Quatermass And The Pit (DVD)

Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

When thinking of films, for most 'Hammer' will mean Horror. But many fondly remember one of their science fiction off shoots in the Quatermass films. Quatermass was originally a British television series in 1953, called The Quatermass Experiment. After it's success a second series was made in 1955, which coincided with the first Quatermass film based on the 1953 series. The second series was also made ...
...a third TV series called Quatermass and the Pit in 1958. It is the 1967 film version of that which I am reviewing. Confusing? Perhaps, but it illustrates the shows popularity.

While Quatermass is a bit of a legend amongst the British sci-fi community, it isn't a name that rolls off the tongue of your average film goer. Helped less by the fact that the lead actor was changed in nearly every version. When Andrew Keir took on the role ... more

Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

When thinking of films, for most 'Hammer' will mean Horror. But many fondly remember one of their science fiction off shoots in the Quatermass films. Quatermass was originally a British television series in 1953, called The Quatermass Experiment. After it's success a second series was made in 1955, which coincided with the first Quatermass film based on the 1953 series. The second series was also made into a film in 1957, which was then followed by a third TV series called Quatermass and the Pit in 1958. It is the 1967 film version of that which I am reviewing. Confusing? Perhaps, but it illustrates the shows popularity.

While Quatermass is a bit of a legend amongst the British sci-fi community, it isn't a name that rolls off the tongue of your average film goer. Helped less by the fact that the lead actor was changed in nearly every version. When Andrew Keir took on the role for Quatermass and the Pit, nine years had passed since the previous one, and Hammer Films were entering the twilight of their glory days. Although I still think it's a cracking little film.

Written by Nigel Kneale, who created and wrote all the original Quatermass scripts, it starts at the construction site for a new underground rail station in London. As the workers are tunnelling they find the preserved remains of some prehistoric humans. An archaeological team is called in to recover as much remains as possible. Dr Rooney (James Donald) heads the team and thinks that the remarkably well preserved skeletons may be an important missing link in human evolution. However, they also find a very large and very strange metal object buried with them. With the potential of it being an unexploded bomb from World War 2, a military bomb squad are called in to take charge. Considering the sci-fi nature of the film, you would be safe in assuming that there are quite a few surprises to come.

Quatermass is a scientist, involved with his own project regarding space exploration, but becomes accidentally involved in this situation because of the military. It is his natural (almost excessive) curiosity that keeps him involved and he soon finds close companions in Dr Rooney and his assistant Barbara. The story moves at a good pace early on, linking together local folklore and ghost stories with activity around the site over the past centuries. It's good that they choose to focus largely on this historical and supernatural aspect of whatever is buried under London, because when they do talk science it isn't the most convincing stuff I've ever heard. There is one moment involving the recording of hallucinations in someone's brain and playing them back on a projector, which does require absolute suspension of disbelief. Despite that the scene itself is carried off very well.

In fact, a lot Roy Ward Baker's direction is very good. The tension is built up gradually and aided by a script that slowly releases pieces of important information. So I never felt like I knew much more than the central characters, and it kept me interested throughout. He handles the modest special effects budget well, managing to deliver the right atmosphere, even when his monsters are either imaginary or goo covered pieces of rubber. The climax is genuinely creepy and takes the whole story to another level, but the conclusion a little rapid. At least it makes sense though, and the story as a whole is very satisfying in its grandeur.

The cast draws very much from British television, which is no bad thing in this period, and many of the stars have also deservedly enjoyed other film successes. James Donald (The Great Escape) is one of the most recognisable faces and is convincing as the enthusiastic scientist. Barbara Shelley (Village of the Damned) is unfortunately the token female assistant. She looks pretty and does have some good scenes, but is often sidelined as someone in peril or being told what is going on. Julian Glover (For Your Eyes Only) gives a wonderful performance, even if somewhat stereotypical, as bomb expert Colonel Breen. He's stern, controlling, egotistical, and adds an important dynamic of conflict to the central characters. Finally Andrew Keir (Cleopatra) as Quatermass is also very good. I've not seen all the Quatermass productions, so couldn't make a fair comparison between the lead actors, but Keir certainly fills the role well. He comes across as quite a mild mannered man, who seems to thrive on thinking outside of the box. And as hero he seems remarkably human; we see him afraid a number of times.

It would be fair to say that Quatermass resembles Doctor Who in many ways, although it has been said that Nigel Kneale disliked Doctor Who, and so he might not thank me for the comparison. Quatermass and the Pit succeeds in filling its running time with mystery and action without ever feeling too contrived or outstaying its welcome. It has dated in both look and feel, especially when a few monsters do turn up that look like three legged grasshoppers. But don't let that put you off too easily. There is plenty of fun to be had.

Rated: 15
Running Time: 97 mins

More:
A fourth television series of Quatermass was made in 1979, and a remake of The Quatermass Experiment was made in 2005 as a TV movie for BBC4.

Trivia:
Duncan Lamont plays an important role as a freelance drill operator in this version of Quatermass and The Pit. He also played one of the central roles in the original TV series in 1953.
 

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