Quatermass 2 [Enemy from Space] *** (1957, Brian Donlevy, John Longden, Sidney James, Bryan Forbes, Vera Day) – Classic Movie Review 3165

American star Brian Donlevy is back to reprise his sombre performance as the troubled rocket scientist Professor Bernard Quatermass in the second in Hammer Films’ trio of screen versions of Nigel Kneale’s classic 1950s BBC serials.

This British 1957 sci-fi horror sequel to The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) may be a bit creaky but it is still commendably involving, taut and atmospheric. It is again directed by Val Guest, who also co-scripts with original story-writer and co-screenwriter Neale.

In the story this time, meteorites turn people into intelligent zombies and a vast food plant masquerading as a secret government research station is built.

As expected, Quatermass 2 is dated and sometimes stagy, and alas the special effects are antediluvian. But, nevertheless, it is imaginatively written, decently acted and atmospherically filmed — Gerald Gibbs’s stark black and white location cinematography looks impressive. And it holds up pretty well considering its age.

Also in the cast are John Longden, Sidney James, Bryan Forbes, Vera Day, William Franklyn, Charles Lloyd Pack, Percy Herbert, Edwin Richfield, Tom Chatto, John Van Eyssen, Michael Ripper, John Rae, Marianne Stone, Jane Aird and Betty Impey.

Both Chief Inspector Lomax and Rocket Group staff member Marsh return from The Quatermass Xperiment, with John Longden replacing Jack Warner as Lomax and Bryan Forbes replacing Maurice Kaufmann as Marsh. Neither character featured in the BBC version of Quatermass 2 (1955).

Followed by Quatermass and the Pit (1967).

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 3165

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