I love everything about the Quatermass character. He is always in charge, and takes no bull from anyone. In this tight well made thriller Quatermass, played by Andrew Keir, is summoned when an underground construction crew finds some odd skeletons and the a huge metal spaceship while digging a new underground tunnel.
After more investigation they discover long dead alien insects aboard the craft and soon discover much more, such as the fact that we owe our human condition to the intervention of alien insects from almost five million years ago!
The plot is totally crazy, but made very believable by a well written script and excellent acting from everyone involved. Roy Ward baker directs his actors very well and there are some unforgettable sequences such as a character named Sladdin becoming possessed by the Martian "intellect".
Keir was a good choice to play Quatermass after Brian Donlevy played in the first two films. He brings just enough human quality and cold scientific knowledge. James Donald is Roney, a scientist who befriends Quatermass and helps him in his investigations, Julian Glover is Col. Breen, an arrogant soldier who meets a bad fate at the hands of the Martians, then there is the always lovely Barbara Shelley, who is priceless as Barbara Judd, Roney's assistant. She provides excellent acting and makes a very good leading lady who is not only gorgeous but very intelligent.
This is top notch entertainment an they simply don't make films like this anymore. Highly recommended, if you can find it anywhere.
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