As a lifelong fan of Hammer Horror films, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic admiration for these timeless classics that continue to captivate new generations. Having grown up with these films, I’ve come to appreciate not only their gripping storylines and iconic characters, but also the incredible team effort that went into creating them.
90 years on, the sky has left no stone unturned in creating an exciting spectacle for Halloween, offering a glimpse into the bubbling potions of Hammer Film Productions, a company that first began its journey nine decades ago.
As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but be captivated by the chilling legacy of Hammer Films. Even those who haven’t watched a single film from their catalog have heard its name echoing in the halls of horror. The documentary “Heroes, Legends and Monsters” delves deep into this hair-raising history, offering an evocative, fang-bared tribute that bristles with thrilling details and insightful commentary. It’s a testament to their enduring impact on the genre.
According to Benjamin Field, who’s won awards for his directing and producing work, these elements were absolutely crucial. They significantly shifted the landscape of horror films. Before Hammer, there were no color horror movies. The current state of modern horror can be attributed to Hammer, as they paved the way by opening the doors and allowing these elements to enter the genre.
In the 1930s, Universal popularized a genre, and Hammer Studios later revitalized it with successful productions such as The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, sci-fi movies like The Quatermass Xperiment, and prehistoric epics like One Million Years BC. Essentially, they had a group of crew and actors who frequently worked together to create these beloved films. As Field explains, “They essentially had a repertory company.
In the 80s, parties like these weren’t really on my radar. However, last October, everything shifted when I was introduced to Hammer. It was a significant milestone for me.
Initially, what captivated me was its fashionable appearance… I watched The Curse of Frankenstein, which seems like an excellent beginning point. Incredibly impressive! The decor is magnificent, the colors are rich and vibrant, creating a sensory overload. Needless to say, the music significantly contributes to this experience. It appears as if a revolution occurred compared to what preceded it, and it doesn’t take long to understand why Hammer became a global sensation.
From 1951 to 1966, Hammer Productions had its headquarters at Bray Studios, located in Berkshire. The films produced during this period often drew heavily from the studio’s surroundings and, notably, Oakley Court country house, for their eerie and gothic atmosphere.
A significant aspect of Hammer’s golden age in the ’50s and ’60s was the teaming up of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, often portraying a conflicted scientist, brilliant yet misguided, and a lumbering monster, respectively. Their electrifying on-screen chemistry and delightful double-act were evident during their reunion in 1994 – the photograph shown here was taken for an interview with RT, published only a week before Peter Cushing’s passing.
According to Field, having two outstanding artists was crucial for Hammer’s success. He further notes that it was partly due to chance. “Christopher Lee only needed to be tall to land a role in The Curse of Frankenstein, but the studio struck gold and accidentally found a man with strong stage presence who could act well.
“Cushing had done work for the BBC, he was greatly admired, but prior to that he’d been a successful theatre actor. Lee was a great mime artist, another theatrical skill. Director Terence Fisher let the actors play the scenes out, cutting minimally. He kept them paired for as long as possible. It became a magic formula – the results were electric.”
In 1994, when TopMob interviewed the stars, they stood up for Hammer’s movies against criticism. Lee stated, “The unique way we made these films lifted them beyond mere shockers, but the media still argued that the British film industry should not be associated with such type of films.
It’s interesting to note that these types of films were produced by what is arguably the most prosperous independent film company in both British and global cinematic history. One might wonder why they continue to be shown repeatedly?
Indeed,” responded Cushing. “It’s remarkable that these movies are still playing, with modern viewers believing they were produced just a few years back. Often, people approach me, asking, ‘Pardon me, are you Peter Cushing’s father?’ To which I reply, ‘No, I’m his grandfather.’ The current generation admires the Hammer films because they allowed for a lot of imagination. There was no explicit language, no unnecessary violence, and ultimately, good always prevailed over evil.
The documentary also reveals candid contributions from some of Hammer’s leading ladies, Madeline Smith, Martine Beswick and Caroline Munro, and from famous fans who also happen to be Hollywood directors: Tim Burton, John Carpenter and Joe Dante.
Sometimes, Field points out, you discover shining talents in unexpected places. He mentions notable figures from Hammer Productions such as Anthony Hinds (producer), Phil Leakey (make-up innovator), James Bernard (composer), and Jack Asher (cinematographer) who, according to him, worked with light as if it were a brush on canvas.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the crucial role of teamwork in the success of Field, one of the co-founders at Deep Fusion Films, the production company behind the documentary. “I’m thrilled that this film highlights the Hammer team, who constructed a legendary company from its foundations,” Field said. “My own team has played an instrumental role in my achievements over the past few years.
“While it’s common to heap praise on those with ‘star appeal,’ I want to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes – my fellow researchers and crew members. Just as the documentary itself delves behind the scenes, these individuals have tirelessly contributed to the creation of this grand production. Particularly noteworthy are Dick Klemensen and Wayne Kinsey, whose encyclopedic knowledge of Hammer has been instrumental in bringing the project together.
Regarding Hammer’s influence, Field further explains: “Things took a turn for the worse when the team began disbanding.” This refers to the studio’s controversial and exploitative era in the early 1970s – an era that also marked the loosening of censorship restrictions. The monstrous figures in the documentary’s title symbolize both fictional and real-life creatures of terror.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but agree that during the golden era of Cushing and Lee, Hammer truly shone. Their productions were nothing short of phenomenal, with compelling narratives where good triumphed over evil. In fact, if you ask me, the quantity and quality of their work during that period was simply astonishing.
They discovered a successful approach, blending shrewd business sense and prolific creativity in their films. However, achieving this harmony was quite a feat. I am convinced that Hammer’s success during that period was largely due to having the ideal team on board at just the right moment.
Eventually, he anticipates that viewers might perceive the movies differently following the documentary, with the viewpoint that “Hammer’s team were simply carrying out their duties, yet in my opinion, they shaped the future of horror.
Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is on Thursday 31 October at 9pm on Sky Arts. Catch up on Now
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2024-10-21 19:07