| AN UNEARTHLY CHILD by Anthony Coburn |
| Story 1 AKA: 100,000 BC, The Tribe Of Gum Synopsis: Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright are teachers at Coal Hill School, on Earth in 1963. They are concerned about a pupil, Susan Foreman, whose behaviour seems particularly unusual. They decide to have a chat with her guardian, a man whom Susan only refers to as her Grandfather. Her home appears to be a junkyard. Ian and Barbara suspect Susan is in trouble, overpower an elderly man, and enter a police box. This turns out to be a remarkable space-craft, the TARDIS, which moves through time and space. The elderly man is Susan's grandfather, known as the Doctor. When Ian doesn't believe their claims that it is a ship, the Doctor sets it going, leaving 1963, and arriving in pre-historic times. Here, the Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara meet a small community which has lost the art of fire. Ian provides a solution, rubbing sticks together to cause friction, ignition and fire. But the grateful cavemen keep them prisoner. So, they trick their way out, and in the confusion, the travellers escape, returning to their craft, which then takes off. |
| Review:- So here it all begins, a journey without end. Sydney Newman and Donald Wilson get the credit for many of the ideas that lead to this production. The story has many subtle touches, including the fact that salvation comes from knowledge. Ian's ingenuity is grounded in his teaching. The characterisation of the fire-seekers is perhaps a little basic, but then again, who can say how sophisticated they were. Za and Kal are classic stereotypes, the decent leader being plotted against by a callous usurper, only out for his own advancement. Seduced by power, he wants it all, and he is prepared to play dirty to get it. I mention these characters being stereotypes, because it occurs to me that this scenario is replayed on a greater scale from 1971, when the Master arrives to challenge the decent Doctor; a man seduced by power, going to any lengths to get it... The Doctor seems quite friendly at times, apologising for endangering Ian, Barbara and Susan, and later proves key in showing that Kal killed Old Mother, not Za. His final scenes where he admits he cannot control the Ship are enough to set us off on a voyage of discovery through the universe... I shall say a word here about titles. For many years, no-one cared what this story was called. The Making of Doctor Who, and the works of Jean-Marc L'officier, have led to two rival groups. One say it is called The Tribe Of Gum, the others say it is An Unearthly Child. In 1993, Doctor Who Magazine published a series of articles on the early years, wherein the title 100,000 BC came to light. Which is correct? Well, you choose. It doesn't matter, because most people either know the alternatives, or don't care anyhow. I've chosen An Unearthly Child, because The Tribe Of Gum sounds silly. 100,000 BC is little better, reminding one of the film One Million Years BC. I appreciate that An Unearthly Child isn't representative of the overall story, but then this wouldn't be the last Doctor Who adventure to make that sin. |
| Disclaimer: I have read the book, and now seen the video. |