1987 Directed by David M. Thompson
A retrospective of the films of Britain's Hammer Studios, renowned for making stylish horror films in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Included are clips from Hammer productions and interviews with actors, actresses, directors and producers who worked on these films.
Charles Gray Christopher Lee Peter Cushing Martin Scorsese James Bernard Michael Carreras Anthony Hinds Jimmy Sangster David Pirie Aida Young Don Sharp James Carreras Terence Fisher Len Harris Paul Henreid James Needs Yutte Stensgaard Veronica Carlson Bette Davis Ingrid Pitt Bernard Cribbins James Donald Brian Donlevy Paul Eddington Suzan Farmer Barbara Shelley Andrew Keir Sarah Lawson Francis Matthews Show All…
UK
UK
Christopher Lee getting interviewed in a dark room with candles was a big mood for October.
Good for an overview, just about to get into hammer films for uni so I thought I'd start with this
This made-for-television documentary was made to celebrate Hammer's 40th Anniversary and one should keep in mind that this was made and released when there really weren't too many films on the subject. Since this film has been released we've been treated to several documentaries as well as countless interviews and featurettes.
If you're already familiar with everything that followed, there's certainly nothing "new" here so to speak but we still get some nice interviews with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Anthony Hinds, Ingrid Pitt, Jimmy Sangster as well as others including Martin Scorsese who talks about what the studio meant to him as a child.
At just fifty-minutes there's certainly nothing ground-breaking here but this early documentary is certainly worth watching…
A quite solid overview of -- and tribute too -- the unique charms of Hammer Horror, loaded with interviews (including Peter Cushing towards the end of his life) and anecdotes. It's particularly enjoyable to see filmmakers like Martin Scorsese on hand to sing the studio's praises, too. The narration from Charles Gray (himself a Hammer vet with a distinctive voice) is also a nice accompaniment.
A decent and compact survey of the studio, its films and staff - and a little on the wider context - all within an hour.
Modern documentary makers take note: no need for umpteen establishing shots, prowling cameras, nor wandering presenters recapping things every few minutes. No room for waste in other words.
At a time when the Hammer name was mud, this unassuming marking of the fortieth anniversary was, and remains, as good as any introduction to this brand of Kensington Gore.
A little light on information but some decent interviews with people who matter. Worth while casual watch.
Horror has always been a reminder of how much you can put yourself through and come out clean on the other side.
As someone who knows very little about Hammer Horror Films, this is a nice little documentary that adds a lot to your to-watch list.
everyone was shot like a normal interview and then christopher lee showed up
pretty boring doc tho
Neat little retrospective on Hammer with interviewees from a number of their stars and crew.
