Top Ten Hammer Horrors of Michael Ripper

Hammer Horror’s most prolific bit-player, Michael Ripper appeared in 34 films for the company and today we look at his top ten Hammer Horror films.
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Select Michael Ripper Films
The Mummy: amzn.to/4az9Wb1
The Mummy's Shroud: amzn.to/4dX7UEm
Taste the Blood of Dracula: amzn.to/3WYSCci
Scars of Dracula: amzn.to/4bxvs1c
The Curse of the Werewolf: amzn.to/3wPxmet
Captain Clegg: amzn.to/3UQUyB0
The Plague of the Zombies: amzn.to/3KeUPcf
The Reptile: amzn.to/3KntMv3
Buy Robin's books amzn.to/3Wgh2v7
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Summary: Hammer Horror’s most prolific bit-player, Michael Ripper appeared in 34 films for the company. He appeared in crime dramas, war films, a lot of comedies and a couple we’re not going to dwell on.
But we’re sticking with the horrors. Through these appearances, Ripper has
become almost as recognisable to cult films fans as the stars behind whom he stood. But these parts are outweighed by strong supporting
roles. Michael Ripper was always more than just a face in the crowd.
A special thanks to our Dark Cultist Patreon supporters.
THE SHADOWS: Farron Sutton, Vincent Foley, Lescarberry, Aaron Kesller, Wes Allen, Thon Lorenz, David Hughes, Nancy Peponis, Lexander, Ernie Mehaffey, Allan Liska, Michael John Simmons, Laura Hertzman, Bugaboo, Nayla + Steve Caruso, John L., Kristin Hitron, Doug Sparks, Matthew Wolforth, Maurice Terenzio, Hal Remorse, TheZodMaker, Paul Keating, Johnny Compton, Adi Wood, Andreas Buckley, Todd Y., Rick Walz, Jihoon Suk, Kristiyan Butev, Dragonfyree, Bob Hedges, E. P. Haury, Spooky Robot, Mark Osborn, Travis Stephenson, Ossie Nelson, Mark Welsh, Kali, Michael Clark, Lightning Round, Ian Lewis, Jonathan Harrison, Darren Le Noble, Melanie Atherton Allen, Gappasaurus, james Steadman, Joe Porter, Scott Nesmith, Normand Richardson, Richard Sadler, scoopmoose, John Hepp, Michael Schmidt, Chantelle Corey, Jim Rockford, Joe Niedbala, Joseph Hines, Nils Muninsheim, Stephen Crane, Anthony Strocks, Dave Church, Sikander, Jasmine Zantara, goddessoftransitory, Tony Belmonte, Rachemus, Chris Weakley, steve scibelli, Raven House Mystery, Michael and Heather Bailes, Colleen Crouch, Dan D Doty, ChaosOverlordZ, Joseph Dougherty, Chris Hewson,
THE ACOLYTES: Ian Collazo, Daniel Imrem, Darcie Daniels, Grandpa Does Movies, Raymond Sturz, Hugh McKelvey, Zeuvembie, Roger Noonan, David J. Thompson, gary cook, Inkompetenzninja, Cybele, Drew Thomas, Kelley Dugas, Ralph Lisowski, Lauren Kalma, Maria Kelly, Andrew Johnson, Michael Woodham, Bryan Hay, Imago, Andrew D Enders, Vivian, Andrew Saunders, dim dharma, Maria Kelly, Barrie Tite, Edward Sherwood, Carlos Conceicao, Spellbound67, Josh Wussow, Nick Kyriakides, Gena@LuvBJones, Wilfred Pennington, George Cade Photography, Peter Kemsley, Timothy Liebe, James Noland, Peter Sondheim, Laura Bagnell, Tom Frichek, Henk, Christine Feehan, JOHN ALLEN, Robert Ornelas, Thomas Thaler, Richard R. Adams, Art Tucker, Alan, Scott Johnson, Kenneth, Kholek92, Chris Spaseff, NelsonR, Craig, don H Andrews, Brian Gillen, Terrance Odette, Goosefoot, Christopher Nam, Mark, coogrfan, Bryan White, Hester Grayson, Timothy Gonyea, Sean Manogue, Brian T., Lou Faulhaber, Sean in Florida, Walt Marsters, Geoffrey of Clan Gunn, Arbie A,
Mark J. Matthews, Ariana Thompson, Andrew Hughes, Chris Baglin, Dave Smith, Karl Bernhard, Mary Whitcher, Rhea Fleming, Mason Highreich, David Gattis, Larry Cloud, Audrey Karloff, Lloyd, Roger Edwards, David work, The Craven Fop, Brett Hopkins, Joost, Mark Franceschini, Robert ALAN Bryan, Chris McGarel, Jamie Blomfield, Scott Underwood, Larry Willoughby, Mark Curtis, KwaidanFan, Daniel Adams, Ida Umphers, David Nevarrez, Barbara Mosley, John Wick, SveVid, Kenneth Carlson, Ron Klym, James Vance, Joe Goes Over, Tom Lanckman, Lisa Kuta, Gary Mercer, Ann Knight, Clarence Pitre, Fritz Rutz, Thomas Brown, Chris Fischer, D R Wellington, Milton Knight, Michael Dean Jackson, Gemma Crowley, Alex B, Andrew Weber, Picatea, Kyle Olson, Ch'aska Huayhuaca, Johnathan Henning, James Robertson, Brian Kidd, Albertus Magnus, Robert Freeborn, David Conner, Amber Wesley, Jim Smith, Mark Buckley, Uwe Marquardt, Russ Chandler, Jon, Karl Bunker, Paige Holland, Simon Ash, , Melissa Hayes, Jakub Łabeński, TomPiller, Peter Sondheim, Angelina Licchelli,
Written and presented by Robin Bailes @robinbailes
Directed and Edited by Graham Trelfer
Top Ten Hammer Horrors of Michael Ripper
#HammerHorror #DarkCornersReview #MichaelRipper

[@nilsmuninsheim4279]

Finally the great Michael Ripper is getting honoured as deserved. The premiere on the 111th birthday of Peter Cushing might be coincidence though, but somehow I like to read it as a nice tip of the hat to the world of Hammer itself.

[@fredbergstrom4866]

You know you are a true Hammer fan when you give love to Michael Ripper. Can't wait to watch this one

[@Randall1001]

I'm smiling ear to ear here... a retrospective of my favorite Hammer actor (after Cushing and Lee). I could watch Ripper deliver lines--any lines--all day. He was a treasure. And one of those actors that you imagine--simply because of the wonderful nuances he puts into his characters--as having been a very nice, down-to-earth human being. (I hope he was anyway). A Hammer film with Cushing, Lee, Ripper, Andre Morell, and Barbara Shelley---if only one existed---would be my idea of an ideal Hammer picture, and I wouldn't even care what the hell it was about.

[@seelingnightapsychomanteum7124]

Thank you for exploring his career. He was a wonderful performer. I agree with your choices on his best work for Hammer. "The Mummy's Shroud," gave him a heartbreaking character to work with; a small, sympathetic man who is unloved and disrespected by his employer, but carries on from a misguided sense of duty.

[@YorkistWhiteRose]

A while ago, my dad and I were talking about "Captain Clegg," and I noted the abundance of fanart for the movie. Dad expressed confusion about why, and I said, "I guess the Internet just likes the sight of Peter Cushing in a cassock." He said, "Oh yeah. I guess that is pretty absurd." Yeah. Absurd.

[@PHUZface1]

Not enough fanart tbh! Cushing as Clegg is real swoon worthy!

[@YorkistWhiteRose]

@@PHUZface1 I like your cartoons, btw!

[@PHUZface1]

@@YorkistWhiteRose YOOOO THANKS MAN!🤩

[@YorkistWhiteRose]

@@PHUZface1 You're welcome!

[@dougwonnacott]

Absolutely BRILLIANT Robin! Fantastic to see someone as knowledgeable as yourself pay tribute in such an articulate and thoughtful manner to such an important cog in the Hammer machine. I just wish Hammer had tried casting Ripper in a lead role at least once.

[@IronSalamander8]

So glad to see this special after you mentioned it coming not too long ago. He's great, and nice to see him get some much needed kudos. I love Captain Clegg/Night Creatures! I got it on a DVD collection and it's so good! Cushing is great there too of course, and also so good as always.

[@guillaumebabey4484]

Thank you for this special tribute to Michael Ripper, an actor I confess I've never really focused on while watching Hammer films, and now I realise my error. An eye-opening experience!

[@michaelhurley1497]

I think my favourite Michael Ripper scene appears in The Naked Truth. He plays a grocer who reacts to Peggy Mount falling through his awning during a failed suicide attempt. Ripper fans might like to catch him in What a Crazy World, a musical in which he plays multiple roles.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Those sound like fascinating movies.

[@kirksworks]

Although his screen time isn’t much, I fondly remember Michael Ripper’s cab driver The Phantom of the Opera (a sadly underrated Hammer). Ripper’s icy frozen face as the cabbie suffering the weather was so memorable for me. I always look forward to that scene whenever I watch the film.

[@Njbear7453]

Love Edward da Souza a very underrated hammer lead.

[@skurge101]

Great video and wonderful to see Ripper getting some much deserved spotlight!

[@ronnieburton1312]

Excellent tribute to a very underrated actor! Thanks!

[@FreedSpiritProd]

I watch Worzel Gummidge with my children and it’s always a treat to see Michael Ripper as Mr. Shepperd, the owner of Aunt Sally. This is a great video. You’ve done terrific work as usual.

[@matthall143]

As a kid we loved seeing Michael appear in a film.....we even had a special name for him in our house......"The Inn Keeper".....'llok mum we would scream...It's the Inn Keeper'...although this was not used to belittle his roles, but as a tribute to the impact and versatility he brought to the film....I loved this actor and everything he did so thanks for remembering him,

[@countgeekula9143]

Excellent doc on one of my favourite character actors who always makes me smile when he pops up on screen. For me Plague of the Zombies is his best film but The Reptile is his best role and performance. What a legend. 😁

[@russelljackson2818]

Having watched through the entire Hammer Horror corpus more or less in a single go, i came to delight in seeing Ripper whenever he popped up. He seemed happiest in those small background roles when he could be mischievous and ham it up, adding a kind of absurd counterpoint to all the intensity around him. I'd love to see more videos on the non-marquis Hammer names. Katya Wyeth is one who popped up frequently and who it would be wonderful to learn more about.

[@willhouse]

Quality character actors are such a wonderful group... I noted *David Warner* in that 'Penny Dreadful' show just last night 🫡

[@ThreadBomb]

Among many other roles, he was a great villain in Tron!

[@colleencrouch4346]

2 favorite roles: Mr Mipps in Night Creatures, where he does light comedy, drama & the very emotive finale, and Pirates of Blood River where he’s a toadying turncoat.

[@leppeppel]

William Fichtner really deserves more respect than he gets. His most seen role is probably that of the bank manager at the start of The Dark Knight, but his performance as the Accountant in Drive Angry is the best performance of that film.

[@fredbergstrom4866]

What a great way to spend the day. Thank you for a great watch. For me I agree with your top 2, but Shroud is my favorite over Reptile. Of all the deaths in horror films his hit the most. The audience really cared and wanted him to live. He didn't deserve to die and that's why it hits the hardest

[@kong-okyi9632]

Time well spent - Thank you

[@davidlionheart2438]

Michael Ripper's acting was only "big" when it was called for and appropriate to the character and situation. He played each role at the optimum of which it should have been played. He was a subtle, intuitive, and profoundly gifted performer.

[@leechilds3725]

As a hammer fan, I always love seeing michael Ripper in these films 🎥

[@jasonjuneau3554]

All this long form videos of Hammer have a running thread: the care and professionalism of the people behind and in front of the camera.

[@chrisleonard2287]

What a great channel - where else in the world would you get such an in depth testament to a great actor! As someone famous once said There are no small parts only small actors .

[@JosephAusbern]

Universal had some great bit players and character actors: Dwight Frye is probably the most well known but many others are of note. Michael Mark, who played the drowned girl's father in Frankenstein among many other roles, stands out in my head as an unsung gem in their stable

[@davejackson9016]

Great video... and great to see my childhood neighbour Eileen Way (the go-to crone of her day) in the first clip!

[@Madmax-rz5hz]

I would always look out for him in hammer films on tv

[@patricklee6066]

Great actor often pops up in amicus and even Tyburn! Can't wait to watch something on the brilliant Geoffrey bayldon,if anyone can do it,you can!

[@kennethhodges3187]

The Reptile was not one of my favourite 'Hammer' films but you were right to say that it contained Michael Ripper's best performance for that stdio!

[@MichaelRowe-cv3oq]

As with the great Sam Kydd,Michael Ripper was a name/face everyone recognised and was eager to see.

[@Martyn2021]

Talking pictures just showed a Joe Brown film called What a Crazy World in which Michael Ripper is credited seven times in fact in one scene he sits behind the two leads as they watch the the film being shown is Frankenstein starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee however as the film is in black and white the clips used are also black and white and out of sequence.

[@dmk7700]

Ripper's Japanese Jeep driver role in Camp On Blood Island (excellent flick) was awful. You'd think that with all the other Japanese extras they could have found someone. I didn't realize his small shouting role in 1984 until recently.

[@lidoeg2]

I first watched Night Creatures because I saw that great skeleton poster and I kind of love that 60 years later that marketing is still drawing rubes like me in (still liked it plenty)

[@dav7444]

He's a character actor

[@HeavyMetalTones]

Peter Butterworth in the carry on movies i always thought was under appreciated. Even though he would often play a larger role , it always seemed that was almost invisible to the company never getting a higher billing

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Started acting while imprisoned in Stalag Luft during the war - the noise of the show covered the sound of the tunnel being dug.

[@leoniesableblanc]

Captain Clegg sounds like it was based on Dr Syn, alias the scarecrow? It even has any church and Romney Marsh in it! (Books and also a film version with Patrick McGoohan)

[@DarkCornersReviews]

It was. The name was changed because there was another version coming out at the same time.

[@zpy-nq7wv]

I AGREE SIR ! ❤

[@garrick3727]

Never heard of him. Video successful.

[@ThunderingJove]

Good video, thanks.

[@willmfrank]

Robin: "It's a dire film; but Ripper gives it his all." Another prime example of my favourite quote from Christopher Lee: "Every actor has to make terrible films: the trick is not to be terrible in them."

[@YorkistWhiteRose]

I need to describe something as "dire" now.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

@@YorkistWhiteRose Hollywood since 2000

[@Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

If I had to define him in a word, it would be "versatile." He is living proof of the old saying, "there are no small roles, only small actors". ❤ to rippy.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Oh gosh you beat me to it.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very true.

[@brenthenshaw3585]

Michael Ripper IS Hammer Films, and possibly the greatest bit part actor ever.

[@Njbear7453]

My personal favorite - The Mummy’s Shroud !!!!! Hammer’s best mummy film and a fun story; also starting Andre Morrell!

[@varanid9]

The Brits' answer to USA's Dick Miller. Ripper's performance in "The Mummy's Shroud" was what immediately sprung to my mind as soon as I saw this video's title. Never knew Hammer made pirate movies, but that scene with Ripper as a bad guy looks really interesting.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

It makes me want to watch “Captain Clegg”.

[@rottingpages]

Yes! This is the video I didn't know I needed. Love him in everything but especially Dracula has risen from the grave!

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

He was an excellent actor who always gave it his all regardless of the size of the role.

[@TomFrichek]

Ripper's character in Revenge of Franky sets the absolutely grimy aesthetic of the entire film. Very grateful. 10/10 fricheks

[@mathuxley7264]

Can confirm, this was time well spent (Thank you)

[@richardmattocks]

He’s a legend! What a voice, and he always gave 101% in every role 😎

[@peterbailey6930]

He was a staple in Hammer Horror movies.

[@jakeandrews-iz4wf]

A long overdue appraisal of a wonderful actor. Thank you very much.

[@couldnotbereachedforfurthe2647]

Ripper's presence completely legitimizes any Hammer film for me, making every B an A, and every A a masterpiece.

[@heatrayzvideo3007]

Good thing his parents didn't call him Jack... Like Jack the ripper.... I'm here all week folks

[@fletchkeilman2205]

I've been saying this for years. I always knew DC was were on the same wavelength.... I wish Dick Miller and Mike Ripper did a movie together

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

That would be a dream come true.

[@stevemartin239]

Part of my life growing up in the 60's. Thank-you for this great tribute to this unsung Hero! ❤❤

[@MatthewStewart-1224]

I’ve been looking forward to this one gentlemen! Love the attention y’all have brought to this stalwart player in Hammers catalog! I always perk up when he’s mentioned anywhere!

[@DanDoty-i5n]

Great to see you guys choose the same film I did as Rippers best role, THE REPTILE.

[@shannondore]

Thanks Robin. This was a great way to honor Michael Ripper. I've always had a soft spot for the bit players. Ripper being one and Freddie Jones being another.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

Michael Ripper is a Hammer treasure. Every time I see him in one of their films I just...smile. And he was in some Tigon films...the laborer in "The Creeping Flesh" fishing for a tip after bringing in the box containing the skeleton.

[@ViaFerrataCH]

I met him briefly at the first Hammer reunion, a lovely man and a much underrated actor

[@walterfechter8080]

I've always liked Michael Ripper's "Sarg" in "X- The Unkown." His role as the landlord in "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave" reminded me of my granddad - wise, good-natured and one who makes you feel at ease. Oh yeah, I noticed a young Percy Herbert in the mob scene from "Quatermass II." Many thanks, Robin, for this overview of a truly great actor.

[@johnathonhaney8291]

I absolutely have a favorite Michael Ripper film, Plague Of The Zombies. I love it not just for his performance (which is all you say, Robin) but also because the cast was full of lots of lesser-known actors top to bottom. To me, THAT film is Hammer Horror's actual peak. As to other actors who deserve a highlight, I nominate Plague's hero, Andre Morrell. He too was a solid character actor who'd been with Hammer since the early days, was even Watson to Peter Cushing's Sherlock Holmes in Hound Of The Baskervilles.

[@Hamicus63]

Well said Robin 👏 👌

[@joshua2814]

I forget just how many Hammer films I’ve seen until I see a retrospective like this and realize I’m thinking “I’ve seen that” a whole lot more than “I need to see that yet.”

[@1kylecurry]

I didn't realize how many Hammer Films movies I have seen with Michael Ripper. An underappreciated character actor.

[@Mpsieber]

Thanks for this. Always loved Michael Ripper.

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Dark Corners does Hammer justice

[@MephProduction]

I'd say scares of Dracula was one of hammers better films, one of my favourites.

[@karlchance3717]

BLODDY BRILLIANT! BRAVO.

[@Njbear7453]

I love hammer films my favorite is Two Faces of Dr.Jeckyll.

[@amb163]

The man was a joy to see on screen. And with that name, it's a wonder he didn't headline a few horror films.

[@thedtvdigest4142]

A fitting tribute to a great character actor. Glad to see Plague of the Zombies near the top of your list.

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Great film

[@colleencrouch4346]

Really looking forward to this. I know Ripper principally through his films with Christopher Lee. It will be nice to learn more about him.

[@matthewh.9544]

He was in so many British films. Not just Hammer, but classic David Lean (Oliver Twist), Mr Polly(John Mills), war films like the Sea shall not have them(Michael Redgrave, Dirk Bogard and Anthony Steel) Reach for the sky(Kenneth Moore), comedy like St Trinians (Alistair Sim).. Its just an endless resume of classic British movies

[@DarkCornersReviews]

Yeah, we've limited our focus a lot! He was in a bunch of TV shows as well

[@matthewh.9544]

You had to Robin, you'd have been here all week. Brilliant effort though guys, always a pleasure to see you on here with these

[@Victor-gi3dy]

Got to see him @ a convention once. ❤

[@keithoconnor5237]

Worth the wait!

[@patclau006]

Captain Clegg is a Masterpiece, probably the best cast in aHammer film, Cushing, Reed,Patrick Allen and Ripper of course.

[@brschuck66]

Great tribute to a one-of-a-kind character actor! I've always treasured Ripper's performances in Captain Clegg and The Mummy's Shroud, but it's clear I'm due for a re-watch of The Reptile.

[@general1362]

Thank you for remembering this little giant of the Hammer lot of performers. A well-prepared and desserved homage. Kudos. 👍

[@Gappasaurus]

Been meaning to see _Captain Clegg_ for a while now for it’s (albeit loose) take on the Doctor Syn character, but now i can also look forward to seeing yet another great performance by Michael Ripper 😁 Also tickled that _X the Unknown_ finally got a brief discussion, still looking forward to that Quatermass retrospective 😉Thanks Robin & Graham!

[@GrandOldMovies]

Great video about a marvelous talent! It's actors like Michael Ripper that make these films a treasure!

[@stevencowie7151]

Kudos. My favourite Ripper line reading will always be as the bus driver in a St Trinians flick, they are traversing Europe and he says "if it gets any hotter, I'll have to take me jumper orf!!"

[@jturnbow71]

Excellent retrospect. You gave this actor the respect he deserves. Skol!

[@tommydarbe1524]

His character Sgt Grymsdyke in X the Unknown is his most memorable role for me along with Quatermass 2.

[@CashelOConnolly]

His grandfather,Jack was a terrible man 🔪🩸

[@captflack6371]

lovely piece I always loved seeing MR in the hammer films

[@omnitrixbearer7364]

I'm glad Mipps is on the thumbnail. He's the role I associate the most with Michael Ripper.

[@davidsheridan3513]

He was considered by some to be the true MVP of Hammer Horror films

[@clyde9803]

Great! Now please do Duncan Lamont!

[@garycook5071]

An excellent appreciation to an actor I have always had a soft spot for. Great work!

[@carlozabbia1157]

Thank you for this tribute to a most worthy actor.

[@Ned_of_the_Hill]

This was a great tribute! Michael Ripper was awesome. As for other under-appreciated character players, I vote for Theresa Harris and Bruno VeSota. I also think that Bess Flowers (1898-1984) is name worth remembering, for her shear endurance: 1082 IMDB credits for movies and TV.

[@RavenHouseMystery]

At his most jovial, Michael Ripper does remind me of Nigel Bruce. He had such an expressive face, whether happy, concerned or just plain scared. Another character actor I am a fan of is Whit Bissel. While his roles were very different than Michael Ripper, Whit Bissel could always be counted on to play any kind of bureaucrat, doctor, scientist, or respectable businessman whose role is to help the hero with some necessary exposition. He would occasionally plan a villain, hidden behind a kindly persona.

[@larrybailey8546]

Long overdue celebration of Hammers best character actor! He did always give it his best no matter what the part. Thank you for doing this, it gave me a direction for Hammer movies to rewatch!👍😎 And I have to say although his part in The Reptile is great, I still feel his role as Longbarrow in The Mummy’s Shroud should have gotten some kind of award, but horror films rarely got awards back then, unfortunately.

[@DaleBaker-m8g]

Utterly brilliant actor, horror or comedy he was your man. My favourite of his, is being the poor Sod locked up in jail when while Oliver Reed changes into a werewolf. Total class. And again, a marvellous video.

[@BackToTheBlues]

My mum met Michael Ripper. This was before his days as the chauffeur in Butterflies. She was a member of a women's club called The 91 Club (so named as that was the amount of members when it was formed). They used to have guest speakers come to give talks on various things, and he was one, talking about his life in films. He started out with 'You might not know my name, but you'll know my face.' Mum said it was a fascinating talk, and he was a very nice man!

[@youssefverse]

Terrific video about a beloved cornerstone of the HammerVerse. Michael Ripper is the Dick Miller of Hammer!

[@saintcruzin]

Paying tribute to these great unsung character actors is wonderful to see. Universal’s Dwight Fry is one from those early horror films. Good job with this…

[@bryanchalker]

I was watching Taste the Blood of Dracula this afternoon and he stood out well. Started thinking about his parts in the other Hammer films after the movie. I love the vids and you’ve spurred my enjoyment of shadow masters like Val Lewton and non franchise Hammer flicks. Thanks and Thank you for this tribute and the perfect timing in my finding it :)