Announcement of two major Hammer events

First of all: Welcome to all my new followers. The blog now has 150 followers. Nice number. Of course, 200 would sound even nicer. ;-)

The Black Box Club has just announced the new event by Don Fearney. Mark your calendars: On October 15 you can meet Shane Briant (as well as the usual large range of other Hammer celebs) in person at the Cine Lumiere in London to celebrate a FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL reunion.

Tickets will be £30, a bit higher than usual as Don needs to fly Shane in from Australia. They can be ordered at the usual address from Donald Fearney at 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London, E5 9 HG (tel: 0208 8066915).

Ever since my interview with Shane I've been dying to meet him in person. He seems to be one of the nicest guys around and is now also very active on Facebook and always ready to chat with his fans. So I'll do my darndest to make it.... even though I must admit that I have a number of other travel plans this year so am not 100% certain if I can get to London this year. Let's wait and see.

If you have never been any of Don't events you're in for a treat. If you have already, then you know what to expect and will no doubt start saving up already for the trip.

Just a few days ago though I noticed that it has been ages since I last visited Paris and lo and behold the Musee d'Orsay has a Hammer festival "In the Clutches of Hammer" from March 11 - 27. Seriously doubt that I'll be there for it but am hoping that I may have some French followers who could attend and provide photos and an update. My understanding is that this is primarily an retrospective with many of their movies on show in a big screen auditorium. Not sure if there is also a separate exhibition or publication about the company.

For more info check out Hammer's Official website or go directly to the Museum's program info.

See you in 3 weeks

Less than three weeks to go until Don Fearney's new Hammer event and his tickets look as stunning as ever.

From what I've heard there are only a handful left and you will likely not be able to get any that day on the doors so book now if you haven't yet done so.

Hammer Films – The Unsung Heroes book launch

My bags aren't quite packed yet but I am ready to go: Flight and accomodation are booked; tickets are requested. Cine Lumiere, here I come.

Don Fearney's London based Hammer events are always absolute highlights for every Hammer Fan, generally mixing book launches and cinematic presentations with a wonderfully informal approach to meeting your favourite Hammer stars and mingling with other likeminded fans.

This year's launch of Wayne Kinsey's new book – Hammer Films: The Unsung Heroes (The Team Behind the Legend) – promises to be yet another unmissable event.

It takes place on October 30 (right in time for Halloween) at the Cine Lumiere (17 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London).

The following is planned so far:

• Exclusive book signing with Barbara Shelley (no charge for book signing)
• On stage interview with Vera Day
• On stage interview with Joyce Broughton (Peter Cushing’s secretary)
• On stage Hammer panel discussion with 3 Hammer guests
• The premier of Donald Fearney’s full length feature, Grave Tales (a portmanteau film in the tradition of the best of Amicus)

As usual with those events you can expect a large number of other Hammer celebs to drop in during the day. At a guess I dare say that some if not all of the following may have a chance of showing up as well as all of them have been regular guests in the past: Caroline Munro, Ingrid Pitt, Jimmy Sangster, John Hough, Edward de Souza.

I am particular looking forward to meeting Barbara Shelley as I never had a chance yet to meet her face to face.

I also can't wait to read Wayne's new book that promises to take “you behind the screams at the House of Hammer, department by department, to meet the team that made Hammer’s films a cult success”.

It will be available as a soft back at £25 and as a special limited edition hardback at £35 and will feature “488 pages loaded with blood rare photographs including 8 pages of colour”. Just the right kind of book to start or update one's autograph collection.

Tickets for the event are available for just £15 from Donald Fearney at 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London, E5 9 HG (tel: 0208 8066915).

Anyone reading this who is planning on coming please leave a comment as it would be great to meet up for a chat. You'll likely be able to find me shmoozing in the cafe over a beer or three as the most enjoyable aspect for me is always to meet up again with old buddies and make new Hammer friends.

Legend of Hammer - Vampires

I have been very remiss in not writing much so far about the Legend of Hammer DVD on this blog until now, so this post should hopefully give me some absolution.

Legend of Hammer: Vampires is a documentary created by Don Fearney, the man behind the Hammer at Bray and Cine Lumiere events. Over the years Don has managed to invite just about every one of the surviving members of the Hammer family to his intimate events. (Well, that is everyone with the exception of Christopher Lee, of course.) That he managed to do so without apparently having his own website or even email address is an indication that nothing beats pure passion when it comes to organising those dos. Over the years fans visiting his events have gotten used to the idea that they may need to send letters (you know those things that you need to put stamps on) to Don in order to purchase tickets or that in order to determine availability you may even need to give him a long distance phone call. As a result of all this he has managed to be personally identified with these events and has established himself as one of Hammer fandom’s most recognisable personalities.

It’s little surprise so that Don’s first foray into Hammer documentaries (and I do hope he will venture out to also create similar films about Hammer’s other series and genres) often comes across as a veritable Who’s Who of Hammer personalities and offers a good overview of the regular celebrity visitors that frequent his events. In actual fact some of the interviews were clearly even shot during those occasions and will easily bring more than just a hint of memory back to the attendees watching this.

Contributors include John Forbes-Robertson, Edward De Souza, Jimmy Sangster, Carol Marsh, Janina Faye, Yvonne Monlaur, David Prowse, Christopher Matthews, Tudor Gates, Caroline Munro, John Cater. Additional older audio clips can also be heard with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing; Andrew Keir also makes a visual appearance from an historical archived clip.

Though the majority of the documentary is indeed very much interview focused, we also get to see lots of rare behind-the-scenes footage and pictures and clips from the various films.

One of the most original aspects of this documentary are the introductory scenes, starring none other than Don himself together with John Cater (Captain Kronos, Vampire Hunter) as grave robbers on the run from a copper. After finding Dracula’s grave all is revealed as a studio set with John Forbes-Robertson (The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires) stepping out of the shadows to introduce the subject matter of this documentary. Written by Dark Terrors editor Mike Murphy, this opening scene properly replicates the atmosphere of a classic Hammer horror movie, treats the memories of those films with respect and never descends into a knowing ironic nudge nudge winkery. If only Beyond the Rave could have been more like this!

Extras on this DVD include an audio interview with John Gilling, an interview with Tudor Gates and an overview over some set designs.

The documentary was initially premiered in early 2007 during one of his events in London’s Cine Lumiere together with the book launch of Wayne Kinsey’s second Hammer oeuvre. I missed the first half at the time as I was lunching with Caroline Munro. (Sorry, really couldn’t resist that.) This DVD is a new slightly revised edit of the film that was shown then. One or two bloopers were obviously removed (Horst Janson being Dutch?) and a few new interviews shot during the following Hammer at Bray event were added.

In case it is not clear enough: Legend of Hammer: Vampires is an absolute Must Have for anyone only remotely interested in these movies and if you managed to find this blog, this probably means YOU!

The DVD can be ordered directly with a £ Sterling check (£13 + £2.50 P&P) through snail mail to Don Fearney, 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London E5 9HG, UK or more conveniently through Paypal to figsculpt@aol. Payments through Paypal can also be made in US$ ($25 + $5 P&P). Although advertised on the DVD cover as a Region 2 DVD, this is indeed a Region 0 (i.e. Region free) release that should play on any DVD player worldwide. The DVD was released a few months ago in 2008. To the best of my knowledge copies are indeed still available, but you may want to check with Don first.

2 new Hammer events

Courtesy of the Yahoo Hammer group comes news of two interesting Hammer related events in the near future:

It looks like Don Fearney is going ahead with yet another one of his outstanding Hammer meet ups in the Cine Lumiere in London. On July 25 he will stage a John Carson tribute with a Q&A and showings of some of Carson's movie. It is likely that this will include a cinematic appearance of Plague of the Zombies that starred Carson as the evil squire. Tickets will be £25. More details about this when I have them, but Don's events are always a lot of fun (just check here and here for some examples) and an opportunity to meet up with a number of Hammer stars and indeed Hammer fans.

Valerie Leon is also planning a one-woman show about her film career aptly titled Valerie Leon's Carry On. The show will be staged on March 19 in St Albans and on March 21 in East Grinstead. The latter event also includes a gourmet meal presumably with Ms Leon in attendance as well. More details can be found on her website. A visit to her website will also reveal a little clip of recent projects that she was involved in. Looks like she is definitely keeping busy.

Kensington Gore

If I rewind back one year, one of my fondest memories is going to the Wayne Kinsey book launch/Don Fearney documentary at the Cine Lumiere. After the event a bunch of us walked back, immersing ourselves in what made this day special (having lunch with Caroline Munro, treating Edward De Souza for a drink or three), planning what to do next and other fanboy stuff. Someone brought up the subject of Kensington Gore and none other than Norman J Warren pointed out that this term for stage blood used in horror productions of the 1960s and 70s (i.e. most of Hammer’s output) was named after a London thoroughfare. Once I heard this, it was clear to me that this is where I wanted to go next, but unfortunately I couldn’t convince any of the others to come along, so dropped the idea.

Next time back in London for the Hammer at Bray event it was briefly discussed that we may check out the location, but nothing came of it.

When I then returned last month I had absolutely NO plans whatsoever to check it out, but guess what my eagle eyes discovered while travelling on the top of a double decker bus through London?

Yep, that street sign I’ve been dying to see for nearly a year now. I was surprised to see that this wasn’t a small hidden alley somewhere in the back of beyond, but in actual fact one of those very prominent main streets surrounding Hyde Park. So prominent in actual fact that I had been on it before without ever noticing its significance.

So should you ever visit the Big Smoke (maybe for this year’s Kronos event), you now know what to do.


View Larger Map

Captain Kronos Reunion

Don Fearney is keeping busy. After organising three fan events last year (Hammer at Bray plus two Cine Lumiere events) he has now arranged the first do for 2008, a Captain Kronos reunion with appearances by Caroline Munro, John Cater, Horst Janson and Brian Clemens as well as a theatrical showing of Captain Kronos, Vampire Circus and one other Hammer horror movie not yet announced. To the best of my knowledge these would be Clemens’ and Janson’s first Hammer fan appearances. As usual with Don’s events you can definitely expect to see other Hammer stars (both from in front and behind the camera) appearing throughout the day.

The event takes place on March 29 at the Cine Lumiere and tickets can be ordered and purchased for £30 directly from Don by contacting him at the following address or telephone number: Don Fearney, 25 High Hill Ferry, Bakers Hill, London, E5 9HG. ph: +44-20-8806 6915. Tell him I sent you. ;-)

Speaking of Kronos, check out this excellent review of the soundtrack CD that I recently came across.

Don't Talk To Strange Men

News courtesy of the Hammerfilms Yahoo Group:

DON'T TALK TO STRANGE MEN has just been released on Region 2 DVD. This is a very rare suspense thriller from 1962 starring Janina Faye.

When I first heard about this film I got it confused with Faye's equally rare DON'T TAKE SWEETS FROM A STRANGER, though those are two different productions.

Incidentally SWEETS will be one of the films being shown during Don Fearney's special one day event launching the new edition of Marcus Hearn's and Alan Barnes' The Hammer Story at the Cine Lumiere in London on October 27. As usual there will be lots of special guests and other films promised (subject to availablity) will be CASH ON DEMAND and THE TWO FACES OF DR JECKYLL.

More Hammer News

Hammer News are coming in fast and furious. In actual fact so fast and furious that I can't type them fast enough and will resort to some simple copying and pasting from various sources.

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From Richard Klemensen:

Just to let you know the new issue of LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #19 will be available September 11th. You can go to our website

www.littleshoppeofhorrors.com

for a complete list of contents and shots of the covers by Steve Karchin, Bruce Timm and Mark Maddox. But the whole issue is devoted to Hammer's greatest director, Terence Fisher. Many behind the scenes photos of Fisher at work, rare interviews & an in-depth career article. It really looks good.

Sadly, our USA postal system has made a dramatic jump in rates, and dropped all surface rates. So everything goes airmail. Good thing - you should have your magazines a week after shipping.

$10.40 first issue + $6.80 each additional.

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From Robert Simpson:

Some of you in Northern Ireland might be interested in one of the courses being run by Queen's University Belfast, School of Eduction Open Learning, which has been announced today.

The prospectus can be downloaded as a pdf here: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEducation/ProspectiveStudents/OpenLearning/
and the relevant course is on p45.

Application forms are also available on the website, and whilst there is no restriction on the number of attendees, early registration is recommended.

The information is as follows:

- Hammer Horror and the British Film -

Course code: OLE0310
Tutor: Robert Simpson, BA, MA
Fee £70.00
(concession rate £52.00)

Autumn 2007
10 weekly sessions on Tuesdays 7.00pm to 9.00pm, starting 25 September + 2 field trips

Horror sells; Hammer Films Ltd were the most successful independant British film company. This course explores Hammer's output. Key films such as 'The Curse of Frankenstein', 'Dracula', 'The Quatermass Xperiment' and 'The Plague of the Zombies' will be explored, alongside discussion of genres, stardom, censorship and publicity. There will also be 2 field trips replicating period cinema-going experiences providing a context for the marketing and exhibitions of the films (dates and times will be discussed at first class).

10 CATS Points (Level 1)

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Other interesting dates:

November 02: The NFT in London shows the restored (Horror of) Dracula print

Next week on Brit TV:
Saturday 25th 'The Quatermass Experiment' 14.00 BBC2
Monday 27th 'The Damned' 23.30 BBC2
Tuesday 28th 'The Gorgon' 23.20 BBC2

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After a definitely last Hammer event last January, followed by the most definitely last and very final Hammer at Bray event last month, it now appears that Don Fearney will now host another book launch for the new edition of the Hammer Story on October 27.... and quite possible also another Hammer at Bray event next year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dracula. Here is what is so far known about the book launch as per Matt from the Yahoo Hammer Group:

Don Fearney is organising a full day at the Cine Lumiere in London to
celebrate the reprint of Marcus Hearnes & Alan Barnes much acclaimed
book.
Tickets should be around £25.00 . Don intends to show the following
rare gems on the big screen.

Never Take Sweets From A Stranger

Cash On Demand

The Two Faces Of Dr Jekyll

Autograph sessions will also be part of the day when the book will be
signed by guests for free.

Guests are still to be confirmed but Don has always come through when
it comes to Hammer celebs.

More information shortly.

Somehow I have a feeling us Hammerheads are going to be busy over the next couple of months.....

"There's a time for fishing and there's a time for mending the nets"

Below you can see some of the autographs that I got during Hammer at Bray 3. The vast majority ended in my first edition of The Hammer Story which from a general look around the group seems to be by far the most popular "autograph book" for Hammer Fans.

My most favourite autograph was Catherine Feller's. She signed it on a very awkwardly sized photo that makes scanning it virtually impossible, but I still wanted to give a general impression: Her catch phrase was "There's a time for fishing and there's a time for mending the nets" which sounds kind of cool, however, noone I ever asked had a clue as to where this quote was coming from! I don't think it is from Curse of the Werewolf, but would love to be corrected if I am wrong.

Maybe it is just her personal life philosophy.

I was also quite glad to get two lobby cards of Starcrash signed by Caroline Munro that were previously already signed by Luigi Cozzi, the director when I visited him in his Profondo Rosso store in Rome.

Hammer at Bray 3 - Bray Studio

Oakley Court as seen from the bus

Hammer at Bray 3 – Frankenstein Created Susie

One of the most pleasant surprises during Hammer at Bray 3 came when my buddy Ade (Adrian Salmon) gave me a present of a drawing of his that will appear in the next issue of Little Shoppe of Horrors. Ade is an incredibly talented artist who has drawn for Dr Who Magazine as well as Judge Dread and a bunch of other publications. If you haven’t yet read his THE FACELESS comic, then what are you waiting for? It is ultra stylish and chock full of Hammer references. A follow up that continues the adventure is currently in the works.

Hammer at Bray 3 - The actors

Had a blast at Bray 3. Unfortunately I don't have time to write much right now as I am incredibly busy at work, so will over the next few days gradually post more stuff and by the weekend have everything covered that needs to be covered about the event.

Below, some pics of some of the attending celebs to get me started.

Catherine Feller (Curse of the Werewolf)

Valerie Leon

Martine Beswicke

Vera Day (Quatermass 2)

Douglas Wilmer

Douglas Wilmer

Caron Gardner
(Yep, no idea either)

Jimmy Sangster, Ralph Bates' son and spitting image, Virgina Wetherell

Virgina Wetherell and moi
(I swear I didn't rub her breast on purpose)

Damien Thomas

Caroline Munro and John Cater
(A nice little Kronos re-union photo)

Martine Beswicke (next to her Caroline Munro's daughter)

Some photos from recent event

Earlier on this year Don Fearney, the guy also in charge of those wonderful Hammer at Bray events, arranged a day at the Cine Lumiere in London to present his excellent documentary The Legend of Hammer – Vampires and support the book launch of Wayne Kinsey’s latest oeuvre "Hammer Films – The Elstree Studio Years”. The book is readily available now to buy through Amazon UK and Amazon US and comes highly recommended. Whether or not the documentary is going to be released on DVD is anybody’s guess at this stage, though I would love to watch it again properly as I missed the first half while having lunch with Caroline Munro and later on chatting with Ingrid Pitt. (I am an awful name dropper, I know.)

It was a fun event and over all the excitement of meeting the stars as well as all the fans, some of them I knew from previous events, others I met new, I of course only took a paltry number of photos some of which I would like to share with you now.

Caroline Munro and Jayne Crimmin

Edward De Souza (right)

John Cater

Madeline Smith and Jenny Hanley

Ingrid Pitt

Dave Prowse

Ade and John outside Hammer House