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Classic Who S1 • Serial 4 · (0/7 episodes intact)

Marco Polo

72% 1,183 votes

First aired Saturday, February 22, 1964
Production Code D
Written by John Lucarotti
Runtime 175 minutes
Time Travel Past
Locations Asia Gobi Desert China
Historical Characters Marco Polo Kublai Khan
Synopsis

Arriving in Central Asia in 1289, the Doctor and his companions join the caravan of the famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo as it makes its way from the snowy heights of the Pamir Plateau, across the treacherous Gobi Desert and through the heart of imperial Cathay.

7 Episodes:

First aired Saturday, February 22, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 9.4 million
Appreciation Index 63

Synopsis

The TARDIS experiences a total power failure and is stranded in the Himalayas in the 13th century. The travellers are forced to join the caravan of the famous explorer, Marco Polo, in order to survive -- but Polo, fascinated by their claims that the TARDIS can fly through the air, seizes it on behalf of Kublai Khan in the hope that presenting the Khan with such a fabulous gift will convince him to let Polo return home to Venice. The travellers are forced to accompany Polo on his long trek across Asia to the Khan's court, but their many attempts to reclaim their property are foiled -- not just by Polo, but by the war lord Tegana, who is apparently on a mission of peace but has entirely different plans for dealing with Kublai Khan...

First aired Saturday, February 29, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 9.4 million
Appreciation Index 62

Synopsis

Tegana sabotages the party's water bags, leaving them in dire need of fresh supplies.

First aired Saturday, March 7, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 9.4 million
Appreciation Index 62

Synopsis

The Doctor and Susan are able to supply Marco with condensation that has formed inside the TARDIS, saving the group from dying of thirst. When the group are reunited with Tegana, the travellers begin to suspect he is up to something.

First aired Saturday, March 14, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by John Crockett
UK Viewers 9.9 million
Appreciation Index 60

Synopsis

The Doctor's group manage to rescue Barbara from the Mongols but once more Marco remains unaware of Tegana's involvement.

First aired Saturday, March 21, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 9.4 million
Appreciation Index 59

Synopsis

The Doctor and his friends elect to warn Marco of Acomat's attack even though it means losing their chance to gain access to the TARDIS.

First aired Saturday, March 28, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 8.4 million
Appreciation Index 59

Synopsis

The Doctor, Ian and Barbara are forced to surrender to Tegana and Marco, leaving both of them the opportunity to gain possession of the TARDIS.

First aired Saturday, April 4, 1964
Runtime 25 minutes
Written by John Lucarotti
Directed by Waris Hussein
UK Viewers 10.4 million
Appreciation Index 59

Synopsis

Tegana finally makes his move to assassinate the Khan, giving the Doctor and his friends an opportunity to thwart his plans and regain the TARDIS.

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Tegana