Doctor Who: The Romans (1965)
The First Doctor bluffs his way through Nero's court while Ian and Barbara face the brutal reality of Roman slavery.
Doctor Who: The Romans - Movie Information
- Original Title: Doctor Who: The Romans
- Release Year: 1965
- Directed by: Christopher Barry
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: The Romans (UK)
Doctor Who: The Romans - Plot
The TARDIS crew take up residence near Rome in 64AD, where Ian and Barbara are kidnapped by slave traders, and the Doctor's imitation of Maximus Pettulian sees him taken to the court of Emperor Nero where he inadvertently plays a part in deciding the course of history...
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Doctor Who: The Romans - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Christopher Barry
Main Cast
- William Hartnell
- Jacqueline Hill
- William Russell
- Maureen O'Brien
- Derek Sydney
- Nicholas Evans
- Dennis Edwards
- Margot Edwards
- Edward Kelsey
- Bart Allison
Writers
- Dennis Spooner
Producers
- Verity Lambert
Doctor Who: The Romans - FAQs
What is Doctor Who: The Romans about?
The Romans drops the TARDIS crew into ancient Rome around 64 AD. While Ian and Barbara are captured and sold into slavery, the Doctor stumbles into Nero's imperial court by posing as a murdered lyre player — and ends up accidentally inspiring one of history's most infamous disasters.
Did the Doctor accidentally cause the Great Fire of Rome?
In a brilliantly comic twist, yes — the Doctor inadvertently gives Nero the idea to burn Rome. After a dropped candle sets a map alight, Nero watches with gleeful inspiration. It's one of classic Doctor Who's most memorable and darkly funny historical moments.
Is The Romans a comedy or a serious Doctor Who story?
It's both, and that's what makes it special. The Romans blends genuine farce — the Doctor bluffing his way through Nero's court — with a darker, more serious thread involving Ian and Barbara's harrowing experience as slaves. The tonal contrast is bold and largely pulls it off.
Who wrote Doctor Who: The Romans?
Dennis Spooner wrote the serial, bringing a sharp comic sensibility to the script. Spooner was a key contributor to early Doctor Who and later worked extensively in British television. His playful approach to The Romans gave the First Doctor era one of its most distinctive and witty adventures.
Who stars in Doctor Who: The Romans?
William Hartnell leads the cast as the First Doctor, joined by Jacqueline Hill as Barbara Wright, William Russell as Ian Chesterton, and Maureen O'Brien as Vicki. The supporting cast includes Derek Sydney, Nicholas Evans, Edward Kelsey, and Bart Allison as the unfortunate Maximus Pettulian.
Where does The Romans fit in classic Doctor Who?
The Romans is a four-part serial from Season 2 of the original Doctor Who, first broadcast in January and February 1965. It follows the epic twelve-part The Dalek Invasion of Earth and stands out in the era for its unusually comedic tone and confident historical storytelling.
How was Doctor Who: The Romans received by fans and critics?
The Romans is widely regarded as a highlight of the First Doctor era. Fans and critics praise its witty script, William Hartnell's delightful comic performance, and its willingness to experiment with tone. It's frequently cited as one of the best purely historical stories in the classic series.
Is Doctor Who: The Romans based on real historical events?
The story is set against the real backdrop of Emperor Nero's Rome and the Great Fire of 64 AD — a genuine historical catastrophe. While the characters and plot are fictional, the serial engages creatively with Roman history, weaving the TARDIS crew into events that actually shaped the ancient world.
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