Adventure fourteen on day fourteen and it brings me to The Crusade, a four-part serial first broadcast in March and April 1965. It’s a richly layered historical drama, set during the Third Crusade in the late 12th century, featuring Richard the Lionheart and his ongoing conflict with Saladin. Written by David Whitaker, this story is a masterclass in blending historical events with personal drama, showcasing Doctor Who at its most literate and ambitious.
For this rewatch, I’m experiencing the 2022 Blu-ray release, where the two surviving episodes have been beautifully remastered, and the two missing episodes reconstructed using off-air photographs and the original soundtrack. This mix of formats offers a fascinating glimpse into how The Crusade might have looked in its entirety, while also emphasizing the challenges and dedication involved in preserving the legacy of Doctor Who.
The Story: Chivalry and Schemes
The TARDIS lands in the forests of 12th-century Palestine, where the crew quickly becomes entangled in the politics and power struggles of the Crusades. Ian, Barbara, Vicki, and the Doctor are split up almost immediately:
- Barbara is captured by Saracen forces and brought before Saladin, whose court is portrayed as cultured and sophisticated. Her attempts to navigate this unfamiliar environment highlight her resourcefulness and courage.
- The Doctor and Vicki, disguised as monks, ingratiate themselves with King Richard and find themselves drawn into his plans to secure peace—or at least a temporary truce—with Saladin.
- Ian, knighted by Richard, embarks on a perilous journey to rescue Barbara, encountering danger at every turn.
This story is a tapestry of character-driven moments and political intrigue, framed against the backdrop of a world torn apart by war.
A Rich and Nuanced Historical Drama
I was struck by how richly drawn the historical figures are in this story. Both Richard the Lionheart (Julian Glover) and Saladin (Bernard Kay) are given depth and complexity, avoiding the simplistic good-versus-evil narratives that so often plague historical dramas. Richard is portrayed as a deeply flawed leader, torn between his desire for glory and his obligations to his kingdom. Saladin, by contrast, is depicted as a calm and calculating ruler, exuding dignity and intelligence.
The interplay between these two figures sets the tone for the serial, presenting the Crusades as a conflict driven as much by ego and ambition as by ideology. I found this nuanced approach refreshing, especially in a show aimed at family audiences. It’s a testament to the ambition of early Doctor Who that it could tackle such weighty material with grace and intelligence.
The TARDIS Crew: Heroes in the Shadows
The crew’s separation allows each character to shine in their own way:
- The Doctor, as always, is a delight. William Hartnell is in top form, leaning into the Doctor’s cunning and theatricality. His scenes with King Richard are some of the serial’s highlights, showcasing the Doctor’s ability to manipulate and charm his way through dangerous situations.
- Vicki continues to grow as a character. Her youthful enthusiasm and quick thinking make her an endearing companion, and her interactions with the Doctor are full of warmth and humor.
- Ian is at his most heroic here, undertaking a dangerous quest to rescue Barbara. William Russell brings gravitas and determination to the role, making Ian’s journey one of the most compelling threads in the story.
- Barbara, as always, is a standout. Jacqueline Hill conveys both strength and vulnerability, navigating Barbara’s captivity with grace and intelligence. Her scenes with Saladin and his brother Saphadin (Walter Randall) are particularly memorable, showcasing her ability to adapt to unfamiliar and often perilous circumstances.
A Personal Perspective on the Missing Episodes
Watching the remastered surviving episodes alongside the reconstructed ones is a bittersweet experience. The remastered episodes are stunning, with sharp visuals and atmospheric lighting that bring the medieval setting to life. Episode 1, “The Lion,” immediately draws me in with its dense forest scenes and intricate costumes, while Episode 3, “The Wheel of Fortune,” captures the tension and opulence of Richard’s court.
The reconstructed episodes, “The Knight of Jaffa” and “The Warlords,” require more imagination to engage with. The telesnap photographs, while static, offer a glimpse of the original performances, and the audio recordings are thankfully clear and immersive. Still, I can’t help but feel a pang of loss for what’s missing. Moments like Ian’s dangerous journey through the desert and Barbara’s confrontations in Saladin’s court would have been captivating to see fully realized.
Despite this, the reconstructions do an admirable job of preserving the story’s flow. Listening to the original dialogue and picturing the action through the telesnaps is a unique experience, one that makes me appreciate the dedication of fans and archivists who’ve worked to keep these lost episodes alive in some form.
A Tale of Power and Humanity
One of the aspects I found most striking in The Crusade is its exploration of power and humanity. The story refuses to simplify its characters, showing both the nobility and the flaws in Richard and Saladin. This balanced portrayal extends to the supporting cast as well, with characters like Joanna, Richard’s sister, and Saphadin offering their own perspectives on the conflict.
For a show aimed at children, the depth of the dialogue and the sophistication of the themes are impressive. The Crusades are presented not as a black-and-white battle of good versus evil, but as a complex and often morally ambiguous struggle. The story emphasizes the human cost of war, with scenes of suffering and sacrifice that linger long after the credits roll.
Production and Direction
The production values of The Crusade are some of the best of the early Doctor Who era. The costumes and sets are richly detailed, evoking the splendor and brutality of the 12th century. The court of King Richard is particularly impressive, with its ornate design and intricate staging.
Douglas Camfield’s direction is confident and dynamic, making excellent use of close-ups and dramatic framing to heighten tension. The decision to shoot many scenes in shadow and candlelight adds to the story’s atmosphere, creating a sense of authenticity that draws me in.
A Personal Reflection on Viewing in 2024
Revisiting The Crusade today, I’m struck by both its ambition and its restraint. Unlike many modern depictions of historical events, which lean heavily on spectacle, this story focuses on character and dialogue. It’s a slow-burn drama that rewards patience, drawing me into its world with subtlety and intelligence.
However, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the reconstructed episodes. The reliance on static images and narration, while necessary, makes it harder to sustain the tension and immersion of the surviving episodes. It’s a reminder of how much Doctor Who has evolved, both in terms of storytelling and production techniques.
That said, The Crusade remains a testament to the show’s ability to tackle complex historical narratives with depth and sensitivity. It’s a story that challenges me to think about the past in new ways, while also reminding me of the timelessness of human struggles and ambitions.
Legacy and Significance
The Crusade holds a special place in Doctor Who history as one of its finest pure historicals. Its commitment to character-driven storytelling and nuanced depictions of historical figures sets it apart from many other serials of the era.
It also highlights the versatility of the TARDIS crew, showing how they can adapt to and influence a wide range of historical and cultural contexts. The Doctor’s role as both an observer and a participant in history is particularly well-developed here, foreshadowing the more active involvement of later incarnations.
Final Thoughts
Rewatching The Crusade has been a rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into one of Doctor Who’s most ambitious and thoughtful stories. Its blend of historical drama, compelling characters, and moral complexity makes it a standout serial, even with two episodes missing.
While the gaps in the story are a poignant reminder of the fragility of television history, the surviving material and reconstructions showcase the enduring power of Doctor Who to educate, entertain, and inspire. The Crusade is a triumph of storytelling, proving that even in its early years, the series was capable of greatness.
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