William Hartnell's failing health forced him to relinquish the role of The Doctor in 1966 at which point the concept of 'Regeneration' was devised, so that the series could continue, with another actor in the lead role, whilst still retaining the lead character. Troughton's Doctor was a much more playful character. Often called the "Cosmic Hobo", he played the role as slightly like a clown, almost childlike. This didn't mean however that his Doctor was totally comedic as he was capable of great moments of drama, riteous anger and fear.
Another aspect of this Doctor was his recorder, on which he would occasionally play little tunes. This aspect also came in part from the actor having trouble with lines, and using the instrument to cover the fact up, or simply to express the Doctor's emotions at a particular line, rather than to put it into dialogue, ie, a happy or a sad tune. This was however eventually phased out, partly apparently by the production staff actually physically hiding the recorder from Troughton! Troughton also was the Doctor who returned to the role the most after relinquishing his position, appearing in The Three Doctors with Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, The Five Doctors with Richard Hurndall (standing in for the deceased Hartnell), Pertwee, Tom Baker and Peter Davison, and The Two Doctors with Colin Baker.
Back to Doctor Who Page
|
