 | Doctor Who BBV- Auton |
Produced by Bill Baggs
Starring: Michael Wade, Bryonie Pritchard, George Telfer, Verona Chard, and Reece Shearsmith
Released 1997
Two scientists in a classified U.N.I.T. facility unwittingly awaken a portion of the Nestene Consciousness (seen in classic programs Spearhead from Space and Terror of the Autons). Doctor Sally Arnold had been attempting to use traditional and her own improvised methods (using what appear to be bits of an old radio and Mechano) to crack the mystery of the 'sphere' as her assistant Graham Winslet searched for any other clues in overstuffed warehouse. When the spehere becomes sentient, it kills Arnold's other assistant by exploding into a flurry of fragments. As the situation come undone, a hazmat team arrives from U.N.I.T. HQ to take charge of the problem. Led by the strangely distant Lockwood, the team seems to know far more than they let on, but in truth are far less qualified to deal with the situation.
Auton is part one of a trilogy exploring the threat of the dreaded plastic mannequins. The Nestenes were of course dreamed up by Robert Holmes for the introductory adventure for the Third Doctor, Jon Pertwee. A bodiless entity composed entirely of thought waves, there is a great resemblance to the creatures of the Cthulu mythos in the works of H.P. Lovecraft. In attempting to invade the planet Earth, the Nestene sent shards of itself in the form of spheres to be assembled into a larger form through which it could create a fully realized body. The two appearances in the classic program are highly regarded as classics and remain formative of the impact that Doctor Who had on the viewing public as a cult TV phenomenon in the 70's. In 2005, they were brought back in the first episode of the newly revived program, more as a backdrop than the focus of the adventure.
The Autons, the physical servants of the Nestene Consciousness animated by its willpower, are outstanding monsters and Briggs' script takes full advantage of their creepy quality as well as the opportunities that they bring with the ability to take on the likeness of anyone they wish. As an amateur production, Auton is simply outstanding. The main cast are strong with Graham Winslet as the defiant Doctor Arnold and the late Michael Wade as the terribly entrancing Lockwood making a unique combination on screen. I found it interesting to learn that Lockwood was a late addition to the script and that he had initially been written as the Brigadier. When Nic Courtney proved unavailable, a new character was created, one who held secrets close to his chest and held others at arm's length. Filling out the cast as Lockwood's assistant is Reese Shearsmith, who bridges the gap between the two characters with his own humanity and anxiety.
Auton is a superb production that has aged surprisingly well and is regarded as one of the finest spinoffs of Doctor Who (and there are many). Spawning two sequels that upped the ante and even gave fans their first and only view of a fully realized Nestene on screen, there is a lot to enjoy here.
Started in 1991, Bill Baggs's BBV productions took full advantage of his film making resources and the absence of any new Doctor Who on TV. The BBV productions, along with the Reeltime films, are outstanding works that show a dedication to storytelling with a shoestring budget.
More info on the highly recommended DVD releases of BBV films here.
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