William Hartnell
William Hartnell as the first doctor seems a little strange to me. Consequently, I go and read a write up about him to gain information. Being that I am not a showrunner or producer of a television show I can speak for the original producer of Doctor Who, Verity Lambert. The only comments I can make will be from my standpoint. Then to be honest with you, I do not know what kind of judge I am of talent when it comes to actors and actresses. SO, if you don’t agree with me that is your choice.
William Hartnell from what I have read is a very good actor and from what I have seen I agree with the writing. Now, why Verity Lambert went to a play by the name of The Sporting Life is beyond me.(1) Most of the time if it is like football, baseball, and basketball teams that send out scouts to watch teams they play. Consequently, that gives my some understanding. Those sports team also have scouts to watch talented individuals they get word of as well. So, for me I am going to go with she has got word of his talent or seen him before. Either way she see him and decides he is the man for the job.
Doctor Who is the only avenue of screen that remember seeing William Hartnell. Therefore, I may want to typecast him as an actor such as he plays in Doctor Who. As with any other actor, there is always a possibility of typecasting them according to the roles they play and Hartnell was ready for something new when Lambert comes to him.(2)
My take away from watching the few serial of Hartnell I have is that he is a great choice. His Doctor is not a very likeable guy though. He wants to control all aspects of their travels. I guess as the main character and center of attention this is the case. I can see where that is part of the show. He is a little bit hard to get along with as the Doctor and that makes me wonder if that is a carry over from his own personality. But, I do believe that is the case. There seems to be some proof of that from what I have read. There are accounts of him being hard to get along with by some colleagues.(3)
Hartnell is reluctant in the beginning to take the role, but Lambert finally convinces him to take the role and the rest is history. From Lambert desiring him as the First Doctor, and the fact he is an older man kind a translates into the older Time Lord. His age is not given to latter but apparently he has already live couple hundred of years. Now, please do not take my word on that one, just speculation.
Hartnell does a great job in bringing this old Time Lord to lie and gets the people to watch the whos in 1963. I am thankful for his commitment to the show and as with the fans in 1966, hate to see him go. Props to this man who invented the personality which lives on til today. Therefore hopefully continue for another 50 years
I personally have not seen many of his shows from the early years of the show. What I can say about what I have seen of him, he can be a little hard on his companions. Some people may even call him a crotchity old man. Hartnell is one of the older actors to play the role. Hartnell may have been the oldest. as the Doctor he does take things rather seriously and expects allot from his companions. He was the first and set the standard for the show. I feel he did a great job and I enjoy watching him as the Doctor.