1963 intro "Doctor Who" (1st Doctor)

This was the original opening for the BBC Serial "Doctor Who" in 1963. It is the longest running SF programme on the planet. William Hartnell played the First Doctor. The series is now on the 10th Doctor, as of 11/04/07. The original version of the series Theme (as heard in this clip, and unchanged from the original presentation form through the first four Doctors---1963-1980's) was the very first example of a musical type now known as "Electronica"---music produced exclusively with electronics without accompanying lyrics. It was made by the 'BBC Radiophonic Workshop".

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Doctor Who
• BBC
• SF

[Maetel]

I've been off on a Tangent for a couple of years---I am *so* pleased to see that these are still all here---And *enjoyed*!!

Almost able to overlook the occasional Mundane arriving without their frontal-lobe in gear.

Do it with Style---or don't bother doing it!

------Maetel, hime no Lametelle

[harleyrocks3]

All they have done to this music is just changing the sounds

[Maetel]

@harleyrocks3

So then, in addition to having the music being restricted to a one-note melody, would you change the lyrics

[AsarathWitch]

it's interesting that thye kept the same theme through all the years.

[Maetel]

Can't improve on perfection!

[AnthonyUK]

The theme tune was created using a two part combination of plucked bass string and hand timed valve oscillator swoop;these were recorded separately then edited together and combined as one reel of tape,the low frequency oowoooo sounds and low frequency notes were done with a wobbulator(played in on a separate tape)and the melody was a combination of different frequency test-tones(played in on another tape)and the hissing sounds were pieces of white noise recorded filtered and cut together.

[xXHoopsx]

I LOVE that they kept the same tune :)

[gunsrocks0978]

AM I HIGH?!?!?!?!?

[malandr0bem]

@AsarathWitch I am not a fan (yet) but I hear that it's also the same Dr. as well. Something about him being able to change his face... That's what I remember a fan telling me anyway.

[diskochimp]

@AsarathWitch This version's the best one though, eh?

[animationdude56]

@AnthonyUK if you reverse it the white noise sounds like drops of water. seriously, try it.

[joesphx19]

@AnthonyUK

Damn creative for the time, thanks for the detail.

[GrimnEvil4Ever]

i love this theme than the other first doctors cuz this one just feels right. like, you can tell that the sound is like rly old and loose n it feels like its broken. just the right amount :P

[bloodhorns1]

@AsarathWitch because its so epic