The Doctor, Romana and K9 investigate a mysterious medical ailment in Hollywood.

James Goss’ tale of vanishing voices and sinister surgeons is a fun excursion into the world of movies as it moved from the silent era to the talkies. The number of actors who weren’t able to make the transition is a matter of record, but Goss gives it a Doctor Who twist playing with many of the tropes of the silent era (to Romana’s delight at one of them towards the end). Given it’s all about the silent movies, there’s a lovely irony that it’s one of the stories that really uses the audio medium cleverly, and the properties of the films themselves – something that was described in graphic detail at the recent film restoration panel at Gallifrey – become an important factor.

Tom Baker, Lalla Ward and John Leeson attack the script with gusto, while the rest of the cast rise to the (melo)dramatic moments. It’s good to hear Pamela Salem out of Rachel Jensen mode, and Alec Newman’s metaphorical mustachios are twirling at all the right moments. Director Nick Briggs gives the story the high energy it requires, and there’s some strong sound design from Russell McGee. And did I hear a little hint of the K9 and Company theme in one of Jamie Robertson’s music cues?

Verdict: An enjoyable excursion to Hollywoodland. 8/10

Paul Simpson