A History of Horrors: The Rise and Fall of the House of Hammer

by Denis Meikle, Christopher T. Koetting

No company in the history of cinema did more to legitimize the horror film than Hammer Films_the small British independent, which operated out of its tiny Bray Studios on the banks of the River Thames. From the Gothic elegance of The Curse of Frankenstein and Dracula to the violent sexploitation of The Vampire Lovers and Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde, the Hammer name stood for one thing to a generation of films fans as the term 'Hammer Horror' became a part of the language. This revised and updated edition of A History of Horrors traces the life and 'spirit' of Hammer, from its fledgling days in the late 1940s through its successes of the 1950s and '60s to its decline and eventual liquidation in the late 1970s. With the exclusive participation of all of the personnel who were key to Hammer's success, Denis Meikle paints a vivid and fascinating picture of the rise and fall of a film empire, offering new and revealing insights into 'the truth behind the legend.' Much has been written about Hammer's films, but this is the only book to tell the story of the company itself from the perspective of those who ran it in its heyday and who helped to turn it into a universal byword for terror on the screen. This definitive history also includes cast and credits listings for the 'Hammer Horrors' and a complete filmography of all of Hammer's feature productions.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the writing style a bit dull, but persevered because I love Hammer horror. After reading, my chief emotion was a profound disappointment over how Hammer's business was handled; it could have been so much more!

[Joel Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workmanlike, typically British history of Hammer Films which leaves the reader/Hammer fan rather sad about what might have been, had they made the movies the intended to make.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this 1996 book and its stroll through Hammer horrors. The rebirth of Frankenstein, how horror began to take shape, Dracula, Hammer and the censors. Be ready for a fine photosection inside. Lust for a Vampire, all Hammer actors you ever heard of, Ingrid Pitt. After the fall, the spirit of Hammer... this remarkable summing up ends with all the movies and the cast. Highly recommended!