Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Who Reviews The Crusade by Matt Rabjohns



If I were to ever be asked what for you is the most memorable thing you always recall about the First Doctor era? Then for me I would say straight off that the Historical adventures are what really stick in my mind. I never need an overburdening of aliens to have a great story. And throughout human history there have been plenty of human monsters to be afraid of. Back in the days when Doctor Who was meant to be semi educational, I would always proclaim that it’s the historicals that are the most diverting stories of William Hartnell’s amazing three years in the role of the Doctor.

The Crusade for me is the perfect case in point. David Whitaker was gifted with a golden pen when he scripted this story. For me as a schoolboy history as a lesson was never really brought alive as something I’d be interested in. But by viewing the two surviving instalments of The Crusade on the BBC’S Lost in Time DVD and listening to the complete audio soundtrack, I instantly came to the conclusion that history can be informative and extremely diverting indeed.

Perhaps The Crusade should own the crown of the finest William Hartnell historical adventure. The reasons for this thinking? Well, first there is the extra-ordinarily versatile and superb cast. Jean Marsh has long been a favourite actress of mine, and to see her here in her first Doctor Who role of many is a joy to behold. Princess Joanna comes over as a strong character, and her chemistry with both William Hartnell and the superb Julian Glover as King Richard is one of the finest aspects of this frankly perfect adventure. The acting of both Jean and Julian left me with no doubt that yes, these two could have been brother and sister. Bernard Kay also deserves a mention for his wonderfully restrained but believable Saladin. I really enjoyed how these characters were all represented. Not as just card board cut out villains and heroes. History is rife with shades of grey. People can both be right and wrong. And when writing, the skilled writer always has to give every character layers of character and humanity, whether they be the baddie or the goodie. But this story’s characters are all superbly drawn.

The chemistry between William Hartnell and Maureen O’Brien too is another factor that seriously contributes to my love for this story. I’m not too sure if it may even be the case that the Doctor and Vicki’s bond is even stronger than that between the Doctor and his granddaughter. The way the Doctor explains to Vicki the importance of not getting overtly involved in historical events is more Grandfatherly and closer to me than any of his previous scenes in stories with Susan. The smiles and looks on both their faces seem to scream that they are really enjoying the story they are acting out. This makes the Doctor/Vicki bond very endearing and touching. ​

The fact that in both Saladin’s and Richard’s Courts there is dissent and mistrust also adds layers to an already characterful and colourful script. The head-butting match between the Doctor and The Earl of Leicester still holds one of my all favourite insults from the Doctor ever on screen. “I admire loyalty and bravery Sir, and you have both of these. But unfortunately, you haven’t any brains at all! I hate fools!”
And one cannot give an insight of 100% accuracy to the merits of the Crusade without bringing up Walter Randall. As El Akir, Walter is flawless as a villain. His nuanced performance makes him, at least to me, a singularly vulgar and easy to detest villainous snake. The way he whispers his intents to Barbara at the cliffhanger to part three showcases all the hallmarks of the best sort of Doctor Who villain. His vicious streak is delicious and appalling, and easily matches other superb later performances from other bests such as Roger Delgado and Kevin Stoney. He steals every scene he is present within.

Jacqueline Hill also yet again gets to shine as Barbara. She has forever been one of all-time favourite companions together with fellow school teacher and reluctant traveller Ian. What I love about her character is her massive and lovely compassionate streak. And she gets to display this core endearing attribute when Barbara tries to conceal Maimuna from El Akir and his lackies. And her grounding in historical know how means she knows how to play off against either kings or peasants. ​

And it’s not only the actors that appeal greatly in the Crusade. Douglas Camfield, truly one of Doctor Who’s finest ever directors, really does get the strawberries and cream from everyone on screen. In this story there is not one faceless entity, every character is rounded and beefy. And this is great and essential for all great drama. The way the thing is written and then directed has to meld together seamlessly, and for all the budgetary restrictions, the BBC team achieved this like this was as easy as pi. Even the background scenery looks highly authentic. The richness of the period costume is impressive. ​

Is there anything wrong or bad with The Crusade? I can’t really honestly say I can locate any serious faults. Not even the limiting of William Russell’s appearance as Ian to just one scene of him asleep in the desert really bothers me. If there ever was such a thing as a template for the perfect Historical story, then I would most assuredly put forward The Crusade as a definite contender for first place. ​

I am also greatly saddened that the sixties are so incredibly crippled by severe episode loss. Some of Doctor Who’s finest stories are either half lost or completely lost. And it’s a crying shame that a story of the quality of The Crusade is also affected by this sadness. I am always clinging to the hope that this story may one day be found completed! One must be eternally grateful for fans in the sixties who with their little primitive recorders ensured at least some element of the story lives on. But I am stoically focusing on hope, as there used to be only one episode of this story in the vaults, and now there are two. I can dare to dream that one day we may be treated to a completed Crusade.

If anyone were to ask me which classic William Hartnell tale stokes all the right fires, and gives one the prompting to actually take a keen respect in delving into history, then the Crusade is most certainly the story to go for. The glorious mix of Verity Lambert as producer, Dougie Camfield as Director and William Hartnell as Doctor always is a firm trio destined for success. ​

I wonder if I’ve made it clear just how much I love this story? The days of black and white monochrome adventure are still timeless and wonderful. The Crusade encapsulates all that’s great about the historicals. You want a superb lead actor, backed by a trio of superb companions, and a superbly dastardly villain? Check it out right this minute. Like me I know you won’t be disappointed in the least.





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