Hammer is Killing My Wallet!

March 28, 2026 by Jon Kitley in Misc. Ramblings and tagged AIP, American International Pictures, Christopher Lee, Cry of the Banshee, Curse of Frankenstein, Doctor Blood's Coffin, Hammer Films, Mark Jenkin, Michael Gough, Peter Cushing, Roger Corman, The House of Hammer, Vincent Price | 2 Comments

After years of complaining about Hammer Films getting a new owner and a promised reboot that never happens, I would almost say that I’m regretting that it is actually happening now. But I won’t. Because even though it’s costing me more and more money, I’m loving every minute of it! We all know the incredible special edition box sets they have put out on the first two Quatermass films, as well as The Curse of Frankenstein, as well as some other more rare non-horror titles, but now even releasing some non-Hammer but still British horror titles, such as Doctor Blood’s Coffin and Cry of the Banshee. Then there is their new documentary Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters documentary that his coming out. What more could we ask for? How about The House of Hammer: Volume 1?

Continue reading →

Hammer Presents More British Horror

December 20, 2025 by Jon Kitley in Misc. Ramblings and tagged Chris Alexander, Crucible of Horror, Cry of the Banshee, Gordon Hessler, Hammer Films, Hammer Presents, Kim Newman, Michael Gough, Vincent Price | Leave a comment

This is one thing I did not expect to happen but am thrilled at the aspects of it. Okay, maybe my wallet isn’t, but that’s a problem for Future-Jon to worry about! The new Hammer Films company, under the leadership of John Gore, has been making a lot of fans of the studio very happy with their amazing releases of some of their classic titles, such as the first two Quatermass movies, Captain Kronos, as well as The Curse of Frankenstein (1957). But now, not only are they going to continue to do that, but they are also going to be putting out other British horror titles from different studios under the banner Hammer Presents.

Continue reading →

Rest in Peace: Hilary Dwyer & Honor Blackman

April 12, 2020 by Jon Kitley in Rest in Peace and tagged Cry of the Banshee, Hilray Heath Dwyer, Honor Blackman, James Bond, The Oblong Box, To the Devil...A Daughter, Vincent Price, Witchfinder General | Leave a comment

The horror genre lost two actresses that only made a few appearances in the genre but still made an impact.

Honor Blackman, probably best known for her role as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger (1964), as well as in the Avengers TV series, she did appear in a few horror films, such as the underrated Fright (1971), starring a young Susan George, Hammer’s To the Devil a Daughter (1976), and even in the more recent Cockneys vs Zombies (2012), which I was amazed how entertaining that one actually was! Blackman passed away on April 5th at the age of 94.

Hilary (Heath) Dwyer appeared in even fewer horror films, all appearing alongside Vincent Price! Her first role was in Witchfinder General (1968), where she runs up against Price as the evil Matthew Hopkins. She then appeared with Price again in The Oblong Box (1969) and Cry of the Banshee (1970). She left acting to start a talent agency and then into producing. She passed away last week due to complications with Covid-19.

Two familiar faces that will always be kept alive and remembered because of their work in these films. Our thoughts go out to their friends and family during this difficult times.