Bullet Time (Lassoing “The Gunfighters”)

If you’re a time-traveling alien with a toothache, obviously your first stop is going to be the Old West. It’s not just because of the oddly easy-to-find dentistry services, but the chance of getting mixed up in a farcical case of mistaken identity with lots of gunplay is quite high. Doctor Who’s first (and for a long time, only) attempt at a western is arguably a bold experiment and unquestionably a high-quality production, but like the gunslinging Clantons themselves, The Gunfighters has become infamous over the years. Is it really as bad as its reputation? Or could it be the irritating “Ballad of the Last Chance Saloon” that’s tainting an otherwise passable story? Saddle up, pardners — this one’s going to be a ride.

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Story Essentials

• Season 3, Serial 7

• Story number: 24, per the The Pull To Open Codex

• Production Code: Z

• Writer: Donald Cotton

• Producer: Innes Lloyd

• Aired 30 April – 21 May 1966

Pull To Open: The Gunfighters

• Season 3

• Episode 42

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor

Feedback loop and interlude music: Martin West/Thinking Fish

Outro music: Chronos by Alexander Nakarada