Hammer also purchased the film rights to "Quatermass and the Pit" (released in the US as "Five Million Years to Earth"), as it had done with the previous two TV serials, although it did not release its 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."