We return to the main series, after a brief foray into film, to close out January with adventure 28, The Smugglers, the opening serial of Doctor Who’s fourth season, first broadcast in September 1966. This four-part historical adventure transports the Doctor, Ben, and Polly to 17th-century Cornwall, where they become embroiled in a dangerous plot involving pirates, smugglers, and hidden treasure.
Sadly, all four episodes of The Smugglers are missing from the BBC archives, but the surviving audio recordings, coupled with Anneke Wills’ linking narration on the BBC Radio Collection CD release, provide an evocative window into this swashbuckling tale. Despite its lost status, The Smugglers emerges as an engaging and atmospheric story that showcases the dynamic new TARDIS crew while embracing a more traditional historical narrative.
The Story: Treasure, Treachery, and Danger
The TARDIS materializes on the coast of 17th-century Cornwall, where the Doctor, Ben, and Polly find themselves in a small village dominated by smugglers and pirates. Mistaken for spies, the travelers are drawn into a plot to locate a hidden treasure, guarded by clues left by the late pirate Avery.
The Doctor gains the trust of the local churchwarden, who entrusts him with part of the treasure’s secret before being murdered by the scheming Squire Edwards and the brutal pirate leader Captain Pike. As the story unfolds, the Doctor and his companions must outwit both Pike and the Squire while navigating the dangerous terrain of suspicion, betrayal, and greed.
The Doctor: A Master of Misdirection
William Hartnell’s Doctor is in his element in The Smugglers, blending charm, wit, and cunning to outmaneuver his foes. His ability to manipulate situations to his advantage is on full display as he plays Captain Pike and Squire Edwards against each other while piecing together the treasure’s location.
Hartnell’s performance, as conveyed through the audio, highlights the Doctor’s growth as a character. He’s less passive than in earlier historicals, taking an active role in uncovering the mystery and protecting his companions. His humor and resilience add levity to the tense and often brutal narrative, underscoring his role as a protector and problem-solver.
Ben and Polly: Adjusting to TARDIS Life
- Ben Jackson, played by Michael Craze, is given plenty of opportunities to showcase his resourcefulness and bravery. His straightforward, action-oriented approach provides a strong counterpoint to the Doctor’s more cerebral methods. Ben’s loyalty to Polly and his determination to protect her and the Doctor make him an engaging and relatable companion.
- Polly, played by Anneke Wills, shines as a compassionate and clever companion. Her modern perspective and quick thinking are assets as she navigates the treacherous world of 17th-century Cornwall. Polly’s rapport with Ben is a highlight, and her growing confidence in TARDIS adventures makes her an integral part of the team.
Together, Ben and Polly bring a fresh energy to the TARDIS crew, their dynamic blending humor, camaraderie, and bravery.
Captain Pike and Squire Edwards: Memorable Villains
- Captain Pike is a classic pirate villain, ruthless and cunning, with a chilling presence that dominates every scene he’s in. His brutal methods and unrelenting pursuit of the treasure make him a formidable antagonist.
- Squire Edwards serves as a more nuanced villain, initially appearing as a respectable figure before revealing his darker, self-serving motives. His uneasy alliance with Pike adds complexity to the narrative, as both men’s greed ultimately leads to their downfall.
The interplay between Pike and Edwards creates tension and intrigue, while their eventual conflict underscores the destructive nature of greed and betrayal.
Themes of Greed and Loyalty
At its heart, The Smugglers is a story about the corrosive effects of greed and the importance of loyalty. The treasure at the center of the plot serves as a catalyst for betrayal and violence, while the Doctor and his companions’ unwavering commitment to each other contrasts sharply with the self-serving motives of Pike and Edwards.
The story also explores themes of deception and trust, as the Doctor must navigate a world where alliances are fragile, and everyone has something to hide.
The Audio Experience: Atmosphere and Suspense
Anneke Wills’ linking narration is a key element of the CD release, providing vivid descriptions of the action, settings, and character expressions that bring the story to life. Her insights into the production and her firsthand experience as Polly add an extra layer of authenticity and engagement.
The audio recordings capture the atmosphere of the story beautifully, from the crashing waves and creaking ships to the tense exchanges between characters. Listening to the story in this format emphasizes the strength of the performances and the script, even without the original visuals.
A Glimpse Ahead: Animation on the Horizon
The possibility of The Smugglers being animated in the future, like other missing serials, offers hope for a fuller appreciation of its visual and narrative elements. An animated reconstruction would bring new life to this adventure, allowing audiences to experience its swashbuckling action and rich character dynamics in a more immersive way.
Revisiting in 2024: A Personal Perspective
Relistening to The Smugglers was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Its blend of historical intrigue, memorable villains, and strong character work makes it a standout historical in the Hartnell era.
Ben and Polly’s integration into the TARDIS dynamic adds fresh energy, and the Doctor’s clever manipulation of events showcases his growing confidence and moral authority. The themes of greed, loyalty, and betrayal remain as compelling as ever, offering a timeless reflection on human nature.
Legacy and Significance
The Smugglers is notable for its return to pure historical storytelling after a string of science fiction-heavy adventures. Its focus on character-driven drama and its rich historical setting make it a memorable entry in Doctor Who history, even if its visual elements are currently lost.
The story also serves as an important moment for Ben and Polly, solidifying their roles as the Doctor’s new companions and setting the stage for their future adventures.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting The Smugglers has been a rewarding journey into the show’s historical roots. Its engaging plot, atmospheric setting, and strong performances highlight the versatility of Doctor Who, reminding me of its ability to adapt and thrive across genres.
While the lack of visuals is a loss, Anneke Wills’ narration and the audio recordings ensure that the story’s charm and suspense are preserved. The Smugglers remains a testament to the creativity and ambition of early Doctor Who, and I look forward to the possibility of experiencing it in animated form in the future.
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