As most horror fans will have heard recently, Hammer Films has been gearing up to celebrate their 90th Birthday this November. As we previously reported, Hammer teamed up with Cardiff based production company Deep Fusion films and Sky to celebrate the Heroes, Legends and Monsters of the Hammer House of Horror with a feature length documentary. With the film set to premiere on SKY ARTS this Halloween, Hammer hosted the documentary’s world premiere in Cineworld Leicester Square, London last night. Fortunately, Mike and I were in attendance to mix with Hammer legends (both old & new) and fellow Hammer fans to celebrate the legacy of one of the world’s oldest recognised film studios.
Arriving at the cinema last night for the premiere, it was wonderful to see a few of the films responsible for my love for the genre littered throughout the cinema lobby and entrance- I’ve never felt more at home walking into a cinema. Complete of course with choice lighting that echoes the likes Jack Asher’s beautifully lit, vibrant colour palette seen throughout Hammer’s history.
The fanboy in me was borderline about to explode like a bottle of pop when I turned the corner to see a display I can only describe as a Hammer Horror fan’s dream. Tucked over in one side of the lobby were a variety of props and costumes from Hammer’s glorious 90-year legacy. These included props from Kiss of The Vampire, Captain Clegg, Taste The Blood of Dracula & Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter, costumes from Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, The Satanic Rites of Dracula & One Million Years B.C. (Racquel Welch’s iconic doe-skin bikini), Michael Ripper’s make-up box and painted set design from The Vampire Lovers. It was amazing to see and a real treat for us fans lucky enough to attend. The drinks vouchers and the merch was just the cherry on top!
The documentary was great and offered some fantastic insight into the backstory and history of Hammer Films. Featuring interviews with various historians and key players, it gives a brief overview of Hammer's formative years. Its main focus followed the period after the success of their 1955 film The Quatermass Xperiment, when Hammer came into its own and gave us some of Hammer’s most celebrated films like, The Curse of Frankenstein and Dracula. It was a fanciful mix of archive footage and interviews with some fantastic gothic, very Hammer-esque visuals, a quality narration from British acting legend, Charles Dance and new interviews with some of the living Hammer legends, as well as horror icons, such as, John Carpenter, Joe Dante, John Landis and Tim Burton. I found this even more impressive considering this film only went into production May 2024, so I have to tip my hat to the team behind this flick.
Each attendee had this waiting in their seat. Included Hammer tote bag, sweet & salted popcorn, Hammer popcorn box, drinks voucher & a4 print of Hammer: Heroes, Legends & Monsters poster designed by Mister.S.
It was well-made and shot. Let’s be honest, someone just giving an interview to a camera is boring as hell. Thankfully static shots were mixed with some lovely movements that also celebrated the Hammer trope of keeping something within the foreground, obscuring portions of the shot. I liked that they didn’t shy away from some of the less favourable parts of Hammer’s history, such as renowned creep, Michael Styles and the gratuitous nudity and sexploitation Hammer became known for throughout the 70s.
Whilst I loved seeing those familiar faces being revered and celebrated, I really enjoyed the fact this film celebrated those behind the cameras that may not have got the paise and recognition they really deserve- people like Terence Fisher, Jimmy Sangster, James & Michael Carreras, James Bernard and William Hinds for example. Whilst it really celebrated and showcased the heroes and legends behind Hammer, I felt the Monsters could’ve been in it more.
My only other complaint is the length- and I mean this in a good way. I could have quite happily sat there and watched as they went through Hammer’s 90-year legacy one year at a time. Whilst I knew most of the information in this already, even I was surprised by one or two moments in this documentary. Whilst I found myself getting a tad frustrated at the lack of depth and detail surrounding certain parts of their history, I had to remember this is a documentary celebrating those unsung Heroes, Legends & Monsters that made Hammer what it is today. And it did that incredibly well- in fact this has got me in the mood to revisit some of those Hammer classics! If this marks the beginning of the celebrations for Hammer, I’m eager to see what’s next.
Additionally, Hooked On Horror’s own Mike Murphy was also on hand to share his thoughts on this new documentary from Hammer Films.
Last night; Monday 28th October 2024, stars and fans alike joined the Hammer team - steered by longtime fan and now owner, British Producer, John Gore - at Cineworld, Leicester Square to mark the start of celebrations for Hammer’s 90th birthday. What better way to kick off this landmark achievement, than with the premiere of Hammer Film Productions latest instalment to their ever-growing catalogue, the feature documentary, Hammer: Heroes, Legends, and Monster (2024). The Hooked on Horror team were fortunate to receive a limited invite to share this momentous experience. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with surviving Hammer Greats and/or living relatives, the auditorium was set to embark on a 90-minute journey back through Hammer’s prestigious history.
Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters, commenced production in May 2024 in collaboration with Deep Fusion Films and Sky Arts for worldwide release on October 31st, 2024. In a short time frame, the team were able to deliver a concise, chronological account of the key visionaries behind the many revivals and transitions of Hammer through the years.
The documentary provided a detailed overview for old fans and those dipping their toes into the extensive history for the first time, utilising a variety of archive footage, reimagined set designs and a mixture of historical & contemporary interviews. Evidently inspired by a conglomerate of essential Hammer/film historians; such as McKay, Hearn and Hutchings, the film showcases a vast knowledge of the foundations of the industry staple and transition into a worldwide powerhouse in the horror genre. Burton, Carpenter, Dante and Landis are a surprising, but welcomed, addition to the long list of names interviewed to expand on Hammer’s impact/relevance.
Although very rarely treading new ground, Hammer: Heroes, Legends, and Monsters dedicated deserved time to some, potentially, unsung heroes of Hammers success. It would be pertinent to mention, that stars on screen are usually more recognisable and easier to attribute the success within the film industry. However, it was refreshing to see names such as William Hinds, James & Michael Carreras, Anthony Hinds, Jimmy Sangster, James Bernard and Jack Asher - to name a few - receive the recognition for their essential part in Hammer’s success. A highlight was recognising Michael Careras’ dedication to the Hammer property; an underdog, fighting to keep the brand alive after many shortfalls and Anthony Hinds’ passion for efficiency and penchant for financial responsibility.
Notably, the film affords an equal level of dedication to the actresses of Hammer, whom historical were seen predominantly as sexual exploitation tools at a time when censorship changes afforded an expansion of existing filmmaking limitations. Madeline Smith; of The Vampire Lovers (1970) fame, Martine Beswick; Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde (1971) and Caroline Munro; Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974), provided valuable experience and insight to their time working with some of the titans on and off screen. It would be amiss to not mention, that the film did not shy away from highlighting inappropriate behaviour on/off set by Producer, Michael Styles, and those that are credited for pushing back, such as Ray Ward Baker. Fortunately, Styles’ legacy is limited and not as extensive or definitive as other names within the history of Hammer.
As the celebrations came to a close, the auditorium was treated to a short panel consisting of key personalities - Madeline Smith, Martine Beswick, Caroline Munro and John Gore himself - whilst deserved acknowledgement was given to the team and participants behind Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters sitting amongst fans and family members alike. Honourable mentions were given to Nicholas Briggs, as well as to Valerie Leon, whose participation in the film; as the narrator, was replaced by another notable name in attendance, Charles Dance.
I think both myself and Mike would agree when I say, clear some time in your schedule to ensure you can catch this on All Hallows Eve. Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters debuts worldwide on SKY ARTS on Thursday 31st October 2024 at 02:15 GMT and airing again at 21:00. Additionally, please keep an eye on here and the Hooked On Horror socials. With all the build-up to Hammer’s 90th Birthday, November 9th, we’ve been inspired to take our own journey into the wonderful world of Hammer Horror, as we embark on our own journey.
As the Baron Frankenstein said, "we've just opened the door"... join us to walk through it further.
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