Hammer Movies & British Gothics

**Matt Gemmell** · 4th June 2002, 05:03 PM

Iv'e noticed that a lot of members have been asking for opinions on Hammer DVDs and some of the more obscure British Horrors . As this is my main passion ( aside from my family , whew ! better get that in ) I either own or have seen most .I'm sure that if I have'nt someone else at the site will have .
So how about a sliding scale 1 being The Curse Of Frankenstein , 5 Scars Of Dracula and 10 Legend Of The Werewolf ( It's really not very good )
To get the ball rolling I see that Fred B. is considering buying And Now The Screaming Starts ...... I would give it it a 6 . It's a solid little movie with good performances and the added attraction of the lovely Stephanie Beacham . It was directed by Hammer stalwart Roy Ward Baker and is well worth anyones money .

**Frederick Bergstrom** · 5th June 2002, 12:12 AM

wow Matt we have different tastes...I thought Legend of the Werewolf wasnt that bad....Oh well theres a lot of british films i want to see .( Fright , Blood on Satans Claw), but i dont think Blood is on DVD. I did buy a non Hammer DVD with Peter Cushing i would give a 5 it was BLood Beast Terror . it wasnt great but for a slight Hammer feel and Peter Cushing alone i cant trash it to much. I know Peter thought it was his worst .Horror and Curse are out in the fall but i cant see anyone hear not haveing seen those 2 yet. Matt what about Fright, Frightmare, Horror Hospital,Mummys Shroud and Blood on the Mummys Tomb. Whats your and everyone elses opinion on those . I have them on my list to buy as well any thoughts by all would be welcome.
Fred

**Matt Gemmell** · 5th June 2002, 11:07 AM

Fred , as you so rightly say we all have different tastes so here's mine .
FRIGHT . Not a bad little thriller starring Susan George as a stalked babysitter . It's worth seeing but not a keeper...5
FRIGHTMARE. Made by Pete Walker in 1974 and that's about the last time I saw it at my local flea pit . I remember enjoying it at the time but viewes change as the years go by.....5
HORROR HOSPITAL.Starring Michael Gough is dreadful..10
THE MUMMYS SHROUD.One of Hammers least successful ventures into Egypt benefits from a terrific performance by Michael Ripper and a brooding Mummy , played by Christopher Lees stunt double the late Eddie Powell...6
BLOOD FROM THE MUMMYS TOMB.Some find this an aqquired taste but I think it's the best mummy movie apart from Mr Lees classic .It's atmospheric , has a wonderful score and stars the beautiful Valerie Leon . All this and it does'nt even feature a mummy . The Anchor Bay DVD is excellent...7

**Frederick Bergstrom** · 6th June 2002, 02:40 AM

Thanks Matt. I have been border line on buying Blood from the Mummys Tomb..basically cause there is no mummy.. but i will probally buy it anyway. And your right about the actress her acting is alwasy questioned but wow is she a looker. I just picked up a great book on english films from the 70s and it praised Horror Hospital the only praise ive read it looks dreadful to me and most books i have read say the same.I hve burnt buying a lot of Fulci movies that were horrible . I like to know going in if a film is good or not.

**Joe Skinnell** · 6th June 2002, 03:00 AM

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I like to know going in if a film is good or not.

A movie being good or not is personnal taste man. My friend Charles, our news editor, and I have had extremely differant opinions on various films both new and classic. Usually we have the exact same opinion on a film we both like, ie. we like it for the exact same reasons. Jacob on the other hand

has his opinions on what is a good film or bad film. As does Alfonso. As does Christopher Lee. As does everyone. Don't pass on a film YOU might like because someone else says it's a bad film.

**Dave Hutchens** · 6th June 2002, 05:09 AM

Well, Matt, it's obvious we agree on many titles, but really..."Scars of Dracula" a 5??? Truly, whether or not a film is worthwhile is a completely subjective thing. "Scars" happens to be my #1 favorite Hammer film! :)

"Blood from the Mummy's Tomb" is a fascinating picture. Bizarre, but fascinating. Easily one of the goriest Hammers ever. A bit hard-to-follow, but very interesting. As Matt says, the DVD is superb. Lots of great extras! *5*

"Horror Hospital" is pure crap. Grade Z. *10-*

"Blood on Satan's Claw" I haven't seen in years but I recall it being quite good. I'm about to buy the uncut version, Linda Hayden's attributes in full appreciation. Review to follow!

"The Mummy's Shroud" isn't bad. Good score, good performances, rather dull mummy. *7*

I'm curious how many here have seen the uncut version of "Taste the Blood of Dracula?" I recently obtained a copy--I'll assume it's readily available in Britain, but here in the States it's rare as all hell. Makes one ENORMOUS difference. Arguably the finest film in the series. *1*

Although I rank "Scars" as my favorite Hammer film, this has nothing at all to do with the movie's actual merits. I realize its many, many faults, it's just that it was my first Hammer film and my first time seeing Christopher Lee in action, so it holds a very special, unshakable place in my heart. And faults aside, I think it's a pretty damn effective piece of work considering the tight budget. *3*

Dave

**Matt Gemmell** · 6th June 2002, 07:35 PM

I forgot about the reference to Blood On Satans Claw . One of the best period movies of the 70's . Its use of the English countryside in winter is extremely effective and the whole movie is drenched in atmoshpere ( 9)
Dave , of course these marks are subjective, opinions can't be anything else . I hear what your saying about Scars but when giving advice I'm trying to be as objective as I can . If truth be told if it's Hammer and Horror I love it and will buy it .At the moment I'm trying to get every title on DVD . I have everything that's been released so far and wish that the rest would come soon .
You say your about to purchase BOSC , are we talking DVD ?
As far as TTBOD goes , yes the uncut print makes a huge difference the BBC have shown it many times ...,great stuff.

**Alfonso Casal** · 6th June 2002, 10:25 PM

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Don't pass on a film YOU might like because someone else says it's a bad film.

Agreed. Check it out for yourself. As I've said before, one man's boredom is another man's fascination.

**Frederick Bergstrom** · 7th June 2002, 01:46 AM

I agree with you Joe and Alfonso but thats whay the more opinions you have the better to decide to buy. I have 1 book saying Horror Hospital is real good . I got 2 guys here saying its crap. So it goes to back of the wish list basically until i hear more good stuff about it from other people. I just bought And now the Screaming Starts for $25.oo if its lousy im out $25.oo the more ideas going in the better . Im with Dave on Scars and i have never read a positve review on that film.. not to mention Matt and I differ on Legend of the Werewolf. A lot of people think Shock waves is crap and i know Alfonso and my self have stated earlier on other posts its a gem...In a perfect world You would able to rent these films to decide but mosta video stores around me dont have the titles i wanna see just the slasher films and a few Universals that i already have. What really bugs me is yet again people keep saying positive stuff about Satans Skin/..I im juiced to see this god i hope it comes out soon i dont think i have read or hears a single bad thing about this one. we all have differnat opinions but the more I have going in the better my decision. As I have said before what do I know I like Paul Naschy films!!

**Dave Hutchens** · 7th June 2002, 12:07 PM

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You say your about to purchase BOSC , are we talking DVD ?

No, unfortunately not...is it out on DVD? I don't believe it is. No, the one I'm buying is on tape, uncut. Never seen it uncut. Looking forward to it! Hey, "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors" is out on DVD in your part of the world, by the way! Widescreen!!

Another one I'm getting on tape soon is "Night of the Blood Monster," uncut, widescreen. Never seen that uncut, never seen that in widescreen! Some very great viewing in store!!!

Dave:1roll:

**Dave Hutchens** · 7th June 2002, 01:28 PM

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A lot of people think Shock waves is crap and i know Alfonso and my self have stated earlier on other posts its a gem

I just saw "Shock Waves" for the first time last night! GREAT LITTLE FILM!!! I've always been curious about it, having seen the trailer about a zillion times on my "Tales from the Crypt" tape (issued on the defunct Prism label). Such a cool film! It never ceases to amaze me how much atmosphere could be generated by these low, low budget movies. "Shock Waves" in many ways reminds me of the original (and only) "Night of the Living Dead." Not the gore, obviously, as there is none, but the cinema verite look and feel, created undoubtedly more due to necessity than intent.

Dave

**Frederick Bergstrom** · 8th June 2002, 03:45 AM

agreed Dave..Just goes to show you how much a director can make a low budget film look better than it should be.Peter and John Carradine dont in any way carry it (more like cameos) and yet the film is well made and has many great shot scenes with a real good story. Boy do I want a good copy on DVD all i have is a old video tape that plays like its been rented 200 times before i bought it.Probally my fave (non Cl co starring) Peter Cushing film just becauses I watch it maybe 4 times a year

**Alfonso Casal** · 8th June 2002, 05:28 AM

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I just saw "Shock Waves" for the first time last night! GREAT LITTLE FILM!!! I've always been curious about it, having seen the trailer about a zillion times on my "Tales from the Crypt" tape (issued on the defunct Prism label). Such a cool film! It never ceases to amaze me how much atmosphere could be generated by these low, low budget movies. "Shock Waves" in many ways reminds me of the original (and only) "Night of the Living Dead." Not the gore, obviously, as there is none, but the cinema verite look and feel, created undoubtedly more due to necessity than intent.

Sorry, everyone, but I gotta say it again (for the millionth time):

Shock Waves is The Best Damned Underwater-Nazi-Zombie Movie Ever Made!

**Joe Skinnell** · 8th June 2002, 06:23 AM

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Sorry, everyone, but I gotta say it again (for the millionth time):

Shock Waves is The Best Damned Underwater-Nazi-Zombie Movie Ever Made!

Much as I like this film myself Alfonso, I do believe it's also the only Underwater-Nazi-Zombie Movie Ever Made!:1devil:

Brandi · 8th June 2002, 01:41 PM

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Much as I like this film myself Alfonso, I do believe it's also the only Underwater-Nazi-Zombie Movie Ever Made!:1devil:

Remarkably enough, this isn't true. There's Jean Rollins' Le Lac des Morts Vivants, aka Zombie Lake, which by all reports is a real laff riot. Here's a couple of reviews:

http://www.jabootu.com/zomlake.htm

http://www.braineater.com/other_hell/zlake.html