4K. The Brain Of Morbius

Season Thirteen - 1975/1976

Script Editor: Robert Holmes
Writer: Robin Bland (alias Terrance Dicks with rewrites by Robert Holmes)
Produced by: Philip Hinchcliffe
Director: Christopher Barry
Designer: Barry Newbery
Incidental Music: Dudley Simpson
Movement by: Geraldine Simpson

Synopsis

The TARDIS lands on the planet Karn amidst the wreckages of other spacecraft. The planet is bleak, and the weather conditions are turbulent. The Doctor believes he has been sent to Karn by the Time Lords.

The sisterhood is the main occupant of the planet Karn, in the same constellation as Gallifrey. There is also a scientist, Doctor Solon, and his assistamt, working on a horrendous experiment. Solon aims to take the brain of an executed Time Lord criminal, Morbius, and transplant it into another body, returning to him the gift of life.

The Sisterhood believe the Doctor has been sent by the Time Lords to steal their Elixir of Life. They kidnap him and attempt to burn him at the stake until he is rescued by Sarah.

The Doctor asks the Sisterhood for help, and in return restores their dying Elixir flame. The Doctor and Sarah return to Solon's citadel where he releases cyanide gas, killing Solon. The experiment is already complete, and the Doctor challenges Morbius to a mind-bending contest, which mentally drains both Time Lords. The Sisterhood use their mental capabilities and force Morbius over the edge of a cliff.

Regular Cast

  • Sarah Jane Smith: Elisabeth Sladen

Guest Cast

  • Doctor Mehendri Solon: Philip Madoc
  • Maren: Cynthia Grenville
  • Ohica: Gilly Brown
  • Condo: Colin Fry
  • Sisters: Sue Bishop, Janie Kells, Gabrella Mowbray, Veronica Ridge
  • Kriz: John Scott Martin
  • Voice of Morbius: Michael Spice (2-4)
  • Morbius Monster: Stuart Fell (3-4)
Uncredited:
  • Headless Monster: Alan Crisp (1-2)
  • Double for Sarah: Jennie Le Fre

Original broadcast on the BBC

Channel Title Date Viewers Rating
BBC 1 418. Part One Saturday, 3 January 1976 17:55 - 18:20 9.5M
BBC 1 419. Part Two Saturday, 10 January 1976 17:45 - 18:10 9.3M
BBC 1 420. Part Three Saturday, 17 January 1976 17:45 - 18:10 10.1M
BBC 1 421. Part Four Saturday, 24 January 1976 17:55 - 18:20 10.2M

Click here to show repeat broadcasts on the BBC

Studios

  • Television Centre Studio 1
  • Television Centre Studio 3

Notes

This story has no writer credit in the end titles.

The faces seen in the mind battle in Part Four are Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton, William Hartnell, Philip Hinchcliffe, Robert Holmes, Douglas Camfield, Graeme Harper, Robert Banks Stewart, Christopher Baker, George Gallacio and Christopher Barry.