The End of Phase #1 of Doctor Who... - Doctor Who: The War Machines (1966) - REVIEW 

"DOC...TOR...WHO...IS....RE...QUIRED!" Thanks for watching, folks. We're so close to the end of the marathon! Be sure to "like" the video, comment and subscribe to appease WOTAN, I mean the RU-vid algorithm!

RIP Jackie Lane. You shall be missed. Glad you highlighted that, Will. I didn't know, and I'm glad she got her own little segment.

Obviously nobody here is going to pressure you or push you into it as I can imagine how much work reviews like this must take but it would be fantastic to see you go forward and cover the Troughton era stories in this depth as well one day in the future. You're quite literally making the most comprehensive story by story video analysis of Classic on the internet here. Great content.

The robot wars gag absolutely sent me. Bravo MrTardis

I like how this dropped on Anneke Wills’s birthday

I love The War Machines. Him staring down the War Machine when the soldiers shirk away is one of 1's best televised moments. Absolutely epic.

I can't help but laugh at the justification for Ben and Polly joining the team. The Doctor turns around and goes, "what? Oh, I suppose I've accidentally kidnapped you two."

WOTAN is pronounced with a v because it's a German name, w's being pronounced as v's in that language. As you pointed out, he's also known as Odin and, in cultures, Woden, after whom Wednesday is named. Given that people are at work in The War Machines, it's possible that the story takes place - at least in part - on a Wednesday, making quite a neat meta-joke if true. It's the potential day (victory) of WOTAN. Just a passing thought..

I've never seen this as the "end" of an era, it's more the beginning of a new one. The first time I saw it (in the mid-80s), it also struck me as yet one more example of how things that became the norm years later started with William Hartnell! In this case, it's a prototype of the entire UNIT era, with the Doctor working with the military on contemporary Earth. The War Machines themselves, also seem like crude prototypes of the Daleks, much in the way the "Zero-X" (in the movie "Thunderbirds Are Go") was a UGLY-as-hell crude early prototype for FIREBALL XL5. There was also a VERY-similar killing machine much later in the series-- the "cleaners" in "Paradise Towers". Since WOTAN has the power to hypnotize and control people's minds, it's clear to me it was also able to READ minds, which is how it knew what "TARDIS" stood for-- it read Dodo's mind. I've always thought the Post Office Tower was a thoroughly-impractical design, and structurally-unstable. It wouldn't be safe to build something that tall AND skinny in San Francisco! During the nightclub scene, there's a piece of "KPM" production music (I forget which track specifically) which later was used during the Ralph Bakshi era of "SPIDER-MAN" (1968-70).

Based on the criteria of style, control, damage and aggression, the judges agree that the Robot Wars reference was amazing.

Throughout Hartnell's run he refers to himself as human. It wasn't until Troughton that they decided he wasn't.

5:17 I honestly loved those creative title cards they had in the 60s, I really wish they had them for the rest of the classic series too, I really missed them while watching the 70s and 80s

It’s pronounced with a V sound because that is the German pronunciation. Professor Brett is obviously a fan of the music dramas of Richard Wagner, the Ring Cycle in particular.

Great review Mr TARDIS! 'Wotan' is a German word which is why it is pronounced with a v sound as opposed to the w sound that we are familiar with in English. I always understood this as a reference to Wagner's 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' which is a series of operas based on Germanic and Nordic mythology and tells the story of the ancient gods and their leader 'Wotan'. It depicts the fall of the Gods as they are consumed by corruption and greed while the mortals take over the Earth. It literally ends with the destruction of the entire Earth (not really got anything to do with 'the war machines' but it's quite cool nevertheless). There's obviously a lot more to it than that but I can't be bothered to give a full synopsis in the youtube comment section, it would go on forever. Anyway, I hope this offered at least a potential explanation!

I saw this story (edited film prints) on American PBS, in 1986, as the package of Sixties Who recovered. Did not know then, that the rest of the World wasn’t getting these (UK, Eire, Aust’, NZ, Canada…or other nations where some of these films were recovered) Didn’t know that a few videos had been released in the Uk. Pre-internet, just had DWM, to inform. And Colin Baker, after hiatus was returning them. So, watching Hartnell (16 stories) and only 5 stories of Troughton (season 6) was amazing. Better than Target novels. (I was 17 years then. I first saw Tom Baker’ Doctor when I was 11 years) In Aug’1987, I went to the UK with my Parents, before going to University in Ohio, that Autumn. Target books had a ‘travel location’ book for Who (a few mistakes). Yet, our hotel in London, the Grafton on Tottenham Court, was under the shadow of the P.O. Tower. Out my hotel window. I found the square where the TARDIS landed. The location near Albert Hall where the War Machine is captured (also used in Mind of Evil!) I could not see “the Invasion” episodes yet, but knew the photo of Cybermen at St. Paul’s -got my Dad to photo me walking down the steps. Went to shop at Forbidden Planet for Who items. I have gone back to the U.K. many times, last in 2019. I drove in rental car from Scots Highlands, down, through Wales, in two weeks, returned car in Birmingham. A lot of happy trips, friends, family visits. Yet, the Tower, telecom or what its name is, even seen from the Eye…think of The War Machines!

This is one of my favourite Hartnell's 1st Doctor stories. I would like to see Wotan & the War Machines make a surprise and somewhat updated/improved yet still recognisable return, somehow, in a sequel to "The War Machines". Great video, btw. :)

Yeah, that is probably the most unceremonious exit for a companion... ever? Just listening to the review I thought of at least three better ways for Dodo to leave than an offscreen goodbye.

If i remember right, isn't it specifically a london farm dodo goes to, so she literally gets sent away to a farm?

Theory: WOTAN develops sentience and worries that C-Day will result in it losing its individuality, hence it trying to eliminate the humans as fast as possible, so C-Day won't happen.

Oh Dodo, Of all the companion exits we had in the classic series you just had to have the worst ones.

I’ve always had a soft spot for The War Machines. It’s an entertaining episode which shows off the promise of what Innes Lloyd and Gerry Davies can bring to Doctor Who. The cliffhanger to part 3 is an all time classic too.

34:05 The Web of Fear I understood took place in 1975 as dialogue states its 40 years after The Abominable Snowman which is set in 1935. It's plausible Lethbridge Stewart went from Corporal to Colonel in 8 years.

@MrTARDIS, as you were mentioning the phone dial-up tone while playing the excerpt from the War Machine Doctor Who episode, I began recalling my memories of the AOL dial-up sounds of the late 1980s and most of the 1990s. Those sounds are ingrained in my head forever. 🤦‍♂️

I remember the first time I saw The War Machines: pretty tired after a sleepover party for my birthday (I forget which, one of the teens). I had received this story and a few others on VHS as presents, and I proceeded to binge watch them all.

Funnily enough, a couple days ago, I wrote a paper on "The War Machines" for my Media and Society class.

Sorry to be that guy Anneke is pronounced (ann-a-ka) I love your videos promise 😅

The director of the story the late Michael Ferguson came back to direct for the show 3 years later on The Seeds of Death.

Massive grin when I heard Matt's voice!!!

Always liked how pulpy this story is.

I really love to see a modern part two of this episode myself!!!😯

Great video. RIP Jackie Lane.

I can't wait for Troughton reviews.

I love your review of The War Machines! This story is my favorite first Doctor story. I will admit even though this story takes place in the 1960's we didn't have the internet or AI, and this is years down the road. I do think William Hartnell gives his best performance in this story. I also saw that tower when I was in London and curious question is it still called the Post Office Tower or is it called something else?

Here are some fun facts: Anneke Willis daughter name is Polly, Michael Craze's son name is Ben. The real difference is Anneke named her daughter before she came on the show, Michael Craze had a son in 1966 h named after his character.

One more comment I swear, Some of the scenes in the story had some missings secs to censor clips oversees mostly cause... Well you know, Thankfully for the 2008 DVD release the team imporvise some parts to put the scenes together as if it was never butched.

They totally say, "Votan." A mixed bag, but also groundbreaking. Poor Dodo. Michael Craze is adorable.

William Mervyn (Sir Charles) daughter and granddaughter currently works as set designers on Doctor Who.

Love the Hartnell marathon!!! So good, im gonna miss it

Wotan is one of the few who knows the Doctors real name besides Missy and River

This is doctor who doing “colossus: the forbin project” 😎

Finally up to my personal favourite Hartnell story! Really like this one

I don't know. Implying David Bishop was just a fan feels like selling him short.

24:38 W.O.T.A.N was a heavyweight from London by team WHO, built in the form of a War Machine from the 1st Doctor story The War Machines, it is known for getting flung out of the arena in it's only fight after toppling itself I would also replace in weapons, have them as ‘Twin Hammers’, Strengths would be ‘lots of pushing power’ Weaknesses as either ‘easily toppled’ or ‘No Self-Righting Mechanism’ and have team as *Kit Pedler(CPTN) - Gerry Davis - Ian Stuart Black*

RIP Michael Craze. When he died in 1998, thousands of Who fans showed up to his funeral. The last thing they did before they cremated him was played the original Doctor who theme song.

I feel like this serial was a little preview of what the Second Doctor era would be like. Stories like The invasion or The Web of Fear have the same essence as this one.

With the pronunciation of wotan i think (purely my speculation) that it's meant to be similar to uses of older english words and contemporary german pronunciations (eg: Wagner the composers name is pronounced "Vagner")

This is one of the most pivotal stories in Doctor Who. If the War Machines, a fantastic story in its own right, had not succeeded, I cannot see the Invasion, even the Faceless Ones, being given the green light. Contemporary Earth, the Doctor assisting the authorities against an alien menace, recognisable settings. It sets the benchmark for even the RTD and Moffat eras. And for me, the best scene of any Doctor is when the War Machine advances, the army turn and run. The Doctor stands there, defiant. One foot forward, then another, and another. He stands upright, facing the light. Simply brilliant

They make fun of the pronunciation in the Big Finish Torchwood One audio where WOTAN shows up.

This story sounded exciting! RIP Jackie Lane

13:16 Oh I know why! I heard that the person writing the story thought that The Doctors full name was "Doctor Who" and fans got apparently pissed off about it (even back than) because apparently his name was always supposed to be only "The Doctor". And in the 60s, the doctor was supposed to be a Human from the far far future, but it was never really fully explained until Spearhead from Space eliminated that idea by saying The Doctor was not human.

I love this serial. The first two parts are scary. I agree the robot is stupid, but the fight scenes it's in are so hilarious I can't get mad. I love how the other actors are so gentle with it so they don't damage the expensive prop.

I like The War Machines

2:12 Woah! It's Matt from Review of Death, Cool!

Thank you!

13:26 I hope you're kidding about Wotan being himself, Cause in Ep 4's end credits it's reveal that Wotan is voiced by Dalek operator Gerald Taylor who also is The War Machines's operator.

"Wotan" is the German name for Odin. In German "W" is pronounced "V" for example 'VW' (in english, Veedubya") is pronounced 'FauVee". So the German version is pronounced 'Votahn'.

Great review Will the war machines is one of William Hartnell in doctor who and gives Jackie lane one of her best doctor who performs and gives Michael crazy probably he best doctor who story in the war machines and Polly actors is amazing in this doctor who story and writing Ian Stewart black wrote the macro terror for series four of classic Dr who that how good this story is

33:59 It's worse. UNIT was formed AFTER the events of the Web of fear which (at the time) happened in the late 1970s more than ten years after the war machines but this thing in particular was messed up long before Chibnail (thank you John Nathan Turner) Anyway when I stopped boasting about my SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE I would like to thank you for another great video I'm glad you're doing this.

C Day is my birthday.

I looooove The War Machines, I have it on VHS ^_^

I always think that the IMC robot in Colony In Space looks a bit like a war machine.

My guess is that there was something behind the scenes that explains why DoDo's departure was unceremonious.

I really wanted to know how this episode ended.

16:18 Is it just me, or does Polly's stare remind anyone of Carrie, minus maybe the bulging eyes.

If nothing else, this review proves, as with many Who stories, that you can enjoy it if you don’t scratch below the surface too much! 🤭🤭🤭Anyway, I like this story. It’s a Troughtonesque story, especially The Doctor disappearing at the end of the story without a goodbye. It was a forerunner of Pertwee’s Era too with all the military stuff. I agree Hartnell is amazing in this that part 3 cliffhanger where he stands imperiously to face the War Machine is pure class. Agree with all that was said about Dodo’s departure. Polly is also good in this as well as being truly gorgeous. All in all, it was the artificial start to the new era ahead. Love it. 👍

As K-9 once said “You are a very stupid machine.”

Is the Smugglers review going be released to the public?

I've always pronounced her name Annek-eh, so more like Annika...not sure if that's correct or not. Interested to know if it's right actually...

Do my ears detect a Toffolo? 😂

Why was Doctor Who required? Because Wotan wanted to knowledge if space and time that the Doctor has, and Wotan knew that it had to act fast before the Doctor left

Two points. A) In Wotan's defence of thinking the Doctor is human, the Doctor literally refers to himself as a human being in The Savages, plus it was really up in the air back in the day whether he was a human or not, although some of that is up to interpretation. And B) Who else is up for replacing the Sonic Screwdriver with the Doctor's ring, given what we see it do in this serial, the Daleks' Master Plan and even the Web Planet

Out of all the Hartnell era stories in the classic series The War Machines is one of my favourite stories, Despite some flaws, And some questionble and confusing moments, But still a good solid story all the same.

On first viewing after buying the DVD, I was mystified about Dodo's sudden disappearance. I thought the actress may have known she was being written out of the show and so decided to leave sooner rather than later. Not a proper ending or farewell for a companion. I like all of the Doctor's travelling companions from the 60s and that very much includes Dodo who, as far as I'm concerned, is undeserving of any negativity. R.I.P. Jackie Lane. Of course, a similar fate befell Ben and Polly in the Faceless Ones. Their appearance in that series was very limited after about the first two episodes and the focus shifted more towards Jamie. Pauline Collins, as Samantha Briggs, played a bigger and more heroic part in that serial than either Anneke Wills or Michael Craze. Their departure at the end seemed rather rushed as well.

Genuinely one of the most influential stories of all time - every single Earth invasion story, every single UNIT story, every mad genius and political riffing on contemporary concerns, comes from here. Ben and Polly are hugely important companions, bringing the show back into the swinging 60s and defining the companion double act whose DNA can be found in everyone from Sarah Jane and Harry, Amy and Rory and Yaz and Dan. Love this one so much.

Loved the Robot Wars section made me burst out laughing.

25:35 Yes! I was waiting when you going to that HvB meltdown in a video and boy was it worth the wait.😂 Even WOTAN hated reactionary’s. Also, loved Robot Wars too. That was a great show back then and still lives on in Battlebots.

👍

Batmanmarch just randomly making an appearance in the video 😅

Are you going to do any other marathons? Maybe you could do something that's like Dalekcember and Cybercember, but for all the miscellaneous recurring villains (The Master, Sontarans, Great Intelligence, Autons, Weeping Angeles, etc.)

Recognised Matt's voice without looking!

I thought it was pronounced Votan to sound more Germanic. Us Brits we're still bitter about WW2 in the 60s, so sterotyping villains as Germans would have been common.

10:58 so this is why time lords have powerful sense of smell, that is supernatural compared to humans. Hartnell’s misspoke words. 😂

Hi MRTARDIS!

This programme was made mainly for kids on a budget of next to nothing almost sixty years ago, a program that features an old man that travels through interdimentional space in a time machine disguised as a police telephone box which no one to this day seems to notice when it mysteriously appears out of nowhere, and you think the Doctor just walking into the post office tower sounds ridiculous. Stop comparing these programmes with SF made years later on hudge budgets with decades of hind site and experience to fall back on. Of course these programs will look pretty badly made to anyone who wasn't around ten or eleven years old in 1966, but if you were then compared to what else was around at the time they stood up pretty well, but they of course, as they say, are of their time.

Playing a wordle type game with letters _O_AN. why did I go with WOTAN before WOMAN? 😂

He was called Doctor Who a load of times in the classic. Its just new who fans that have not bothered watching classic Who that cant get their heads around it. "hes called The Doctor" they screech...... lol.

You've gone insane

I try to rewatch this serial and do find myself bored. The War Machines are among the most cheap looking monsters in the show's history, and I really, really hate WOTAN calling him "Doctor Who". Yes, I'm *that* guy lol

24:38-24:56 I approve!