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"There's something evil in there Joe, I've felt it!"
Its 1895, and archaeologists find the tomb of an Egyptian Princess which is guarded by the mummy of her high priest (Christopher Lee). Despite warnings by Mehemet Bey (George Pastell) they open the tomb and awaken the mummy of Kharis. Three years later Bey arrives in England intent on revenge. It is left to John Banning (Peter Cushing) to end the curse and protect his wife Isobel (Yvonne Furneaux), who resembles the Princess.
Having produced their version of the Dracula and Frankenstein stories its perhaps not surprising that Hammer then turned to another classic horror, this time the Mummy. Again they bring to life a Victorian Gothic horror, in full colour, but still full of moody atmosphere.
"I am Dracula....I Bid You Welcome."
We open on a carrage traveling through the Carpathian mountains. It takes Renfield (Dwight Frye) to Castle Dracula, so he can sell the Count an English castle. Renfield is soon enthralled by the Count and aids his journey to London. Dracula is peckish after his long journey and quickly starts on the locals. In particular Lucy (Frances Dade), who soon falls to the vampire. He then moves onto her friend Mina (Helen Chandler). With two women falling ill Dr Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is called in to diagnose the problem. Helsing soon realises that Dracula is the source and sets about resolving the situation with the help of her fiance Jonathan Harker (David Manners).
A truly sinister version of Dracula, with Lugosi giving a chilling portrayal of the Count. In fact much of what we now think of as classic vampire comes from this performance, the look and the feel, the European accent, all add up to architypal Dracula. A classic that stands the test of time.
AKA George A. Romero's Knightriders.
"You see, the way I see it is this: You got two separate fights. The one for truth and justice and the American way of life and all that. That's gotta take a backseat to the one for staying alive."
A traveling group of medieval performers, led by King Billy (Ed Harris) have a unique take on jousting, using motorbikes instead of horses! The group slowly unwind as the king has trouble controlling his knights due to various pressures including small town cops and the temptation of fame in LA. His main rival is Morgan the black knight (Tom Savini), who does indeed move to LA in search of greater recognition, but then returns to usurp the throne.
Easy Rider for the jousting brigade! Romero tries something other than zombies, and whilst an interesting concept the film for me comes up a little short and slightly flat.
"It's not wolves, it's Wolfen."
Dewey Wilson (Albert Finney), is a New York detective who is assigned to solve the violent murders of a prominent businessman, his wife and bodyguard. The victims have been ripped to shreads as if by dogs. At first the theory is that it is a terrorist group, but as he gets deeper into the investigation he starts to learn of an Indian legend about wolfen, wolf like creatures that prey on humans and the theory that urban renewal is depriving them of their traditional hunting grounds.
Based upon a novel by Whitley Strieber, this is a glossy and intelligent take on the werewolf horror.
"Judge for yourself its believability, and then try to tell yourself, wherever you may be, it couldn't happen here."
Old School reporter Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin), relates in voice over his investigation into a serial killer in Las Vegas. His digging reveals that all the victims had been drained of blood and he begins to think that there may be a vampire on the prowl. Unfortunately when he voices his concerns to the authorities they naturally think he's loosing it. So it's up to Kolchak to stop the murderer himself.
A TV movie that develops into a fascinating and unsettling story, due to its unsensational style. It made enough of an impact to become a tv series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker and in turn became a cult classic.
"yo kita"
We arrive in a pre-historic time, when man and dinosaur co-existed and are introduced to to the rock tribe who worship the sun and sacrifice blond haired women to appease its spirit. When a storm erupts during one such sacrifice, Sanna (Victoria Vetri), one of the blond's, manages to escape and is rescued by Tara (Robin Hawdon) of the sea tribe. But she finds it hard to be accepted by his tribe, especially as Ayak (Imogen Hassall), Tara's would be girlfriend, is jealous and tries to drive Sanna away.
Hammer's attempt to emulate the success it had with One Million Years BC. This time replacing Raquel Welsh with a blond with a striking resemblance to miss Welsh, whilst created a world full of great dinosaurs, due to the exemplary special effects. If you like women in fur bikini's then this is for you!
AKA The Flesh Grinders.
"You're nothing...you're pet food!"
A woman lets her cat back inside from its nightly prowl, and is promptly attacked by the cuddly feline. Similar events are happening all over town. What the cat owners don't know is that the owners of the Lotus Cat Food Company have decided to source their meat from a new supplier. A supplier who has a cheap and plentiful supply of meat conveniently located in the local graveyard! What the cat food company don't forsee is that the cats would develop a taste for human flesh and the fresher the better! Angie (Monika Kelly), one owner who has a cat with a taste for flesh, happens to be an assistant to Dr Glass (Sean Kenney). After Glass is attacked by her cat, they decide to investigate.
A cheap and cheerful horror full of the usual bad acting and low rent direction, but this only serves to add to the entertainment value.
AKA Lo spettro. The Spectre. Lo spettro de Dr. Hitchcock.
"All I can wish for is a quick death!"
Dr. John Hitchcock (Elio Jotta), is a disabled, in pain, and wants to die. His wife Margaret (Barbara Steele) is only too willing to help him on his way as she is having an affair with her husband's doctor (Peter Baldwin). She persuades her lover to help murder Dr Hitchcock for his money, and then set about finding it. Their happiness doesn't last long when it seems that Dr Hitchcock has returned to haunt the couple.
An interesting little Gothic chiller, which builds a fine atmosphere.
AKA Invasion of the Flying Saucers.
"People of Earth, attention... People of Earth attention. This is a voice speaking to you from thousands of miles beyond your planet..."
Dr. Russell Marvin (Hugh Marlowe), a rocket scientist, and his wife Carol (Joan Taylor), are driving back to his work in the desert when they encounter a flying saucer. They get to wondering if there is a connection between the saucer and his rockets that keep disappearing. Then the invasion begins and they fight to find a way to stop the aliens otherwise it may be the end of the human race.
An entertaining take on the invasion story, featuring some great Ray Harryhausen effects.
"They're coming outta the walls. They're coming outta the goddamn walls."
Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) has been found, (57 years after her destruction of the Nostromo), and is persuaded to go back to planet LV-426 when the company looses contact with the colonists they have sent to terraform the place. Alongside some cocky marines she finds the colonists have disappeared after an obvious fight with something. Does this mean that the parasitic aliens are back - you bet ya!
A rare treat, a sequel that is as good if not better than the original. Full of well rounded characters, thrills and spills.
"There's something evil in there Joe, I've felt it!"
