David Arthur Whitaker was an English television writer and novelist who worked on the early years of the science-fiction TV series Doctor Who. He served as the programme's first story editor, supervis
Whitaker in an image from a documentary on the DVD release of The Edge of Destruction
An Unearthly Child
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An Unearthly Child is the first serial of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC TV in four weekly parts from 23 November to 14 December 1963. Scripted
David Whitaker (screenwriter)
…Whitaker was ultimately unable to contribute a script, leaving then-story editor and future Doctor Who producer Derrick Sherwin to write it himself. An Unearthly Child The Daleks…
Ian and Barbara find the Doctor and Susan inside the TARDIS as its interior is revealed in a scene described as "breathtaking"
An Unearthly Child was directed by Waris Hussein (pictured in 2011).
Carole Ann Ford (pictured in 1963) was chosen to portray the Doctor's granddaughter Susan Foreman.
William Hartnell and Carole Ann Ford in the original recording of the first episode, which was later scrapped due to technical issues. Several changes were made before the final recording, including the Doctor's costumes and mannerisms: his suit and tie were replaced with an Edwardian outfit, and he became more affectionate towards Susan.