Post by DR. QUIST on Jun 18, 2010 4:08:03 GMT -5
The following paragraph is from "THE DISUSED YETI NEWSLETTER ON EARLY DOCTOR WHO - ISSUE 16 - 29 NOVEMBER 1998" EDITED BY Bruce Robinson & Robert Franks
The Pertwee era of DOCTOR WHO was for a long time almost unique in the role of honour of BBC programmes - every episode made since 1970 existed (albeit in a variety of strange formats). Not so lucky is the final season of DOOMWATCH (a BBC drama with distinct SF overtones that ran for three seasons between 1970 and 1972). The third season is roughly contemporary with season nine of DOCTOR WHO, but out of eleven episodes (plus one untransmitted) only three survive. Strangely, one of these is the controversial episode Sex and Violence which was completed but removed from the schedules prior to being broadcast. It is possible that the tape was the subject of a preservation order if the production team felt it could be broadcast at a later date. However, the episode is still to be transmitted in the UK (it was not shown during UK Gold reruns of the series in 1995, although it has been screened in other countries such as Australia).
Does anyone happen to have the TV listings for this Australian broadcast or any more information about this? If so, please get in touch. If you know either Bruce Robinson or Robert Franks (They're respective email addresses no longer work) I would be grateful to you if you could pass the message on. On the same note any information on the American broadcasts would be welcome.
Thank you.
Update - 11 June 2010
"One season of the series aired on CBC-TV, debuting on Jul 2, 1971"
Some listing dates are below:-
Jul 9 - Invasion. Dr. Quist and his team uncover a frightening chemical warfare research station.
Jul 16 - The Islanders. Doomwatch is given the opportunity to measure the reactions of islanders previously insulated from modernity against their new environment of western industrial civilization.
Jul 30 - By the Pricking of My Thumbs
Aug 13 - Flight Into Yesterday
Sep 3 - In The Dark - mysterious industrialist becomes human machine.
Sep 17 - The Inquest - A long-standing feud between an animal lover and a scientist who uses dogs in his experiments comes to an explosive head when a child dies of rabies. Quist: John Paul. Harcastle: John Nolan. Bradley: Joby Bfanshard. (60 min.) Guest Cast Dr. Fane Frederick Treves Mary Judith Furse Pritchard Frederick Hall Coroner Edward Evans
Thanks to Patrick at www.tvarchive.ca for all this information!
In the Summer of 1971 Canadian station CBC transmitted selected episodes of Doomwatch Season 1 and 2 as one season. There is some confusion as to whether they actually transmitted The Logicians, so if you can help us out here, let us know!
The CBC is responsible for retaining the only known copies of many episodes of Doomwatch, almost the entirety of Season 2 from episodes 1 to 12. Interestingly, Season 2, Episode 13 - Public Enemy was never shown but is the only one from Season 2 retained by the BBC in it's original 625 Line PAL format.
In the following run of episodes below the CBC did not actually show but retained what is now the only existing copies (as NTSC 525 Line) of:
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Train and De-Train (NTSC)
Season 2 - Episode 1 - You Killed Toby Wren (NTSC)
CBC, also kept the only copy of the transmitted version of
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Tomorrow, The Rat
The following is a synopsis for Doomwatch that Canadian TV station CBC used for their original transmissions. Thanks to their archive for the following information. A description of Season 2 follows...
DOOMWATCH PROMOTION
SEASON 2 PROMOTION
BBC-1: MONDAY DECEMBER 14th 1970
DOOMWATCH RETURNS
'Doomwatch', one of the most popular television drama series of recent years, returns for a new thirteen-week series on Monday December 14.
When the first series was shown the terms 'technological hazard' and 'environmental pollution' were little known. It can be justly claimed that 'Doomwatch' not only gave a word to the language but also helped draw attention to the great ecological hazards that threaten the human race.
The programme will continue to do this through its prime function which is to entertain. Quist and his team are the contemporary counterparts of St. George. Quist's dragon spouts more than fire and brimstone but the conflict is the same.
The first story is 'You Killed Toby Wren' by Terence Dudley. When Wren is killed while dismantling the 'Byfield' bomb, Quist is held responsible in that he failed to obey orders and obstructed the police. The Minister sees this as a chance of removing the thorn in his side and orders a Tribunal of Inquiry. Ridge, who also blames Quist for Wren's death, pursues a line on human/animal hybrids and is profoundly shocked by what he discovers. Will he speak for or against Quist at the crucual enquiry?
As in the first series, John Paul plays Quist, Simon Oates plays Ridge and Joby Blanshard plays Colin Bradley. Two new characters are introduced - John Nolan as Geoff Hardcastle and Vivien Sherrard as Barbara Mason - and the guest stars are John Barron, Donald Morley, Edward Underdown and Macdonald Hobley.
Devised by Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis. Produced and directed by Terence Dudley.
DOOMWATCH (c) Metronet
The code name "Doomwatch" is the term applied to a small, highly educated group of British scientists dedicated to uncovering and destroying the many extreme dangers posed to man by modern science and technology. Polluted oceans and air, chemically perverted foodstuffs, the onerous after-effects of scientific research, the ever-increasing loss of privacy –all are symptoms of our modern society and all come under the scope of the zealous band of "Doomwatchers" who will stop at nothing to prevent the balance of nature from being forever poisoned. Headed by Dr. Spencer Quist, the Doomwatch team encounters almost as much opposition from the various government departments involved with ecology, as those forces which knowingly break the law. But the dedicated team will use any means, however unconventional and including violence, to carry out their mission. It's a fast-paced chilling adventure series from the BBC, that deals with the real villians of our modern world–the forces of ecological disruption that could eventually destroy the planet it–self. Featuring John Paul as Dr. Spencer Quist, Simon Oates as Dr. John Ridge, Barbara Mason is played by Vivien Sherrard, John Nolan is Geoff Hardcastle and Joby Blanshard is seen as Dr. Colin Bradley.
Friday July 2nd 1971 was the series debut of Doomwatch that ignored episodes 1 to 3 of Season 1 and went straight into Episode 4...
Friday July 2nd 1971
Tomorrow, the Rat
10-11p.m. Billed as the series debut
It's interesting to note that the original typed up documents say "The Day of the Rat" which has then been subsequently crossed out and Tomorrow, the Rat is written in it's place and a typed up explanation to this effect appears at the bottom of the page and a date with it of 4:30 p.m. 9/6/71 DSM.
A scientific experiment using rats to improve the genetic qualities of man backfires causing a horde of vicious, highly intelligent and fertile rats with a taste for human flesh to be let loose on London. All of Doomwatch's energies are brought into play to defeat these cunning monsters created in the laboratory. It's amusing to note that the following show FBI is entitled Death Watch.
Friday July 9th
Invasion
10:30 a.m. 8/6/71 DSM
Dr. Quist and his team uncover a frightening chemical warfare research station in a quiet area of Yorkshire. A deadly virus could endanger the population of Britain and the Doomwatch team must cope with public apathy and official interference in their quest for answers to a deadly problem that no one will admit exists. (A note is then made that Further details TBA) Friday July 16th The Islanders 10:00-11:00 p.m. The small island of St. Simon's in the south Pacific suffers an earth tremor which threatens the inhabitants. A British protectorate, it has been the home of emigrants from Britain for a hundred and fifty years. The islanders are re-housed in disused army barracks near London, awaiting rehabilitation. Doomwatch is given the opportunity of measuring them against the environment of western industrial civilization. Starring John Paul as Dr. Spencer Quist, Simon Oates as Dr. John Ridge and Joby Blanshard as Dr. Colin Bradley. Then a date and time stamp of 10:15 a.m. - 25/6/71 - DSM
Jul 16th
The Islanders
Doomwatch is given the opportunity to measure the reactions of islanders previously insulated from modernity against their new environment of western industrial civilization.
Friday July 23rd
No Room for Error
10-11 p.m.
Dr. Fay Chantry, played by Jean Trend, sets out to employ a radical new drug to try and control an outbreak of typhoid among schoolchildren in South Salford. But the side-effects are catastrophic and all of Doomwatch's energies must be employed in the hunt to discover what is causing the sickness. The mystery deepens when Dr. Chantry (spelt incorrectly as Dr. Chant on the original) meets an old love whose actions are suspected. Featuring regulars Joby Blanshard and Vivien Sherrard (spelt incorrectly as Sharrad) with guest star John Wood. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. - 29/6/71 - DSM
Friday July 30th
By The Pricking Of My Thumbs
10-11 p.m.
Many scientists believe that an extra Y chromosome in the genetic make-up of an individual may be the cause of criminal behaviour. In tonight's story a geneticist's research into this theory provokes a serious crisis at a boy's school and nearly causes a suicide before the Doomwatch team can prove that theories don't always match up with facts. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. - 7/7/71 - DSM
Friday August 13th
Flight into Yesterday (originally scheduled with the description below)
10:00-11:00 p.m.
Quist is recalled from an ecological conference in California to a meeting at 10, Downing Street. He arrives late from the airport in what is, apparently, a drunken state and is sent home in disgrace. Fay Chantry diagnoses his condition; he has suffered the disorientation associated with crossing and re-crossing the time zones. In view of Quist's condition who is to address the conference in Los Angeles? Then a date and time stamp of 12 noon 21/7/71 - DSM
There is an additional note at 9:45 a.m. 27/7/71 - DSM that says on August 20th to add as per a note on July 22 that Doomwatch becomes involved in the disorientation process occasioned by intercontinental jet flights. Flight into Yesterday is then replaced with...
The Iron Doctor with the description below:-
Two doctors differ in their attitudes towards a rather amazing computer which diagnoses and treats critically ill patients. Dr. Carson feels a machine cannot replace a human but Dr. Whittaker is proud of his experimental intensive care unit. Suddenly some patients begin to die and Carson believes it has been programmed to reject low priority patients. He attempts to interfere and suffers a serious accident putting him under the machine's care. Is the computer trying to kill him and can Doomwatch save him in time before he is allowed to die?
Friday August 27th
The Web Of Fear
10-11:00 p.m.
An impotant government official is stranded on an island off the English coast when a strange new disease breaks out and quarantine is imposed. Quist arrives to discover that a scientists experiments in pest control have created a deadly virus that is being carried on the island by spiders making them and their web lethal. Starring Joby Blanshard, Vivien Sherrard and John Savident. Then a date and time stamp of 11:30 a.m. 6/8/71 - DSM
Friday September 3rd
In the Dark
10-11:00 p.m.
Doomwatch's search for a mysterious industrialist believed to know the cause of poison gas affecting an area of ocean off the Lancashire coast leads them to a lonely mansion in Scotland. They find their man but also learn that he has undergone a strange series of operations and is now more machine than human. Only his brain is left alive. Then a date and time stamp of 10:30 a.m. 11/8/71 DSM
Friday September 10th
The Human Time Bomb
10-11 p.m.
Society's pollution watchdogs undertake a study of a new, highly compressed urban living complex with strange results. Scientist Fay Chantry takes a small apartment in the complex but suddenly her behaviour begins to change as a result of the environment and erratic emotions tend to violence. Is this type of apartment dwelling really mentally safe for its inhabitants? September 17th The Inquest (No time allocated) A scientists's experiments in a small village in Suffolk provoke the anger of the population when a child dies of rabies. All of Doomwatch's energies are brought to bear to find out what is behind the tense situation, which places violent anti-vivisectionists against the scientific experiments. A surprise conclusion is uncovered. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. 25/8/71 DSM
Sep 17th
The Inquest
A long-standing feud between an animal lover and a scientist who uses dogs in his experiments comes to an explosive head when a child dies of rabies. Quist: John Paul. Harcastle: John Nolan. Bradley: Joby Bfanshard. (60 min.) Guest Cast Dr. Fane Frederick Treves Mary Judith Furse Pritchard Frederick Hall Coroner Edward Evans
Friday September 24th
The Logicians
10-11 p.m.
Doomwatch is called in when a major pharmaceutical firm is called is robbed of a vital chemical formula of great value to its competitors. Ridge's suspicions that the crime was committed by a group of private schoolboys led by the son of the firm's owner are confirmed and he finds that the cool, calculating criminal logic of the boys is a match for his own. The question is why did an apparantly normal group of young students commit the robbery? Then a date and time stamp of 11/9/71 DSM
The Logicians was the last episode transmitted and the replacement programme the next week was "World TV Showcase"
On Friday October 1st there is a scheduling change note that says DELETE Doomwatch program in this slot.
Last show in current series telecast September 24th
Then a date and time stamp of 4:45p.m. 9/9/71 DSM
Then scribbled out is the information for.... Friday October 1st (episode not named but is actually Public Enemy) 10-11 p.m.
The residents of a small industrial town cry foul when the pollution from the area's major factory is proved to be causing deaths. Doomwatch proves how the plant can be made safe but owners feel the method too expensive and decide to move. The townspeople change their minds and attack Doomwatch for taking away their livelihood. "Someone has to pay if we want a clean world". Then a date and time stamp of 1:00p.m. 7/9/71 DSM
Reviews
There is a scathing review of a Doomwatch episode from Canada's Globe & Mail on July 5th 1971 referring to the broadcast of Tomorrow, the Rat on 2nd July 1971. It is interesting to note that the episode is referred to as The Day of the Rat.
TELEVISION
Tries for adventure, Doomwatch just dull
By Kaspars Dzeguze
"Doomwatch must have struck some television executive as a portentous title for a vaguely scientific, allegedly adventurous series of hour-long shows which have their roots in that media-nurtured garden of weeds—ecology.
But to judge by Friday night's premiere offering, The Day of the Rat, there's little chance Doomwatch will tick off the minutes to ecological disaster, since this is clearly another in the series of wildly inaccurate forecasts of things to come.
It's hard to understand why a story revolving around the breeding and escape of intelligent, carnivorous rats (rattus sapiens, as one of the Doomwatch scientists whispers in a technical aside), with a preference for human flesh, who end up terrorizing London, should be so lethargic and un-inspired.
The show's staff could surely have cribbed enough ideas from the monster-creature films that abound to produce an hour crammed with effective second-hand ideas. But no—it seems pride demanded an original disaster unblemished by previous failures. And how original is the ecology angle now? Perhaps Doomwatch will demonstrate uniqueness in the subsequent weeks through the very depth of its fall."
The Globe and Mail, a Canadian Newspaper dated June 26th 1971 has this to say about the screening of Series 2 of DOOMWATCH on CBC...
"Doomwatch—The first fictional series, as far as I know, to commercialize the current pollution awareness. It's a BBC series about a group of scientists assigned to protect the environment by hook or by crook. Starting July 2nd at 10 p.m."
With special thanks to John Corcelli and Anne at the CBC Reference Library for tracking down this news item for doomwatch.org
A special thanks to Patrick at www.tvarchive.ca/ for helping to uncover all of this information.
The Pertwee era of DOCTOR WHO was for a long time almost unique in the role of honour of BBC programmes - every episode made since 1970 existed (albeit in a variety of strange formats). Not so lucky is the final season of DOOMWATCH (a BBC drama with distinct SF overtones that ran for three seasons between 1970 and 1972). The third season is roughly contemporary with season nine of DOCTOR WHO, but out of eleven episodes (plus one untransmitted) only three survive. Strangely, one of these is the controversial episode Sex and Violence which was completed but removed from the schedules prior to being broadcast. It is possible that the tape was the subject of a preservation order if the production team felt it could be broadcast at a later date. However, the episode is still to be transmitted in the UK (it was not shown during UK Gold reruns of the series in 1995, although it has been screened in other countries such as Australia).
Does anyone happen to have the TV listings for this Australian broadcast or any more information about this? If so, please get in touch. If you know either Bruce Robinson or Robert Franks (They're respective email addresses no longer work) I would be grateful to you if you could pass the message on. On the same note any information on the American broadcasts would be welcome.
Thank you.
Update - 11 June 2010
"One season of the series aired on CBC-TV, debuting on Jul 2, 1971"
Some listing dates are below:-
Jul 9 - Invasion. Dr. Quist and his team uncover a frightening chemical warfare research station.
Jul 16 - The Islanders. Doomwatch is given the opportunity to measure the reactions of islanders previously insulated from modernity against their new environment of western industrial civilization.
Jul 30 - By the Pricking of My Thumbs
Aug 13 - Flight Into Yesterday
Sep 3 - In The Dark - mysterious industrialist becomes human machine.
Sep 17 - The Inquest - A long-standing feud between an animal lover and a scientist who uses dogs in his experiments comes to an explosive head when a child dies of rabies. Quist: John Paul. Harcastle: John Nolan. Bradley: Joby Bfanshard. (60 min.) Guest Cast Dr. Fane Frederick Treves Mary Judith Furse Pritchard Frederick Hall Coroner Edward Evans
Thanks to Patrick at www.tvarchive.ca for all this information!
In the Summer of 1971 Canadian station CBC transmitted selected episodes of Doomwatch Season 1 and 2 as one season. There is some confusion as to whether they actually transmitted The Logicians, so if you can help us out here, let us know!
The CBC is responsible for retaining the only known copies of many episodes of Doomwatch, almost the entirety of Season 2 from episodes 1 to 12. Interestingly, Season 2, Episode 13 - Public Enemy was never shown but is the only one from Season 2 retained by the BBC in it's original 625 Line PAL format.
In the following run of episodes below the CBC did not actually show but retained what is now the only existing copies (as NTSC 525 Line) of:
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Train and De-Train (NTSC)
Season 2 - Episode 1 - You Killed Toby Wren (NTSC)
CBC, also kept the only copy of the transmitted version of
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Tomorrow, The Rat
The following is a synopsis for Doomwatch that Canadian TV station CBC used for their original transmissions. Thanks to their archive for the following information. A description of Season 2 follows...
DOOMWATCH PROMOTION
SEASON 2 PROMOTION
BBC-1: MONDAY DECEMBER 14th 1970
DOOMWATCH RETURNS
'Doomwatch', one of the most popular television drama series of recent years, returns for a new thirteen-week series on Monday December 14.
When the first series was shown the terms 'technological hazard' and 'environmental pollution' were little known. It can be justly claimed that 'Doomwatch' not only gave a word to the language but also helped draw attention to the great ecological hazards that threaten the human race.
The programme will continue to do this through its prime function which is to entertain. Quist and his team are the contemporary counterparts of St. George. Quist's dragon spouts more than fire and brimstone but the conflict is the same.
The first story is 'You Killed Toby Wren' by Terence Dudley. When Wren is killed while dismantling the 'Byfield' bomb, Quist is held responsible in that he failed to obey orders and obstructed the police. The Minister sees this as a chance of removing the thorn in his side and orders a Tribunal of Inquiry. Ridge, who also blames Quist for Wren's death, pursues a line on human/animal hybrids and is profoundly shocked by what he discovers. Will he speak for or against Quist at the crucual enquiry?
As in the first series, John Paul plays Quist, Simon Oates plays Ridge and Joby Blanshard plays Colin Bradley. Two new characters are introduced - John Nolan as Geoff Hardcastle and Vivien Sherrard as Barbara Mason - and the guest stars are John Barron, Donald Morley, Edward Underdown and Macdonald Hobley.
Devised by Kit Pedler and Gerry Davis. Produced and directed by Terence Dudley.
DOOMWATCH (c) Metronet
The code name "Doomwatch" is the term applied to a small, highly educated group of British scientists dedicated to uncovering and destroying the many extreme dangers posed to man by modern science and technology. Polluted oceans and air, chemically perverted foodstuffs, the onerous after-effects of scientific research, the ever-increasing loss of privacy –all are symptoms of our modern society and all come under the scope of the zealous band of "Doomwatchers" who will stop at nothing to prevent the balance of nature from being forever poisoned. Headed by Dr. Spencer Quist, the Doomwatch team encounters almost as much opposition from the various government departments involved with ecology, as those forces which knowingly break the law. But the dedicated team will use any means, however unconventional and including violence, to carry out their mission. It's a fast-paced chilling adventure series from the BBC, that deals with the real villians of our modern world–the forces of ecological disruption that could eventually destroy the planet it–self. Featuring John Paul as Dr. Spencer Quist, Simon Oates as Dr. John Ridge, Barbara Mason is played by Vivien Sherrard, John Nolan is Geoff Hardcastle and Joby Blanshard is seen as Dr. Colin Bradley.
Friday July 2nd 1971 was the series debut of Doomwatch that ignored episodes 1 to 3 of Season 1 and went straight into Episode 4...
Friday July 2nd 1971
Tomorrow, the Rat
10-11p.m. Billed as the series debut
It's interesting to note that the original typed up documents say "The Day of the Rat" which has then been subsequently crossed out and Tomorrow, the Rat is written in it's place and a typed up explanation to this effect appears at the bottom of the page and a date with it of 4:30 p.m. 9/6/71 DSM.
A scientific experiment using rats to improve the genetic qualities of man backfires causing a horde of vicious, highly intelligent and fertile rats with a taste for human flesh to be let loose on London. All of Doomwatch's energies are brought into play to defeat these cunning monsters created in the laboratory. It's amusing to note that the following show FBI is entitled Death Watch.
Friday July 9th
Invasion
10:30 a.m. 8/6/71 DSM
Dr. Quist and his team uncover a frightening chemical warfare research station in a quiet area of Yorkshire. A deadly virus could endanger the population of Britain and the Doomwatch team must cope with public apathy and official interference in their quest for answers to a deadly problem that no one will admit exists. (A note is then made that Further details TBA) Friday July 16th The Islanders 10:00-11:00 p.m. The small island of St. Simon's in the south Pacific suffers an earth tremor which threatens the inhabitants. A British protectorate, it has been the home of emigrants from Britain for a hundred and fifty years. The islanders are re-housed in disused army barracks near London, awaiting rehabilitation. Doomwatch is given the opportunity of measuring them against the environment of western industrial civilization. Starring John Paul as Dr. Spencer Quist, Simon Oates as Dr. John Ridge and Joby Blanshard as Dr. Colin Bradley. Then a date and time stamp of 10:15 a.m. - 25/6/71 - DSM
Jul 16th
The Islanders
Doomwatch is given the opportunity to measure the reactions of islanders previously insulated from modernity against their new environment of western industrial civilization.
Friday July 23rd
No Room for Error
10-11 p.m.
Dr. Fay Chantry, played by Jean Trend, sets out to employ a radical new drug to try and control an outbreak of typhoid among schoolchildren in South Salford. But the side-effects are catastrophic and all of Doomwatch's energies must be employed in the hunt to discover what is causing the sickness. The mystery deepens when Dr. Chantry (spelt incorrectly as Dr. Chant on the original) meets an old love whose actions are suspected. Featuring regulars Joby Blanshard and Vivien Sherrard (spelt incorrectly as Sharrad) with guest star John Wood. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. - 29/6/71 - DSM
Friday July 30th
By The Pricking Of My Thumbs
10-11 p.m.
Many scientists believe that an extra Y chromosome in the genetic make-up of an individual may be the cause of criminal behaviour. In tonight's story a geneticist's research into this theory provokes a serious crisis at a boy's school and nearly causes a suicide before the Doomwatch team can prove that theories don't always match up with facts. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. - 7/7/71 - DSM
Friday August 13th
Flight into Yesterday (originally scheduled with the description below)
10:00-11:00 p.m.
Quist is recalled from an ecological conference in California to a meeting at 10, Downing Street. He arrives late from the airport in what is, apparently, a drunken state and is sent home in disgrace. Fay Chantry diagnoses his condition; he has suffered the disorientation associated with crossing and re-crossing the time zones. In view of Quist's condition who is to address the conference in Los Angeles? Then a date and time stamp of 12 noon 21/7/71 - DSM
There is an additional note at 9:45 a.m. 27/7/71 - DSM that says on August 20th to add as per a note on July 22 that Doomwatch becomes involved in the disorientation process occasioned by intercontinental jet flights. Flight into Yesterday is then replaced with...
The Iron Doctor with the description below:-
Two doctors differ in their attitudes towards a rather amazing computer which diagnoses and treats critically ill patients. Dr. Carson feels a machine cannot replace a human but Dr. Whittaker is proud of his experimental intensive care unit. Suddenly some patients begin to die and Carson believes it has been programmed to reject low priority patients. He attempts to interfere and suffers a serious accident putting him under the machine's care. Is the computer trying to kill him and can Doomwatch save him in time before he is allowed to die?
Friday August 27th
The Web Of Fear
10-11:00 p.m.
An impotant government official is stranded on an island off the English coast when a strange new disease breaks out and quarantine is imposed. Quist arrives to discover that a scientists experiments in pest control have created a deadly virus that is being carried on the island by spiders making them and their web lethal. Starring Joby Blanshard, Vivien Sherrard and John Savident. Then a date and time stamp of 11:30 a.m. 6/8/71 - DSM
Friday September 3rd
In the Dark
10-11:00 p.m.
Doomwatch's search for a mysterious industrialist believed to know the cause of poison gas affecting an area of ocean off the Lancashire coast leads them to a lonely mansion in Scotland. They find their man but also learn that he has undergone a strange series of operations and is now more machine than human. Only his brain is left alive. Then a date and time stamp of 10:30 a.m. 11/8/71 DSM
Friday September 10th
The Human Time Bomb
10-11 p.m.
Society's pollution watchdogs undertake a study of a new, highly compressed urban living complex with strange results. Scientist Fay Chantry takes a small apartment in the complex but suddenly her behaviour begins to change as a result of the environment and erratic emotions tend to violence. Is this type of apartment dwelling really mentally safe for its inhabitants? September 17th The Inquest (No time allocated) A scientists's experiments in a small village in Suffolk provoke the anger of the population when a child dies of rabies. All of Doomwatch's energies are brought to bear to find out what is behind the tense situation, which places violent anti-vivisectionists against the scientific experiments. A surprise conclusion is uncovered. Then a date and time stamp of 10:45 a.m. 25/8/71 DSM
Sep 17th
The Inquest
A long-standing feud between an animal lover and a scientist who uses dogs in his experiments comes to an explosive head when a child dies of rabies. Quist: John Paul. Harcastle: John Nolan. Bradley: Joby Bfanshard. (60 min.) Guest Cast Dr. Fane Frederick Treves Mary Judith Furse Pritchard Frederick Hall Coroner Edward Evans
Friday September 24th
The Logicians
10-11 p.m.
Doomwatch is called in when a major pharmaceutical firm is called is robbed of a vital chemical formula of great value to its competitors. Ridge's suspicions that the crime was committed by a group of private schoolboys led by the son of the firm's owner are confirmed and he finds that the cool, calculating criminal logic of the boys is a match for his own. The question is why did an apparantly normal group of young students commit the robbery? Then a date and time stamp of 11/9/71 DSM
The Logicians was the last episode transmitted and the replacement programme the next week was "World TV Showcase"
On Friday October 1st there is a scheduling change note that says DELETE Doomwatch program in this slot.
Last show in current series telecast September 24th
Then a date and time stamp of 4:45p.m. 9/9/71 DSM
Then scribbled out is the information for.... Friday October 1st (episode not named but is actually Public Enemy) 10-11 p.m.
The residents of a small industrial town cry foul when the pollution from the area's major factory is proved to be causing deaths. Doomwatch proves how the plant can be made safe but owners feel the method too expensive and decide to move. The townspeople change their minds and attack Doomwatch for taking away their livelihood. "Someone has to pay if we want a clean world". Then a date and time stamp of 1:00p.m. 7/9/71 DSM
Reviews
There is a scathing review of a Doomwatch episode from Canada's Globe & Mail on July 5th 1971 referring to the broadcast of Tomorrow, the Rat on 2nd July 1971. It is interesting to note that the episode is referred to as The Day of the Rat.
TELEVISION
Tries for adventure, Doomwatch just dull
By Kaspars Dzeguze
"Doomwatch must have struck some television executive as a portentous title for a vaguely scientific, allegedly adventurous series of hour-long shows which have their roots in that media-nurtured garden of weeds—ecology.
But to judge by Friday night's premiere offering, The Day of the Rat, there's little chance Doomwatch will tick off the minutes to ecological disaster, since this is clearly another in the series of wildly inaccurate forecasts of things to come.
It's hard to understand why a story revolving around the breeding and escape of intelligent, carnivorous rats (rattus sapiens, as one of the Doomwatch scientists whispers in a technical aside), with a preference for human flesh, who end up terrorizing London, should be so lethargic and un-inspired.
The show's staff could surely have cribbed enough ideas from the monster-creature films that abound to produce an hour crammed with effective second-hand ideas. But no—it seems pride demanded an original disaster unblemished by previous failures. And how original is the ecology angle now? Perhaps Doomwatch will demonstrate uniqueness in the subsequent weeks through the very depth of its fall."
The Globe and Mail, a Canadian Newspaper dated June 26th 1971 has this to say about the screening of Series 2 of DOOMWATCH on CBC...
"Doomwatch—The first fictional series, as far as I know, to commercialize the current pollution awareness. It's a BBC series about a group of scientists assigned to protect the environment by hook or by crook. Starting July 2nd at 10 p.m."
With special thanks to John Corcelli and Anne at the CBC Reference Library for tracking down this news item for doomwatch.org
A special thanks to Patrick at www.tvarchive.ca/ for helping to uncover all of this information.