Why was casting an American actor as the quintessentially British Professor Quatermass considered such a misstep?
The episode begins with host Phil Cannon introducing his review of the 1967 Hammer film 'Quatermass and the Pit.' He provides background on Nigel Kneale's creation of Professor Bernard Quatermass and the character's television origins in BBC serials from the 1950s. Cannon notes Hammer Films adapted three Quatermass stories for cinema, with this being the first in color and featuring British actor Andrew Keir. He criticizes the earlier casting of American actor Brian Donlevy as Quatermass, describing it as abrasive and mismatched for the British character. Cannon then summarizes the plot: human remains and an alien capsule are discovered during a London Underground excavation, revealing Martian influence on human evolution. He explains the film's concept involves Martian genocide five million years ago and psychic energy triggering racial memories in humans. This ties to themes of fascism and racial purity, which Cannon notes were relevant in the 1950s-60s context. The host praises Andrew Keir's performance as authoritative yet vulnerable, contrasting it with Donlevy's interpretation. He discusses supporting actors Julian Glover as Colonel Breen and Barbara Shelley as scientist Barbara Judd. Cannon highlights numerous Doctor Who connections among the cast, including Julian Glover, Barbara Shelley, Duncan Lamont, Peter Copley, and Edwin Richfield. He also notes composer Tristram Carey's Doctor Who work and a cameo by Blake's 7 actor Gareth Thomas. The review evaluates the film's quality, praising its story, music, effects, and acting while acknowledging Hammer's typical budget constraints. Cannon compares it to the original BBC television version, noting both are strong but the film improves the ending. He concludes by recommending the film as an example of Hammer's non-horror capabilities and teases a future episode on 'The Devil Rides Out.'
