Quatermass 2

Quatermass 2

Year: 1957

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Val Guest

HorrorScience FictionMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseHorror the undead and monster classicsSci-fi horror creatures and aliens

A terrifying extraterrestrial threat spreads across Earth. In rural England, space scientist Bernard Quatermass, planning the first Moon colony, discovers a secret government‑run facility of identical design that is being bombarded by small, hollow meteorites from space. Quatermass investigates, uncovering an alien life form already beginning to dominate humanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Quatermass 2 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Quatermass 2 (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Quatermass 2 (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The story unfolds in a mid-20th-century Britain, an era of rapid scientific ambition and public mistrust of official explanations. Industrial-scale projects and space-age aspirations are coupled with a suspicion that authorities are withholding the truth. The setting reflects Cold War-era anxieties about control, secrecy, and the unknown.

Location

Winnerden Flats

Winnerden Flats is an expansive, secretive area dominated by a looming industrial complex. The site features massive domes and guarded construction that hint at a hidden purpose beyond manufacturing food. The area becomes a focal point of a government cover-up as Quatermass investigates the strange meteorites and the facility’s true function.

🛰️ Sci-Fi 🏭 Industrial 🗳️ Government Conspiracy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:16

Main Characters – Quatermass 2 (1957)

Meet the key characters of Quatermass 2 (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Bernard Quatermass (Brian Donlevy)

Dr. Bernard Quatermass is a renowned scientist pushing for official support of a Moon colonisation project. When meteorite reports lead him to Winnerden Flats, he quickly shifts focus to uncover the true purpose behind the domed complex. He is rational, determined, and willing to challenge authorities to reveal the alien presence beneath the surface.

🧪 Scientist 🧭 Determined 🎯 Visionary

Inspector Lomax (John Longden)

Inspector Lomax is a veteran police officer who previously aided Quatermass. He partners with Quatermass to piece together the mystery and attempts to escalate the case to his superiors. He realises authorities may be compromised by alien influence and helps orchestrate a plan to expose the truth.

🕵️ Detective 🗺️ Veteran ⚖️ Duty

Vincent Broadhead, M.P. (Tom Chatto)

Vincent Broadhead is a member of parliament determined to uncover the veil of secrecy surrounding Winnerden Flats. He joins Quatermass on an official tour to inspect the plant, and his investigation ends tragically as he is killed by corrosive slime after warning others of the danger.

🗳️ Politician 🧭 Curious 🎯 Courage

Marsh (Bryan Forbes)

Marsh is Quatermass’s colleague and trusted companion who travels to Winnerden Flats to assess the meteorite findings. He discovers an undamaged meteorite that releases a gas, leaving him with a distinctive V-shaped mark. He is forcibly taken by guards, signaling the deeper peril of the facility.

🧭 Loyal 🧪 Scientist ⚙️ Engineer

Jimmy Hall (Sid James)

Jimmy Hall is a skeptical journalist who joins the investigation and pushes to report the truth to the public. He witnesses the chaos surrounding the complex and repeatedly presses for answers. Hall is shot dead by plant guards while transmitting his story, underscoring the danger of exposing the truth.

📰 Journalist ⚖️ Courage 🎯 Pursuit

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:16

Major Themes – Quatermass 2 (1957)

Explore the central themes of Quatermass 2 (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mind Control

Alien beings manipulate key figures in government, erasing memory and altering decisions through a hidden influence. The V-shaped marks serve as visible signs of control over the powerful, revealing how authority can be compromised from within. The theme explores the fragility of free will under an unseen invader.

🕵️ Conspiracy & Cover-Up

Broadhead and Lomax uncover a veil of secrecy surrounding Winnerden Flats, confronting bureaucratic stonewalls. Trusted officials become unreliable or compromised under alien influence, highlighting the peril of unchecked power. The narrative emphasizes skepticism toward official explanations and the cost of truth-telling.

🚀 Alien Threat & Sacrifice

The alien plan hinges on a hidden habitat within the domes and a countermeasure requiring sacrifice and peril. Quatermass and allies refuse to abandon the public, devising a risky plan that culminates in a space-based attack to destroy the alien staging point. The confrontation ends with the patriots paying a heavy toll as the danger is ultimately defeated.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:16

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Quatermass 2

Don't stop at just watching — explore Quatermass 2 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Quatermass 2 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Quatermass 2 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Quatermass 2, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Quatermass 2 Summary

Quatermass 2 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Quatermass 2 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Quatermass 2 Timeline

More About Quatermass 2

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Quatermass 2: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Quatermass 2