Post by Tomspy77 on Apr 17, 2010 9:42:06 GMT -6
Doctor Who's regenerations were modelled on bad LSD trips, internal BBC memos have revealed.
The Doctor's transformations were meant to convey the "hell and dank horror" of the hallucinogenic drug, according to papers published on the BBC Archive.
Regenerations were introduced in 1966 to allow writers to replace the lead actor. New Doctor Matt Smith is the 11th Time Lord.
The papers also reveal the difficulties of bedding in a new Doctor.
In an internal memo dating from 1966, producers outlined how the original Doctor, William Hartnell, would be transformed for his successor Patrick Troughton.
It also tackled the "horrifying experience" of the regeneration.
"The metaphysical change... is a horrifying experience - an experience in which he relives some of the most unendurable moments of his long life, including the galactic war," it said.
"It is as if he has had the LSD drug and instead of experiencing the kicks, he has the hell and dank horror which can be its effect," the memo added.
Discussing his appearance, the document stated: "His hair is wild and his clothes look rather worse for wear (this is a legacy from the metaphysical change which took place in the Tardis)."
'Half-witted'
The documents also reveal how new Doctors have faced hostility from viewers.
Some members of the audience felt Troughton "exaggerated the part".
The Doctor's transformations were meant to convey the "hell and dank horror" of the hallucinogenic drug, according to papers published on the BBC Archive.
Regenerations were introduced in 1966 to allow writers to replace the lead actor. New Doctor Matt Smith is the 11th Time Lord.
The papers also reveal the difficulties of bedding in a new Doctor.
In an internal memo dating from 1966, producers outlined how the original Doctor, William Hartnell, would be transformed for his successor Patrick Troughton.
It also tackled the "horrifying experience" of the regeneration.
"The metaphysical change... is a horrifying experience - an experience in which he relives some of the most unendurable moments of his long life, including the galactic war," it said.
"It is as if he has had the LSD drug and instead of experiencing the kicks, he has the hell and dank horror which can be its effect," the memo added.
Discussing his appearance, the document stated: "His hair is wild and his clothes look rather worse for wear (this is a legacy from the metaphysical change which took place in the Tardis)."
'Half-witted'
The documents also reveal how new Doctors have faced hostility from viewers.
Some members of the audience felt Troughton "exaggerated the part".