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

Dr Who & The Daleks The Official Story of the Films is the fourth book by John Walsh published December 5, 2022. This is a behind the scenes look at the making of the films Dr. Who and the Daleks from 1965 and Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. This large format coffee table style book follows tells the story of how the original television series Doctor Who was adapted twice for cinema audiences.

Walsh had previously written Harryhausen: The Lost Movies, Flash Gordon: The Official Story of the Film and Escape From New York: The Official Story of the Film. Walsh is a triple Rondo Award nominee for Book of the Year, 2020, 2021 and 2022 =Overview= ‘SciFi Pulse’ announced the publication of the new book.

Starburst (magazine)’s Martin Unsworth said the book had many unpublished images but recognised some fans of the television series didn’t not hold the films in high regard. “It’s a shame the films are derided by some because they are not official Who canon, but they are lots of fun and hold up well today. Peter Cushing was a wonderfully whimsical Dr (actually called Who), and it’s a shame he didn’t take up the offer of reprising the role in the series proper.”

Forbidden Planet TV’s Andrew Sumner interviewed Walsh about the issues of getting the book published, Sumner added, "I know how complex the road to producing this book has been."

On the ‘Filmumentaries’ with Jamie Benning he discussed the rare images found for the book “You have found many photographs that have not been around for decades. I always want to see those photos that are the iconic one you know but at a few frames earlier or later. I also like that you dig out these insights and facts. I had no idea that Peter Cushing was offered Dr Who.”

‘Borg.com’ discussed the more obscure nature of the films covered in this book. “Unless you’re a major fan or followed Doctor Who for all of the past 59 years, you may not be aware that the late Peter Cushing played the Doctor in not just one, but two, major theatrical movies.” Borg went on to say that efforts to find those who worked on the film had been taken. “As for interviews, for those no longer living Walsh pulled together commentary from the past, including for stars Peter Cushing, writer Terry Nation, the first film’s co-star and companion Roy Castle and Barrie Ingham, who played the principal alien, as well as film crew members who have passed.”

‘Sci-Fi Pulse’ said the was an accurate examination of the films from the time. “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.”

‘Film Juice’ 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.”

‘SFF World’ looked at the third unmade film involving Terry Nation’s television serial The Chase (Doctor Who) “The book ends with an intriguing look at what was proposed for a third movie that was sadly never made. Like the first two movies, Lost in Time was intended to be based on one of the television serials. This time it was The Chase, broadcast in May 1965”

‘Pop Culture Squad’’s Ed Catto chose the book as recommended purchase in December 2022 describing it as “spectacular.”

The ‘Peter Cushing Appreciation Society’ thought 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 agreed that not all fans consider this an official Doctor Who character but was positive in it 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.”

Doctor Who Appreciation Society’s Celestial Toyroom Magazine noted the unmade third Dalek film. “The book concludes with a short section on the proposed third move and a 'sign-off' section which includes comments from Milton Subotsky's widow, Dr Fiona Subotsky.

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.

Publication
Published in December 2022 by Titan Books.

Recognition
The book was nominated for Book of the Year in the 2023 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. and received an ‘‘Honourable Mention’’ in the final awards.