Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara main backdrop
Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara main poster

Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara

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7.3/10 • 5

1978-12-161h 40m

ActionAdventureDramaScience FictionTV Movie

Finding the fourth segment of the Key to Time was simple enough, but holding onto it may be another matter. The Doctor and Romana find themselves embroiled in the political games of the planet Tara, where doubles, android or otherwise, complicate the coronation of Prince Reynart.

Directors
Michael Hayes
Writters
David Fisher

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Tom Baker

    Tom Baker

    The Doctor

  2. Mary Tamm

    Mary Tamm

    Romana

  3. John Leeson

    John Leeson

    K-9 (Voice)

  4. Peter Jeffrey

    Peter Jeffrey

    Count Grendel

  5. Simon Lack

    Simon Lack

    Zadek

  6. Neville Jason

    Neville Jason

    Prince Reynart

  7. Paul Lavers

    Paul Lavers

    Farrah

  8. Lois Baxter

    Lois Baxter

    Lamia

  9. Declan Mulholland

    Declan Mulholland

    Till

Reviews1

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CinemaSerf Avatar

CinemaSerf

Nov 23, 2024

7/10

Well we've had Ronald Colman, Stewart Granger and even Peter Sellars had a go - so it was only fair that Tom Baker got to take his turn at his own version of "The Prisoner of Zenda" in this pretty obvious homage to that famous Anthony Hope story. He and "Romana" (Mary Tamm) arrive on the eponymous planet just as it's weakling prince "Reynart" (Neville Jason) is to be crowned king. Thing is, the evil "Graft Grendel" (Peter Jeffrey) has set his own sights on the throne and by manipulating his android version of a princess who could be the identical twin of "Romana" he hopes to kill quite a few birds with one stone. Luckily, though she falls into the wrong hands, the "Doctor" and "K9" fall into the more loyal ones of "Zadek" (Simon Lack). Now it's straight to the impersonation game with the crown likely to go to robot with the most durable power pack... I enjoyed this. It gives Baker a chance to show off his sword fencing skills, there's a good old fashioned dose of thespian ham from Jeffrey and some of the doubling-up shows off the improving skills of the visual effects department as this four-parter hits the ground running delivering a fun costume adventure in the "Key to Time" series. There's plenty of outdoor photography and Leeds Castle in Kent makes for a perfect backdrop to the mediaeval plot.

Media

  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster
  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster
  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster
  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster
  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster
  • Doctor Who: The Androids of Tara poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
time travel