Dr Who and the Daleks: The Official Story of the Films

Dr Who and the Daleks: The Official Story of the Films

Author	John Walsh
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Genre	Science fiction film
Publisher	Titan Books
Publication date	December 5, 2022
Media type	Print (Hardcover)
Pages	160
ISBN	978-1-80336-018-8

Dr Who and The Daleks: The Official Story of the Films is a book by John Walsh. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the films Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. The large format coffee table style book tells the story of how the original television series Doctor Who was adapted twice for cinema audiences.

Overview

The book includes previously unpublished images and images which had long been out of circulation.

It also contains interviews conducted for the book, and previously published commentary by people no longer alive such as star Peter Cushing, co-stars Roy Castle and Barrie Ingham, and writer Terry Nation, together with various film crew members.

In an interview with the author, Forbidden Planet TV's Andrew Sumner commented on the complexities of the book’s production and publication.

Reception

Ian Cullen of the SciFiPulse.net website said "Overall this book does a great job of giving an accurate history of both of these iconic movies and also delves into the politics that went on behind the scenes."

Freelance journalist Paula Hammond, reviewing for Film Juice website, remarked on the size and scale of the book Walsh had written: "The result is 160-pages of glorious, fan-pleasing information on the production, design, casting and special effects about these much-loved films. Each chapter is packed with full colour illustrations, including up-close views of props, posters and, of course, lots of fascinating behind-the-scenes photography."

Future of the Force commented on the detail of the book's investigation of the films. "Every aspect of the two films is examined in detail. Whether it's the model effects, the set designs, the stunts, or even the editing, it is all placed under the microscope here. Even how they accomplished the destruction of some of the Daleks seen in the films is investigated along the way. The music is scrutinized, and the posters for the films from around the world are revealed. Even the VHS cassette covers."

Mark Yon of SFF World described the book as oddly ordered, with each section containing a "random miscellany of articles on disparate topics... a hodge-podge of interviews and material".

Pop Culture Squad's Ed Catto chose the book as recommended purchase in December 2022 describing it as "spectacular."

Marcus Brooks, writing on the blog of Peter Cushing Appreciation Society, said the Walsh had brought the older films to a new audience with his book. "Walsh has managed to not only present THE book on the history and making of what was, quite a cinematic event. It was no easy task, bringing a concept from the monochrome TV screen, to the full colour big screen and wider audience. Here now, is a book that not only connects with those who are, older fans of the films, factually and visually, but also emotionally."

SFX Magazine commented on the detailed approach by Walsh. "Weaving a captivating story about them is tricky. They've been well-documented."

Doctor Who Magazine stated that not all fans consider 'Dr Who' to be an official Doctor Who character, but was positive in its assessment of the book. "But no matter, for this is the tale of the eccentric inventor Dr Who... and when it comes to that lovable old big-screen professor who built a time machine in his back garden, Walsh knows his stuff."

The Doctor Who Appreciation Society's Celestial Toyroom magazine noted "With stunning photographs (many restored by Clayton Hickman) and eye-catching layout, this is a book you can either read through in one go or pick up to flick through at your leisure.

The book received an 'Honourable Mention' in the 2023 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards.