Quatermass and the Pit (1967)

Plot Outline: Work on an extension to the London Underground is halted after the discovery of what looks like a primative human skull. Upon further digging the science team uncovers more large skulls and bones as well as finding something metallic. They start to dig around the metal object and it reveals itself to look like a huge WWII bomb! A team of army experts is called in to diffuse it, led by Colonel Breen who also brings along Professor Quatermass to inspect the site. The army men completely uncover the object and realise that this is no ordinary bomb when they unsuccessfully try to cut into the shell. Whilst Colonel Breen suspects it's some sort of secret Nazi propaganda weapon, Quatermass has other ideas. He links the discovery of the skulls with this object to come up with a seemingly far-fetched theory that this was in fact a Martian spacecraft of over 5 million years old and the skulls are those of primitive humans whom the Martians experimented on. Breen, the Prime Minister and other government officials are having none of that idea but as more evidence starts to get uncovered, Quatermass realises it may not so stupid after all - and the Martians may not be as dead as they seem!

The Review: I could go on for ages trying to take about the plot because it is extremely intricate but it's one of the most intelligently written, well conceived plots I've ever heard of from a film and fits together effortlessly. The way in which everything comes together towards the end shows just how good of a writer Nigel Kneale was. His previous two Quatermass films were extremely well-constructed and this arguably has a better structure. Kneale's idea that the human race was bred by Martians may seem far-fetched but the way in which he sets about giving us the fictitious evidence makes it seem all too real. He also gives extremely plausible explanations for people seeing ghosts, having psychic powers and other paranormal phenomena. Everything is explained and by the end of the film, you're not baffled by anything that hasn't been mentioned. The film itself is very talky and if this isn't your thing then you may be put off. But those who can stick a talky film, especially one that is made this well, are in for a real treat towards the end. The special effects for the finale are still pretty good. They are simple and effective enough and I think this is what has made them date a little better than the FX in the other films. As for the human cast, everyone is great. Andrew Keir takes a different approach to the Quatermass role to the way in which Brian Donlevy did. Keir's character is more of the stereotypical scientist but he is a lot more human and compassionate than Donlevy, bringing a little more realism to the role (that doesn't say I didn't like Donlevy, I think he is the best Quatermass yet). Julian Glover shows us his early bad guy status as Colonel Breen and James Donald is good as Dr. Mathew Roney. There are also strong performances from the lesser known support actors but this is down to the great script from which they have to work.

Final Verdict: As with it's predecessors, Quatermass and the Pit is another almost perfect example of how thinking man's science fiction can be just as good as watching aliens blow each other to bits. Superb viewing.

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