The Secret Life of the Bizarre Blowtorch Dalek

[@Here_is_Waldo]

I love the idea that there's more to the Daleks than just killers. Some Dalek gardener, or artist out there keeping out of trouble and using their weapon to carve rocks into statues. Makes them far more interesting than just one-note enemies.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

Makes me wonder what Cybermen do in their spare time. No emotions - no art, no appreciation of nature. The only thing they seem to have is a bizarre fashion sense that dictates a new look each season.

[@stephenreed2093]

do Dalek gardeners have green casings? I hope so 😁

[@zappodude7591]

And they don't even need to be not evil to have all this.

[@beepthemeep12]

The "do I have the right" line would hit even harder too

[@speeddemon5339]

@@zacmumblethunder7466Cyberwoman fashionistas?

[@MetalMalc]

I have memories of an episode where the Doctor and Co come across statues/carvings and the Doctor says 'These are Dalek!' It always amused me that a Dalek Sculptor might have done the carvings on his day off.

[@BashBrand]

They'd probably have shown that if the props dept. hadn't mislaid the cold-chisel attachment. And beret.

[@cornparade6874]

Tbh I could imagine them using slaves to do that

[@fredbloggs8072]

"The Dalek Chronicles" comic strip in TV21 enlarged on Dalek society quite a bit. It depicted them as far more complex & nuanced beings than the TV or movies showed at the time.

[@paulashe61]

I was aware of the ‘transformer’ versions of the Daleks from the annuals and comic strips. But was astonished by how social they are in the original Dead planet episodes.

[@craigwilliams6734]

I’ve still got the Dalek editions

[@martinevans9757]

Brilliant fun! I adore the idea that Daleks are a working society, not just screeching invaders with a one-eyed view of bipedal lifeforms. Mechmaster's portrayal of Dalek society in his excellent webcomic 'Second Empire' is thus justified! :)

[@spaceanarchist1107]

It also shows that there was a very dark side to the first Doctor. The Dalek City was full of civilians, Daleks who weren't directly involved in the war against the Thal. It's possible that some of them might have surrendered if the Doctor had given them a chance, but he didn't, he killed all of them. Ironically, he prevented the Dalek Command from committing genocide against the Thals by himself committng genocide on the Daleks. If they had all been soldiers, it might have been justified, but there were artists and scientists and farmers.... A rather different picture of the first Doctor, isn't it?

[@ekij133]

@@spaceanarchist1107 Yes! Yes! The Doctor is the monster! Daleks just want to bring piece and harmony to the universe!

[@frankshailes3205]

@@spaceanarchist1107 He was prepared to brain a caveman to escape, so it fits his character before Barbara mellowed him.

[@therealpbristow]

​WORD! It's Barbara who is the true hero(ine) of this 59-years-and-still-running story! By her words and actions over a period of a mere 18 months, this rogue specimen of an incredibly powerful, almost god-like race was turned into something that is still *not quite a hero*, but certainly much further from being a "Loki-at-his-worst".

[@frankshailes3205]

@@therealpbristow Yes! Possibly it was Steven that completed the education. In The Savages, the Doctor is determined to overturn the exploitative civilisation of the Elders, not because he has to to escape/survive (or whatever), but because has a moral conviction that it must be done. Ironically it's that moral force that transfers to and "infects" Jano, but the Doctor does enjoy smashing up the "evil" life-essence extraction laboratory. His job done, Steven remains to unite the people of the planet, while the Doctor goes off to defeat evil wherever he finds it... starting with WOTAN (amusingly, in the book, the Doctor is given the introduction letter to the WOTAN offices by Ian Chesterton).

[@tylere.8436]

Regular Dalek: EXTERMINATE Dalek with blowtorch: INCINERATE

[@antitoastthe2nd]

Its fascinating to learn about the notion of these “worker daleks” who are apart of some hidden away section of the city, combine that with fantastic nuanced narration, engaging editing and fascinating facts, easily one of the greatest docu-series running on KZbin today

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you! Very kind!

[@chrisst8922]

In the 1970's there was a Dr Who magazine you could order through the Radio Times. In addition to detailed plans for the construction of a Dalek there was a story ascribed to Terry Nation entitled 'We are The Daleks'. In the story archaeological and forensic examination of remains lead to the conclusion that the Daleks were originally human.

[@jrp312]

I’ve got a copy. It has a recap of all the episodes to date by that point

[@andiholman2543]

The animation here is absolutely mind blowing. Would love to see more based on this story as ‘scenes we never saw’ Also, there’s a picture out in the ether somewhere of a young John Lennon photographed in front of an AARU Dalek. I suspect it was taken at Cannes also.

[@Dalek6388]

Yep, we will be using that image at some point. And yes, it was taken at Cannes.

[@DayOldMeat]

I guess a working class Dalek is something to be.

[@skevosmavros]

@@DayOldMeat Oh well done! 🙂

[@thecelestialtoygazer7816]

There's something so unknowably fascinating about 60s Daleks

[@PDRich]

I have a hunch that the Dalek City was built on what was left off the Thal Dome, after the Kaled/Thal/Muto survivors left for the archipelago and the Daleks escaped the research bunker.

[@CaJoel]

that’s a beautiful shot of Skaro

[@originaluddite]

Your intro reminds me how the Dalek dialogue in their first TV serial always struck me as distinct. In it they talk like, well, normal people, while I'm far more used to them talking like robots, or more accurately, cultish militarists.

[@DalekDalmatian-the-prop-maker]

I was just blown away from the animation done in this ep, great job to Anthony and love his work in rednering and 3D modeling, as always you chaps never cease to amaze me with each and every ep as usual with the info on each prop, Love this ep on one of the most unusual Daleks of all (up there with the SWD) looking forward to the next one Cameron

[@Dalek6388]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnnhoj6749]

Thanks, another great video. On a tangential note: the curved corrugated iron building at Shepperton was an example of a Romney hut, the larger brother of the Nissen hut. Both were built in huge numbers during WW2 for military and other uses. They were designed to be really fast and cheap to erect but very versatile. There are still some around, and even some new versions, but there were many more of them still in everyday use in the 1960s. Everyone would have been very familiar with them then, but not so much now.

[@colinbarron4]

Nissen hut not Nissan hut

[@johnnhoj6749]

@@colinbarron4 Thanks, corrected.

[@Lumibear.]

Wow this video really went up a notch in professional looking graphics, brilliant Dalek facts as ever, cheers guys. I’m very curious why the movie blowtorch Dalek was so roughly painted, possibly intentional to look ‘working class’ but it almost looks like a rushed redress of an existing prop.

[@stevesstuff1450]

Which given the constraints that the films were made under, may be exactly why it was so much more roughly finished - it Was rushed! I get the feeling that the blow-torch mod was not from Shawcraft themselves... ;-)

[@DanHill1991]

The shot of the Daleks City is stunning and the 3D models are amazing too. Been loving the series, but this is the best looking one so far.

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you!

[@GrumpyOldGit60]

I’d love to see a plan of Studio H (I think) where there the jungle, creature-infested swamp and city exterior was built. It’s clear from one shot of Susan running - a close-up of her feet - that the forest floor was cleared (you can see the concrete underneath) presumably to put down camera tracks. I saw the film at the cinema in the 1960s and throughout the 1970s on big-ish screens in my local fleapit. I then watched it on TV, VHS, DVD, Blu-ray and now 4K... and there are still things to discover. Keep up the good work.

[@Charlie_Duz]

I bet Sloane Square has a particular resonance for you. 🙂

[@horrorstew3577]

Very fond of your channel, you can feel your love for the Daleks in every video and your research is always impressive. Keep making them and I'll keep watching them 👍

[@Dalek6388]

Lots more to come!

[@horrorstew3577]

I'd love for you to do a video on the Sara Kingdom character . One of my personal favourites of Terry Nations creations , just wish we had got that spin off .

[@frieza1016]

"This Dalekanium must be delivered before the star reaches its lowest point or you will be exterminated" - day of a dalek worker

[@jezt42]

I must have seen the film a dozen times at least and yet watching this wonderfully forensic analysis makes me think I had my eyes shut for most of it!! Loving these uploads - a lot of work and research obviously goes into them and it’s much appreciated. 🙂👍

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you!

[@ohmydinosare]

Great as always, that cgi work from Anthony Lamb really adds to the presentation

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you! Yes his work is flawless!

[@deanrussell2224]

I did a double take as I thought it was movie outtakes at first - incredible work

[@crimsondynamo615]

The blue collar pun was honestly clever

[@maxkennedy7430]

Fantastic vid! Really love the 3D render on the Blowtorch Dalek. Also love the background music.

[@Dalek6388]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jasonl800]

Great episode! For anyone interested, the films are showing as a double bill in cinemas (Odeon at least) this Sunday. (10 July 22) A chance to see them on the big screen in apparently a new 4k transfer. Should be good.

[@thedestiny326]

Also a really good time to mention the colour movies as they are coming out in 4k later this week

[@peterhall6656]

Is there a Cockney Dalek spoof? You know Dalek says" These Sontaran warriors are proper naughty. I mean proper naughty. We need to sort 'em out".

[@lordeden2732]

Camp dalek?

[@jmace2424]

I love any time a Dalek with a unique weapon shows up. 🤗

[@SteveInScotland]

Although all Daley’s may possess the ability to cut through some metals maybe they were toughened doors, which might be a reasonable assumption bring a door, therefore it needed the special blowtorch Daley to cut through it.

[@knshinn2]

Is that Arfur Daley?...

[@stevetheduck1425]

The Dalek sculptures get a mention in the novelisation, as it's a 'set of metal squares welded together at the corners' (IIRC), that gets thrown down the lift shaft to deal with the Dalek's first attempt to catch up to the companions. IIRC, it's mentioned that the area was above ground, high in a building overlooking the central square, and also that this place did not look any Daleks came there, and the sculpture may have been made and forgotten long before.

[@ThatVincion]

I can't remember which Dalek it was, but I remember one specifically had it's own lab on Skaro. It's kind of cool to imagine them having their own property.

[@simes0161]

I went to see the films on the big screen for the first time today... watched this last night before going... and spent most of the first movie looking for this prop and noticing all the differences, lumps and bumps I've learned about in all these videos... enhanced every second. Thank you SO SO much for these... they just add a layer to an already wonderful subject that take it all stratospheric. More, please :)

[@matrow87]

Wonderful stuff, exemplary research, and stunning production values. Though I was surprised to see that both Hayhoe Launderers and Baldwin's Underwear could afford a presence on Oxford Street. :)

[@marksmadebyrobots]

Great video. We need one explaining why Daleks have lava lamps.

[@Dalek6388]

😂

[@Poliss95]

They're incubators for Dalek embryos of course. I have one myself. Still waiting for it to hatch.

[@x-fun3149]

Lava lamps hold unlimited rice pudding, you just need the right chemical combination

[@spaceanarchist1107]

It was the 1960s on Earth, so whatever year it was on Skaro...??

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

This was a really good deep dive into the history of the first specialized Dalek! Thanks!

[@timewarproductions4661]

Once again more interesting facts about our metaltron friends on the planet Skaro! Excellent video

[@Dalek6388]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Draconyx13]

I recently went to see the 4K restoration of Dr. Who & The Daleks at a local theatre, and I noticed a fair few things that I never picked up on as a child, including the frequent re-use of the blowtorch Dalek and the "hiccupping" Dalek which the audience found highly amusing. Fantastic video as always!

[@Giantwaspface]

I love the idea of worker Daleks. "MORE THAN MY JOBS WORTH, MATE!" "CAN'T GET THE PARTS 'TIL TUESDAY." "ANY CHANCE OF A CUP OF TEA, LOVE?"

[@spacedinosaur8733]

According to Worker Daleks United: Blowtorch Dalek is an Ombudsman.

[@thecelestialtoygazer7816]

one of the nichest and coolest things is spotting different Dalek markings or colour schemes to denote rank

[@bertcoules6887]

The Selfridge's Dalek at 17:26 onwards is distinctly non-standard, isn't it? LATER: I just discovered why: it's one of the background props, which had significant differences from the hero models; most noticeably the oddly reversed zig-zaggy cutaways on the collars.

[@mickhall7944]

That picture is of close mate of mine with his sister and cousin. it was originally used on the '' Dalekmania ''documentary.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

"I like my zig zags. They are stylish and very chic this year. I would have been a wow at Cannes. But I'm not a 'HeRo dAlEk'. "

[@zandernewson9933]

So happy when a new episode comes out, especially today as I had a really challenging interview.

[@Dalek6388]

Hope all went well for you!

[@zandernewson9933]

@@Dalek6388 Thanks. I’m confident. 😃

[@zandernewson9933]

I got the job in the end ! Thanks again for a another fantastic episode which helped me think about something else for a few minutes.

[@kylethedalek]

Loved this! I didn’t realise how much of a background this Dalek actually had. And could I say my own theory about the Dalek blasting through the elevator floor? I think maybe the elevator had thinner metal so it’s more efficient at moving. Or made from different materials. And the Dalek managed to blast through the floor. Or maybe the “gas” they use is many too powerful to use in confined space’s, so they needed to use abutting tool to not damage other Daleks, equipment, or cause structural damage. And in that case getting the escapees was more important? There was only one Dalek in the vicinity, and the area maybe didn’t have any equipment that was valuable/ sensitive? Or the Dalek was acting in anger and didn’t care? Sorry for the long winded comment, we all know it was done for film to make the scene more intense, or they forgot about the cutting scene, or just didn’t care. Can’t wait for the next video, and the CGI work was amazing!

[@ItsButterBean1020]

I believe the gas is intended as fire in universe but this is a good theory, I can imagine a blast door is more durable then an elevator floor

[@JongLohngson]

8:00 both welding and cutting torches combine oxygen and gas, cutting torches have two oxy pipes for more airflow to blow molten metal out of the cut.

[@Faction.Paradox]

Yet another fantastic video! Have you considered doing a video on the changing portrayals of the Daleks through the eras and how this has affected their depiction? IE going from bitter survivors in the original serial, to more ratings winning brand mascots (The Chase) , back to potent allegory in Genesis of the Daleks & now depicted as an unstoppable force of nature in the new series? Anyway thank you again for the wonderful work you do!

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you! Those sorts of ideas will probably crop up as part of other videos rather than a full single video on them :)

[@silvercat18]

Reminds me of how the Cyber leader used to shout "excellent!" and give a little fist pump gesture when things were going his way. The monsters were only truly frightening if aspects of their humanity were allowed to shine through.

[@Kryojenix]

I would still like to see the magnificent fan-built "dreadnought" special-weapons dalek onscreen someday...

[@ep8029]

Amazing that the BBC allowed the Dalek props to get so scruffy. As a child, I thought the Daleks on screen were all perfect, but when you look more closely a lot of them look pretty ropey. They still terrified me, though...

[@Professor_Toothpaste]

Same. But I never got scared of them.

[@Tonystarkes888]

Dr Who might be the longest running sci fi tv show of all time, there was a few years break but the return to form for dr who has made the series a permanent stable, with so many Easter eggs of mankind’s ancient history

[@bowtieanimation]

My favourite of these so far! Excellent.

[@Dalek6388]

Pleased to hear you liked it!

[@idontlikeitproductions3509]

I saw the movie before the TV show serial. When I saw the blowtorch Dalek, because of the angles and the broadness of the arm, I thought for the first second or two that it was the cannon of a Special Weapons Dalek.

[@originaluddite]

And both are a bit dirty too!

[@Charlie_Duz]

Nice to see you appreciate Blowy's jobs as much as I do, Gav.

[@Dalek6388]

😂

[@chancetheboy8487]

Always happy to see more from you guys.

[@saalkz.a.9715]

Proli-Dalek "EXTERMINATE THE WORKLOAD, EXTERMINATE THE WORKLOAD!"

[@DanniDerpy]

these episodes are utterly fascinating!

[@Dalek6388]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@ShowRyuKen]

Huge applause to Anthony Lamb, the CGI work in this video is absolutely breathtaking.

[@johnheckley4002]

Superb this as usual the best Dalek site on you tube ! Well done beautiful I could watch them all day

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you!

[@Neil070]

OK lads, I've finished. You can swap the blowtorch back for my plunger. Lads? LADS?

[@iaincoleman5947]

A working class Dalek is something to be.

[@elephantgiftstore]

They hurt you at home and they hit you at school

[@JacksonCoYT]

A dalek marketplace is not something I knew I needed to see until now😂

[@MartinFutter70]

Fabulous vid, great visuals and always wondered how that Dalek reached the top of the door! 🤣

[@Blake_Stone]

Note to future writers: don't write "blowtorch scenes", they're continuity nightmares.

[@willadeefriesland5107]

What a fabulous invention the Daleks made, regenerative doors!

[@ItsButterBean1020]

Goes with the regenerative claws

[@fragglet]

Surprised you didn't mention that Planet of the Daleks also had them cutting through a door with a special attachment, although the special effects were much less dramatic in that story. Definitely seemed like a callback to the original story

[@fragglet]

Oh and of course, Daleks' Master Plan also had flamethrower Daleks

[@Dalekcollector1]

Excellent thank you. Very enjoyable!

[@wadmodderschalton5763]

The blowtorch Dalek looks like something out of a low-budget sci-fi horror movie.

[@CrilG-Games]

Not watched this yet but i already know it will be fascinating. I love these videos they are amazing

[@billsilver6429]

Another great video. Many thanks to all involved in this amazing series.

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you Bill!

[@GrumpyOldGit60]

That was fun... thanks.

[@astrochaos4182]

I’m gonna love watching this tomorrow

[@crashdgamer]

This is really good to watch as, at the time of this comment being posted, I will be watching both Doctor Who movies with my mate tomorrow at the cinema

[@jeremysargent5037]

I love it how in traditional 1960s workers day off the Daleks get a trip to the sea-side...even if it's in the south of France 😆 Spike Milligan would have had a field day.

[@android65mar]

Love the 3d animations to explain the Dalek welding arm prop.

[@tlac4120]

Thank you for shining a light on Torchy!

[@ProfStuartHalliday]

Such lovely detail....

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you Stuart!

[@thedestiny326]

Thank you for the history of doctor who

[@ancientonezero]

17:36. When was this shot taken? That's the 'Hayhoe Laundries' van from Ambassadors of Death 3 bottom right of the picture.

[@eddherring4972]

That’s a great spot and amazing that it got snapped let alone included in a Dr Who documentary.

[@terryb4972]

Brilliant thanks

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

Great vid, unresolved glimpses of Dalek civilization are fascinating!

[@Dalek6388]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@themadplotter]

I'm not that much of a Who fan, but i find this wonderfully depressing that some of these daleks might end up with a crushing sense of ennui and job envy.

[@JRHainsworth]

"Accidentally destroying the entire Dalek race" had me dying

[@reviewsbyelaine4902]

Such a lot of effort must go into the making of these and it clearly shows; another fascinating episode 👍🏻

[@gailbirchall2163]

Daleks, shape in incredible

[@EugeneMurray-z1b]

A Class Dalek Working

[@peterhynds7231]

Of note with the welder Dalek is that we can see in some shots when paused that even during filming the prop suffers with damage to its skirt balls several of them can be seen partly pushed into the skirt, particularly on the rear panels. Its a shame that prop seemed to be hastily constructed ,it could have had a nice shiny blue top and neck rings with blue lights and been a third in command . A missed opportunity really.

[@cathyvickers9063]

I always wondered how Daleks build anything! How do they build the machines that do the building?

[@iybjs5308]

Words I didn’t expect to see today, WORKING CLASS DALEKS!!

[@damenwhelan3236]

Love that they just have a tool and weapon. Not a probe and tool... always armed.

[@KOSMOS1701A]

i love the idea that the daleks have an actual society that isn't just full of conquest and destruction.

[@johnromero1029]

I remember seeing them as they moved .....wobbled down Oxford street. It was pretty scary to a 6 year old.

[@Dalek6388]

Wow! What else can you remember of that? Did you see the display in the store?

[@johnromero1029]

@@Dalek6388 I never went into the store, unfortunately. My Mother wouldn't let me go. Said it would be too scary for me. Bless her, she was only protecting me, in her own way. But I was on the street, and managed to gingerly touch one of the Daleks, as it went by. That was my moment of glory...😂😂

[@SirDragonKing]

Very well researched and presented. I admire your documentary abilities.

[@Dalek6388]

Many thanks!

[@andypocalypse]

I have the 18" remote / auto version of the cutting torch Dalek from the new series :) its the biggest Dalek I currently own and sits proud on top of my TV stand with a top hat xD

[@KillerBill1953]

I always thought the early annuals and comic strips gave a much more interesting take on the Daleks than the later series. In particular, adding Davros was a mistake in my opinion. Genesis of the Daleks is a thin take on Nazism but it seems neither the Thals nor Kaleds were innocent. Unfortunately Nation (and other writers) seem to have focussed on the insane kill-everything aspect of the Dalek and removed all nuance or back-story.

[@ajclements4627]

With each new video, I have to say that these are documentary quality, fit for an official release.

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you!

[@DavidNagelSpiffinglyNiceGuy]

Interesting shoulder section bands on the Selfridges dalek there

[@diverguy3556]

That was brilliant! Well done!

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you very much!

[@glen1555]

Saw your video yesterday, been to the Odeon to see this movie today and paid attention to this scene, did not notice the way it was edited to spoil the movire

[@radic888]

Fascinating!

[@ptonpc]

That animation was fantastic. I can just imagine a Zathras like Dalek.

[@martynalner6209]

17:39 there is a "Hayhoe Launderies" Van. Is that an in-joke? or an in-joke...OF DEATH!

[@doubledeckers]

Thanks, enjoyed this. A top quality production.

[@Dalek6388]

Thank you!

[@marcse7en]

If ever I win the LOTTERY, I would recreate the original 1974 Blackpool Doctor Who Exhibition! I would need expert collaboration in sourcing original props, and creating replica props. I would also have a MOVIE DALEK guest starring in place of the GOLD SENTINEL DALEK. Wouldn't that be fantastic? My "Classic Doctor Who Exhibition" would be opened by Tom Baker. It's AMAZING how many details, pointed out in this video, to which I was completely oblivious!

[@Dalek6388]

Sounds like a great idea! Let's hope you win!

[@marcse7en]

@@Dalek6388 You know how people have a "Lottery Dream?" Well, recreating the 1974 Blackpool Doctor Who Exhibition is my dream! ... Obviously, the recreated Exhibition would be "Hi-Tech" with LED Lighting, LED Video Walls, Digital Sound Systems, and Computer Controlled Animatronic Daleks! It would be just like the original, but even better! It would feature the original sound effects and recordings. The Exhibition would also employ state-of-the-art Fire Suppression Systems, to avert another "Longleat!" Each season would feature special guest appearances from stars of the show ... I loved that place so much! And do you know what? Seeing it recreated and open again, I would actually CRY! ... Finally, with the remainder of my Lottery fortune, I would buy an apartment at TELEVISION CENTRE, LONDON, the site of many Doctor Who TV Classics! 👍

[@papalaz4444244]

The early Daleks are Kaleds or Dals and still humanoid. We know this because people can take the mutant out and sit inside the casing. In my head they are humanoids but covered in tumours. Horrific. It's never really exploited or talked about in the series. I imagine the first iterations just looked similar to Davros until the tumours became so bad they had to cover them up. The blobs we see in Genesis. It's explicitly stated those are the "Ultimate" development of the Kaleds, created by Davros accelerating the mutations already taking place in Kaleds/Dals. "The final mutational form". This is my headcanon. You've got to have a system!