Hammer, House of Horror

Behind the Screams

A gorily illustrated, film-by-film history of the prime studio source of cinematic horror, the renowned Hammer Films. In its heyday, Hammer Films was regarded as Britain's leading purveyor of horror films to the world. From 1955 to 1972, it produced a legacy of frightening classics including Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein, The Quatermass Experiment, Kiss of the Vampire, The Curse of the Werewolf and The Devil Rides Out: these are just a few of the hundreds of Hammer Films fondly remembered by film fans around the world. The Hammer stars-all remembered here-include Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, Ingrid Pitt, Ursula Andress, Raquel Welch, and Julie Ege. Directors and writers such as Terence Fisher and Jimmy Sangster crafted the special Hammer atmosphere.

Hammer, House of Horror is a chronological, film-by-film history of Hammer Films, from its beginnings in the 30s to the science fiction films of the 50s and the renowned horror cycle of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Also included are complete filmography and credits for all Hammer Films, a Hammer chronology, and biographical sketches of leading Hammer stars and other key personnel. Terrifyingly illustrated in color and black and white, this is an essential addition to the library of every serious film fan and horror devotee.

Packed with photos in black and white and color, Overlook's take on Hammer is an excellent survey book, tracking the studio and its releases from the earliest days until the "decline" of Hammer in the seventies. At the end of the book are a series of very useful abstracts: a full list of thumbnail reviews of each film, as well as a filmography for key Hammer players.

Hardcover with dust jacket

1996 - 192 Pages

24 full-color and 57 b/w photos

$22.00