Comparison...the Serial vs. the Movie
Hi all, spoilers ahead just to let you know...
I just finished watching the original 6 episode serial of Quatermass II, which is available for you to see here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uflX1wW6d0 in 30 six minute segments.
I have seen the Theatrical release of Quatermass 2 starring Brian Donlevy many times now, but this is the first time that I have been privileged to see the original BBC production. I am amazed at how different each version is, while still somehow managing to tell the exact same story. I am actually one of the few people out there who enjoys Donlevy's very cold, scientific portrayal of Bernard Quatermass. I think it works for the film versions and drives the plot along quickly as Quatermass accepts no alternatives and barrels through the film with determination to stop the alien threat.
Given more time in the serial, we get to see a more human Quatermass in John Robinson's portrayal. Seeing that this is the character that Nigel Kneale originally wrote, one can better understand why he is not a fan of Donlevy. The serial takes it's time and fleshes out the story much better than the film version does. Here, we get a better feel for the alien threat and just how far reaching their infiltration of our government is, as well as better showcasing the threat they pose to innocent passersby who innocently wander onto the once popular vicinity of Wynerdon Flats. Other added details include a hand-held device that is produced at the plant which contains the alien presence, enabling the possessed humans to more easily indoctrinate others into their fold. There is more information given about the nature of the aliens and their ability to influence mens' minds, as well as what their ultimate goal for the human race may be. The serial also manages to give us a rocket base for Quatermass that feels like a fully staffed rocket base.
The movie deletes many plot points in its effort to fit the new, truncated running length, as well as virtually replacing the entire supporting cast with new characters. Still, the quickened pace manages to give the viewer an added sense of urgency that is lacking somewhat in the serial. Though the serial did a fine job with the visual effects, one scene that benefits greatly in the movie is the shot of Vincent Broadhead as he stumbles down the steps of the dome, covered in a corrosive smoking black slime and screaming in agony. The original version fails to drive home the awful nature of the slime, instead making one think the unfortunate victim (who is NOT Broadhead) dies of poison gas instead. The movie also adds the scene of the towering blobs during the finale, while the serial infers their death as the gas escapes and inundates the facility.
One last major difference here is that where the films ends, the serial continues. The film depicts Quatermass's rocket on automatic pilot as it strikes the alien asteroid in space, destroying it quickly. In the serial, Quatermass and a colleague pilot the rocket to its destination, where we see the alien goo encompass the rocket just prior to Quatermass's escape in the attached module. The bomb he leaves behind decimates the alien threat. I'll be honest here...the last chapter concerning the rocket trip is rather boring and feels like an afterthought to give the mini-series one more episode. I prefer the auto-pilot version seen in the movie version, which seemed more believable.
Overall, both versions of this classic story have things to offer the viewer, so I recommend viewing the serial for no other reason that the fact that it fleshes out the story. The film is a triumph of paranoia that The X-Files borrowed heavily from, but at times is a bit thin in certain areas that could have used a bit more information, if only to fuel the viewer's imagination. This is where the serial is an absolute triumph over the movie. It has more depth.
Please feel free to share your own views and opinions.