What are the key differences between the movie and TV versions of Quatermass and the Pit?

The Hammer movie version of Quatermass and the Pit was released in the mid 1960s and was one of Hammer's best movies. But the original script was broadcast live on the BBC in the 1950s in six 30 minute episodes (and we are very lucky anybody recorded it: the first two series of Quatermass did not survive in their entirety).

What are the key differences between the 3 hour TV version and the much shorter Hammer movie?

quatermass-and-the-pit

Best Answer

Off the top of my head, the stories are essentially the same, with the capsule being discovered, the Martian remains, the telepathic 'sightings' of the ghost Martians, the links to the devil via the aliens' appearance and the inscriptions on the craft.

The only significant difference I can recall is the ending. In the original BBC series, Quatermass attempts to destroy the Martian apparition with a heavy iron chain which is grounded. He misses, and the soldier helping him sacrifices himself to complete the task.

In the Hammer version, Quatermass climbs into a crane and swings the arm around into the apparition, shorting it out and ending the threat.

Pictures about "What are the key differences between the movie and TV versions of Quatermass and the Pit?"

What are the key differences between the movie and TV versions of Quatermass and the Pit? - Interested multiracial family watching TV on sofa together with dog

What are the key differences between the movie and TV versions of Quatermass and the Pit? - Young black lady resting on sofa and watching TV at home

What are the key differences between the movie and TV versions of Quatermass and the Pit? - Joyful millennial female in casual clothes with bowl of snack using remote controller while sitting on floor leaning on sofa and watching movie in cozy light living room with luxury interior

When was Quatermass and the Pit first shown on TV?

Quatermass and the PitOriginal networkBBCPicture format405-line black-and-whiteAudio formatMonoOriginal release22 December 1958 \u2013 26 January 195913 more rows

Where was Quatermass and the Pit filmed?

The budget was \xa3275,000 (\xa34.53 million in 2019). At this time, Hammer was operating out of the Associated British Studios in Elstree, Borehamwood. A lack of space meant that production was relocated to the nearby MGM Borehamwood studio.

Where can I watch Quatermass and the Pit?

Quatermass and the Pit 1, a science fiction movie is available to stream now. Watch it on The Movie Network or Movies Plus on your Roku device.

Quatermass and the Pit - Urban Folk Horror - Occult Analysis | Thomas Sheridan |

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Terje Sollie, Ketut Subiyanto, Andres Ayrton, Andrea Piacquadio