The Return Of Hammer Films

**Matt Gemmell** · 12th May 2007, 04:34 PM

We've heard stories like this many times over the years but this time it does sound extremely promising.
The new owners have vast experience in film and tv production and insiders report that they are very kean to get the first movie under way as soon as possible. The net has been buzzing with this since the news broke yesterday and I listened to an interview with the new chairman on the Chris Evans radio show yesterday evening.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. You can check out the BBC report here ..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6644203.stm

**Stuart Ball** · 12th May 2007, 08:50 PM

You're right, Matt - this does sound very promising. I read the story in the Daily Mirror and rather predictably they used a picture of Mr Lee as Dracula.

I hope that if this does mean a new start for the company, that the legacy of Hammer isn't cheapened with poor quality movies.

**Helen Dyer** · 18th May 2007, 02:47 AM

Hi Everyone, Along these same lines, I just found something very interesting!

At the Festival de Cannes, two films that Mr. Lee participated in were 'previewed'...The films are not in 'Jury' for awards, but are part of the 'Cannes Classics'; this is a catagory where films of the past or restored films are highlighted.

The two films are; (1948) Hamlet (of which Mr. Lee participated, but was not credited)(I just obtained this film on DVD); and (1958) Dracula (of which it seems that deleted scenes have been restored!)....

If you are interested, here are two links concerning these films;

The Festival de Cannes:
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/index....cannesClassics

and an article about the restored 1958 Hammer Film at the festival:

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/f...cle2556476.ece

From the article it indicates that this 'restored' version of the 1958 Dracula will be re-released in the UK soon......

Cheers,;)
Helen

**Matt Gemmell** · 18th May 2007, 07:08 PM

Thanks for that Helen. The restored version of Dracula should be hitting UK shores pretty soon.I for one can't wait as it's , quite simply, the best version ever brought to the screen.

**Helen Dyer** · 18th May 2007, 08:17 PM

Your Welcome Matt! I think it is wonderful that they are returning some of these 'classics' to the 'big' screen. Although it is great that we can even watch them at all on VHS or DVD...There is a definite difference in the presentation.

I would love to think that this film (and other Hammer classics) might be re-released to movie theatres here in the US, but I am not holding my breath in anticipation.

Cheers,
Helen

**Matt Gemmell** · 24th May 2007, 11:28 AM

Here's a nice piece from The Telegraph. OK it's blatant advertising for the authors new book but his top ten choices are interesting to say the least.
I notice a fair few of them feature Christopher Lee................. well of course they do.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/portal/ma...ammer124.xml#1

**Helen Dyer** · 24th May 2007, 01:59 PM

Thank You for the link Matt!

Interesting listing; has a few of my favorites on it!

Cheers,;)
Helen