THE REIGN OF TERROR
THE REIGN OF TERROR. Written by Dennis Spooner. 6 Episodes.
8th August - 12th September 1964.
A Land of Fear, Guests of Madame Guillotine, A Change of Identity,
The Tyrant of France, A Bargain of Necessity, Prisoners of Conciergerie.
COMPANIONS:- Ian, Barbara and Susan.
After more jibes from Ian and Barbara about his ability to control the
TARDIS, the Doctor decides to put them off the ship next time they land.
The scanner shows countryside which the Doctor claims to be 20th century
England. Ian suggests they part on good terms and so invites the Doctor and
Susan for a drink. Once outside, they meet a young boy who tells them that
they are 12 kilometers from Paris before fleeing.
The travellers come across an old farmhouse. Exploring the interior they
find it full of 18th century items and also discover papers signed by
Robespierre. They are in France during "The Reign of Terror". Whilst they
change into clothing found in an old trunk, the Doctor explores the upper
floor and is ambushed by two royalists who knock him out and lock him in a
box room.
Revolutionary soldiers turn up and kill the two royalists, taking Ian,
Barbara and Susan captive. They torch the house but the Doctor is rescued
by the young boy they met earlier.
The three prisoners are sentenced to the guillotine and in prison, Ian
meets up with a dying Englishman called Webster who tells him of an
English spy, James Stirling, who has vital information to return to England.
Ian is questioned by the governor of the prison, Lemaitre who crosses
his name off the execution list. Later, the jailers' carelessness allows
Ian to get the key to his cell which he uses to escape.
The Doctor has acquired the clothes of a Regional Officer of the
Provinces and travels to Paris to attempt the release of his friends but
Lemaitre takes him to visit Robespierre to discuss the Southern Province.
After bluffing his way through the meeting, the Doctor is invited to stay
the night by Lemaitre who later asks him to question Barbara.
When Lemaitre is called to another meeting with Robespierre, the Doctor
suggests to the jailer that Barbara be allowed to escape so that she can
be followed to discover the escape route. When the Doctor tries the same
trick to free Susan the governor declares that he knows the Doctor to be
an imposter. Lemaitre reveals himself to be James Stirling and Ian gives
him Webster's message.
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