Murders, Memories and Killer Merch
To say there’s been a lot going on at Hammer recently would be a little like pointing out that Count Dracula is partial to a drop of blood or two. With the launch of major new lines, the resurrection of an old favourite and some exciting additions to the ongoing Limited Collector's Edition range, the past few months have seen a feast of great releases with a truly mouthwatering choice of offerings.
We’re here to bring you all the latest on the new releases we hope you’ll love. It’s a fantastic time to be a fan of Hammer, horror or simply good cinema in general. Here’s why...
Coming Soon: 36 Hours
The Limited Collector’s Edition range continues apace with the release of the atmospheric Brit noir, 36 Hours (1953), released in the States in a slightly different version known as the much more Hammer-sounding Terror Street. Its story centres on American Air Force pilot Bill Rogers, who returns to London to track down his estranged wife, Katie, whom he clearly retains feelings for. He finds her, but also finds a world of trouble…
Before long Katie winds up dead – shot using Bill’s gun – and he becomes the prime suspect with only (you guessed it) 36 hours to somehow prove his innocence whilst staying one step ahead of the real killers and the pursuing police. Throw in a spot of blackmail, a smuggling racket, and some terrific innocent-man-on-the-run moments, and you’ve got a taut and engaging Hammer noir.
As Cullen Gallagher commented in Pulp Serenade, ‘…in the hands of veteran pulpster and mystery novelist Steve Fisher (I Wake Up Screaming), the script becomes a well-oiled, fast-moving and expertly timed thriller. The small ensemble cast is excellent… [and] Duryea was just a natural for crime movies.’
We caught up with Hammer’s Steve Rogers and asked him about the leading man. ‘Duryea was one of those dependable-but-clever actors who built up a public persona of ‘the guy you love to hate’ but, every so often, he’d throw a curve ball. 36 Hours is a case in point – he starts off as surly and unlikeable, but then the ground shifts underneath his feet, and it’s those very attributes that see him through to the end. It’s a subtle shift in performance that’s very much enhanced by him playing off against classic British character actors like Kenneth Griffith and Harold Lang.’
Critic Gregory Meshman stated that in 36 Hours, ‘Duryea is at the top of his game,’ adding, ‘…the scenes between Duryea and John Chandos (the major villain) are riveting.’
And what surprised Steve when he rewatched the film? ‘Its economy of story – there’s not an ounce of fat on it,’ he told us. ‘From the moment Duryea’s character sets off in search of his estranged wife it doesn’t let up until the final payoff. It’s incredible how energetic and punchy these films – Hammer’s early crimers – managed to be on a consistent basis.’
We’re happy to confirm the release includes both 36 Hours and its US version, Terror Street. Author and critic Kim Newman and crime writer Barry Forshaw are on commentary duty for the former, with cult film expert Toby Roan and movie podcaster and YouTuber Heath Holland doing the honours for the American iteration. In addition, you’ll find brand new documentaries that include United Kingdom of Noir, Shadows Across the Atlantic and 36 Hours on Terror Street. There’s also an in-depth look at the career of Dan Duryea, alongside episodes of the US radio series, Suspense, which feature him in the starring role.
You can watch the trailer and find more information on all these goodies and the accompanying booklet here prior to its release on 8th June.
The Irish Independent noted Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is, ‘Stuffed to the gills with fabulous clips, which director Benjamin Field wittily incorporates into the narrative…’
Available now: Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters
But if one movie just isn’t enough, why not take a deep dive into the whole of Hammer history? That’s just become possible as the documentary Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is now available on Blu-ray and comes with a wealth of exclusive, never-before-seen material.
This acclaimed documentary salutes the organisation’s history in fine style, recounting its remarkable evolution, from its unlikely beginnings to the present day. The story is brought to life through new interviews with much-loved cast members including Caroline Munro, Martine Beswick and Madeline Smith, archive material featuring legends like Christopher Lee and Jimmy Sangster, plus rare behind-the-scenes footage, clips from the classics, and input from directors Tim Burton, John Carpenter, John Landis, and other icons of modern cinema.
In short, it’s an absolute treat for Hammer aficionados. The release is brimming with extended interviews and there’s an alternative, pre-broadcast version, a behind-the-scenes compilation, and, for completists, the full trailer is also included.
Adrian Smith, writing for Cinema Retro, called the documentary, ‘…an excellent history of the Hammer brand… Narrated by Charles Dance, this documentary is beautifully shot, with purpose-built Hammer-style sets providing some great visual interest… Although Hammer fans are some of the most learned, there is still new information to be found in Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters…’
Caroline Munro, seen here during the shoot for Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter, appears in the doco to share her unique take on Hammer.
Rewatching it now, the family aspect of Hammer in its pomp comes across strongly, and some of its most joyous moments land courtesy of its stars’ happy recollections. Caroline Munro’s fondness for the studio remains undimmed, for instance, and Madeline Smith cracking up and reducing the crew to fits of laughter is another moment to cherish!
But there’s also a definite poignancy to the piece. Discussing the end of Hammer’s ‘golden era’ in the 70s, archive footage shows exec Michael Carreras talking about his failure to move forward with ‘new writers [and] new directors’, and his admission segues into a montage of movie memories that proves unexpectedly moving. ‘Those films were made by people who cared,’ Carreras recalls. ‘They loved them. They made them with great care and attention. Those films will last forever.’
You can watch the trailer for Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters and order your copy here.
If you’re a fan of the evocative new artwork for X the Unknown, we’ve got good news for you…
From tops to top tracks… It’s crypt of perfect gifts!
As modern horror remains popular with cinemagoers, many fans enjoy showing they’re still here for the classics, which is where Hammer’s popular new ranges within ‘Apparel & Merch’ come in. Plus, it’s Father’s Day next month, and if you’re already stuck for what to buy your dad / father figure / important someone who deserves a treat, then Hammer has you covered!
T-shirts are always a safe, go-to gift, but you can make sure your present won’t be relegated to the ‘wear around the house’ drawer by selecting one of our film-related tees, available exclusively from Hammer.
The latest addition is a ‘Directed by Terence Fisher’ T-shirt, honouring the legendary filmmaker known for Brit noir thrillers including Stolen Face (1952) and Blood Orange (1953) and, of course, Gothic greats such as Dracula (1958), The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and The Curse of the Werewolf (1961). Fisher is occasionally called ‘the Father of British horror’, which makes this piece of apparel doubly suitable as a gift on June 21st!
Our other favourites in this line include a gorgeous new The Curse of Frankenstein T-shirt with specially created artwork, and a fabulous top that’s emblazoned with striking visuals from the Polish posters for The Quatermass Xperiment (1955).
If T-shirts aren’t your thing but you fancy something high-impact, the stunning quad poster for X the Unknown (1956) could be ideal. Showcasing brand new artwork from Robert Sammelin, this edition is limited to a mere 150 copies, and every poster comes with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity. That’s got to be better than a pair of socks! There are also limited-run posters for The Quatermass Xperiment and Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter (1974), meaning you can turn any room in your home into an authentic and eye-catching celebration of cinema.
And, whether you’re swinging for old school vibes or retro cool, the recent vinyl releases of the soundtracks for The Curse of Frankenstein and Shatter (1974) don’t just sound fantastic – they look amazing too. This is music as it deserves to be heard… and seen!
‘Today the priest came to my cell to offer what he considered comfort and to see if I was in a repentant mood. The impertinence of it!’ So begins John Burke’s novelisation of The Curse of Frankenstein.
Books and a blend…
Just two more new releases to mention! If you enjoy a good read or like getting a new angle on old classics, then The Hammer Horror Omnibus: Volumes 1 & 2 has you covered. They contain novelisations of eight well-known Hammer films including The Curse of Frankenstein, The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958) and The Plague of the Zombies (1966) – all adapted for the page by best-selling author John Burke. They’re accompanied by pieces written by the likes of Stephen Gallagher, and the new cover artwork looks sensational.
Finally, blending print, video and visuals, the new multi-format compendium, The House of Hammer, salutes and explores the history of British horror and more. As Steve Rogers told us, ‘What we've put together is something brand new that shines a light – in both new writing and new documentaries – on all Hammer (horror and non-horror), alongside delving into the wider world of British horror films. It is the connective tissue between the Hammer Limited Collector’s Editions, Hammer Presents range, and much more besides.’
Volume 1 will be released on 15th June, but in the meantime you can find out more about the new product range here.
Promotional material for Cry of the Banshee (1970), one of the many movies covered in the first volume of The House of Hammer.
And most importantly…
We hope this caters to every type of fan, as there’s certainly a broad range to choose from. Everything mentioned above shares one thing in common in that it benefits from the Hammer resolve to create the very best version of everything it develops. Because that’s what the fans deserve.
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