Last updated 24 March 2024


Episode 4

Series Episode Number: 257

World Premiere: Sat 24 Jan 1970 - 5:14pm BST [BBC One] (United Kingdom)
First Broadcast: Sun 17 Sep 2017 - 5:30pm EDT [Retro TV]
Running Time: 24 minutes 47 seconds

8.10 Million (UK)

Appreciation Index: 57 (UK)

Chart Position: 51 () (UK)

Recorded in BBC Training Centre,
Archive State: 16mm Colou



The invasion begins as Auton shop dummies come to life and attack the public. The Doctor and UNIT infiltrate Auto Plastics where the Doctor faces the Nestene consciousness.


Production Team hide uncredited
WriterRobert Holmes
DirectorDerek Martinus
ProducerDerrick Sherwin
DesignerPaul Allen
Script EditorTerrance Dicks
Film EditorWilliam Symon
Film EditorAdam Dawson
Sound RecordistDerek Medus
Film CameramanStan Speel
Film CameramanRobert McDonnell
CostumesChristine Rawlins
Make-upCynthia Goodwin
Special EffectsJohn Horton
Special SoundBrian Hodgson
Special Sound BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Incidental MusicDudley Simpson
Title MusicRon Grainer
and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Assistant Floor ManagerLiam Foster (uncredited)
Production AssistantPeter Grimwade (uncredited)
Title Music ArrangerDelia Derbyshire (uncredited)
Title SequenceBernard Lodge (uncredited)
Film Sound AssistantEddie Dougall (uncredited)
GripTex Childs (uncredited)
HairdresserIrene Walls (uncredited)
DresserArthur Funge (uncredited)