The script for a third Doctor Who big screen adventure, starring Peter Cushing, was presented at a recent event at the BFI.
The two Peter Cushing headlined Dalek films – 1965’s Dr Who and the Daleks and 1966’s Daleks: Invasion Earth 2150AD hold a special place in the hearts of many a Doctor Who fan. For those who saw them originally, it was the first time the creatures has been seen in glorious Technicolour, and on the big screen no less. Others discovered the films later, either on home release or on television, and they gain more fans with each new generation.
As previously reported, the two films are being given a 4k upgrade and Blu-ray re-release by StudioCanal. To launch the release, a special screening was held at BFI Southbank in London with a panel that included cast members Roberta Tovey and Jill Curzon. Also on the panel was Sergei Subotsky, son of screenwriter Milton Subotsky, who penned the films.
Subotsky said that “people have often asked about the third movie – this first agreement was for two films. As long as [the first movie] was made within a year, then the second option could be exercised… the rights to make the second movie. There was a further agreement that was entered into, to give the rights to make a third movie, which of course was never done. It was on the same terms as the original films, so my feeling is… the option lapsed”.
He then revealed that his father did indeed pen the screenplay for a third adventure, though not until 15 years had elapsed.
Of the plot, Subotsky explained that “many years later, maybe 15 years later, it was clearly still on his mind, because he had prepared a script called ‘Doctor Who’s Greatest Adventure’ which actually was a repurposed script of a horror film entitled ‘King Crab’… the original title was even worse, it was ‘Night of the Crabs’! It was with two Doctors – a young Doctor and an old Doctor – which is an idea that has been returned to”.
It is currently unknown what will happen to the script, whether it will be published or adapted. Producer of Doctor Who audio adventures Big Finish have previously adapted numerous unmade stories to the medium. Might this be on its radar?
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