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Patrick Troughton
The Macra Terror
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Synopsis


A Macra
A Macra
 When The Doctor. Polly and Ben visit a human colony that appears to be one big holiday camp they think they have come across a truly happy place. But a shadowy presence soon makes them realise that the surface contentment is carefully controlled. The colony’s inhabitants have been brainwashed by giant crab-like creatures - the Macra. Insidious propaganda, broadcast by the Controller, forces the humans to mine a gas that is essential for the Macra to survive - but fatal to them.

 The colony must be saved - but how? The Doctor and his team are up against it, particularly when Ben falls under the influence of the Macra. Can he be rescued from their evil clutches? Can the gas pumping equipment be destroyed, getting rid of the Macra for good?

Source: BBC Audio


General Information

Season: Four
Production Code: JJ
Story Number: 34
Episode Numbers:153 - 156
Number of Episodes: 4
Number of Incomplete/Missing Episodes:4
Percentage of Episodes Held:0%
Working Titles:"The Spidermen", "The Spidermen!", "The Insect-Men" and "The Macras"
Production Dates: February - March 1967
Broadcast Started: 11 March 1967
Broadcast Finished: 01 April 1967
Colour Status: B&W
Studio: Ealing Television Film Studios and Lime Grove (Studio D)
Location: Associated Portland Cement Company Quarry (Dunstable).
Writer:Ian Stuart Black
Director:John Davies
Producer:Innes Lloyd
Story Editor:Gerry Davis
Editor:Eddie Wallstab
Production Assistant:Chris D'Oyly John
Assistant Floor Manager:Anne Faggetter
Designer:Kenneth Sharp
Costume Designers:Daphne Dare and Vanessa Clark
Make-Up Designers:Gillian James and Jeanne Richmond
Cameraman:Peter Hamilton
Lighting:Frank Cresswell
Incidental Music:Dudley Simpson
Special Sounds (SFX Editor):Brian Hodgson
Studio Sounds:Gordon Mackie and Hugh Barker
Title Sequence:Bernard Lodge
Title Music:Ron Grainer and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Arranged by Delia Derbyshire
Number of Doctors: 1
The Doctor: Patrick Troughton (The Second Doctor)
Number of Companions: 3The Companions: Anneke Wills (Polly Wright), Michael Craze (Ben Jackson) and Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon) Additional Cast: Peter Jeffrey (Pilot), Terence Lodge (Medok), Gertan Klauber (Ola), Graham Armitage (Barney), Ian Fairbairn (Questa), Jane Enshawe (Sunnaa), Sandra Bryant (Chicki), Karol Keyes (Chicki (episode 4)), Maureen Lane (Drum Majorette), Graham Leaman (Controller), Anthony Gardner (Alvis), Denis Goacher (Control Voice), Richard Beale (Broadcast and Propaganda Voice), Robert Jewell (Macra Operator), John Harvey (Officia), John Caesar (Guard), Steve Emerson (Guard), Danny Rae (Guard), Roger Jerome (Cheerleader), Terry Wright (Cheerleader), Ralph Carrigan (Cheerleader)Setting: An Earth colony on an unknown planet in the future. Villain: The Macra

The Episodes

No. Episodes Broadcast
(UK)
Duration Viewers
(Millions)
In Archive
153Episode 111 March 196722'58"8.0Missing
154Episode 218 March 196723'21"7.9Missing
155Episode 325 March 196723'24"8.5Missing
156Episode 401 April 196724'41"8.4Missing

Total Duration 1 Hour 34 Minutes


Audience Appreciation

Average Viewers (Millions) 8.2
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (1998)64.45%  (Position = 102 out of 159)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2009)64.24% Lower (Position = 137 out of 200)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2014)67.85% Higher (Position = 150 out of 241)
Doctor Who Magazine Poll (2023) Position = 12 out of 21


Archives


 All four episodes lost. Several short clips from episodes 2 and 3 were recovered, in October 1996, from Australian censor cuts. In addition, 8mm footage shot off-television by a fan from episode 3 exists. Telesnaps (off-air camera photographs) from this story also exist.



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Notes


This story introduces the alien race known as The Macra – they would not appear again in the show for 40 years. This was in the 2007 Tenth Doctor story "Gridlock". In their second appearance in the show seemingly, billions of years of evolution had reduced them to nothing more than vicious predators. They were able to survive on the gas fumes of the exhausts from the cars of the New New York Motorway, in the capital of New Earth - the colony which humans live on following the eventual demise of the Earth.

Terence Lodge (who played Medok) returned to Doctor Who to play Orum in the 1973 Third Doctor story "Carnival of Monsters" and then again, as Moss, in the Third Doctor's last story "Planet of the Spiders" in 1974.

Ian Fairbairn (who played Questa) returned to Doctor Who to play Gregory in the 1968 Second Doctor story "The Invasion". He then played Bromley in the 1970 Third Doctor story "Inferno" and then Doctor Chester in the 1976 Fourth Doctor story "The Seeds of Doom".

The character Chicki was played by two different actresses. Sandra Bryant, who took the role for Episode 1, asked to be released from her contract so that she could accept another, more attractive offer of work. This was agreed, and so for Episode 4 (the only other episode in which Chicki appears) the part was recast, going instead to Karol Keyes.

This story is the first to use a new title sequence incorporating an image of the Second Doctor’s face. Innes Lloyd had for some time been contemplating revamping the opening title sequence, which had not been changed since the show's debut in November 1963. The services of Bernard Lodge, who had designed the original version, were once again secured. The introduction of The Doctors face was due to Bernard Lodge recalling that during test filming in 1963, he had stood in front of the camera and his visage had become incorporated into the electronic effect. Then-producer Verity Lambert had feared that the technique was too scary and forbade its use at the time. Innes Lloyd, however, liked the concept and agreed that a photocaption of Patrick Troughton's face should be used for the new credits; this would become a hallmark of all future Doctor Who opening sequences until the show was re-launched in 2005. Innes Lodge and engineer Ben Palmer created the new titles in early December 1966. It was originally planned to introduce them with "The Underwater Menace" but it’s introduction was held back until this story".

Only one Macra constructed for this story. Consequently, when recording the scene, in episode 3, where Jamie McCrimmon appears to be menaced by two of the monsters, Director John Davies was forced to employ out-of-sequence recording. All the scenes involving the Macra moving from right to left were taped first, followed by those in which the other Macra moves from the left to the right. The whole story was cleverly filmed using several camera angles and trick photography (not to mention a Macra attached to the back of a van!).

Medok seems to have named the creatures 'Macra', or heard the name from rumour, but the word catches on. The creatures are variously called insects, crabs and huge bacteria, and we never learn anything of their origins or organisation. We are led to understand that the gas they depend on is like their own atmosphere.

Anneke Wills (who plays Polly Wright) wore hair extensions for the first few scenes of this story, as she was sporting a new, shorter hairstyle. A haircut for her character was written into the story, as part of Polly's refreshment regimen at the colony.

In 2019 an animated version of this story, with the original soundtrack, was released on DVD in both black and white and in colour. A reconstructed version was also included in this DVD using the telesnap images and the existing clips from episodes 2 and 3.



First and Last

The Firsts:

 The first appearance of the Macra.

 The first Doctor Who story to use a new title sequence incorporating an image of the Second Doctor’s face.

 The first Doctor Who story to be directed by John Davies.


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The Plot

WARNING: May Contain SpoilersHide Text
A Macra
A Macra

On an Earth colony in the far future the feel of a holiday camp is shattered when a man, called Medok, is seen to be on the run and one of the leaders of their planet's seemingly idyllic colony - the Pilot - orders Ola, the Chief of Police, to send guards to recapture him. But what is he running from and why are the authorities so keen that he is recaptured?

Meanwhile, nearby the TARDIS materialises and The Doctor and his three companions, Polly Wright, Ben Jackson and Jamie McCrimmon disembark cautiously. They have just seen on the scanner a clawed creature and so are expecting trouble. However, they are not prepared for Medok to crash into them. Ben is able to hold onto him until guards arrive. While Medok is dragged off, Ola thanks The Doctor and his friends for helping to catch Medok – who he calls a dangerous criminal. However, as Medok is escorted away he screams back that he knows the secret behind the colony.

The Doctor and his companions are invited into the colony to receive the personal thanks of the Pilot. But instead of a real person a still picture of the colony's Controller appears on a screen and through speakers they hear his voice thanking them again and orders everyone in the colony to enjoy themselves. The travellers are then invited to relax and to sample the many healthy therapies available.

Everyone is Happy
Everyone is Happy

The Doctor though is curious about Medok’s outburst and so is not convinced that everything in the colony is at it seems. His suspicions are proved to be correct when he sneaks off to locate Medok, who he finds in the rehabilitation centre, and is told about the crab-like creatures that move up to the surface at night. Medok though is terrified and before he reveals any more he make his escape from the rehabilitation centre.

The travellers then learn of a curfew that is operated during the hours of darkness and are ordered to go to rooms that have been prepared for them. Despite the curfew The Doctor sneaks out of the colony and comes across Medok again. However, guards spot them and as they close in The Doctor and Medok flee. It is then that one of the creatures appears in their path. Medok tries to show the creature to a guard, but is surprised when he refuses to acknowledge its existence. Instead The Doctor and Medok find themselves arrested and dragged off to face the Pilot. Thanks to Medok, who is returned to the rehabilitation centre, The Doctor is freed.

Meeting the Cononists
Meeting the Cononists

Meanwhile in their quarters Ben, Jamie and Polly are sleeping – after being put into a hypnotic state by hidden machines. A voice is heard telling them to follow the rules of the colony, not to question anything and to work hard. In the men’s quarters Ben is in a deep sleep but Jamie is restless.

Early the next morning The Doctor discovers that while Polly was asleep someone had tried to hypnotise her. Luckily Polly seems to be unaffected. However, when they rush to their friends' room they find Jamie is also unaffected but Ben it seems has succumbed. The Doctor destroys the hypnosis machine. But this enrages Ben who rushes off in disgust to report his friends to the guards. It soon becomes clear that Ben has come under a malign influence of whoever is really controlling the colony and this has made him turn against his friends.

It is therefore up to The Doctor, with the help of Polly and Jamie, to discover the truth as to what is hiding in the depths of the colony. They discover that the supposedly idyllic colony has in fact been infiltrated and taken over by a race of giant crab-like creatures - The Macra – and that the brainwashed inhabitants are forced to mine a gas that is toxic to themselves but which is vital for their oppressors' survival.

Medok is Captured
Medok is Captured

Even when Polly, who enters the underground mines in search of The Doctor, comes under attack from a Macra. Ben, who has followed her, does not at first come to her rescue. It seems that his conditioning prevents him from even acknowledging The Macra’s existence. However, as more creatures appear, surrounding them both, the sight of Polly in danger temporarily breaks Ben's conditioning and he rescues her. But as soon as they are safe his conditioning re-asserts itself. It seems that there is nothing that can be done to break The Macra’s influence over all those in the colony.

With Polly and Jamie forced to work in the mines, and so in danger of dying from the toxic atmosphere, they learn that The Macra are totally reliant on the gas to exist. With this knowledge they try to escape. In doing so Jamie enters a forbidden area and is nearly suffocated when more gas is pumped into the room. Luckily The Doctor has also learnt of the importance of the gas and when he discovers Jamie’s predicament he hastily shuts down the pipe that is pumping the gas. He then manages to reverse the flow, pumping fresh air down into the tunnels. The Doctor and Polly then join Jamie in the forbidden area so as to confront The Macra. But they soon find themselves in danger when the voice of Control orders the gas to be restored to the tunnels. Jamie is able to escape to the surface but is quickly captured by the guards. The Doctor and Polly find their way to the Macra-infested Control Centre deep in the tunnels. But when they manage to return to the surface, and then persuade the Pilot to come and see what they have discovered, The Doctor and Polly are captured by Ola, who The Macra have put in charge of the colony when their control over the Pilot is lost.

The Doctor, Polly and Jamie are in danger of being gassed to death in the pump room and it seems that the Macra are unstoppable. However, Ben’s conditioning is starting to wear off and when he regains enough of his senses he is able, under the guidance of The Doctor to manipulate the gas pipes to send a combustible mixture of gas to the Macra’s Control Centre. When it explodes all The Macra are destroyed - thus saving Ben’s fellow travelling companions and restoring the colony’s freedom.

 
The Pilot and Medok
The Pilot and Medok
The Controller is Attacked by a Macra
The Controller is Attacked by a Macra
Polly Investigates
Polly Investigates
Polly and Ben are Terrified
Polly and Ben are Terrified
 
A Macra Attacks
A Macra Attacks
Jamie is Attacked
Jamie is Attacked
The Doctor
The Doctor
Ben Saves the Colony
Ben Saves the Colony




Quote of the Story


 'This is an emergency! Control must be believed and obeyed! No-one in the colony believes in Macra! There is no such thing as Macra! Macra do not exist! There are no Macra!'

Control Voice



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Release Information

FormatTitleRelease Date (UK)Code NumberCover ArtRemarks
Audio
Tape
The Missing Stories - The Macra TerrorJuly 1992ZBBC 1342Photo-montageNarrated by Colin Baker Edited version Double Cassette
Audio
CD
30 Years at the Radiophonic Workshop1993BBC CD 871Photo-montageSound effects
Video
VHS
The Missing YearsNovember 1998BBCV 6766Photo-montageA 56 minute documentary presented by Frazer Hines (Jamie McCrimmon) and Deborah Watling (Victoria Waterfield) Includes variuos clips Released as part of The Ice Warriors Collection (BBCV 6387)
Audio
CD
Doctor Who at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop Volume One - The Early Years 1963-1969June 2000WMSF 6023-2Music and sound effects
Audio
CD
The Macra TerrorAugust 2000Photo-montageNarrated by Colin Baker Unedited CD re-release of the 1992 BBC Radio Collection audio release Double CD Release
Video
DVD
Doctor Who: Lost in TimeNovember 2004BBCDVD 1353Photo-montageIncludes surviving clips from episodes 2 and 3 and the 8mm off-air home movie footage from episode 3
Audio
CD
The Macra TerrorFebruary 2012Photo-montagePart of the "Doctor Who: The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Four 1967" Box Set Narrated by Colin Baker
Audio
CD
The 50th Anniversary CollectionDecember 2013Photo-montageOriginal Television Soundtracks
Video
DVD
The Macra TerrorMarch 2019BBCDVD 4371Photo-montageAnimated Version with Original Soundtrack
Video
Blu-Ray
The Macra TerrorMarch 2019BBCBD 0464Photo-montageLimited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook boxed set containing black & white and colour versions of the animated episodes.


In Print

FormatTitleRelease Date (UK)PublisherAuthorCover ArtRemarks
Novel
Novel
The Macra TerrorDecember 1987Target No. 123Ian Stuart BlackTony MaseroISBN: 0-426-20307-0
CD
CD
The Macra TerrorAugust 2016Target No. 123Ian Stuart BlackTony MaseroAudio version of the Target Novel read by Anneke Wills (Polly Wright).
Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time)Issue 34
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/FeatureIssue 67 (Released: August 1982)
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap ArchiveIssue 251 (Released: May 1997)
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap ArchiveIssue 252 (Released: June 1997)
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap ArchiveIssue 253 (Released: July 1997)
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap ArchiveIssue 254 (Released: July 1997)
Doctor Who Magazine - Time TeamIssue 301 (Released: March 2001)
Doctor Who Magazine - ArchiveIssue 308 (Released: September 2001)
Doctor Who Magazine - Missing In ActionIssue 491 (Released: November 2015)
Doctor Who Magazine - The Fact of FictionIssue 513 (Released: July 2017)

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Photo Gallery


The Doctor and Companions

 
Patrick Troughton
The Second Doctor

   

Anneke Wills
Polly Wright
Michael Craze
Ben Jackson
Frazer Hines
Jamie McCrimmon
   




On Release

The Missing Stories Tape Cover
The Missing Stories Tape Cover

BBC
AUDIO
Sound Effects CD Cover
Sound Effects CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
Missing Years VHS Video Cover
Missing Years VHS Video Cover

BBC
VIDEO
Audio - Volume 1: The Early Years
Audio - Volume 1: The Early Years

BBC
AUDIO
   
Soundtrack CD Cover
Soundtrack CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
Lost In Time DVD Cover
Lost In Time DVD Cover

BBC
VIDEO
The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Four CD Cover
The Lost TV Episodes: Collection Four CD Cover

BBC
AUDIO
The 50th Anniversary Collection Cover
The 50th Anniversary Collection Cover

BBC
AUDIO
   
DVD Cover
DVD Cover

BBC
VIDEO
Blu-Ray Steelbook Cover
Blu-Ray Steelbook Cover

BBC
VIDEO



In Print

Target Book Cover
Target Book Cover

Target
NOVEL
 
Target Audio CD Cover
Target Audio CD Cover

BBC
CD
   


Magazines

Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time): Issue 34
Doctor Who CMS Magazine (An Adventure in Space and Time): Issue 34

CMS
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/Feature: Issue 67
Doctor Who Monthly - Article/Feature: Issue 67

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 251
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 251

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 252
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 252

Marvel Comics
   
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 253
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 253

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 254
Doctor Who Magazine - Telesnap Archive: Issue 254

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 301
Doctor Who Magazine - Time Team: Issue 301

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - Archive: Issue 308
Doctor Who Magazine - Archive: Issue 308

Marvel Comics
   
Doctor Who Magazine - Missing In Action: Issue 491
Doctor Who Magazine - Missing In Action: Issue 491

Marvel Comics
Doctor Who Magazine - The Fact of Fiction: Issue 513
Doctor Who Magazine - The Fact of Fiction: Issue 513

Marvel Comics


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