Regarded by many as THE Doctor of them all (currently there have been 11), Tom Baker played the 4th Doctor (in Doctor Who of course) having taken over from Jon Pertwee in 1974's 'Robot' until he was suceeded by Peter Davison in 1981's 'Logopolis'.
With his outrageously elongated scarf, wide-brimmed hat, and long coat, the 4th Doctor's personality reflected his outfit, shunning the autocratic UNIT HQ which Jon Pertwee's Doctor had grown accustomed. This bold new Doctor hit a nerve with audiences of the time, and secured the show's future for years to come.
That's using your noodle!
During Tom's run on the show, he tried to install some of his own ideas. Outrageous suggestions such as a talking cabbage as a companion where quickly thrown out. But many people felt that one of Tom's ideas had merit. 'Doctor Who Meets Scratchman' was a story written by Tom and Ian Marter, who played Harry Sullivan on the show. Basically the story's premise was that the Doctor would meet the Devil.
For a variety of reasons the story never saw the light of day.
In 1978 the producers of the Bond films came calling, as they were eager to cast him as the villanous Hugo Drax in Moonraker (released in 1979). However as the filming was taking place in France, Tom was stuck in England filming Doctor Who so he had to decline the role, which was then taken by Michael Lonsdale. Interestingly the following year, the great Doctor Who serial 'City Of Death' was filmed in France. Shame they couldn't have timed it better for Tom.
During Tom's 7 year reign on the show, the 4th Doctor had various costume changes. The most drastic was for Season 18, when he was given a mainly red outfit. It wouldn't last long.
Having left the show after the 4th Doctor's demise, Tom went on to play Sherlock Holmes in 1982's The Hound Of The Baskervilles, and he appeared in cameo roles in such tv shows as Blackadder, and Remington Steele.
No sh** Sherlock.
Tom's next big role was as the narrator of Little Britain. Great show, check it out.
Recently, Tom has returned to the role of the 4th Doctor, in a string of audio adventures. Whilst I haven't heard any of his run, the vibe is they're quite good.
Now, as for the autograph, I actually fail to recall when and where I received it. I know it's definately not a through-the-mail success. Perhaps I won it as a door prize at a Doctor Who convention? My memory is hazy but nonetheless, here it is!
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