Cast
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William Hartnell
as The Doctor
Jacqueline Hill
as Barbara Wright
William Russell
as Ian Chesterton
Maureen O'Brien
as Vicki
Julian Glover
as Richard the Lionheart
Bernard Kay
as Saladin
Roger Avon
as Saphadin
Walter Randall
as El Akir
John Flint
as William des Preaux
Bruce Wightman
as William de Tornebu
Reg Pritchard
as Ben Daheer
Tony Caunter
as Thatcher
Dave Anderson
as Reynier de Marun
Derek Ware
as Saracen Warrior
Valentino Musetti
as Saracen Warrior
Crew
Director
- Douglas Camfield
Writer
- David Whitaker
Producer
- Verity Lambert
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Doctor Who: The Crusade 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 Douglas Camfield 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 1965, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Doctor Who: The Crusade took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1965, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Doctor Who: The Crusade shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The History of Time Travel, which focuses more on action than character development, Doctor Who: The Crusade subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Army of Frankensteins and Něco je ve vzduchu explore similar territory, Doctor Who: The Crusade stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 17, 1965
- Runtime: 1h 40m
