The novelization of Marco Polo.

Undoubtedly the most sought after of the lost Doctor Who serials, Marco Polo has an almost mythical status.  An historical story, this seven part serial was the fourth to be broadcast and is set in 1289 Cathay (China).  Landing in the Himalayas, the Tardis Crew are picked up by the explorer Marco Polo as his caravan is making its way along  the Silk Road to meet Emperor Kublai Khan. Seeking to win the favour of Khan, Polo seizes the Tardis with the intention of giving the strange “flying caravan” to him.

The BBC made a 30 minute reconstruction of Marco Polo and it was released with The Edge of Destruction as part of the 3 disc The Beginnings box set.  Utilizing photographs from the production, the reconstruction provides a nice teaser of what clearly was an extraordinary serial.  Surprisingly, many colour photos have been preserved, a few of which I share for your viewing pleasure.

The 30 minute BBC reconstruction of “Marco Polo” can be found in the 3 Disc box set “The Beginning”.

Vivien Fleming

©Vivien Fleming, 2013.