2. Farewell Great Macdeon
The concept: This would have been a purely historical, First Doctor, first season, story. It was to feature the TARDIS crew arriving in Babylon, and there encountering Alexander the Great and his generals. But as Barbara knew, the question of the day was whether it was Alexanders first visit, with him then continuing on toward India, or his second, where he would die? There was also to be the usual sort of political machinations that one would expect, the Doctor and pals being framed as part of a conspiracy against Alexander, and, as a historical, no sci-fi elements other than the TARIDS and its crew.
How far along: We know that a script was written by Morris Farhi, a noted Turkish writer, as it formed the basis for Big Finishs adaptation of the story. The script wasnt bought by Doctor Who, but it was far enough along that Farhi later pitched it to the BBC as the basis for a TV series about Alexander. Which could have been interesting. Certainly more interesting than Shatners Alexander piece.
Why it was never made: At a guess, cost. The long-missing story, Marco Polo, apparently had very lavish sets with beautiful costumes. Im sure it set the production back a pretty penny (orpence? Shilling? Groat? Whatever English people use), and doubtless there wouldnt have been enough money to recreate ancient Babylon in a convincing fashion.
Why its on the list: Lavish costumes, beautiful sets, a great historical, a wonderful character in Alexandertheres so much to like here, and so many reasons to be disappointed that this story wasnt made. Historicals have fallen out of favor with fans since, oh, about 1967 or so, but this could have been one of the better ones.
The eventual fate: In 2010, Big Finish turned this story into an audio play as part of their Lost Stories line. William Russell played Ian, while Carol Anne Ford returned as Susan. The story did indeed live up to the potential wed all hoped for, and in our minds, the costumes and sets looked better than they ever could have on TV.