BBC Four resurrects cult sci-fi series The Quatermass Experiment for spring schedule

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 04-Mar-05, 11:00

LONDON - BBC Four is creating a live production of the sci-fi classic 'The Quatermass Experiment' for its spring/summer schedule.

'The Quatermass Experiment' first broadcast in the UK in 1953 and quickly picked up a cult following.

It brought science fiction to the small screen for the very first time and its lead character, rocket scientist Professor Quatermass, became the UK's first TV hero. The story follows what happens when the crew of his experimental rocket ship return to Earth, crash landing in Wimbledon, and the sole survivor begins to mutate into an alien.

Throughout the three series of 'Quatermass', the professor has been played by Reginald Tate, John Morrison, Andre Morrell and by Sir John Mills in the 1979 version. A movie version was made for cinema by Hammer Studios in 1955.

Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Four, said: "I hope fans of the original series, as well as a new generation, will be gripped as Professor Bernard Quatermass races to save the world."

It is also marks the BBC's first live drama production for more than 20 years.

BBC Four is also building on its drama and comedy productions. Headlining the drama schedule is a new adaptation of Patrick Hamilton trilogy 'Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky', starring Bryan Dick, who appeared in 'Blackpool', and Sally Hawkins from 'Tipping the Velvet'.

Comedian Armando Iannucci has directed and devised the new satirical political series 'The Thick of It', starring acclaimed 'Bremner, Bird and Fortune' writer Chris Langham.

As for documentaries, a mainstay of BBC Four's schedule, this season will see 'An Islamic History of Europe', covering reporter Rageh Omaar's travels across Europe to trace the hidden story of the continent's Islamic past, revealing the vibrant civilisation that Muslims brought to the West.

'Animation Nation' explores a century of British animation and 'Indian Rail' examines the lives of some of the 13m people whose lives depend on the Indian railway -- from street boys to government ministers.

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