 Hammer also purchased the film rights to Quatermass and the Pit ( released in the USA as Five Million Years to Earth ) , as it had done with the previous two TV serials , although they did not release their version until 1967 . This time the film was directed by Roy Ward Baker and starred Scottish actor Andrew Keir , after Morell had been offered and declined the chance to play the part again . Keir 's performance was well @-@ received , particularly in contrast to Donlevy 's portrayal . The Guardian newspaper wrote in 1997 that : " Keir also made many films ... most gratifyingly , perhaps , the movie version of Quatermass and the Pit ( 1967 ) , when he finally replaced the absurdly miscast Brian Donlevy . " 
