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From Amazon.co.uk
One of the most popular adventures from the William Hartnell era of Doctor Who, The Time Meddler pits the Time Lord against Carry On star Peter Butterworth in an entertaining, well-written adventure.
Set in England back in 1066, on the eve of the Battle of Hastings, The Time Meddler sees the Doctor drawn to a monastery where a single monk resides. So how come the singing of the monks can be heard from far away? And what’s the reasoning behind the modern utensils he discovers? All paths lead to the aforementioned Butterworth, whose character’s backstory adds a nice twist to the story.
The Time Meddler throws in the backstory of Jamie discovering the world of time travel for the first time, but it’s the sparring between Hartnell and Butterworth that provides the sparks. And while it’s not a perfect adventure, The Time Meddler is very entertaining, and a nice slice of classic Doctor Who.
Poignantly, the late Verity Lambert joins an intelligent, interesting commentary track in the highlight of the disc’s extras. The Time Meddler was the last Doctor Who story she produced, and her contribution to the supplementary features package is both interesting and a fitting tribute to her work. It also helps make a very strong release for fans of classic Doctor Who. --Simon Brew
Product Description
Four episodes of the classic sci-fi series starring the first Doctor, William Hartnell. Episodes comprise: 'The Watcher', 'The Meddling Monk', 'A Battle of Wits' and 'Checkmate'.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
1965's The Time Meddler is a strange addition to the Hartnell era, its neither here nor there, a mixture between historical fact and futuristic humour. By the end of the second production block, the producers were keen to inject new life in to Doctor Who, Dennis Spooner, since taking up the reign as script editor was keen to experiment with the programme and so we have The Time Meddler, a story that would not be misplaced in the late Jon Pertwee era next to the Time Warrior. In fact, the similarities between these two serials is quite something. We have an alien {Peter Butterworth's "Monk"}, a historical setting {1066} and the Doctor {Billy} trying to end the tampering with time. I have always felt that "The Time Warrior" was a sequel or remake of this story as they are very similar. Nevertheless the two stories are classics {well in my opinion anyway} and they certainly deserve recognition for daring to step out of the norm.
The Time Meddler is short, at 4 episodes, instead of the usual 6 it is not the standard length of any pre season 3 adventure, its length is a good thing mainly because there is not enough going on to keep it alive after the 4 episodes, if it was a 6 parter then I would have knocked it down to 4 stars. I have never been a fan of the 6 parters, they always drag in the middle {Reign of Terror} and you can lose track of the real plot. However, as stated above this story is a nice 100 min breeze and keeps my attention all the way through.
There is great casting in this story by director Douglas Camfield, Doctor Who's greatest director, here we have great comedian Peter Butterworth and familiar face Alethea Charlton {who appered in the first ever serial}.... Read more ›
The Time Meddler is short, at 4 episodes, instead of the usual 6 it is not the standard length of any pre season 3 adventure, its length is a good thing mainly because there is not enough going on to keep it alive after the 4 episodes, if it was a 6 parter then I would have knocked it down to 4 stars. I have never been a fan of the 6 parters, they always drag in the middle {Reign of Terror} and you can lose track of the real plot. However, as stated above this story is a nice 100 min breeze and keeps my attention all the way through.
There is great casting in this story by director Douglas Camfield, Doctor Who's greatest director, here we have great comedian Peter Butterworth and familiar face Alethea Charlton {who appered in the first ever serial}.... Read more ›
32 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Hector Lerbioz
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
Let's face it, THE TIME MEDDLER from 1965 is not going to make most people's top 10 list of favourite DR WHO stories. By today's standards it's very slow-paced and cheap-looking. The script is by no means terrible, although the plans of Peter Butterworth's Meddling Monk to alter history seem ill-conceived and there are lots of dull sections mostly containing beardy Saxons and Vikings (with names like Wulnoth and Sven) arguing in a way that will make you want to spool forward to the next scene.
If all of that makes it look like I'm going to be wholly negative about this release, then I should also say that actually I quite like it. And that's rather the point. I like it because I'm a fan and because I have a certain mindset. One of the reasons I love watching old episodes of DR WHO is to imagine myself back into the mind and feelings of a first time viewer at the time of original transmission. I can see just how exciting and gripping this serial might have been for viewers in 1965. After all if you didn't know about the Doctor's back story(more or less set in stone since 1969's THE WAR GAMES) then the revelation of the Monk's identity must have come as a real surprise to an audience of that time. With the advantage of hindsight this is less exciting now, as since then we've met a veritable host of time travelling renegades (the War Chief, the Master, the Rani, Drax, etc).
However, I do not imagine that most "normal" people will share my enthusiasm and the serial may well come across as tedious, especially if the only contact you've had with DR WHO is the revived Russell T.Davies version. Although maybe fans of the Carry On... films might find something to love in Peter Butterworth's cheeky performance - even if he's not playing a lecherous old man here.... Read more ›
If all of that makes it look like I'm going to be wholly negative about this release, then I should also say that actually I quite like it. And that's rather the point. I like it because I'm a fan and because I have a certain mindset. One of the reasons I love watching old episodes of DR WHO is to imagine myself back into the mind and feelings of a first time viewer at the time of original transmission. I can see just how exciting and gripping this serial might have been for viewers in 1965. After all if you didn't know about the Doctor's back story(more or less set in stone since 1969's THE WAR GAMES) then the revelation of the Monk's identity must have come as a real surprise to an audience of that time. With the advantage of hindsight this is less exciting now, as since then we've met a veritable host of time travelling renegades (the War Chief, the Master, the Rani, Drax, etc).
However, I do not imagine that most "normal" people will share my enthusiasm and the serial may well come across as tedious, especially if the only contact you've had with DR WHO is the revived Russell T.Davies version. Although maybe fans of the Carry On... films might find something to love in Peter Butterworth's cheeky performance - even if he's not playing a lecherous old man here.... Read more ›
37 of 47 people found the following review helpful
By H. Maddox
Format:DVD
I'm 15 years old, and I have to say that this story really is awesome, even by today's standards.
It's certainly one of Hartnell's best, with Hartnell's Doctor really getting into the role brilliantly. Here, we see the bully in him, and the very funny/calm side too. Place him with the Monk, and we have a fantastic combination.
I watched this in one sitting (something I find hard to do with Hartnell/Troughton) and absolutely loved it. I would recommend it for people of all ages because it's a huge lump of fun and a great story!
It's certainly one of Hartnell's best, with Hartnell's Doctor really getting into the role brilliantly. Here, we see the bully in him, and the very funny/calm side too. Place him with the Monk, and we have a fantastic combination.
I watched this in one sitting (something I find hard to do with Hartnell/Troughton) and absolutely loved it. I would recommend it for people of all ages because it's a huge lump of fun and a great story!
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Langella
Format:DVD
Yep, this was the first time we learned that the Doctor was not alone! And what a great story it is too. I first saw this as an adult a few years ago and enjoyed its atmosphere and the understatement that runs through it. A nicely plotted yarn with a denouement which could have been so OTT but is just simply restrained - notice the lack of histrionics on discovering the Monk's Tardis. The Doctor's so matter of fact about it that it just adds to his sense of authority and mystery. Five stars because no present day producer would have the brass neck to commission a story set in a Medieval church with a Gregorian chant as a soundtrack and a monk running round as a foil to the hero! Bravos all round!
30 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Bob Marlowe
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This story marked the 1st time that we met another timelord as a time traveller dressed as a Monk tries to prevent King Harold's defeat at Hastings. There is a very comic feel to the story and Peter Butterworth is perfect casting for the Monk who is far more mischievous than evil.
The scenes between the Doctor & the Monk sparkle as Butterworth and dear old Billy Hartnell try to outdo each other. the story rolls along, never fast but never dragging either.
There is fun to be had as companions played by Maureen O'Brien & Peter Purves try to work out whether they are in the past or in a more modern age with the discovery of the Monk's wristwatch adding to the confusion.
Hartnell is cleverly absent from episode 2 and yet they still create a sense of him being present.
There are a few scenes where the cheapness of the show works against it the stock footage of a viking ship (cut in from an earlier piece of film but less jarring since the restoration work) being completely at odds with the fancy dressed yokels that later turn up claiming to be a scout party. Also, the backcloth/projection could be a little more convincing.
Nonetheless this is a good example of a story that is no classic but still solid fun and a good example of something that is just the right length and does not outstay its welcome.
I have bought a copy since I 1st posted this review. The extras contain a commentary with Peter Purves, the late Verity Lambert (the last one she recorded before her sad death), designer Barry newberry and script editor Donald Tosh. It is a good one despite a few odd and rather controversial comments e.g. Patrick Troughton was miscast, too light and too like Hartnell and Unit was the beginning of the end for Dr Who?... Read more ›
The scenes between the Doctor & the Monk sparkle as Butterworth and dear old Billy Hartnell try to outdo each other. the story rolls along, never fast but never dragging either.
There is fun to be had as companions played by Maureen O'Brien & Peter Purves try to work out whether they are in the past or in a more modern age with the discovery of the Monk's wristwatch adding to the confusion.
Hartnell is cleverly absent from episode 2 and yet they still create a sense of him being present.
There are a few scenes where the cheapness of the show works against it the stock footage of a viking ship (cut in from an earlier piece of film but less jarring since the restoration work) being completely at odds with the fancy dressed yokels that later turn up claiming to be a scout party. Also, the backcloth/projection could be a little more convincing.
Nonetheless this is a good example of a story that is no classic but still solid fun and a good example of something that is just the right length and does not outstay its welcome.
I have bought a copy since I 1st posted this review. The extras contain a commentary with Peter Purves, the late Verity Lambert (the last one she recorded before her sad death), designer Barry newberry and script editor Donald Tosh. It is a good one despite a few odd and rather controversial comments e.g. Patrick Troughton was miscast, too light and too like Hartnell and Unit was the beginning of the end for Dr Who?... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Starts Great gets Worse
The first 2 parts of this episode are amazing and flow beautifully however in the last two parts it isn't very good. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mr. D. P. Metcalfe
5.0 out of 5 stars
doctor who classic
Its the first time i have watched the "time meddler"and i was very impressed its a very atmospheric story set in a great location on the northumberland coast,peter butterworth... Read more
Published 18 months ago by S. Cartlidge
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'd have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for those meddling time...
Having grown up with Baker, Davison, Baker and McCoy playing the Doctor, I only knew the Hartnell stories through the Target novelisations (although I'd read all of those several... Read more
Published on 18 April 2011 by Scaroth, Last of the Jagaroth
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Meddling Monk
My there's a lot of jaded people out there. Haven't bought the DVD yet but lets make one thing clear - if you were 8 years old at the time this was dynamite. Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2010 by Mr. W. Norman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great fun!
Loved the episode, kept me entertained,
I loved watching it and you will too. :)
I loved watching it and you will too. :)
Published on 9 Aug 2010 by John Crowley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great release
Can't really fault this release at all, and everything is pretty much covered in other reviews, but for those that are interested, both the feature and audio commentary tracks are... Read more
Published on 31 May 2010 by LesserShadow
4.0 out of 5 stars
he's not the master, the rani, but a one off, never again seen...
the doctor and co. are stuck in viking time. and this is the first appearance of a villainous timelord, a tradition that is by now worn out and expected. Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2010 by Julia Trott
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Doctor meets The Monk
Doctor Who abandons the most strict revision of history in the past-in-time episodes, to create what was in 1965 a step further in the magic of the tv series. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2009 by Joan Genis Valverde Albons
1.0 out of 5 stars
A Poor Production
This was AWFUL
I put it in our next Charity Bag
I cannot find anything good to say about it. Read more
I put it in our next Charity Bag
I cannot find anything good to say about it. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by Ronald Ellis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantabulous.
This is my favourite William Hartnell serial.
The atmosphere of the Northumbrian coast is captured beautifully, the script and acting are superb. Read more
The atmosphere of the Northumbrian coast is captured beautifully, the script and acting are superb. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 2009 by Mr. E. A. Greenlay
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