Doctor Who: Masque Of Mandragora

MASQUE is a greatly undervalued story, mainly because it's often overshadowed by more visceral adventures like DEADLY ASSASSIN, ROBOTS OF DEATH and TALONS OF WENG CHIANG from the same season..

This is a pity, as the underlying theme of science clashing with superstition is a very strong one that still has relevence today - I mean, can you believe that in 2010 we have sattelite channels solely dedicated to astrology, yet none to astronomy???

Superb location filming at Portmerion greatly enhances the 'Italian' setting and lends the story versimilitude, and there is some unusually strong acting from the supporting cast who have an excellent script to work from. Beautiful design work, from both the production designer and wardrobe are the icing on the cake for a much underated gem.

Essentially THE MASQUE OF MANDRAGORA is tale of an internal power struggle between Count Federico (pretentious and overbearing) and Prince Giuliano (amiable but a bit drippy and wet) with a bit of science fiction (a heavenly body of fire comes from the stars) to further encourage the power hungry plans of court astrologer Hieronymous. Undoubtedly actor Norman Jones steals every scene he is in as the sinister cult leader with those mad staring eyes and I personally am rather mesmerised by that outrageous split beard flecked with grey. Excellent use is made of the village of Portmerion and I am delighted to hear that there is eight and a half minutes given over to another of the worthy NOW AND THEN story locations item on this DVD. It seems that the extras weigh in at about seventy-three minutes in total with the usual entertaining MAKING OF and PHOTO GALLERY and Trails and Continuity regulars slotting in alongside the main feature story and a couple of title specific items. I have always loved the way that Doctor Who can skilfully blend a historical story with an element of science fiction and certainly with its dramatically engaging premise worthy guest and regular cast member performances and pleasing location filming this has got to rank as one of my all time favourites from the Tom Baker era.

it was about time this tom baker story was released as it was one of his best stories also great acting from tom baker and elisabeth sladen.

A great Tom Baker story and the last before Elisabeth Sladen final story The Hand of Fear, watched this on video and will get it when dvd.

The Tardis passes thought the Mandragora Helix and takes some it's energy with it. Landing in the 15th century Italy, the Doctor and Sarah Jane have to stop his energy from distorying the Earth.

This for me, is one of the best of Tom Baker's. Something which is rare from the classic series, and that is a historical drama, with suspense which doesn't rely totally on Sci-Fi. Definately want to get.