Saturday, November 7, 2015

Doctor Who and Quatermass

     Having never experienced any Quatermass before, only reading about the connections in books long gone from my current library, I was excited to find Quatermass and the Pit (1967) at my local second hand shop. Quatermass is a British institution older even, than Doctor Who. It began in the 50's as a television serial that some feel was a spiritual precursor to Doctor Who. Professor Quatermass is a British scientist whom is the head of the British Experimental Rocket Group. Created by Nigel Kneale, whom I believe was involved with all iterations of Quatermass in television, movies, and even radio.The good Professor is something of a proto Doctor and Colonel Breen seems like a predecessor to Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.

     The overall plot resembles what would later become The City of Death. The spelling Hobs End being changed because hob is a nickname for the Devil sounds like would later become The Daemons, especially with the spaceship being found and the symbol on it being a symbol for magic from ancient times. Also the Horned One turning out to be a name early humans gave to alien beings. The bit about reading the skulls using electronic equipment echoes the work of Dr. Fendalman in the 70's Who story Image of the Fendahl. So much wonderful 60's sci-fi goodness, I hope to see more of Quatermass in the future. Let me know what you think and take care!

2 comments:

  1. An excellent mix of sci-fi, horror and myth/history. Great stuff!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree wholeheartedly. I'm thinking about using the premise for a Cryptworld scenario. Take care!

      Delete