Rewatching Doctor Who as part of this 365-adventure challenge is not just about revisiting old favorites; it’s also a journey into what has been lost. And so, four adventures in we arrive at Marco Polo (1964), the series’ first full historical epic, and a poignant example of this loss. None of its seven episodes survive in the BBC archives, a casualty of the infamous tape-wiping policies of the time.
So, how can I "rewatch" this one then? Fortunately we have the 30-minute telesnap reconstruction included as a special feature on The Edge of Destruction DVD, which uses surviving audio recordings paired with still photographs to recreate the serial. While this is far from a complete experience, it offers a tantalising glimpse into what made Marco Polo a classic of early Doctor Who.
The Scope of the Story
First broadcast in February and March 1964, Marco Polo is ambitious in scale and storytelling. The TARDIS crew lands in Central Asia in the year 1289, where they encounter the Venetian explorer Marco Polo and his caravan journeying to the court of Kublai Khan. The Doctor, Susan, Ian, and Barbara are swept into a tale of intrigue, cultural conflict, and survival as they travel across the vast landscapes of the Mongol Empire.
What sets Marco Polo apart is its commitment to portraying historical events and figures with relative accuracy (by the standards of the 1960s). Unlike the pseudo-historical adventures featuring alien meddling, this story focuses on human drama and the cultural richness of the era. It’s a reminder of Doctor Who’s original mandate to be educational as well as entertaining.
A Visual Feast—Now Lost
The telesnap reconstruction, while invaluable, cannot fully convey the visual splendor of the original production. Contemporary reviews and production stills describe elaborate sets and costumes that brought 13th-century Asia to life with an impressive level of detail. John Lucarotti’s script, paired with the ambitious direction of Waris Hussein, reportedly created a cinematic experience unmatched by previous stories.
The surviving telesnaps hint at the scale of the production: the vast deserts, opulent palaces, and authentic costumes that added texture to the narrative. While the reconstruction does its best to evoke these visuals, it’s impossible not to mourn the loss of the original episodes. One can only imagine how these elements would have elevated the storytelling, making Marco Polo a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.
Character Dynamics
At its heart, Marco Polo is a character-driven story. The TARDIS crew is thrust into a world where their advanced knowledge and technology are both a blessing and a curse. The Doctor’s temperamental nature is on full display, but he also exhibits moments of charm and wit, particularly in his interactions with Kublai Khan. These scenes reportedly balance humor with respect, showing a side of the First Doctor that feels more familiar to modern audiences.
Ian and Barbara once again shine as resourceful and morally grounded companions. Their interactions with Polo and the caravan members showcase their adaptability and empathy, as they navigate the complexities of a foreign culture. Susan, too, has a chance to shine, forming a friendship with Ping-Cho, a young woman traveling with the caravan. Their bond adds an emotional depth to the story, contrasting with the political machinations and conflicts that dominate the narrative.
Marco Polo himself is a fascinating figure. Torn between his loyalty to Kublai Khan and his own desire to return home, he serves as both ally and antagonist to the TARDIS crew. His relationship with the Doctor and his companions is layered with mistrust, respect, and occasional camaraderie, making him one of the most complex guest characters of early Doctor Who.
Themes and Tension
Marco Polo is as much about human ambition and moral dilemmas as it is about historical exploration. The serial explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash of cultures, weaving them into a narrative that feels timeless. Polo’s internal conflict mirrors the broader tensions within the caravan, where personal desires and political obligations often collide.
The stakes are heightened by the villainous Tegana, a scheming emissary who plots to sabotage the journey. His manipulations create a palpable sense of danger, keeping the crew—and the audience—on edge throughout the story. While the telesnap reconstruction can’t fully capture his performance, Tegana’s presence looms large, adding a layer of menace that balances the story’s lighter, more educational moments.
Listening to the Soundtrack
The off-air soundtrack is a testament to the dedication of fans who preserved these stories against all odds. It’s remarkable how much of the serial’s atmosphere survives in its audio form. The sound effects, from the howling winds of the Gobi Desert to the bustling marketplaces, paint vivid pictures in the mind’s eye. The performances of the cast also shine through, particularly those of Mark Eden as Marco Polo and Derren Nesbitt as Tegana.
However, watching Marco Polo in this format requires a different kind of engagement. Without moving images, the viewer must rely on imagination to fill in the gaps, piecing together the story from fragments. While this has its challenges, it also highlights the strength of the writing and performances, which remain compelling even in this reduced form.
From 1964 to Today
Viewed through a modern lens, Marco Polo is both a relic of its time and a bold experiment that still resonates. Its slower pacing and dialogue-heavy scenes may feel dated to contemporary audiences, but these elements also allow for a depth of characterisation and world-building that is rare in modern television.
The story’s commitment to portraying historical events and cultures with respect is admirable, even if some aspects may now seem idealised or simplistic. It’s a reminder of the educational ambitions that were central to early Doctor Who, offering young viewers a window into the past while weaving in elements of adventure and intrigue.
Legacy and Influence
Despite its missing status, Marco Polo remains a beloved story among fans and scholars. Its reputation as a lost classic is bolstered by the surviving telesnaps, audio, and scripts, which hint at its grandeur and ambition. The serial also marks a significant step forward for Doctor Who, proving that historical stories could be as engaging and dramatic as those featuring aliens and futuristic settings.
The loss of Marco Polo is a poignant reminder of the fragility of television history. Yet its enduring legacy speaks to the power of storytelling and the dedication of fans who have worked tirelessly to preserve what little remains. Watching the telesnap reconstruction, one can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and melancholy—a connection to a piece of history that is both present and absent.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting Marco Polo in this condensed form is a bittersweet experience. While it’s frustrating not to see the full splendor of the original episodes, the surviving materials offer a glimpse into a story that remains compelling and ambitious, and a shining example of the series’ early potential.
For all that is missing, the heart of Marco Polo still beats strongly. It’s a tale of adventure, culture, and humanity that continues to captivate, even in its fragmented state. As I step forward to the next adventure, this one remains etched in my mind—a reminder of what Doctor Who has achieved and what it continues to inspire.
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