Doctor Who and the Daleks

William Russell, Ian in the original "Doctor Who" series, narrates the novelization of the 1964 season, a retro sci-fi adventure of two average Brits caught up in the mysterious doctor's travels. On the planet Skaro they intervene to save the pacifist Thals from the evil Daleks. Russell reads with earnest breathlessness, making Ian a sturdy, if querulous, hero. He differentiates other voices adequately, with electronic filtering for the Daleks' voices. Frequent sound effects and occasional music are sometimes laughable, sometimes effective. The story has both the charms of old-time sci-fi and the flaws, including some nasty xenophobia. But those who overlook the negatives and get into the spirit will find this title fun. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine