Last updated 24 March 2024


Episode Two

Series Episode Number: 280

World Premiere: Sat 9 Jan 1971 - 5:14pm BST [BBC One] (United Kingdom)
First Broadcast: Thu 23 Oct 1975 - 6:30pm CDT [WTTW 11 Chicago]
Running Time: 24 minutes 48 seconds

8.00 Million (UK)


Chart Position: 71 () (UK)

Recorded on Sat 10 Oct 1970 in Television Centre 8
Archive State: PAL Restor



The Doctor follows the Master's trail to the circus. Meanwhile, the Master has used his hypnotic powers to take control of a plastics factory where he creates the deadly Autons.


Production Team hide uncredited
WriterRobert Holmes
DirectorBarry Letts (uncredited)
ProducerBarry Letts
DesignerIan Watson
Script EditorTerrance Dicks
Special SoundBrian Hodgson (uncredited)
and BBC Radiophonic Workshop (uncredited)
Studio LightingEric Monk (uncredited)
Studio SoundColin Dixon (uncredited)
CostumesKen Trew (uncredited)
Make-upJan Harrison (uncredited)
Visual Effects DesignerMichaeljohn Harris
Film CameramanJohn Baker
Film EditorGeoffrey Botterill
With thanks toRobert Brothers
Incidental MusicDudley Simpson
Title MusicRon Grainer
and BBC Radiophonic Workshop
Production AssistantNicholas John (uncredited)
Technical ManagerRay Hider (uncredited)
Vision MixerShirley Coward (uncredited)
Grams OperatorLinton Howell-Hughes (uncredited)
Effects AssistantPeter Pegrum (uncredited)
Inlay OperatorAlan Rixon (uncredited)
Props BuyerMaurice Watson (uncredited)
Assistant Floor ManagerBruce Best (uncredited)
Floor AssistantEdward Pugh (uncredited)
AssistantRita Dunn (uncredited)
Pre-Production SecretaryPenny Forster (uncredited)
Facilities BookerJennie Betts (uncredited)
Artist BookingSybil Cave (uncredited)
Production SecretarySarah Newman (uncredited)
Title Music ArrangerDelia Derbyshire (uncredited)
Title SequenceBernard Lodge (uncredited)