If you’re not familiar with the name Tony Tenser, you will know the movies he produced. Titles like The Blood Beast Terror (1968), or Witchfinder General (1968), or The Beast in the Cellar (1971), The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971), or even Frightmare (1974). In fact, he was producer on Roman Polanski’s earlier films like Repulsion (1965) and Cul-de-sac (1966). Back in 2005, FAB Press published a book by John Hamilton called The Beasts in the Cellar: The Exploitation Film Career of Tony Tenser, which covers his work as a producer, with his company Tigon Films. The book is way out of print, with 2nd hand copies going from $70 to close to $200! But no worry. FAB Press is re-issuing the book, and even available in a hardcover edition, which is only available through the website. PLUS . . . they still had about 100 bookplates from the initial release that were signed by Tenser and will now be in a special edition of the book.
The book has a detailed analysis of his films, with all the stories behind the making of them, production details and notes, reviews, and box office numbers. It covers both the films he produced as well as distributed. It’s filled with plenty of photos, both rare and unpublished before the first release, and an extensive interview with Tense himself. If you’re a fan of British horror films of the ’60s and ’70s, this should be an interesting read for you.
Click HERE to go to FAB Press’ website for all the ordering details. For the limited signed HC, that goes for £50.00 or $66.54, or £25.00 or $32.27. Remember, you’ll have to cover the postage, which is pretty high right now. So, it will be an expensive purchase for us here in the US. But just remember look at what some of the original editions are going for, and I’d say you’re not losing any money, but investing in your education!


