HOW DOCTOR WHO STARTED... An Adventure in Space and Time REACTION! 

I'm sure someone else already answered this for you but, just in case: William Hartnell was, actually, only 55 when he was cast as the Doctor. To give you perspective, that's the exact same age Peter Capaldi was when he was cast! So, William Hartnell's inability to continue as the Doctor had less to do with him "getting old" and more to do with him generally being a man of poor health. Specifically, he was suffering from arteriosclerosis (which can be caused by smoking). Some of the symptoms can include confusion, loss of vision, weakness, and difficulty with speech, all of which would've effected his ability to continue working. 😢

27:00 If you don't understand Matt Smith's cameo, it was supposed to be William Hartnell seeing into the future and getting a glimpse at how large this show is. This film was made in 2013, when Smith was the current Doctor.

Note that Verity and Sidney were the names of 'John Smith's parents in 'Human Nature'.

"One day I shall come back....yes, I shall come back."

The green on the Daleks and the console would appear white on film. In B&W, anything on set that was white would be too bright and washed out.

I have yet to find a reaction video of this film where the reactor didn't cry at some point.

This movie never fails to make me cry

*Matt Smith's* cameo was an artistic way to have *Wm Hartnell* do something he couldn't do IRL: _See the lasting legacy of what he helped start._ It is the past looking into the future. So glad you enjoyed that, *and* decided to include it here.

Matt Smith's appearance at the end is a symbolic send-off from the First to the (at the time) Last Doctor. It's based on an urban legend that, supposedly, if you look at the console in this scene in Hartnell's final episode, you can see some of the toggles moving by themselves. That's why Smith's playing with them.

"Old men plant trees that they will never see the shade of."

17:45 Yes, in 1963 I was doing this too. School playgrounds were full of kids doing this! 22:11 On the left, Jean Marsh (Sarah Kingdom). On the right, Anneke Wills (Polly). Making cameos as party guests.

7:05 OH MY GOD WATCH OUT ITS..... wait, never mind. False alarm, everyone.

“You know who” (you know who I mean, 2020) really was playing the long game.

Matt Smith appearing to Bill is really just to show how far the show went on after Bill, and Matt was the Doctor at the time they filmed this (his time was coming to an end and the 50th anniversary was coming up)

I realize this is a couple of months late, but being one for trivia and easter eggs, I thought you might like this. The elderly guard seen at the BBC is none other than Russel Enoch, formerly known as William Russel, who played Ian Chesterton, one of the first group of companions. Also, Sacha Dhawan, who plays Waris Hussein, would go on to become The Master in the latest episode of Who.

this reaction is POW POW POW

Oh.............by the way: Before you watch "The Day of the Doctor," there are two shorts you need to see first! - "The Last Day" & "The Night of the Doctor"

Matt Smith showing up felt like "Your time as the Doctor is done, but your legacy will live on even in 50 years" BTW Fun fact: The last 2 "new Doctors", John Hurt and David Bradley played both in multiple Harry Potter movies, in one of them even together with David Tennant and a tent that is bigger on the inside. Have you ever heard of a rather unknown movie called: "ALIEN" ? XD John Hurt was the one who got the first chest burster

7:05 oh.....

For the little imagination spot as Sidney was reading about the Daleks, remember that at this point, any man over thirty-five or so would have been personally aware of the Nazis' atrocities while they were still happening, and any man over forty would very likely have actually served in the war. It's no wonder the Daleks were so evocative for him (and probably most adult viewers as well).

This story couldn't be told in any better way. Such great acting, such joy, such sadness. It make you wish that Hartnell could know how great his legacy was, how long this wonderful series has been part of generations of youngsters. And your reaction is great!

19:45 "What happened to his glasses?" - Standard treatment for a lazy eye. Put a plaster over the good one and make the other work harder to strengthen it.

I like how matt pops up because it represents that if hartinell didn't leave the show wouldn't have been what it is today. "Times change and so must I"- 11th doctor.

This was,imo,the best thing to come out of the 50th Anniversary. DOTD was fun,but this was the most pertinent to the entire history of the show;and had the most heart.

Matt appearing still makes me cry no matter how many times I watch it.

Little side note: John Hurt is an actual legend. He was in so many really great movies. Alien, 1984, Rob Roy, Dead Man, just to name a few …

I absolutely love this docu-drama! It's definitely moving, no matter how many times I see it. There are loads of past companions/actors from the show's past scattered throughout it, as a lot of them were still alive at the time of making this. Also, Nick Briggs, who voices the Daleks (and various other aliens) in modern Who was in this as the guy who originally voiced the Daleks. The icing on the cake was definitely Matt Smith popping up for a cameo, proving that the show does indeed go on.

there's a special bit trivia to that regeneration scene (go and watch the actual episode) when the first doctor initially regenerates, he looks over to another part of the consol and we see sevral of the dials and switches moveing on thier own, like a ghost is doing it. initially its spose to be the tardis helping him fly, but in this it suggests its the ghost of a future doctor/actor helping him, since we see mat messing with the same area of the consol

Loved the cameos by William Russel (aka Ian Chesterton) as the BBC doorman, Carol Ann Ford (aka Susan) as the woman who calls for the children after the scene with the Daleks and Jean Marsh (aka Sara Kingdom) in Verity’s going away party

What a great bonus! 😊 David Bradley did a great job. Glad you watched this. 🤗

There are two mini episodes, "The Night of the Doctor" and "The Last Day" to check out before the 50th anniversary special.

I've just realised... when the guard taps on the car window after Mr Hartnell has been given the news that he's to go... he knocks FOUR times...

As close to the first Doctor that you could ever get.

note the cameo character of the BBC doorman ( the fellow who played Ian Chesterton in the original series).

17:30 The lady in the curls is the original actress who played Susan.

This is one of my favorite specials! I know it's a film I just look at it like a special lol It was sooo well done from story to casting. *chefs kiss* John Hurt doesn't play the first doctor. His title is coming up for ya.

This was done to celebrate the 50th anniversary, and Smith was the Doctor at the time, so I think that’s why First saw/imagine 11th on that scene.

I'm 52 this year. I have watched Dr who nearly all my life. Best times is when you start watching Dr who with your children. Even though they have all grown up now. We still watch it together still. In Bradford West Yorkshire they is a film and television museum and the have a darlek from 1970s.

"John Hurt playing the 1st Doctor" Um.. what?

3:45, I keep forgetting his name. Always OG Ian Chesterton for me.

I've been watching Dr Who since it started but was too young to understand the back story, so this was interesting. I remember hiding behind the sofa when the daleks appeared in Episode 2 tho! All the Doctors brought something unique to the role but William Hartnell was my favourite for decades - grounded, competent and kind. Thanks for the review!.

It may have just been for drama or theming or whatever, but what makes me sob the most is despite losing his ability to remember lines or gets confused on set he is the only one who knows how to work HIS tardis!

They could have easily found an actor that looked more like Patrick Troughton, or even slightly like him. Especially with how he pretty much didn't have any lines. I am sure the Tardis keeping shape was not decided on before they started shooting. It was budget constraints that made them decide to do that. Similar to how Star Trek only came up with the transporter to save on the budget of animating a shuttle each episode as they initially planned.

John Hurt is also known from the famous "chest-burster" scene from the very first Alien film. He was also the Elephant Man and was in Indiana Jones, plus a whole lot more.

I have watched this once a year every year since it aired and the bit where Matt Smith shows up never fails to make me cry. I always end up thinking of this quote from Carole Ann Ford (who played Susan): "I wish William Hartnell was here to share in all this. Even before we started he said, ‘This is going to go on forever.’ He was right, bless him. He loved it so much."

Matt Smith showing up was a nod to the legacy that Hartnell created. When the first Doctor looks over and sees 11, I always get emotional.

Sasha played the role masterfully.

3:45 - The original Ian Chesterton. That was lovely inclusion by Mark Gatiss.

Public awareness of the health risks associated with smoking didn't really shift into high gear until the late 60's / early 70's. This series began in the very early days of television, late 50's / early 60's, so, welcome to the wonderful world of tobacco, where virtually everybody took up smoking upon becoming an adult (by whatever measure was in play at the time).

I’m just going to pause you Michael so I can get tea and tissues. Edit. Back, please continue.

O look! The guy from Iron Fist is in this, love him in that show - never really get to see him in anything! And this is such an interesting movie, haven't seen it. The smoking is because everyone smoked a hell of a lot then. You should look at how they made the show theme. And it is a great show but bless them they had the odds stacked against them. DAMN I've never seen this before and I'm tearing up for the poor guy.

Mark 0:03. By coincidence, I saw the movie, "The Mouse That Roared", earlier today or later yesterday. I've read the novel. I've seen the movie before. But this viewing was the first time that I realized that, William Hartnell, was also in it! So if you're curious about other roles of his, he's in that movie. I saw it this time, thanks to "TCM". But you probably have access to other means of viewing it. 😎

The sprinkler thing happened twice, it took until the Second Doctor before they fixed it.

I maintain that most people looked pretty like who they were supposed to be... aside from Patrick Troughton who looked like they had just pulled in some random guy who they had stuck a wig on

I met David Bradley at York Comic Con in 2018, he's a really nice man.

There are alot of cameos in this from Doctor Whos history from 2 of the original 3 companions, the guy who played Marco Polo and many many more

I watched this for the first time the other day. I really enjoyed it! It’s a great dramatisation at how this amazing show started.

That childlike wonder on your face when Matt Smith appeared! 😍

ahh, "an adventure in space and time' - the motherlode - a magnificent love letter to dr who! thanks so much for the reaction, dr. f!

failwhale34 is going to have take in an ol' school story or two involving the Brigadier to appreciate a couple moments in the Capaldi years.

that end w 11 gets me every time lol

One of John Hurt's best roles was in a movie that hardly anyone has seen called 'The Field'. He plays the town fool. The movie is one of the best I've ever seen.

John Hurt was also the android in Aliens that the creature popped out of his chest.

*John Hurt* was the victim in an iconic moment in sci-fi ─ Have you seen _Alien?_ Others: _Snowpiercer,_ _Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Crystal Skull._ The first _Hellboy_ films and _Contact._ He was even in a 1986 film called _Rocinante_ (thought you might appreciate that). 😊

Ready to enjoy your reaction eating prunes and to cry a lot. (Both were accomplished extremely well) Amazing reaction!

7:05 so this is what a *certain timelord* meant by living through the 20th century....

The Doctor: One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine.

25:25 Hartnell was only 55 when he left. By contrast, Capaldi was 59. Hartnell's health was just that bad at the time.

I cried harder watching Bradley saying "I don't want to go" than Tennant tbh

26.30 Reece Shearsmith, longtime collaborator with this shows writer, Mark Gatiss, in their surreal comedy show, The League of Gentlemen. Gatiss has written & appeared in Dr who before: The Lazarus Experiment. Also appeared in the 2005 live-broadcast remake of The Quatermass Experiment along with one David Tennant.

The guardian in front of the bbc building is played by the guy who was the first companion to the first Doctor :)

Ay yo every time u cry it makes me want to cry with you my guy and another banger can’t wait for the next video. 👍🏼

Man John Hurt looks nothing like Ian McKellen😂

You won't know why for a few weeks(for patreon), but the timing of this episode is a crazy coincidence.

Hi FW34, I`m glad you enjoyed the Docu-Drama. Incidents like the kids on the bus happened a lot, it became known as Dalekmania as opposed to Beatlemania. Two colour feature films were made in the `60`s, based on stories from the Series, however, not by the BBC. So, the Dr. was a human scientist who built the Tardis. When the changeover happened I did not know why W.H. was gone, though they tried to explain it in the story, I was only 7yrs old by then. So, I resisted the impostor as I saw him, till the final episode of his first Series, as I thought W.H. might still return.

7:05 Keep that face in mind. Remember him....You have a fair way to go yet but remember the face! ;)

John Hurt also gets a bit of indigestion in a little-known sci-fi film from the late 70 called "Alien". Had Sigourney Weaver, too, in a small role.

Another great one. Thanks for doing these

Hey Michael they didn’t want any robots(thin men) or bugged eye monsters. So, we wouldn’t have no Cybermen, not Daleks. Also, the guy playing the First Doctor actor is the one from the dinosaurs in space episode. Filtch from HO.

Watching this now after the start of the new season 2 parter. Absolutely fascinating seeing who was in this episode / reaction

Adventure In Space and Time always makes me cry. Its heartbreaking but so very beautiful ❤

I was fortunate to meet the real Waris during the 50th celebrations. A great guy and a master of his craft.

I completely forgot that current master was in this, yet they didn't know at the time.

Note that Waris Hussein is played by Sacha Dhawan and is now playing the Master.

I really want to watch this. Haven't watched this yet. Love this reaction!

Gorgeous special.... just gorgeous in the lead up to the 50th Day of the Doctor special.... so so well done... oh these Golden Days of the show I truly miss it :(

There are loads of cameos of past companions in this, ie the guard at the bbc was william russell, who played the original companion ian chesterton

That "ARR!" at the beginning was terrifying! My broccoli soup went all over the place.

There was also cameos from the two surviving cast members, William Russell 'Ian' was the security guard and Carole Anne Ford 'the grand daughter'. Appeared in this.

Fantastic. Hoping for Five(ish) someday but MAN am I hyped for Night of.

The odds were much against it, but it proves you have to pursue your dreams

Brilliant, creation show. Great video.

17:30 wait, is she Carole Ann Ford (Susan) ? :o

Great watching your reaction. There are many cameos from some of the original stars, The original Ian plays the door porter at the BBC and the original Susan calls in her children to watch the show and at Verity's leaving party there is The original Polly and also Jean Marsh who has played a couple of characters .

Neat thing if you know the old show really well - basically anyone you see who is not one of the leads in this is someone from the old show, usually an old companion or someone doing a cameo. A key one is William Russell as the BBC guard who tells off Sydney Newman at the beginning, Russell played Ian back in the day. There were loads of them at Verity’s farewell party as well. Not crucial to recognize any of them, but it’s nice to know they made the effort. 😁

nobody can resist the tears of an old man

7:05 WHHAAARTTRRR THHHEEEEEE oh, wait... False alarm.

Been waiting for you to get this far. The DOTD has sooo many easter eggs, references to the shows history, you're gonna love it. Keep an eye on David Bradley... :)

John hurt was also famously know for being in alien. (the guy who has a alien burst out his chest)

7:20 hello master