Rent Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

Classic UK Sci-fi. - Quatermass and the Pit review by Steve

This is the final part of Hammer’s Quatermass trilogy adapted from the BBC serials. There is obviously a modest budget- the sets are bare and the effects and models are scarcely state of the art even for the '60s. Though they are still an upgrade from the tv originals. And this one is in colour.

The main attraction is Nigel Kneale's erudite, beguiling concept which reaches back into deep history in search of the horrific origins of man's bloody nature, replete with fascinating ideas of how this origin story manifests itself throughout history in apparitions, witchcraft and occult folklore. 

Excavations for a new underground station uncover a missile or a spaceship, and eventually reveals its huge locust-like occupants . Professor Quatermass (Andrew Kier) leads the scientific exploration of the site, bringing him into conflict with civilian and military Government.

Analysis, and research into parish archives leads to the discovery of... well a thrilling and audacious twist! Kneale had a special imagination and he delivers a knockout story/allegory. Its theory of a fundamentally divided humanity seems more prescient than ever. And gets ripped off all the time.

A heady combination - Quatermass and the Pit review by VG

A measured, compelling and escalating nightmare of biology, engineering, politics, militarism and folklore.

Classic British SciFi/Horror - Quatermass and the Pit review by GI

The character of Professor Bernard Quatermass has largely been forgotten today. First appearing in the early 1950s he's often considered one of the first British TV heroes and is a precursor to Dr Who. The character appeared in radio and three TV serials in the 50s and a later one in 1979 starring John Mills (there was an attempt to revive the character in 2005). All of the earlier serials were subsequently remade into films of which Quatermass and The Pit, produced by Hammer Films, is considered the best. That's not least because it stars Andrew Keir as Quatermass, a Scottish actor of great range and ability who is considered the best to have played the role. The story is a very clever one utilising pagan horror and science fiction alien invasion narratives in a clever twisting plot that is still quite unsettling. During repairs to a London Underground station several fossilised skulls are unearthed. Archaelogist Dr Roney (James Donald) and his team are called in and further excavations reveal a strange object thought to be a German missile. Government rocket scientist Bernard Quatermass is sent to investigate and he soon suspects the object to be something not of this world. Efforts to penetrate the device soon unleashes something highly unexpected. The special effects are quite good considering this is a low budget film made in the 1960s and model work aside they work well. This was a film made for adults but viewed today it's more fun than frightening but still a film worth seeking out if you've never seen this great example of British science fiction horror.