on 23rd November 1963 (the day after the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy) It was watched by 4.4 million viewers.
Because of the news coverage of the assassination of the US President John F. Kennedy (which occurred the day before the first episode was shown) as well as a series of power blackouts across the country it was felt that many viewers may have missed this introduction to the new show. It was therefore decided to broadcast the first episode again on 30 November 1963, immediately before the second episode, "The Cave of Skulls". This second showing drew a more respectable 6.0 million viewers.
The whole story was repeated on BBC2 in November 1981.
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The Firsts:
The very first Doctor Who story. The first episode was broadcast on 23rd November 1963.
The first time we get to meet The Doctor (as played by William Hartnell). His first words were (to Ian) "What are you doing here?"
The introduction of companion Susan played by Carole Ann Ford.
The introduction and first trip in the TARDIS for Barbara and Ian as played by Jacqueline Hill and William Russell.
As well as being the first to appear in this story, Barabara is the first to enter the TARDIS - so making her the first 'human' companion (that the viewer is aware of) to travel with The Doctor. Technically Susan is the first companion.
The first words spoken in the show were by Barbara (to an oov Susan) "Wait in here please, Susan. I won't be long".
The first time we see the TARDIS inside and out.
The first use of the explanation "Time and Relative Dimension in Space" to describe the TARDIS.
The first trip to a time in the Earth's past.
The first visit to the Foreman Junkyard.
Verity Lambert' first involvement in the show as Producer.
Mervyn Pinfield's first involvement in the show as Associate Producer.
The first Doctor Who story to be written by Anthony Coburn.
David Whitaker's first involvement in the show as Story Editor.
The first Doctor Who story to be directed by Waris Hussein.
Barry Newbury's first involvement in the show as Designer.
Brian Hodgson's first involvement in the show providing special sounds.
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(Position = 74 out of 159)
(Position = 61 out of 200)
