A legendary sci-fi thriller movie is airing on TV tonight

Stephen Porzio

The film seems unavailable to stream or rent anywhere so now is the chance to watch it.

Our TV movie pick for tonight (Thursday, 3 October) is the 1967 British sci-fi horror thriller Quatermass and the Pit.

Also known as Five Million Years to Earth in some territories, it is the third film entry in the legendary Quatermass franchise.

Beginning on TV, the franchise revolves around the intelligent and highly moral British scientist Bernard Quatermass, as he continually finds himself confronting sinister alien forces that threaten to destroy humanity.

In the 1967 movie, the professor finds himself investigating “a mysterious artefact unearthed below a London subway station that proves to have powerful psychic effects on the people around it”.

Written by the great Nigel Kneale (Halloween III, The Stone Tape) – a major influence on genre legends like John Carpenter and Stephen King – Quatermass and the Pit is widely considered the best of the franchise’s movies.

This is thanks to its ambitious screenplay – blending sci-fi tropes, religion and contemporary concerns – and its thrilling story.

Quatermass and the Pit is airing on TV tonight on Sky Arts at 9pm.

Here are the other movies airing on TV tonight:

Mean Girls – Film4 – 9pm

It is October 3rd, after all.

My Cousin Vinny – Comedy Central – 9pm

In this beloved Oscar-winning comedy, two New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience (Joe Pesci).

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – BBC Four – 9pm

Paul Newman stars in this beloved ’50s adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ hit play.

Soldier Blue – Legend – 9pm

The notoriously violent 1970 revisionist Western.

Fear is the Key – Legend Xtra – 9pm

This ’70s British action thriller was the feature film debut of future Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley.

Mechanic: Resurrection – ITV4 – 10.10pm

A forgettable Jason Statham action sequel.

Passing – Film4 – 10.55pm

The great actress Rebecca Hall made her acclaimed directorial debut with this period drama starring Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson.

Nomads – Legend – 11.15pm

Pierce Brosnan stars in this ’80s horror that was the debut film of director John McTiernan (Die Hard, Predator).