Doctor Who fans returned to the BFI Southbank on Friday night for the premiere of the newly animated version of ‘The Savages‘. Notable guests, a new animation to digest and ongoing discussion in the bar afterwards made for another enjoyable evening.
In a change from the now traditional Saturday afternoon slot, the BFI schedule saw Doctor Who occupy NFT1 for a Friday evening. It had been less than four weeks previously that we had congregated to see ‘Spearhead from Space. The onscreen offering this time however was brand new, the animated version of ‘The Savages‘. Missing from the BBC archives, except for a few off-air clips, animation has now been used to tell the story once again.
Mark Ayres
Introducing proceedings as usual were Justin Johnson and Dick Fiddy who were joined by audio expert Mark Ayres. It is a miracle that we have off-air recordings of the audio for Doctor Who which allow for these stories to be recreated using the dialogue, music and soundscape created back in the mid 1960’s. Ayres explained that the first three episodes utilised the Graham Strong recordings with the final installment using the Randolph tapes.
It isn’t just as simple as taking the tapes, lining it up to the animation and pressing play however. As Ayres explained, “everything that is induced by the transmission, I’ve got to take off.” Working with the mono mix, hums, crackles and random noises need to be removed. This is all done in order to return back to what was recorded in the studio.
Occasionally if the sound drops on a particular word it might be acquired elsewhere and dropped back in. But watching the episodes it was refreshing to see that fluffs and stumbling over lines were all retained making them feel more authentic to the original. The incidental music provided by Raymond Jones was also rightly lauded and is well worth listening out for.
Ayres was also optimistic for the future. “We’re getting to the stage now that I’m dreading some titles coming up because if you listen to the audiobooks, they ain’t good.” However, a number of factors, such as newly discovered sources and technology improvements, mean that if they are able to work on all the missing episodes, the sound will be of an acceptable standard to match the visuals.
The Savages
‘The Savages‘ is an excellent story and largely underrated. Writer Ian Stuart Black delivered an interesting science fiction script which sees an elite race draining the vitality to oppress who they deem to be savages. But who are the real savages? The cave dwellers with spears? Or the city dwelling elite?
The conclusion of the story also sees the departure of companion Steven, remaining behind to lead a new community uniting both groups, in an emotional, reluctant farewell scene. William Hartnell delivers a powerful rebuke of Edal for his treatment of Wylda, showing that he still has fire within. Frederick Jaegar‘s Jano also does an amusing version of the Doctor once influenced by his energy. Perhaps this was the first toe dip into the idea pond that someone other than Hartnell could portray the Doctor?
This animated version was perfectly serviceable and as a mechanism for telling the story it served its purpose admirably. If the animated version encourages new fans to revisit this missing classic then great. However, for this particular viewer it just felt a bit bland. Expanding the world with bigger sets just creates more featureless areas in the background. The likenesses of the characters wasn’t stellar either with this audience member unable to distinguish the facial differences between Exorse and Edal, for instance. Similarly, that notable Hartnell scene lacked some impact in animation.
Creative choices
This story is vulnerable to controversy with photographs failing to convey the reported ‘golden’ skin tone adopted by Jano and the elite but something different and much more inappropriate. To avoid any misappropriation generic skin tones have been chosen instead, as AnneMarie Walsh later explained. However, I think this created a missed opportunity as the drained Savages could’ve been made more pale, reflecting their ordeal. When we were introduced to Wylda that was the case but did not continue. Nanina’s costume has also become a bit more conservative than what supposedly appeared on screen.
Overall though the animation was very enjoyable. As mentioned previously, The Savages is a strong story and that is what resonated throughout.
The Animation team
Following the first two episodes Justin Johnson and Dick Fiddy were joined by some of those responsible for the animation. Like any creative person Producer and Director Annemarie Walsh initially began with a lukewarm reaction to seeing her work on the big screen. Every artist spots things that they might change and improve, bemoaning limited time and money. Nine months to produce an animation like this might sound a lot but I’m sure it flies by very quickly. Other members of the animation team joining Walsh were Thomas Bland and Vinny Payne, who discussed the grading of the episodes. It was an interesting discussion with a decision made to make the exterior sequences feel warm and bright whilst the city interior scenes feeling more sterile and cold.
Some of the most intriguing comments came from Executive Producer Paul Hembury. Whilst there are plans afoot there was confirmation that no animations are currently being worked on, at least by this team anyway. Therefore it could be another 12 months before another animation is screened at the BFI. However, Hembury explained that “rather than doing one at a time what we want to do is actually accelerate the rate at which we can make them. That means a commitment from BBC Studios to do more than another one. That seems to be coming together quite well.” Whilst that agreement remains unsigned, things sound hopeful.
Peter Purves
To bring the event to a close following the conclusion of the animated episodes was actor Peter Purves who received a rapturous ovation. Purves jovially joked that we had just watched the end of his acting career, in animated form of course. Unfortunately, The Savages is a story which Purves remembers very little about it.
Despite it being his final appearance in Doctor Who, he recalled Callow Hill sandpit and simply being handed the four scripts by Producer Innes Lloyd who told Purves that his contract was not being renewed. William Hartnell was not happy and Purves remarked that the two got on well. In fact Hartnell spoke to Verity Lambert about adding Purves to the cast after playing Morton Dill.
It was clearly an uncertain time for actors with Maureen O’Brien and Adrienne Hill departing before Purves. Jackie Lane would also leave the show two episodes later. Unfortunately, the actors didn’t have any power. Even the lead, William Hartnell himself, couldn’t get the decision to be changed and for Steven to be retained. After all the Doctor would regenerate for the first time a short time later. Purves also revisited the Galaxy 4 anecdote of Steven having the lines that had originally been written for Barbara. There was also praise for Directors of the era, memories of Jackie Lane and recollections of a short stint on Eastenders.
The interview and Q&A with Peter Purves was a fitting finale for another great screening event. Despite the Friday evening scheduling it was well attended with only a handful of empty seats. Enthusiasm for Doctor Who of this era is clearly alive and well.
A pleasurable evening and a fine product. No mention ( apart from Peter P, gracious and informed as ever)of the excellent feature “ Remembering to forget The Savages” from Toby Hadoke and Stuart Denman” a treasure trove of interviews and insights. And Billy Savage. Well worth the admission price. But I would say that! Lovely.
Shame they didn’t show a clip of that feature, they often do put together a little package highlighting the special features for The Collection boxsets. Looking forward to seeing it though!