Questions
Who founded Hammer and when did it all start?
Hammer Film Productions was founded on November 5, 1934 by William Hinds, a comedian, and Enrique Carreras, a Spanish cinema owner.
Where does the name ’Hammer’ come from?
William Hinds performed under the stage name ’Will Hammer,’ which he took from Hammersmith, the London neighborhood where he lived. The studio name followed from that.
What film kicked off Hammer’s famous horror era?
The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), made on a budget of around £65,000. It was reportedly the first film to show bright red blood in vivid Technicolor, which helped revolutionize horror cinema.
Who played Dracula for Hammer?
Christopher Lee, whose portrayal in Dracula (1958) introduced fangs, red contact lenses, and a darker, more sensual take on the Count. He played the role in seven Dracula films for Hammer between 1958 and 1974.
Who was Hammer’s other big horror star?
Peter Cushing, the studio’s pre-eminent star from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. He played Baron Frankenstein six times and Doctor Van Helsing five times.
How well did The Mummy do?
The Mummy (1959) reportedly broke the box office records that had been set by Dracula the year before.
Where were the classic Hammer films shot?
Bray Studios was Hammer’s principal base from 1951 to 1966. It began as a derelict house called ’Down Place’ that was fitted out into a substantial studio complex.
How did Hammer get such lavish visuals on small budgets?
Production designer Bernard Robinson and cinematographer Jack Asher created the signature ’Hammer look’ on restricted budgets. To save money, the studio often shot two films back to back using the same sets and costumes, then released them separately.
Which actor appeared in the most Hammer films?
Michael Ripper holds the record as Hammer’s most prolific actor, turning up in dozens of supporting roles throughout the company’s most successful years.
Did Hammer ever win any official recognition?
Yes. On May 29, 1968, Hammer received the Queen’s Award to Industry in recognition of its contribution to the British economy.
Did Hammer only make horror movies?
No. Its science fiction film The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) was described as its first significant experiment with horror, and it led to two sequels, Quatermass 2 (1957) and Quatermass and the Pit (1967).
How many Frankenstein and Dracula films did Hammer make?
There were six Frankenstein films between 1958 and 1974, with Peter Cushing as the Baron in all but The Horror of Frankenstein (1970), which starred Ralph Bates. The Dracula line ran to eight sequels between 1960 and 1974, with Christopher Lee playing the Count in most of them.
When did the original Hammer come to an end?
After struggling through the 1970s as competitors flooded the horror market, Hammer went into liquidation in 1979. Its final film that year was a remake of Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes.
Is Hammer still around today?
Yes. In May 2007 a consortium led by Dutch media tycoon John de Mol bought the company name and its film library of 295 pictures, planning to invest in new horror films. Modern releases include Let Me In (2010) and The Woman in Black (2012).
What is a fun bit of Hammer’s earliest history?
Horror legend Bela Lugosi appeared in Hammer’s very first distributed film, The Mystery of the Mary Celeste (1935). The company was later forced into bankruptcy and liquidation in 1937 before being revived in 1946.
