Thursday, March 31, 2011

[New post] Doctor Who - Destiny of the Daleks

Doctor Who - Destiny of the Daleks

dailypop | March 31, 2011 at 8:09 am | Tags: tom baker doctor who daleks | Categories: Doctor Who- 4th Doctor | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2rY

Doctor Who - Destiny of the Daleks

Story 104
1-22 September 1979

In the distant future, the Daleks make their last stand on their home planet. Fought nearly to the last by the Movellans, they hope to find an answer to their problem by consulting their creator whom they had abandoned eons ago. In the decayed ruins of Skaro, the Doctor and Romana are pawns in a galactic battle of wits in which the future of the universe is decided.

In reading Peter Haining's Doctor Who File, I found that the classic BBC program was in a regular conflict with the press regarding the reuse of the Daleks. When they were not featured on the screen, editorials demanded their return, but nearly every time the Daleks came back was met with derision (and this is long before they were blandly recycled in the BBC Wales series). When incoming producer Graham Williams took over after Philip Hinchcliffe, he stated that he had no intentions on bringing the Daleks back unless a suitable story presented itself. I can't help but find that condition ironic as the series 17 opening adventure Destiny of the Daleks is little more than a poor excuse to march Terry Nation's creations across the screen once again.

During the 60's, the Daleks appeared as crafty tacticians, brilliant and ruthless in their evil machinations. After a long departure from the program, the Daleks returned in three adventures during the 1970's that saw them reduced to cardboard alien menaces armed with rayguns. After a triumphant return to form in Genesis of the Daleks by Terry Nation and Robert Holmes in 1975, it seemed that the next appearance of the Daleks would be an impressive one. Surprisingly, a four year gap preceded their next outing in a script hammered together by Nation and script editor Douglas Adams (of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame).

The adventure begins with yet another 'fixing K-9' sequence perhaps because having a robot dog and the Daleks in the same story would be downright impossible. What follows is a weird scene that has confused fans ever since in which Romana spontaneously decides to regenerate and cycles through different bodies as if she were trying on outfits. It's obviously played for laughs but goes on for far too long and culminates in the new incarnation being based on Princess Astra. It raises all kinds of logistical questions for die-hard Whovians desperate to make sense of the program's logic and eats up precious screen time. In short, it's unfunny and makes no sense. The TARDIS then decides to arrive on Skaro, where deadly radiation still hangs about in the atmosphere but apparently the Doctor could care less. He and Romana are soon involved in a deadly war between the Movellans and the Daleks that has reached a stalemate.

In the distant future, long after the events of the 60's and 70's stories, the Daleks have amassed a vast empire threatening the lives of all other races (just as the Time Lords had predicted in Genesis of the Daleks). Pooling their resources, the surviving alien races create a robot army known as the Movellans to fight for them. The ploy works and the Daleks are evenly matched by the tireless android enemies. One strange point in this story involves the notion that the Daleks are entirely mechanical rather than mutant blobs housed inside a personal tank, an idea that Nation wanted included in the script but got vetoed by Williams and Adams. Unfortunately, much of the script relies on the Daleks being restricted by their computerized minds and being incapable of imaginative thought. Nearing extinction, the Daleks return to Skaro to unearth their creator Davros who has remained sealed in a bunker for roughly 10,000 years. With his help, the Daleks hope to break the impasse and conquer the universe.

An expert in robotics and on Daleks, the Doctor becomes a commodity to the Movellans who wish to wipe out the Daleks once and for all. However, in their long war with the survivors of Skaro, the Movellans have become cold inhuman soldiers, almost as deadly as the foes that they are fighting. Faced with a moral decision mirroring a similar choice that he made during their birth, the Doctor must decide the destiny of the Daleks.

A humorous and often contemplative plot is marred not only by a less than impressive outing by the Daleks but a lack of dedication to the material by Tom Baker. Acting opposite Daleks has been said to be a challenge for any actor that I find easy to believe. However, when Baker is faced with a Dalek, he treats it with jovial charm as if he is talking to a child dressed in a Halloween costume, not a deadly alien menace. This is not helped by the embarrassing condition of the props. A quartet of shabby Dalek props, many with missing parts replaced with hastily remade panels or packing tape along with several hollow prop shells make up the Dalek army in this one. They also barely make an appearance in this four-parter, but maybe that's for the best.

The special effects seem thrown together as extras are bathed in a negative glow before languidly falling to the studio floor, apparently being struck by a Dalek death ray is the most pleasant way to go. Part of the problem in these star-faring Doctor Who adventures often sits in the lack of resources. The Dalek army consists of four Dalek props threatening to fall to pieces at any moment. An army of slaves from across the universe is represented by a small group of dusty extras dressed in random left over costumes who apparently can't be bothered to act.

Even though this story is only four parts long, vast portions of screen time are taken up by reused scenes showing Daleks wheeling by the screen looking for Davros, the Doctor... the director?

The story goes that Nation would often submit very loose scripts that script editors would have to rework in order to create a finished product. A clever and skillful writer in his own right, Adams attempts to make some sense of the story but it never really comes together. Add to this that not only was Michael Wisher unavailable to reprise the role of Davros but even the original mask had to be butchered to fit David Gooderson who also performed a noble effort in attempting to follow Wisher's act. Even so, Nation was dissatisfied with the end result, citing moments where the Doctor sends up the Daleks as impotent or just hurling them down hallways.

One of the strong points of Destiny of the Daleks is the chemistry between Tom Baker (who was getting a bit too comfortable in the part of the Doctor and seemed bored at times) and newcomer Lalla Ward. Given the option, I'd prefer Mary Tamm's regal and snooty Romana I, but the second incarnation has her own unique appeal. The pair certainly carry the story and attempt to gloss over a program that seems rushed and created solely to bring the Daleks back into the headlines and boost ratings.

Guest star Tim Barlow who plays Tysson is a welcome addition to the script. He plays an escaped Dalek slave who works with the Doctor in outsmarting both the Daleks and Movellans while Romana plays the damsel in distress (twice). While I dislike the characters, the Movellans are well acted by Peter Straker, Suzanne Danielle and Tony Osoba. Aside from the afore-mentioned extras who were hired just to fall down, the cast is up to the usual high standards the classic Doctor Who is known for.

Producer Graham Williams' Key to Time series was experimental, jocular and clever, equal parts rollicking adventure and wild fantasy. What a disappointment to follow up such a body of work with what appears to be a contractual obligation. I shouldn't be too harsh on this one as it does retain a certain kind of nostalgic value. It also has some inspired things to say about warfare and the notion of self-sacrifice to win a war. But in the end, it's a sad successor to the 1975 classic Genesis of the Daleks and undoes almost all of the work that program accomplished in returning a real sense of threat to the creatures. It would be several years until the Daleks made an impact on viewers again in 1984's Resurrection of the Daleks... but that is another story altogether.

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Recreated in miniature, a special set of action figures based on Destiny of the Daleks has been scheduled for release by Character Options. The Fourth Doctor is presented in his trademark series 17 costume, a dressed down affair of contemporary clothes, boots and his long characteristic scarf. A re-sculpt of Davros based on David Gooderson's the slightly different appearance as the evil scientist is also included. Filling out the set are a pair of grey soldier Daleks along with a data sphere. It's an attractive set and certainly appeals to anyone with fond memories of the classic program.

Pre-order the Doctor Who - Destiny of the Daleks set

Pre-order in the US from Mike's Comics.
Pre-order in the UK from Forbidden Planet.

In addition, the latest in a series of deluxe maxi-busts has just been announced based on the 4th Doctor as seen in series 17's follow-up adventure, City of Death.

Pre-order Doctor Who Masterpiece Collection Maxi Bust: 4th Doctor

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For sale: 1950s Peter Womersley-designed Farnley Hey house in Farnley Tyas, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 12:52 PM PDT

York3

One of the finest midcentury properties in Britain is up for sale - this Peter Womersley-designed Farnley Hey house in Farnley Tyas, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Its stunning four-bedroom home with spectacular views over the Pennines, designed by architect Peter Womersley in 1954 as a wedding present to his brother. It was impressive then and it is impressive now - because Farnley Hey has been maintained in its original condition. Give or take a few appliances and utilities, you could be walking back into 1954 when you walk into this house.

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According to English Heritage: 'In style Farnley Hey suggests the influence of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright , brought to a dramatic site in the Pennines. It typifies the best of the 1950s in its lightness, sense of the picturesque and optimistic stance.'

Features of note include its large floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer the light and those views, as well as an extensive use of camphorwood and York stone flags, not to mention the 'period' lemon yellow Formica panels.

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Specifics of the house include those four bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom), a large study, a kitchen / dining room and two reception rooms. One of the receptions is known as The Dancefloor because of its polished floors, in-built audio system and double height ceiling. It was originally created for parties and recording live music. So if you're a musician or a party animal, it could be the house for you. With 1.2 acres of land, there's no neighbours to annoy either.

Downside? The price obviously. You'll be looking at something around £749,000. Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than the price likely to be asked if the house was further 'down south'. Lots more images at the agent's site.

Find out more at the Modern House website

eBay watch: Vintage 'pop-art' hanging lamp

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 12:27 PM PDT

Yellow

Love the design and right now, this vintage 'pop-art' hanging lamp is available for next to nothing too.

Details are scarce, with the seller claiming it is from the 70s or 80s. If I was a betting man, I'd go for 80s, just because of that bold yellow colour, which is reminiscent of the era. It's made of plastic and has a diameter of a 34cm, with no cracks or indeed, wear and tear.

Just a penny right now on eBay.

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Sleeveless Shirt Dress from Topshop Petite

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 10:39 AM PDT

Tanspotdress

When we think of summer dresses it's often florals and bright colours that spring to mind. Just because the weather is brighter, however, doesn't mean more sultry shades are unwelcomed in fashion. Ideally using a very retro shade of brown, this Sleeveless Shirt Dress from Topshop Petite is effortlessly summery.

The sleeveless shirt cut has a subte sixties feel, enhanced by the scalloped Peter Pan collar and button-up front. The lightly cinched waist allows for a sharp silhouette, along with a feminine and flowing skirt shape. The tan brown colour choice is lifted with a white polka dot, while retaining that very sixties shade.

It's available now from Topshop for £32.

Find out more from the website

Denim Midi Skirt from Oasis

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 10:18 AM PDT

Midiskirt

With the return of seventies influence currently spreading like wildfire across high street stores, there's plenty of influences from the era to choose from. Denim's comeback in much more than jeans is evident with pieces like this Denim Button Skirt from Oasis.

The midi skirt has an instantly seventies feel thanks to its almost-knee length hem and a-line shape, with button through fastening at the front. The use of a mid stonewash blue shade keeps things classic and timeless, providing a perfect piece of day-time retro fashion.

It's available now from Oasis for £45.

Find out more from the website

Danform Curve1 Chair

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 10:16 AM PDT

CURVE1Blowup 
These simple, yet decidedly retro-looking chairs are the Curve1 Chair by Danform.

Not to be confused with Panton's Curve Chair and its imitators, this dining chair from Denmark is created by a leading manufacturer of bentwood furniture. It is available in a choice of black or white leather, wenge stained or walnut veneer. The chairs cost £85 each (or £30 extra for walnut veneer) which seems a reasonable price, but you must order a minimum of four chairs (which is probably a sensible number of dining chairs really).

Buy them online from Kalusto Furniture.

T@B 320 Retro Caravan

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 10:00 AM PDT

Tab13_rom
To some, caravanning has the romantic connotations of taking to the road in a vintage airstream trailer, whereas to others it's more associated with a wet weekend in Bognor. Whatever your take, it's undeniable that there's a certain romance to packing up and hitting the open road and the incredibly compact T@B 320 Caravan allows you to do just that and in retro style to boot.

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Measuring under five metres in length,  the caravan has tardis-like properties. There's room within to accomodate four adults around the table and a queen size bed to ensure a good night's sleep. It's diminutive dimensions mean you don't need a huge car to haul it around and as caravans go it's in a very reasonable price bracket, costing from just £7112.

It's available form Springbank Leisure and you can take a closer look at it's many features here.

 

House of Chintz Lamp Shades

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 09:50 AM PDT

Caravan_of_love 
Pattern designer and painter, Kate Boyce produces homewares under the name House of Chintz. As that glorious name would suggest, her work is inspired by suburban English landscapes of days gone by.

Her lampshades are inspired by the landscapes she grew up with, and use her own photography, combined with scans of vintage floral fabric from the 70s and 80s. Pictured here is the Caravan of Love design, which includes the favourite mobile holiday home of the 70s; other designs show houses and streets. The lampshades measure 30cm in diameter and can be used for ceiling or on a base.

The shades cost £65 from Radiance Lighting.

Alfie & Maud Retro Cushions

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 09:01 AM PDT

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Adding a new cushion to an old sofa or chair can totally reinvent it without the hassle of re-upholstering or the cost of replacing.

This Alfie & Maud Cushion has a great hand-drawn style illustration in slate, pink and blue which is reminiscent of Enid Blytons' Famous Five and their adventures on hot sunny days, fortified with lashings of ginger beer.

The cushion cover is made of calico, washable and comes with a good quality feather pad inside. It measures 40cm x 40cm.

You can buy the cushion for £35 form Bouf.com here

Adidas Samba trainers get a reissue in grey or blue suede

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 07:38 AM PDT

Samba1

I know more reissues of the 'same old...' might be greeted with groans from some quarters, but I'm guessing the constant reissues of the Adidas Samba is because is just keeps on selling. If you are on the look out for a new pair, the classic football show from 1962 is back in two new colours.

Those two finishes are blue and grey suede, you can see an image of the second style over the page. Other than that, this is a fairly typical Samba, with the suede upper matched up with a vulcanised sole and gold branding.

£51.99 gets you a pair.

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Via His Knibs

Samba2

Exmouth cushion from Habitat

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 03:11 AM PDT

Exmouth cushion

If you're looking forward to summer and an escape to the seaside, you'll probably appreciate the Exmouth cushion from Habitat.

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The cushion costs just £10. 

Buy it online

Festival of Britain tote bag

Posted: 30 Mar 2011 02:55 AM PDT

Festival bag
 

If you were a fan of Lizzie Allen's print produced to celebrate 60th anniversary of Festival of Britain but couldn't quite justify the £250 price tag, there's a chance to pick up the design for a lot cheaper with this Festival of Britain tote bag

It's a cotton bag, printed with the same design as used on the print, blending Lizzie Allen's distinctive vintage characters with the icons of the Festival, such as the Royal Festival Hall. 

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Buy it from the Southbank Centre

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