Quatermass... but for kids!

To say that the 1979 production of 'Quatermass' hit TV screens with very little fanfare is a bit of an understatement. ITV had been off the air for eleven weeks giving 'Doctor Who' some of its highest ever ratings (16.1m for an episode of 'City of Death'). Suddenly it was back and 'Quatermass' was there on its first night along side Ted Rogers, the Muppets, 'Coronation Street' and 'George & Mildred'. As such, there was very little trailing for the new four-part drama. No build up. No warning. It was just suddenly there.

In the years to come, I'd wonder if its sudden appearance seriously affected its lack of success. Had the strike not occurred, would it have been different. Would the anticipation have resulted in more curiosity  - especially from the Star Wars generation of kids craving further sci-fi hits... There'd probably be a bit disappointed with the new Quatermass' lack of laser swords and space battles anyway.

But it's that magic word 'sci-fi' that would draw them in... And toy manufacturers would no doubt believe this and would want to cash-in on the new potentially successful TV drama. After all, they were on good terms with Thames Television and Euston films since they'd licences toys and games from their recent hit 'The Sweeney' - broadcast in a similar time slot to the new 'Quatermass'. Why not do the same again? Cops and robbers are so last year... it's sci-fi this time! 

Anyway, in the roundabout way this brings me to the point of this post... What if there WERE toys based on the 1979 Euston Films production of 'Quatermass'? (I knew I'd get there in the end.)

Of course, there would be the inevitable 'unofficial' stuff as well...

If you've enjoyed viewing this page, then you can show your appreciation by purchasing my a coffee via my Ko-fi account here. Thank you.