Hammer, House of Horror: Behind the Screams

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0879516526 ISBN 13: 9780879516529

Publisher: Overlook Books, 1996

Provides a film by film history of the leading horror film-producing studio from its beginnings in the 1930s through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and includes a filmography and a list of Hammer's major stars and key personnel

Review:

With its startling camera work and a company of actors that included Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, Hammer Films produced some of the most frightening and influential horror movies of all time. This book tells the story of Hammer, focusing particularly on the series of horror movies it made between 1955 and 1972. It includes summaries and reviews of each Hammer film, a chronology of the studio and biographies of the principal actors and filmmakers who worked for Hammer. Best of all, the book is lavishly, sometimes terrifyingly, illustrated with stills from the films themselves, many of them in full bloody color.

Review:

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. The Hammer stars 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. A complete filmography and credits for all Hammer Films, a Hammer chronology, and biographical sketches of leading Hammer stars and other key personnel are provided. Hammer, House Of Horror is a splendid addition to any film studies collection. -- Midwest Book Review