Babelcolour Tribute - William Hartnell

"It's possible that they may have been anti-radiation gloves............drugs." And the other actors' reaction to the wrong line. Gets me every time that 'Hartnell-ism'

Amazing that the youngest doctor is such an old, wise figure

He may be one of the oldest incarnations, but he was the most childish and fun. Two was the same way. Three was when things began to mature up, but then of course four came along.

The BOSS. Hartnell gave the world a perfectly flawed, unique character. Troughton took Bill’s portrayal and gave the world the Time Lord that became a household name. No one should ever underestimate how brilliant an actor Hartnell was… A real character.

I always thought his flubbing the lines were part of the doctors personality, even it it was just W.H., but it became a part of his character. Brilliant Doctor. I think the new new fans of the current show are so reluctant to go back and watch the oldies, they may have different pacing, different acting style, and SFX and budget quality was not the best in those days, but they're very cool imaginative stuff. You can see how Television has grown, how the culture has changed, the sets and special effects etc have gone light years ahead since 63. The show itself is a time machine of sorts, I dunno, maybe I have a dorky romantic way of looking at it, but it's really great from start to finish lost stories and all.

I was lucky enough to just remember dear old William Hartnell. The first story I ever saw was the Chase in 1965 I was only six but Bills Doctor hooked me on the show for life. RIP Mr Hartnell.

I just finished watching every Hartnell episode last night. I had always thought that his era was a tad slow, but after watching 134 episodes of him, I was really sad to see him go. He really did bring such a unique flavour to the character that we don't get nowadays. Still, onwards and upwards to Troughton, Pertwee, and all the way through the rest of the Classic Doctors.

Love his laugh.. and his delivery, even when he screwed-up his lines..he was enjoying himself. Didn't want to do the show then never wanted to leave.

There was a time when I didn't care much about this grumpy old man....but over time I got to know him. I saw a character actor, a man that would never be know for anything special, a bit player in TV shows fading away. And then one day, a young woman with a mission gave him a shining little chance...and he created a legend 50 years later. The little actor became a giant those shadow we walk under today. Thank you, Bill.

40 years ago today since William Hartnell sadly passed away. Rest in peace, Doctor Number 1.

If the BBC were smart they should erect somekind of statue, or monument to William Hartnell outside of their headquarters. After all, if it wasn't for his wonderful portrayal of the Doctor, the show and the character may not have lasted as long as they have. We have him to thank for creating the possibly the greatest science fiction hero ever to grace the small screen. Thank you Bill. Rest easy. Your legacy is in good hands.

If it wasn't for William Hartnell as the 1st Doctor there would not be any Doctor Who. He started the whole thing off. He loved the part because he was not playing another sergeant major. Personally I would love to have an Old Man play the Doctor again.

there is something wonderfully pure about William hartnell's doctor

The Original is still the best. He will always be so. Bill Hartnell = GREATEST Doctor of all time.

What makes the Doctor so great is that it's an infinitely flexible role, henceforth every actor loves it(even grumpy old Eccleston said he's proud to have been the character) to bits and it shows.

This seems old to people. I remember when TV first appeared - seemed like new, high technology at the time. Radio seemed the same when it appeared. Of course, I was blown away by the telegraph when it first appeared.

Absolutely love this - I have seen so few of his episodes but growing up in the 90's I treasured the BBC Target novels with the 1st Doctor.

"No, impossible at this temperature. Besides, it's too warm." Okay, I'm convinced Billy was just trolling there.

A wonderful tribute to the great actor who began it all! Thank you, Mr. Hartnell!

I love william hartnell