How did William Hartnell carry Dr Who ?

[bobws]

His character grew once Susan then Ian and Barbara left. he became kinder looking after Vicki. Ian was the real hero for 2 years.

[Mikey]

Was just watching An Unearthly Child last night and it hit me ... William Hartnell is not a very likeable Doctor ... Today watching as an adult he's an interesting Doctor but I can't imagine I would like him as a kid --- As a matter of fact I can safely say I would probably not like him at all as a kid.

Back in the day I thought the first Doctor was Jon Perwee because he's the earliest Doctor they used to play on TV... That was fine with me because I always like Pert.

But getting back to Hartnell, WHY did kids like him ?