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Who doesn’t like a good femme fatale? And who doesn’t love a bad one? They may be murderous and totally out for themselves, but the best of them have such charisma it’s hard not to be drawn to these divas who put the slay into slay queen. We’re saluting these independent, intoxicating women with a look at their presence across a broad variety of Hammer productions, from the gothic horrors to post-war noirs and murder mysteries. So, with an immediate warning of spoilers ahead, settle back for a celebration of cinematic villainy as we present our top five Hammer femmes fatales, starting with a trio of stone-cold killers…
If you enjoy thrillers full of action, twists, cold war intrigue and just a dash of dangerous romance, this one’s for you… We’re excited to confirm that the next title to be restored and released as part of Hammer’s Limited Collector’s Edition range will be Break in the Circle (1955), a big budget, colour feature shot on location in Hamburg, London and Cornwall, and directed by the masterful Val Guest.
Hammer's Dracula (1958) isn't simply one of the greatest horror movies ever made, it's amongst the most influential British films of the twentieth century's post-war period. Many other UK productions cost more. A fair few made more. But in terms of legacy – to genre, cinematic storytelling and what was deemed possible on the silver screen – it represents the gold standard of gamechangers.
In this feature we're focussing on two key elements of that legacy, examining how Dracula hit 'reset' for filmmakers' depiction of both heroes and villains. So, dab a splash of holy water behind your ears and grab a garland of garlic as we investigate how Christpher Lee wound up at the Bates Motel and ask, did Peter Cushing really just invent Indiana Jones?
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...
When Hammer Presents was unveiled back in December, the team promised an eclectic range that would excite and possibly surprise fans of horror. Sure enough, it’s already delivered gems like Cry of the Banshee (1970) and overlooked treasures including Doctor Blood’s Coffin (1961) and The Snake Woman (1961). But the next film in the range represents the most controversial, daring and downright horrific to date. It’s a movie that somehow contrives to be simultaneously baffling, bizarre and brilliant. It’s dreamlike. It’s nightmarish. It’s Murders in the Rue Morgue (1971).