Doctor Who's monsters

In its early days, 'Doctor Who' costume design relied on lots of plywood and glue.

Amanda Uren

1965

Doctor Who, the BBC-produced science fiction series, was controversial from the moment the first episode aired at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 1963. The show follows an eccentric time traveller as he journeys through time and space.

An actor inside his Dalek costume, on the set of the BBC television show 'Doctor Who,' in London. Credit: Ronald Dumont/Express/Getty Images

Considered too violent and frightening for children, the programme was deemed by the BBC to be its most violent production. The Daleks, a recurring alien race in the series, were one of the show's most frightening adversaries. Soon people widely used the phrase "hiding behind the sofa," which referred to children who watched from behind the family couch.

Mr. D Atkins and Mr. B Jones of Shawcroft Models Ltd of Uxbridge work on the head of a 'Zarbi.' Credit: John Pratt/Keystone Features/Getty Images

Pre-CGI, every humanoid (and not-so-humanoid) alien costume contained an actor. The BBC hired specialist model-makers to create the costumes, though BBC budget constraints did not allow the use of elaborate prosthetics.The early series relied heavily on "suspension of disbelief," hoping the audience could see beyond the limitations of the sets, props and costumes in order to be entertained.

Costume designer Daphne Dare seen here with one of her 'Dr Who' creations, 'Varga' the living cactus. Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Daleks being built at Shawcraft (Models) Ltd, in Uxbridge, England. Credit: John Pratt/Keystone Features/Getty Images

One of the Mechonoid operators inside his machine during the filming of 'The Chase,' a six-part serial from 'Doctor Who.' In this scene, the Daleks and the Mechonoids become embroiled in conflict. Credit: Len Trievnor/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

D. Atkins and Bill Roberts (right) of the Shawcraft model-making company in Uxbridge with two of the monsters they created for the 'Doctor Who' television series. On the right is a 'Zarbi,' a giant, ant-like creature, which featured in the episode 'The Web Planet.' Credit: John Pratt/Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Stage hands seen carrying Daleks on the set of the 'Doctor Who' episode 'The Chase.' Credit: Express Newspapers/Getty Images

William Hartnell (1908-1975), the first incarnation of TV's 'Doctor Who,' feels the hairless pates of two costars appearing as the 'Teknix,' bald mutated humans employed in Space Security. Credit: Express/Getty Images

One of the monsters created by the firm Shawcroft, which was responsible for making the Daleks for the TV series 'Doctor Who.' Credit: Keystone Features/Getty Images