Writer Robert Holmes later reused elements of this story in the first Jon Pertwee Doctor Who (1963) story, Spearhead from Space: Episode 1 (1970). Like this film, it was initially set in a remote English cottage hospital complete with a mysterious and unconscious alien stranger, puzzled doctors, an army patrol, and lurking alien forces in the nearby woods.
Edward Judd was cast as the lead for about the last time in his career. This unfairly forgotten actor would lose all momentum with his career from the end of the 60s.
This is the only known film storyline written by Robert Holmes, a prolific scriptwriter for British television during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Phyllis Spreadbury, who both Roger Marshall and Robert Holmes knew from their stint on Emergency-Ward 10 (1957) (where she was medical adviser), assisted Holmes with his storyline. He submitted this to producer Jack Greenwood, but found himself rejected due to a perceived lack of experience on film screenplays. The storyline was then offered to Marshall but as both men were friends he made sure he cleared this with his old colleague. Holmes agreed, but insisted on Spreadbury's continued involvement.
Just a few minutes in, the officer asks the soldier what he is reading. The soldier holds up the book - "The G-String Murders". This was a best-selling detective novel from the 1940s written by the famous Burlesque dancer and actress, Gypsy Rose Lee, although some reports say it was ghost written by Craig Rice.
It was filmed in 1943 as Lady of Burlesque (1943) starring Barbara Stanwyck.
The topless beauty on the book cover is Anne Heywood
It was filmed in 1943 as Lady of Burlesque (1943) starring Barbara Stanwyck.
The topless beauty on the book cover is Anne Heywood