DOME’S DAY

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Hey! This one is a prop I’ve been putting off looking at since I started this blog.The dome topped ‘computer’ thingy is one of the more well known objects of sixties Doctor Who. I imagine that there are many fans that know far more about it than I do. Now this has often been the case with props I have looked at, but this was one I wanted to get right if I could. I have heard it said that there are actually two different domed computers, but I haven’t been able to separate out the examples I have seen. If you know anything about this one please let me know but in the meantime here are the appearances I am aware of.

CURSE OF THE FLY, 1965

The earliest appearance I’m aware of is actually not from Doctor Who. The Curse of the Fly was a British made sequel to the classic sci-fi horror flick, The Fly. Filmed at Shepperton, it features a few familiar Doctor Who props.
THE SPACE MUSEUM, 1965

The Curse of the Fly had a UK release in the May of 1965. At basically the same time the domed computer was on telly in The Space Museum.
THE DALEKS’ MASTER PLAN, 1965

By the end of 1965 it was back on TV screens again. This time sans its transparent dome. 
THE WAR MACHINES, 1966

A year later and still without a dome. Found in the warehouse base of the titular war machines.
THE WHEEL IN SPACE, 1968

Onwards to the Troughton era and the dome topper has returned…
THE MIND ROBBER, 1968

And then it’s gone again.
SPEARHEAD FROM SPACE, 1970

For its final appearance this quintessential sixties prop makes it to the seventies and into colour.

And that’s all I have. As I said at the top, if you have any info on this topic let me know. Cheers.


















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