The lowdown: 'Quatermass II' is the sequel to Nigel Kneale's hugely successful 1953 science fiction drama for the BBC,
'The Quatermass Experiment.' John Robinson took on the role of Professor Bernard Quatermass in the sequel, following
the death of the actor who starred in the original. Professor Quatermass is head of the British Rocket Group (called the 
British Experimental Rocket Group in the 1953 production), and is carrying out tests of a new nuclear-powered rocket engine.
His future son-in-law discovers the remains of what appears to be a hollow meteorite and takes it to Quatermass, who 
determines that something used the sphere to travel to Earth. Quatermass's investigations lead him to a synthetic food plant
at Winnerden Flats, one of several around the world. However, it is not food that is being produced. Instead, the meteorites
that have been landing all over the country are part of an alien invasion force, and emit a noxious gas that infects everybody
who comes into contact with it.

Roger Delgado features in episode 4 as Hugh Conrad, a journalist who aids Quatermass in his investigations at Winnerdon
Flats, where the locals are largely all employed by the food plant and do not take kindly to strangers. Conrad becomes
infected by the mysterious gas and suffers the same fate as the other victims. This is one of Roger Delgado's earliest acting
roles, and although he looks much younger than in his days as The Master, there is no mistaking his voice.

The verdict: Despite being over 50 years old, 'Quatermass II' (and indeed the others in the series), is still compelling viewing.
Special effects may have improved a lot over the years, but the story is a timeless mainstay of science fiction and the acting
is excellent. Indeed, the plot of 'Quatermass II' is rather reminiscent of the classic Doctor Who story, 'Spearhead from Space',
with hollow meteorite-like spheres being used by an alien invasion force and the use of a food plant (as opposed to a plastics
factory) as part of the invasion plan.

Quote:
Quatermass (watching the meteorites fall):  'Listen to them now. They're coming in thousands.... Conrad! This is it! This is the
night!

       << Back to the Roger Delgado page