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Released to theatres in 1957, "Quatermass 2: Enemy from Space" was directed by Val Guest, who experimented with writing, directing, producing, acting and composing in film throughout his career. The multitalented director had his first taste of success when he co-wrote some of Will Hay's best comedies with Marriott Edgar. Guest made his directorial debut in 1943 with "Miss London LTD" and has been responsible for some of the best, and worst, British films; the 1955 science fiction film, "The Quatermass Xperiment" being one of his better films. Guest began his career as an actor on the British stage and in early sound films. He ran the one-man London office of the "Hollywood Reporter" until he met director Marcel Varnel, which led to a screenwriting job at Gainsborough Studios. Guest died at the age of 94 in 2006.
For his second film in the Quatermass series, Guest chose to once again cast Brian Donlevy to play the lead role of Quatermass. A successful actor, Donlevy comes from a diverse background. He lied about his age when he was fourteen years old in order to join the Army. He went on to serve as pilot during World War I for the Lafayette Escadrille, a unit of the French Air Force comprised of American and Canadian pilots. Donlevy eventually left the military for a career in acting. After acting in a number of smaller parts, Donlevy got a part in "What Price Glory", and established himself as a true actor. He continued to gain experience on stage before he headed out to Hollywood. Donlevy's Hollywood career began with the 1926 silent film, "A Man of Quality". His first speaking role was a bit part in the 1929 film, "Gentlemen of the Press". After taking a short break from film, Donlevy reappeared in 1935, acting in three films that year. That year he received rave reviews as "the tough guy all in black". The "tough guy" soon found himself inundated with acting jobs. In 1936 he starred in seven films and in 1939 Donlevy was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Sergeant Markoff in "Beau Geste". In 1952, Donlevy produced and starred in his own television serious, "Dangerous Assignment".
Sid James was cast to play the role of Jimmy Hall. James was best known for his gruff manner, odd looks, and dirty laugh. The South African native worked as a ladies hairdresser before moving on to acting. He was known as a hard-worker who had a chronic gambling problem and often borrowed money from his friends to support his habit, but neglected to pay them back. James was a regular in the low-budget British comedy series, "Carry On". Along with Kenneth Williams, James was the best paid "Carry On" actor, earning 5,000 pounds per film. In 1976, he collapsed on stage while appearing in "The Mating Game" at the Empire Theatre in Sutherland. James died of a heart attack on the way to the hospital.
Bryan Forbes plays the role of Marsh. The author of several novels, Forbes was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1975, and has been in remission for almost 30 years. In June 2004, he was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Arts in the Queen's birthday list of honours.
William Franklyn was cast to play the part of Dr. Brand. The British actor began his career by acting on stage at the age of 15. Though Franklyn's roles tended to be dramatic, he had transitioned into tongue-in-cheek comedy parts by his forties. His smooth voice has frequently been used for voice-overs on television advertisements and trailers.
