Review: Quatermass and the Pit

An excavation crew working in Hobb's End London underground station dig up a large metallic object of some kind. Whilst the bomb squad are called in just in case it’s an explosive device, a humanoid skull is also found nearby. Prof. Bernard Quatermass (Andrew Keir), inquisitive Dr. Mathew Roney (James Donald) and his assistant Barbara Judd (Barbara Shelley) try to figure out what it all means, whilst military Colonel Breen (Julian Glover) also hangs around, mostly to scoff at any of Quatermass’ theories. Duncan Lamont plays a drill operator who becomes unwell and disturbed when trying to drill through the structure. Bryan Marshall turns up as a military Captain.

 

One of the most popular Hammer films, this 1967 adaptation of the Nigel Kneale TV serial was directed by Roy Ward Baker (“The One That Got Away”, “Scars of Dracula”, “The Vampire Lovers”) and scripted by Kneale himself. It’s a slow-starter with some dated elements, but very well-acted and eventually gripping. The back end is pretty fantastic and unnerving, I can only imagine audiences of the time found some of it pretty darn realistic. British audiences in particular probably found some of it rather haunting, with London providing a perfect backdrop.

 

There’s some absolutely outstanding scenes in the film, including an especially unnerving scene with Barbara Shelley that is wonderfully batshit. I can’t even describe it. The FX work may be a touch dodgy, but there’s one absolutely startlingly gruesome shot near the end in particular. For me what holds it back from being as great as its reputation seems to suggest is the pacing, and the almost docudrama approach can be a touch dry at times.

 

Whatever the flaws, there’s still enough to recommend here. The plot is certainly fascinating and the film is well-acted across the board. Although he ends up rather underused despite his high billing, the underrated James Donald is as always rock-solid. Although basically playing a glorified secretary, Barbara Shelley really comes into her own in the second half. One of Hammer’s best actresses, she does a wonderful job with some occasionally very silly material. In support, a troubling Duncan Lamont is unforgettable in a go-for-broke turn, and Julian Glover does the best he can as the resident authority figure destined to be wrong about everything. This is largely the Andrew Kier show however, and the veteran actor plays the title rocket scientist for all it’s worth, perhaps his finest-ever screen performance.

 

A very different, offbeat Hammer film and a pretty solid sci-fi film. It’s slow and a bit dry, but well-acted and quite interesting at times. Creepy finale is the highlight.

 

Rating: B-