Based on the original television series by Nigel Kneale, ‘Quatermass’, and the trilogy of films that followed have been highly influential on British science fiction, influencing Dr Who and filmmakers such as John Carpenter. Conceptually Quatermass and the Pit film, the third in the trilogy, is as powerful today as it was back then.
So it’s great to see such a British cinema classic getting the digitally restoration treatment and being rereleased on Double Play along with some great extras. The plot must have been deeply disturbing for audiences at the time, and though some of the effects do not compare with today’s computer wizardry, they lend nostalgic charm. Quatermass and the Pit was made by Hammer back in 1967 after all.
The film was directed by stalwart Roy Ward Baker and starred Andrew Keir as the upstanding scientist figure, battling evil alien forces that of course threaten to take over the world and destroy humankind. During excavations in London a large unidentified object is unearthed. This strange object seems outside any known science and the area it was discovered in has always been associated with diabolical evil. Inside this mysterious object Professor Quatermass (Keir) discovers the remains of intelligent alien creatures that attempted to conquer Earth back in prehistoric times. Through their investigations, Quatermass and his team uncover the disturbing truth that through their experiments on early man, these alien beings altered human evolution to its present state. Though dormant for many centuries, the excavations threaten to unleash the terrifying force of the aliens upon mankind once again.
We have 10 copies of the restored Quatermass and the Pit on Double Play to give away. Just email us the answer to this question along with your name and address. Which actor played the part of Professor Quatermass in Quatermass and the Pit? (Please type Quatermass as the subject header).
Quatermass and The Pit film is available now on Double Play.
