Derek Martinus (born Derek Buitenhuis[1] in Ilford, Essex on 4 April 1931, died 27 March 2014[2][3] in London[1]) directed six Doctor Who television stories from 1965 to 1970 with the first three Doctors. Along with Rachel Talalay, he holds the distinction of directing both a regeneration story and a debut story for different Doctors. Martinus is also the first director to have directed a colour story, as well as being the first director of the 70s.
Career[]
Before working on Doctor Who, Martinus served in the Royal Air Force. Some time after his service, he studied acting & directing at Yale University in Connecticut. Upon returning to the UK, he directed and acted in numerous productions under the name of Derek Martinus. The name 'Martinus' was taken from his brother's middle name.[1]
The first story he directed was Galaxy 4. Spearhead from Space was the final story of Doctor Who he directed, making him the first director to direct a colour television Doctor Who story. He also directed two stories of the science fiction TV series, Blake's 7 (Trial and The Keeper).
Death[]
Martinus passed away on 27 March 2014, after succumbing to complications brought on by a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. [4]
Legacy[]
Archive interviews with Derek was featured in the documentary The Trouble with Chumblies and the audio commentary of the animated recreation of The Evil of the Daleks.
His daughter Charlotta contributed to the documentary The Dalek Factor.
Credits[]
- Galaxy 4
- Mission to the Unknown
- The Tenth Planet
- The Evil of the Daleks
- The Ice Warriors
- Spearhead from Space
External links[]
Footnotes[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Scotsman: Obituary
- ↑ BBC News
- ↑ The Guardian
- ↑ THR staff (29 March 2014). 'Doctor Who' Director Derek Martinus Dies at 82. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved on 13 June 2014.
