The Hammer Repertory Theater...

**John Farrell** · 8th October 2001, 05:23 PM

This is a little harder perhaps than Six Degrees of Separation. But...

Many fans here have pointed out the numerous films that many Hammer regulars, including Mr. Lee and Mr. Cushing, appeared in over the years. Often before their Hammer debuts.

If anyone knows any, it might be fun to point out the films as we come across them and post them.

An example: three Hammer veterans appear in Laurence Olivier's Richard III (1952). It's worth renting, not only to see Michael Gough side by side with the fondly remembered Michael Ripper--both play assassins who kill John Gielgud's ill-fated Clarence, the brother of Richard.

But look closer--and another beloved Hammer character actor--George Woodbridge, plays the mayor of London in a couple of keys scenes. Hammer fans will remember him as the rotund inkeeper of the first two Dracula films, as well as a bobby in the Mummy.

Anyway, it's always fun to spot one of the Hammer regulars--sometimes in the most unlikely films.

Best,

John F

Jill · 8th October 2001, 06:48 PM

I've seen a number of Hammer productions (esp. Mr. Lee's Dracula films), but here's a bit of trivia:

Did you know that The Rocky Horror Picture Show was filmed at Bray Studios? The castle is the same one used in Dracula, Prince of Darkness. Dr. Frank N. Furter's throne chair can be seen in Scars of Dracula, too. There are probably other props used in RHPS, but I've never tried to find all of them, even though I do know quite a bit of RHPS trivia.

**John Farrell** · 8th October 2001, 07:14 PM

Yes--of course, starting with the excellent Charles Gray (of Devil Rides Out fame).

Speaking of which--Gray also had a chance to appear in at least one celebrated Shakespeare adaptation--the BBC version of Richard II, alongside (surprise) John Gielgud. So there's another Hammer Rep member rubbing elbows with a British Theater titan...

Best,

John F

Jill · 8th October 2001, 09:02 PM

Oh, yeah, good ole Charles Gray. He played Blofeld in Diamonds are Forever, meaning of course he also played opposite of Roger Moore, who also played opposite of Christopher Lee in The Man with the Golden Gun. Some of you can probably see some other Hammer connections there as well. Boy, do we have some funny lines to go with Charles Gray's appearances in RHPS! "Why does this man have air vents on his desk?" haha:1roll: I think it's time to get some audience participation going on some other films, too! How about it, Lee fans?

Jill · 8th October 2001, 09:14 PM

Ok, I think I've got this worked out...

The castle and the chair in RHPS in Hammer films...
Charles Gray in RHPS and The Devil Rides Out...
Charles Gary as Blofeld in Diamonds are Forever...
Roger Moore in Diamonds are Forever...
Roger Moore in The Man with the Golden Gun...
with Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland...
Britt Ekland in The Wicker Man with Christopher Lee and Ingrid Pitt...
Ingrid Pitt in Countess Dracula...

See more connections here?

**Joe Skinnell** · 8th October 2001, 10:36 PM

Roger Moore was not I repeat NOT in Diamonds Are Forever That was Sean Connery. Roger would not play Bond for another two years when He starred in Live An Let Die/ . However Charles Grey and CL did appear together in Devil Rides Out .

HJohnBlount · 8th October 2001, 11:57 PM

I thought it funny that Charles Gray was in 'You Only Live Twice' and 'Diamonds Are Forever' playing different parts..which brings me to a question..I've heard that Christopher Lee was thought of to play as Dr No? if he had of would he have been re chosen to play Scaramanga? as we know Maud Adams played Miss Anders & Octopussy!

H.John

Jill · 9th October 2001, 03:01 AM

Sorry, I stand corrected. The chain is broken.

**John Farrell** · 9th October 2001, 04:51 PM

Christopher Lee was indeed considered for the part of Dr. No--by that I mean (and I'm going by Mr. Lee's autobio) that his cousin Ian Fleming thought it was a great idea and I believe passed that on to the producers...but as is often the case in the movie biz, it didn't turn out.

John F

**John Farrell** · 11th October 2001, 05:20 PM

I just discovered that occasional Hammer co-star Michael Gough, who doubled with Michael Ripper in Olivier's Richard III--also appeared with Christopher Lee (as Artimedorus) in the 1970 production of Julius Caesar with John Gielgud and Charlton Heston. Also appearing in that film was veteran Andre Morrel --of Hound of the Baskervilles (Watson), She, and Plague of the Zombies...