Cast
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William Hartnell
as The Doctor
Carole Ann Ford
as Susan Foreman
Jacqueline Hill
as Barbara Wright
William Russell
as Ian Chesterton
Mark Eden
as Marco Polo
Derren Nesbitt
as Tegana
Zienia Merton
as Ping Cho
Martin Miller
as Kublai Khan
Jimmy Gardner
as Chenchu
Charles Wade
as Malik
Philip Voss
as Acomat
Paul Carson
as Ling-Tau
Gábor Baraker
as Wang-Lo
Tutte Lemkow
as Kuiju
Claire Davenport
as Empress
Crew
Director
- Waris Hussein
- John Crockett
Writer
- John Lucarotti
Producer
- Verity Lambert
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Doctor Who: Marco Polo examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Waris Hussein brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Doctor Who: Marco Polo took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 175 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 217 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 109 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1964, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Doctor Who: Marco Polo shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Doctor Who: Marco Polo offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and Shanghaied Love explore similar territory, Doctor Who: Marco Polo stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 4, 1964
- Runtime: 2h 55m
