After hearing many, many times that someone had acquired the Hammer Studios name and was going to bring it back from the dead, it was so nice to finally see it happen, when John Gore finally started to do it. More than just ideas and plans, since Gore has taken the reigns, we’ve seen some amazing restorations of some of Hammer’s classic titles, as well as some of their lesser-known ones. Looking at John Gore Studios website and their mission statement, it really does sound like they are doing great things there and for the right reasons. As posted on their site, not only do they “believe in the power of compelling storytelling to ignite imagination and celebrate the enduring legacy of British film, television, and theatre”, but that they have a mission to “the acquisition, restoration, and distribution of historic film catalogues, ensuring these cultural touchstones remain vibrant and accessible.” Not only through acquiring the film rights, but also by using Silver Salt Restorations, another company owned by Gore, they can make them look as even better than when they first premiered. Just love to see that they understand and agree with the cultural relevance of these film titles, specifically the ones in the horror genre!
Continue readingTag Archives: Freddie Francis
DtH Podcast Episode 108 – Hammer’s Frankenstein Part 1
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958), and The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)
What can you say about the Hammer Frankenstein films that hasn’t been said before?
Well, a lot, actually!
In 1957, a relatively small, mostly unknown studio made a film that would forever change horror and kick off a cycle of sensual, bloody, and atmospheric fright flicks that would dominate the genre for around twenty years. To say that The Curse of Frankenstein is a classic is almost like saying that water is wet, but it is also a film that lives up to its reputation. It and its sequels are films that not only deserve regular revisits, but they also belong in more modern conversations about horror. While nearly all the films shard crewmembers and all but one were directed by Terence Fisher, one constant defined the series: Peter Cushing’s mesmerizing take on Victor Frankenstein, equal parts gentleman and ghoul.
On this episode we look at the first three films in the Cushing Frankenstein cycle, and in a very real way, make a pilgrimage to one of horror’s holy places. We love these films, and we hope that either you do too, or that you will by the time you are done listening.
Films mentioned in this episode:
Continue readingMystery Photo 1-4
Welcome to the first Monday of the new year, which also means our first Mystery Photo of the new year! But before we get to the new one, let’s review last week’s photo. It was from a film that doesn’t get talked about too often. It is from the 1970 Freddie Francis film Girly. A very twisted little tale too, and well worth checking out. Only got two correct answers sent in too: Hoby Abernathy & Aaron Christensen. Well done!
Okay…for this one, looking too hard just might not be the answer…especially when it is looking back at you! But none the less, see what you can…dig up.
Please remember not to post your answers here, but send me an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!


