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The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve
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William Hartnell
The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve
First Doctor Logo


Synopsis


The Council of France
The Council of France
 The TARDIS materialises in Paris in 1572, a time of great danger and religious strife. Whilst The Doctor pays a visit to famous apothecary Charles Preslin, Steven is befriended by a group of Protestants who come from the household of Admiral de Coligny.

 Meanwhile the Catholic Queen Mother, Catherine de Medici, aided by the hated dignitary the Abbot of Amboise, is hatching a plot to kill all French Protestants - starting with de Coligny. Worryingly for Steven, the Abbot bears an uncanny resemblance to The Doctor. And when the plot fails and the Abbot is condemned to death, he is even more alarmed. Was that The Doctor being killed? Or does the Abbot just look like him?

Source: BBC Audio


General Information

Season: Three
Production Code: W
Story Number: 22
Episode Numbers:103 - 106
Number of Episodes: 4
Number of Incomplete/Missing Episodes:4
Percentage of Episodes Held:0%
Alternative Titles:"The Massacre"
Working Titles:"The War of God" and "The Massacre of St Bartholomew"
Production Dates: January - February 1966
Broadcast Started: 05 February 1966
Broadcast Finished: 26 February 1966
Colour Status: B&W
Studio: Ealing Television Film Studios and Riverside (Studio 1)
Location: None
Writers:John Lucarotti and Donald Tosh (Episode 4)
Director:Paddy Russell
Producer:John Wiles
Story Editors:Gerry Davis (Episode 4) and Donald Tosh (Episodes 1-3)
Production Assistant:Gerry Mill
Assistant Floor Managers:Fiona Cumming and Richard Valentine
Designer:Michael Young
Costume Designer:Daphne Dare
Make-Up Designer:Sonia Markham
Cameraman:Tony Leggo
Lighting:Dennis Channon
Special Sounds (SFX Editor):Brian Hodgson
Studio Sounds:Brian Forgham and Gordon Mackie
Title Sequence:Bernard Lodge
Title Music:Ron Grainer and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Arranged by Delia Derbyshire
Number of Doctors: 1
The Doctor: William Hartnell (The First Doctor)
Number of Companions: 2The Companions: Peter Purves (Steven Taylor) and Jackie Lane (Dodo) (Joins) Guest Cast: Leonard Sachs (Admiral de Coligny) Additional Cast: Eric Thompson (Gaston), David Weston (Nicholas), John Tillinger (Simon), Edwin Finn (Landlord), Christopher Tranchell (Roger), Erik Chitty (Preslin), Annette Robertson (Anne), Clive Cazes (Captain of the Guard), Reginald Jessup (Servant), André Morell (Marshal Tavannes), Cynthia Etherington (Old Woman), Joan Young (Catherine de Medici), Barry Justice (Charles IX), Michael Bilton (Teligny), Norman Claridge (Priest), Will Stampe (1st Man), Ernest Smith (2nd Man), John Slavid (Officer), Jack Tarran (1st Guard), Leslie Bates (2nd Guard)Setting: Paris (1572) Villains:Abbot of Amboise and Catherine de Medici

The Episodes

No. Episodes Broadcast
(UK)
Duration Viewers
(Millions)
In Archive
103War of God05 February 196624'51"8.0Missing
104The Sea Beggar12 February 196624'43"6.0Missing
105Priest of Death19 February 196625'33"5.9Missing
106Bell of Doom26 February 196625'06"5.8Missing

Total Duration 1 Hour 40 Minutes


Audience Appreciation

Average Viewers (Millions) 6.4
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (1998)65.71%  (Position = 94 out of 159)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2009)71.79% Higher (Position = 86 out of 200)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2014)72.40% Higher (Position = 100 out of 241)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2023) Position = 11 out of 29


Archives


 All four episodes lost. Only a very limited number of photographic images exist from this story.



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Notes


"The Massacre of St. Barthlomew's Eve" is more popularly known as "The Massacre".

A few original production documents state the name of this story as "The Massacre of St Barthlomew's Eve", although this is historically a misnomer, as the actual massacre took place on St Bartholomew's Day. Some have noted that as the original French name for the event (Massacre de la Saint-Barthélemy) lacks a day, the title actually refers to the lead up to the massacre itself - that is, the Eve of the Massacre of St Bartholomew, although to claim this does involve ignoring the conventions of modern English usage.

The BBC Radio Collection release gives the title as, variously, "The Massacre" and "The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve". The packaging uses the title "The Massacre", but the accompanying booklet uses both titles. The CDs have "The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve" printed on them and this is also the title announced by Peter Purves on the discs themselves.

This story was the final historical story written by John Lucarotti. This was also John Lucarotti's last broadcast Doctor Who adventure, although the Season Twelve story "The Ark in Space" started life as a concept by John Lucarotti which was then heavily rewritten by Story Editor Robert Holmes. John Lucarotti continued writing for television throughout the Sixties and Seventies, including programmes like Moonbase 3. In the Eighties, he novelised his three Doctor Who stories for WH Allen and Target Books, restoring "The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve" more closely to his original vision. John Lucarotti passed away on 20th November 1994.

Gerry Davis, who would later go on to co-create the Cybermen, became story editor as of part four, while outgoing story editor Donald Tosh received co-author credit with John Lucarotti on the final episode (though he'd rewritten the entire story extensively).

Leonard Sachs (who plays Admiral de Coligny) is better known as the presenter of The Good Old Days music hall shows and would appear again in Doctor Who in the Season Twenty story "Arc of Infinity".

Christopher Tranchell (who played Roger Colbert) would return to Doctor Who as Jenkins in the 1967 Second Doctor story "The Faceless Ones" and again as Leela's love interest Andred in the 1978 Fourth Doctor story "The Invasion of Time".

William Hartnell does not appear in episode two except in pre-filmed inserts as he was on holiday during the week when it was recorded. The Doctor also disappears quite extensively from the action at times as William Hartnell also portrayed the role of the Abbot of Amboise (for which he received dual credit in "The Sea Beggar" and "Priest of Death"). This is the first time that The Doctor faces an enemy who is his physical double. The next time this happens will not be until the Second Doctor story "The Enemy of the World".

The very end of this story featured a monologue by William Hartnell followed by a brief scene in present day London on Wimbledon Common, as new companion Dodo enters the TARDIS.

Further information about Dodo's arrival in the TARDIS - as well as further exploration of the resolution of the conflict between The Doctor and Steven Taylor as a result of his actions here - features in The Past Doctors Stories "Salvation", where the TARDIS, having left London, travels to New York - moving only in space rather than time for some reason - resulting in the three of them getting caught up in a confrontation with mysterious beings who claim to be The Gods.

Rumour has it that Dodo's surname, Chaplet, is meant to signify that she is a descendant of character Anne Chaplet (however this is quite improbable, given the fact that any surname of a descendant is more likely be from the male side of the family).

There has also been some speculation that Steven might even have been the father of that child, given that: there is room in the plot for him and Anne to have had relations on the night they both sleep at the shop; his reaction to Anne's likely death at the end is so strong; and he is immediately very protective towards Dodo. Alternatively, in John Lucarotti's novelisation Anne has a younger brother, Raoul, who could have survived to father a child and pass on the family name. However, The Doctor himself dismisses the suggestion of a connection between Dodo and Anne Chaplet, declaring that it was a very common French name.

It was originally planned (but later abandoned) that former companions, Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright , would be seen in London as the TARDIS dematerialised at the end of the story.



First and Last

The Firsts:

 The introduction (at the very end of episode four) of new companion Dodo played by Jackie Lane.

 The first use of a monologue during the end credits to end a story.

 The first Doctor Who story to be partially written by Donald Tosh.

 The first Doctor Who story to be directed by Paddy Russell.

 Gerry Davis' first involvement in the show as Story Editor.


The Lasts (Subject to Future Stories):

 Writer John Lucarotti's last historical story for the show.

 Donald Tosh's last involvement in the show as Story Editor.


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The Plot

WARNING: May Contain SpoilersHide Text
Marshal Tavanes with Catherine de Medici
Marshal Tavanes with Catherine de Medici

After the tragic events with the Daleks (see "The Daleks' Master Plan") the TARDIS next takes the time travellers to Paris, France in 1572 – a part of history that places its occupants, The Doctor and Steven Taylor, in a very dangerous situation with tensions between Protestants and Catholics are at fever pitch in the city.

Despite the danger The Doctor and Steven visit a tavern. The Doctor then heads off alone to visit the famous apothecary Charles Preslin, leaving Steven to drink alone but warning him to keep out of trouble. However, when he is unable to settle his bar bill Steven first finds himself befriended by a group of Huguenots, from the household of the Protestant Admiral de Coligny, and then, after helping to rescue a young serving girl, Anne Chaplet, from some pursuing guards, of the Catholic Queen Mother’s plan to have all the French Protestants massacred.

Steven it seems must resist the urge to alter history and to stop the imminent massacre. But this becomes difficult when Steven becomes emotionally attached to Anne Chaplet. Worse still it appears that the hated Catholic dignitary the Abbot of Amboise could in fact be The Doctor in disguise and that he seems to be conducting a metaphorical witch-hunt against all heresy, including the apothecaries and the Huguenots.

The Doctor and Steven
The Doctor and Steven

Meanwhile in the Council of France a power struggle is taking place between the impassioned, Catholic Tavannes, Marshal of France, and the more cautious Admiral de Coligny, who is trying to persuade the Court to back the Dutch in their war against Spain. They also argue about domestic matters, with de Coligny urging more action to protect the Huguenots. In doing so he insults the Queen Mother. For de Coligny this is a bad thing as the Queen Mother is the real power in France – and not her son, the weak King Charles IX of France.

Believing him to be The Doctor, Steven decides to visit the Abbot’s house and to his relief, Steven soon realises that the Abbot is not The Doctor after all - but merely his physical double. While there Steven overhears Tavannes inform the Abbot that; ‘The Sea Beggar dies tomorrow’ – not realising that ‘The Sea Beggar’ is a codename for de Coligny. However, when the subsequent assignation attempt on de Coligny fails the Abbot finds himself held responsible for the failure and executed by the Catholic authorities.

French plotters with Steven
French plotters with Steven

It is then that The Doctor returns and, on realising that the massacre is about to start, The Doctor warns Anne that she must stay behind closed doors for the next day. While she heads off, looking for sanctuary in tears, Steven and The Doctor head back across the city to where they left the TARDIS. They manage to regain the safety of the ship just as the curfew is falling and the massacre begins.

Worried for Anne and his friends and that they could do nothing to change history, and especially as Anne may not have survived, Steven is angry that The Doctor made him leave before they could do anything – not even allowing Anne to join them in the TARDIS and so escape the bloodshed.

The TARDIS next arrives in 1966 London on Wimbledon Common. Steven still unable to accept that The Doctor had to leave Anne behind decides he wants to leave the TARDIS. However, shortly afterwards a young girl named Dorothea 'Dodo' Chaplet, after witnessing a road accident, enters the TARDIS, believing it to be a real police box.

Anne is Accused
Anne is Accused

Steven then arrives back too, saying that policemen are approaching, and his heart softens when the young woman introduces herself. Could Anne have survived the massacre after all? The Doctor, on hearing Steven's warning of the approaching policemen, hurriedly sets the TARDIS controls, not noticing until afterwards that Dodo is still aboard and so she joins The Doctor and Steven on their travels.

Steven informs Dodo that there's no way back. But Dodo seems either unworried or simply does not believe him. She says she is an orphan who lives with her great aunt and thus has few ties. And so the TARDIS takes The Doctor, Steven towards the next adventure with their new companion.

 
Marshal Tavannes
Marshal Tavannes
Catherine de Medici
Catherine de Medici
The Abbot of Amboise
The Abbot of Amboise
Nicholas
Nicholas
 
The Doctor and Steven
The Doctor and Steven
Gaston and Nicholas
Gaston and Nicholas
Dodo Chaplet
Dodo Chaplet
The Doctor
The Doctor




Quote of the Story


 'Even after all this time, he cannot understand. I dare not change the course of history. Well, at least I taught him to take some precautions; he did remember to look at the scanner before he opened the doors. And now, they're all gone. All gone. None of them could understand. Not even my little Susan. Or Vicki. And as for Barbara and Chatterton - Chesterton - they were all too impatient to get back to their own time. And now, Steven. Perhaps I should go home. Back to my own planet. But I can't... I can't…'

The Doctor (about Steven)



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Release Information

FormatTitleRelease Date (UK)Code NumberCover ArtRemarks
Audio
CD
The MassacreAugust 1999Photo-montageNarrated by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor) Double CD Release
Audio
CD
Adventures in HistoryAugust 2003Photo-montageNarrated by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor) Audio box set including "The Myth Makers" and "The Highlanders"
Audio
CD
The MassacreFebruary 2011Part of the "Doctor Who: The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Two 1965-1966" Box Set Narrated by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor) Also includes "Archive on 4: Doctor Who - The Lost Episodes" documentary
Audio
LP
The MassacreAugust 2020Photo-montageLimited Edition Double LP - Narrated by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor)


In Print

FormatTitleRelease Date (UK)PublisherAuthorCover ArtRemarks
Novel
Novel
The MassacreNovember 1987Target No. 122John LucarottiTony MaseroISBN: 0-426-20297-X
Novel
Novel
The MassacreOctober 1992Target No. 122John LucarottiAlister PearsonVirgin new cover reprint.
ISBN: 0-426-20297-X
CD
CD
The MassacreJune 2015Target No. 122John LucarottiTony MaseroAudio version of the Target Novel read by Peter Purves (Steven Taylor)
Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time)Issue 22
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/FeatureIssue 49
Doctor Who Magazine - ArchiveIssue 233 (Released: December 1995)
Doctor Who Magazine - Time TeamIssue 293 (Released: July 2000)
Doctor Who Magazine - Time TeamIssue 294 (Released: August 2000)
Doctor Who Magazine - ArticleIssue 568 (Released: October 2021)

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Photo Gallery


The Doctor and Companions

 
William Hartnell
The First Doctor

   

Peter Purves
Steven Taylor
 
Jackie Lane
Dodo
   




On Release

Soundtrack CD Cover
Soundtrack CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
Adventures in History CD Cover
Adventures in History CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Two CD Cover
The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Two CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
Original Television Soundtrack LP Cover
Original Television Soundtrack LP Cover

Demon Records
AUDIO
   



In Print

Original Target Book Cover
Original Target Book Cover

Target
NOVEL
Reprinted Virgin Book Cover
Reprinted Virgin Book Cover

Virgin
NOVEL
Target Audio CD Cover
Target Audio CD Cover

BBC
CD
   


Magazines

Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time): Issue 22
Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time): Issue 22

CMS
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/Feature: Issue 49
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/Feature: Issue 49

CMS
Doctor Who Magazine - Archive: Issue 233
Doctor Who Magazine - Archive: Issue 233

Marvel Comics
   
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 293
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 293

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 294
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 294

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Article: Issue 568
Doctor Who Magazine - Article: Issue 568

Marvel Comics
   

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