Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters offers a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Hammer Films while embracing the studio’s future under new ownership, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
Next month marks the 90th anniversary of the legendary horror studio, Hammer Films. From its humble beginnings in 1934, Hammer went on to revolutionise the British film industry in the 1950s and 1960s and define the very essence of what we consider British horror.
To commemorate this milestone, the studio has produced Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters. This film delves into Hammer’s colourful history and enduring legacy, while highlighting the hope of an exciting future under the direction of new owner, the renowned theatre impresario, John Gore.
Gore, told the packed premiere audience at Cineworld London Leicester Square on Monday night, that his vision for the documentary was for it to be something better than your average YouTube video, and in many ways, Heroes, Legends and Monsters succeeds. The film delivers a well-produced and respectful celebration of the studio’s contributions to horror, showcasing Gore’s determination to transform Hammer into a thriving brand for new generations of fans.
Founded in 1934 by comedian and businessman William Hinds, Hammer Films began in a small back office on Regent Street in London before evolving into a powerhouse of British gothic horror. The studio’s golden era in the 1950s and 1960s produced iconic films like The Curse of Frankenstein 1957, Dracula 1958, and The Quatermass Xperiment 1955. These films not only cemented the stardom of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, but also redefined the horror genre globally. The documentary captures the studio’s meteoric rise and the cultural significance of these classic films.
After the studio faced financial challenges and ceased production in 1979, there were efforts to revive it. Under the ownership of Dutch tycoon John de Mol in 2007, Hammer released several successful films, including The Woman in Black in 2012, proving that the Hammer brand still had the power to attract audiences. Surprisingly, this period of the studio’s history receives minimal attention in the documentary, possibly due to issues related to film rights or other constraints.
One of the documentary’s strengths is its balanced approach, giving ample attention to the behind-the-scenes talent and the lesser-known stories of those who helped build Hammer’s legacy.
Viewers hear anecdotes from beloved Hammer stars such as Madeleine Smith, Martine Beswick and Caroline Munro, adding personal touches that provide a warm, human dimension to the studio’s history. By not focusing solely on Lee and Cushing, the documentary broadens its narrative to celebrate all who contributed to Hammer’s success.
Although not a comprehensive deep dive into every aspect of Hammer’s history, the film finds its stride by emphasising the importance of the studio’s revival and its ongoing influence on the genre. Notably, interviews with filmmakers like Tim Burton, Joe Dante and John Carpenter, though not probing, offer a sincere acknowledgement of Hammer’s impact on their own careers.
Overall, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters strikes a careful balance between honouring Hammer’s past and looking towards its future.
Touching moments, such as Terence Fisher’s daughter reminiscing about her father’s work, elevate the documentary beyond a mere corporate presentation. It becomes a heartfelt effort to bridge the old with the new, capturing Hammer’s lasting magic and its role in shaping horror cinema.
For fans of the iconic studio, Heroes, Legends and Monsters offers a thoughtful and engaging tribute.
While it may not explore every detail, it serves as a fitting celebration of Hammer’s storied history and a hopeful nod to its future.
Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters premieres on Sky Arts on 31 October.
Have you watched Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters? What do you think of the studio’s lasting influence on horror cinema? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
