Doctor Who returns to TV for the first time!

THIS WEEK IN DOCTOR WHO - November 22, 1963

At long last, loyal readers, the BBC is picking up Doctor Who! I know we've all been waiting for this moment for many years. Time for rejoicing, dancing in the streets, and giving Police Public Call Boxes funny looks. I don't think anything could mar our enjoyment this weekend.

So, for the first time ever, the Doctor Who schedule column actually has a station's schedule to cover. This is exciting. Maybe someday it will sell to other countries. It could happen.

One more thing: William Hartnell has been cast as 'Doctor', not Peter Cushing as some sources have claimed. William Russell will play 'Ian Chesterson', Jacqueline Hill will play 'Barbara Wright', and Carole Ann Ford has been cast as 'Susan'.

As always, additions, corrections, and updates should go to snewman@... . And now, off to the listing:

The UK:
BBC
5:15PM GMT An Unearthly Child premiere of series
In 76 Totters Lane there sits a junkyard. It's an ordinary, if oddly compiled, place. However, deep inside the junkyard sits something that doesn't fit the decor. A London Police Public Call Box. Why is it sitting in that junkyard, instead of out where it could be useful? And how is the mysterious link between this box and an extraordinary teenager at Coal Hill School? The answers to these and deeper questions form the basis for this pilot episode - the first ever broadcast of Doctor Who.

Thanks for reading. Until next week, ta ta.

Sydney Newman

Doctor Who is not yet a registered trademark of the BBC. This is 1963.