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Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve

Name: Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve
Director: Paddy Russell
Released: 1966
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1966

TV-PG

Director

Paddy Russell

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This production uses a historical setting to critique religious violence and systemic oppression. By focusing on the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, it challenges traditional hierarchies and portrays centralized power as cruel. However, the film is limited by the demographic constraints of its era, lacking racial and ethnic diversity, and excluding LGBTQ+ representation or disability-focused characters. While gender roles are traditional, Catherine de Medici's role as a powerful antagonist offers a glimpse into women's political influence during this time.

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Category Breakdown

Does Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on 16th-century religious and political tensions. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships in the plot.

How does Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve portray gender?

Fair

Men play key roles, but Catherine de Medici holds significant power. Anne Chaplet's character highlights vulnerability amid systemic violence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve?

Limited

The cast is mostly uniform, reflecting the demographics of Renaissance-era Paris. The narrative stays within a Western European context without diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve represent religion and culture?

Good

The production critiques religious institutions by showing the Catholic Church as a source of systemic violence. It portrays the Huguenots as victims of a corrupt state.

Does Doctor Who: The Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve include disability representation?

Limited

There are no meaningful depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters fit within typical action-adventure roles.

Present on Screen

Critiques institutionalized religious violence and systemic oppression.
Highlights Catherine de Medici as a powerful female antagonist.
Uses historical conflict to question the stability of traditional hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

No representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Minimal racial or ethnic diversity within the historical context.
No meaningful depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The TARDIS materialises in Paris in the year 1572 and the Doctor decides to visit the famous apothecary Charles Preslin. Steven, meanwhile, is befriended by a group of Huguenots from the household of the Protestant Admiral de Coligny. Having rescued a young serving girl, Anne Chaplet, from some pursuing guards, the Huguenots gain their first inkling of a heinous plan being hatched at the command of the Catholic Queen Mother, Catherine de Medici.

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