Quatermass 2 (1957)

75% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(1,186 ratings)

Originally titled Quatermass II, Enemy from Space was the sequel to The Quatermass Xperiment (US title: The Creeping Unknown). Based on the British TV serial by Nigel Kneale (who reportedly disliked the finished product), the film stars Brian Donlevy, repeating the role of Professor Quatermass. This… More Originally titled Quatermass II, Enemy from Space was the sequel to The Quatermass Xperiment (US title: The Creeping Unknown). Based on the British TV serial by Nigel Kneale (who reportedly disliked the finished product), the film stars Brian Donlevy, repeating the role of Professor Quatermass. This time, the good professor must contend with a "meteor shower" which turns out to be a secret alien invasion. The extraterrestrials arrive on earth in rocklike vehicles, then take over the minds and nervous systems of earthlings, the better to go about their business undetected. Subliminally a cruel satire of British bureaucracy and obfuscation, Enemy from Space also works on a pure-horror level, building slowly and methodically to a powerhouse finale. For many years a "lost" film due to legal tangles, Enemy from Space has recently become available again on video and cable TV. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Val Guest
Written By: Nigel Kneale, Val Guest
Genres: Horror, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

On DVD: May 23, 2000

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Val Guest's direction is as uncertain as script on which he collabs with Nigel Kneale [author of original story], with the result that all characters are stodgy.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This is one of the best science-fiction films ever to come from Britain.
Ali Catterall, Film4
A masterful near-satire of Cold War paranoia and, arguably, the best of the Quatermass series.
, Time Out
Despite some clumsy moments that have not worn well, it remains one of the more bizarre and impressive of the early British horror pictures.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A wonderfully entertaining British science fiction story with Donlevy flinty as the single-minded Quartermass.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Classic, top-drawer sci-fi

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael G

Slightly better than The Quatermass Xperiment, Quatermass 2 is an almost completely different animal than its predecessor. Brian Donlevy is a less dickish Quatermass this time around as he tries to warn the town about an alien invasion instead of playing science and politics. The top… More
Slightly better than The Quatermass Xperiment, Quatermass 2 is an almost completely different animal than its predecessor. Brian Donlevy is a less dickish Quatermass this time around as he tries to warn the town about an alien invasion instead of playing science and politics. The top secret base, the soldiers and all the imagery they bring are pretty damn frightening. The buildup to the 2 minutes of the monster(s) you eventually see is worth it. Unlike its predecessor, Quatermass 2 is entirely worth the trouble.
Stella D

excellent paranoid thriller aka enemy from space. professor quatermass discovers a mysterious 'area 51' in the english countryside. donlevy seems more committed to his role this time out; he's even learned to pronounce his name. pretty decent effects and great… More
excellent paranoid thriller aka enemy from space. professor quatermass discovers a mysterious 'area 51' in the english countryside. donlevy seems more committed to his role this time out; he's even learned to pronounce his name. pretty decent effects and great location. one more smart 50's sci fi from hammer, maybe the best of the quatermass series
alan j

One of the best early sci-fil efforts I have seen, this movie about an alien invasion was likely the blueprint for such films as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" among others. Crackerjack acting, paranoia, suspense, thrills, chills and a healthy dose of gunplay action..this… More
One of the best early sci-fil efforts I have seen, this movie about an alien invasion was likely the blueprint for such films as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" among others. Crackerjack acting, paranoia, suspense, thrills, chills and a healthy dose of gunplay action..this film has it all and is to be applauded for its originality. Ahead of its time and a compelling watch.

Cast

            Brian Donlevy as Prof. Bernard Quatermass

            John Longden as Inspector Lomax

            Sidney James as Jimmy Hall

            Bryan Forbes as Marsh

            William Franklyn as Brand

            Vera Day as Sheila

            Charles Lloyd Pack as Dawson

            Tom Chatto as Broadhead

            John Van Eyssen as The P.R.O.

            Percy Herbert as Gorman

            Michael Ripper as Ernie

            John Rae as McLeod

            Marianne Stone as Secretary at Community Center

            Jane Aird as Mrs. McLeod

            Lloyd Lamble as Inspector

            John Stuart as Commissioner

            Gilbert Davis as Banker

            Edwin Richfield as Peterson

            Howard Williams as Michaels

            Phillip Baird as 1st Lab Assistant

            John Fabian as Intern

            Arthur Blake as Constable

            Michael Balfour as Harry

            Jan Holden as Young Girl

            Michael Longden
            
            George Merritt as Super
See full cast