Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood (1987)

Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood Poster

A retrospective of the films of Britain's Hammer Studios, renowned for making stylish horror films in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Included are clips from Hammer productions and interviews with actors, actresses, directors and producers who worked on these films.

Introduction
"Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood" is a TV film that was released on February 6, 1987. This British documentary, directed by Ted Newsom and written by Newsom and Paul Talbot, pays homage to Hammer Film Productions, the renowned house of scary whose films improved the genre from the mid-1950s through the 1970s. Furthermore, the film has a specific concentrate on the tradition of scary in British movie theater and the impact this has actually had on global popular culture.

The Revival of British Horror
The film begins by describing the early days of Hammer Film Productions, showcasing how it revived the British scary film category in the mid-1950s after a hiatus imposed by the British Board of Film Censors. Through extensive interviews and unusual behind-the-scenes footage, the documentary shines a light on the filmmakers, the actors involved, and the creative works which cemented Hammer's reputation as the 'House of Horror'.

Highlighting Hammer's Classic Horror Films
"Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood" includes a brilliant summary of the studio's most popular productions, including the Frankenstein series, which began with "The Curse of Frankenstein" in 1957, and the Dracula series, which started with "Dracula" (referred to as "Horror of Dracula" in the U.S.) in 1958. These critically well-known box office successes played a crucial role in specifying the studio's scary yet seductive visual design, which was characterized by lively use of colors, luxurious sets, and fascinating narratives.

Interviews with Hammer's Key Figures
The documentary includes interviews with numerous key characters involved in Hammer's history. Among them are Peter Cushing, who was pivotal in his functions as Baron Victor Frankenstein and Professor Van Helsing; Christopher Lee, renowned for his portrayal of the titular Count Dracula and Hammer Film Producers Michael Carreras and Anthony Hinds. The interviews probe the actors' insights into their functions, the studio's special method to horror, and the legacy Hammer has left on the category.

Celebration of Hammer's Legacy
"Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood" provides an extensive take a look at the huge cultural impact Hammer Film Productions had on the scary film category. Regardless of spending plan restrictions and censorship obstacles, Hammer managed to redefine the scary landscape with its distinctively British take on classic monster tales.

Conclusion
This documentary acts as a passionate homage to among the most influential movie studios in the history of horror movie theater. Through testimonials, film bits, and never-before-seen video footage, "Hammer: The Studio That Dripped Blood" shows the enduring appeal of Hammer Film Productions, celebrating the studio's distinct contribution to the genre and recounting its impressive journey through the years.

Top Cast

  • Charles Gray (small)
    Charles Gray
    Narrator
  • Christopher Lee (small)
    Christopher Lee
    Himself
  • Peter Cushing (small)
    Peter Cushing
    Himself
  • Martin Scorsese (small)
    Martin Scorsese
    Himself
  • James Bernard
    Himself
  • Michael Carreras (small)
    Michael Carreras
    Himself
  • Anthony Hinds
    Himself
  • Jimmy Sangster (small)
    Jimmy Sangster
    Himself
  • David Pirie
    Himself
  • Aida Young
    Herself
  • Don Sharp (small)
    Don Sharp
    Himself