Dave's Third Doctor Page
Played by JON PERTWEE 1970-1974, reprised 1983, 1989 (On stage), 1993, 1996 (Radio).
Jon Pertwee was in many ways the most popular thing about the show he starred in, but this does not detract from the considerable talents of his supporting cast. If any era of Doctor Who can truly be said to be ensemble playing, it is the Third Doctor's era. Having said that, Pertwee totally dominated proceedings, just as he did in life. With his debonair good looks and fussy clothes, he looked the very image of the Edwardian gentleman adventurer. Like Hartnell, he seemed extremely old, and his prematurely white hair added to this impression. However Pertwee's Doctor was more physical than any incarnation before or since. A man of action, he would run into trouble as often as he would escape it. He would burst through doors, with scant regard for what was going on the other side, after all, it could hardly be as important as whatever he was doing! Here was a hero who saved lives, worlds, galaxies, and even the Universe, and knew it!
The Third Doctor's style seemed to fit into the flared platformed 1970s, and despite being an eccentric scientist, he sometimes seemed more young and with it than his young companions.
This Doctor was my favourite because of his incredible panache. He was a hero, no question of that, there were no grey areas (until the very end), he was the good guy and that was that.
Jon Pertwee has had a fascinating life. Doctor Who producer Barry Letts once apologised to Pertwee for having a couple of broken ribs 'I did that once' said Pertwee 'What, fell off a ladder?' replied Letts 'No, broke a couple of ribs. I fell off a camel, in Sloane Square' he replied to the incredulous producer.
I met Jon on a couple of occasions and he was charming and helpful. Many people feel let down when they meet their heroes, but Jon met all my expectations.
Jon Pertwee died on 20th May 1996. Like Hartnell and Troughton before him, the last role he played was The Doctor in a Vodaphone advertisement.
Jon has written two thoroughly entertaining autobiographies. Moon Boots And Dinner Suits deals with everything before Doctor Who and I Am The Doctor deals with his Doctor Who years and after.
You could also look at: The Jon Pertwee Drinking Game but you must promise to play the game :-)
[My Home Page | Back to my Doctor Who Page]
Mail me: dfarmbrough@cix.co.uk.