Q...
Q... was a surreal television comedy sketch show from Spike Milligan which ran from 1969 to 1982 on BBC2. There were six series in all, the first five numbered from Q5 to Q9, and a final series titled There's a Lot of It About. The first and third series ran for seven episodes, and the others for six episodes, each of which was 30 minutes long. Various reasons have been suggested for the title. One possibility is that it was inspired by the project to construct the Cunard liner QE2, launched in September 1967, which was dubbed Q4. Another theory is that Milligan was inspired by the BBC 6-point technical quality scale of the time, where "Q5" was severe degradation to picture or sound, and "Q6" was complete loss of sound or vision. This was extended by some engineering departments to a 9-point scale, finishing at "Q9". According to Milligan's autobiography, the final series was renamed There's a Lot of It About after the BBC felt the public might find Q10 too confusing.
Insights
Plot Summary
A down-on-his-luck New York City crook, Jimmy, attempts a daring heist of valuable jewels from a high-rise building. During his escape, he accidentally discovers a nest of Aztec gods, including the winged serpent Quetzalcoatl, living atop the building. When the creature begins preying on citizens, Jimmy sees an opportunity to profit from the situation, leading to a chaotic and dangerous confrontation.
Critical Reception
Larry Cohen's 'Q' is a cult classic of low-budget horror, praised for its unique premise and ambitious creature effects within its limited means. While its production values are rough around the edges and its narrative can be uneven, the film is celebrated for its originality, gritty New York setting, and a memorable performance from Michael Moriarty. It's often regarded as a standout in Cohen's idiosyncratic filmography.
What Reviewers Say
- An inventive and bizarre creature feature with a distinct urban grit.
- Praised for its unique mythological premise and practical effects.
- Criticized for its occasional narrative stumbles and low-budget feel, but ultimately redeemed by its bold originality.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate 'Q' for its originality and creature design, finding it a fun and unique horror experience. Some viewers note that the film's low budget is apparent, but many feel its creative vision and the wild premise make it a worthwhile watch.
Fun Fact
The film's iconic creature, Quetzalcoatl, was brought to life using a combination of stop-motion animation and puppetry, contributing to its unique and somewhat eerie visual style.
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