Hammer Horror (1970)

In our continuing odyssey of the Hammer Film, the studio that dripped blood, starts another decade.
With less censorship than ever before and since the studio began the morals were loose - the clothing even looser, the fangs even sharper and the red stuff more vibrant than ever before.
However there was a changing of the guard behind the scenes and the censors were only too willling to protect our morals with their scissors about to snip heartily.
In this episode we look...loook and look again at the films from this year , the people who made them and my own review from this important decade.
Due to some of the content in some of the programmes and the target audience this is for adults only and not for children. Some programmes are for mature audiences due to the nature of the content and ones without 18+ restrictions are best viewed by young persons of 13 years and upwards. Some of these documentaries are not for the prudish.
In this documentary series we take a look and another look and even a third glance (hypothetically speaking) of T.V programmes and Films with a 'cult' edge.
If they aren't cult currently then they should be !!
Each programme looks at the genesis of the programme or movie and a review - some are spoiler free - some are not. Even if you know the plot though it is welcoming to look at the series or movie again.
So what is it I hope for in my series ? Well it is my intention to share with you dear viewer my knowledge of things which I enjoy very much and I hope what is reviewed will inspire you to go and have a look for the programme or movie. Some you may have seen before - others may be truly novel.
That is it pure and simple - I don't want any financial rewards as I will be using snippets already copyrighted and this is damned cheeky - the knowing of sharing my knowledge with you is reward enough.
Don't forget to support the originators of copyright - so wonderful retro T.V and movies get to see the light of day.
I hope this acts as an inspiration for you to look...look and look again with me.
Every episode is a labour of love and it's only me that cobbles together that produces the work.
I hope you can also see the transformation as the series goes along.
Any constructive comments, criticisms and memories you have would be most welcome and if you love what I do hit like and subscribe.
Thank you to all the regular people that bite off this nugget of nostalgia and follow my little show.
Maybe you could suggest things for me to look...look and look again - please share them.
No infringement is intended - I am a novice to this and sometimes oblivious to the complex world of copyright but all clips and music are used in the faith of enhancing this review. On occasion one picture can be worth a 1000 words and can give you a feel of the show or movie reviewed.
Enjoy all the delights therein - Crab xx

[@andypoehlman6395]

These are incredible. I appreciate that you put them into the world. It's like a conversation with a much more sophisticated friend on a fascinating topic.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you Andy - means so much. Thats exactly what I aim for - as though we are having a chat about the movie - i tried to balance it so its not like a robot and its not so glib that not very much is mentioned. Its difficult not coming across opinionated but if you aren't chatting with someone its difficult but thankfully my subscribers take the time to chat to me about the movies and its great to learn stuff i havent mentioned through research as well as other views and opinions providing its constructive - 99% are but you always get 1% that are trolls and they have my utmost sympathy (they must have really bad self-esteem issues, a screw loose or too much time on their hands) or best treated with the contempt it deserves. Its people like you that really inspire me to carry on and hope I can inspire others to share their own cinematic knowledge or opinion. I looked at my really early stuff and its very crude but we all have a starting point and its interesting to see progression. When i first started it was just me, an editing suite free with windows and a cheap as chips microphone. The editing suite i use now has made such a difference in getting the visual flair needed i try to convey. I spend a lot of time on this show (and its free!) so to hear people are happy(like yourself) means the world. Enjoy . Best Crab

[@jamesreid8840]

Wow you really outshone yourself crab apple can’t thank you enough for the hard work you do putting this info and entertainment together for us all 👏👏👏 Really love your hammer segments can’t wait for more 70s goodness Please keep it up for us mere mortals you definitely doing your bit for queen and country and us scavengers of film and tv 👍

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thanks James - means a lot . More to come ... Hammer began the production line again - but produced some underrated classics in the process. Tqke care. Crab

[@elizabethdewar1697]

I watched Hammer films almost every weekend when I was A teenager. I ADORE P eter Cushing and Christopher Lee!!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Me too - my absolute heroes !!

[@leetaylor3099]

Spending Saturday afternoon watching a Hammer film whilst eating a ploughman's and drinking whisky... sounds like heaven!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

It was. The perfect companions. Thanks for your comment. 🦀

[@archstanton4365]

I've always just loved that scene where Yorga is watching intently Miss Ingrid, classy nod to our British cousins. ✌️

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

So cool - love that scene 😍 🦀

[@pauljacques2133]

Another top of the shop entry Mr apple and I'm going to say this here and now… I think you've offered up the best commentary I've ever heard about Hammer films. Much thanks to you.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Mr Jacques - thank you . I feel very humbled . Am reviewing the 1971 movies for our next instalment . Many thanks for your kind praise. It goes a hell of a long way . Crab

[@patrickdoherty4527]

Love this retrospective, Crab. I've been on a bit of a Hammer horror bender this summer! There certainly were some low points for Hammer in the 70s but some wonderful films too.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you very much. I am so glad you're enjoying the Hammer retrospective. I enjoyed doing this very much. 🦀

[@67eamonn]

I must try that ploughman's and whisk(e)y combo. Huge thanks for all your videos which look like a massive amount of work.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Haha - it worked for me - a Claret works just as well ! Thank you so much for your comment. It does take many evenings and weekends to get it finalised but have learned so much and all self taught and its free !! Just brilliant to be able to entertain, inform and meet decent people in the process. Cheers Mr MacGuiness - Crab

[@67eamonn]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN Trouble is I don't know any ploughmen. Hey ho!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Love it !!! Made me chuckle heartily !!

[@garyhaskins7482]

Do love your channel buddy and its like a fire side chat about content i love well done well put together and edited hat off to you my friend.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Awwww - thank you so, so much. Its for people such as yourself I keep going. Very best 🦀

[@richardjones4466]

Scars is so underrated.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Yes it is. An uncut version, if it ever exists (japan?) Would be a wonderful find. 🦀

[@veritanuda]

Excllent and I am so glad you are pacing it it like this Not only is a a great chance to compare notes but also gives a chance to fill any holes in my viewing on the Hammer films. I too agree When Dinosaurs that Ruled the Earth felt more polished than 1 Million years BC and quite liked it. It did meanadre a bit and I was wondering how it was going to end but actually the ending was not bad at all and felt kinda modern with a who Climate change being a core narrative. Looking forward to getting to the years I know pretty well by now and some of the gems that were the last hurrah for Hammer Films and there continuation of an anthology series on TV. Thanks of doing this. Honestly I cannot see anyone else on KZbin doing such a great job of bring these films to life from behind the camera and in front of it. It is just fascainting to see how incestious TV and film was at tha time with writers, directors and actors going from one to another and really honing their craft. All very absorbing. Here come's the 70's and the decade of serveral social changes.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thats very kind of you - it really inspires me to carry on - like my avenger-thon and blake-athon - i think oh lordy have i bit off more than i can chew but then know a fair few people enjoy it so this inspires me and i enjoy doing it as well. When i was little i put a little fanzine together of dr who and horror films and gave it to school friends using my dads xerox machine so this is a huge extension of what i used to do. I would inspire anyone to do the same - people need an outlet fir their voice(s) , reviews and opinions and as long its constructive - no matter how controversial it should be heard - in these times more than ever. I know what you mean about 'when dinosaurs....' there is a 'light' ecological message there and although the science is well off (well its hammerland!) It proves mothernature is a force to reackon with for sure. Sad news Mum told me Imogen Hassle died when she was quite young from taking her own life - so tragic - she was a bloody good actress. Anyway will keep up the good work if you still keep watching. Best always Crab

[@khaz606]

I was just thinking if I missed ep16. I thought I was more a late 60's Hammer fan, but after watching your vids I realise I'm more early 70's. Oh Madeleine! She's still cute as a button. Thanks CA.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I am the same - due to Hammers exhaustive output its quite difficult to recall which era the film is from. Some view the early 70's onwards as the 'worst' period for Hammer. I disagree - from 1970 onwards there were some true gems and these I hope to share with you as we journey on. I am learning lots too - especially that Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee appeared in markedly less Hammer films I thought they did ! I agree about Maddie Smith very fawn like - I thought Isla Blair was beautiful too - fangs and all. Love the look she gives to the Count after she has staked her father in Taste the Blood of Dracula. You forget about these sirens of the screen as well . Great you took the time to comment. Crab

[@sirjaunty1]

Christ. I am so glad I subscribed. I am having THE best time.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I am so happy as that is my intention realised. To give someone a bit of cosy comfort viewing and be a kid in a sweetshop in cult t.v retro land. Thanks for that Sir J . 🦀

[@stevenpurvey3775]

Thanks once again for another fascinating and entertaining insight into the world of Hammer films. I would love know more about the 'Journey to the Unknown' anthology series - never heard of it before. Time for some research, methinks. Your videos always seem to have something that sparks my interest in re-watching these great films, and I am grateful to you. All the best. -Steve

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you ever so much Steve. Journey to the Unknown was the prototype of Hammer House of Horror. It is an anthology show from , off the top of my head, 1968/1969'ish. Unusually it also features a few downbeat endings - not in all the stories do the heroes and heroines live to see another day. Many of the actors and actresses that featured in this anthology series and directors went on to be part of the production of the early 1970's Hammer Films. Its been ages since I saw the series but what I recall was bloody good. It may be a review to do once we have finished the hammer-a-thon. Thank you for being a valued subscriber - you all are. Crab

[@mrjives9045]

"Lick me out, make me dry" I guess that one must have passed me by.😄😄 Great stuff as usual, nice to hear some kind words said about Scars of Dracula for a change. Have always found it odd that the one Hammer Frankenstein that is a comedy is called The Horror of Frankenstein, giving the impression that it was a straightforward horror film, whereas something like 'The Bawdy Adventures of Frankenstein' might have been more appropriate. Though I did hear a rumour that Tigon were planning to film an unrelated script also called Horror of Frankenstein, and that forced Hammer's hand into using that as a title before Tigon could get there first!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Hahaha. I sometimes indulge crude humour but subtle'ish. Thanks for the further info about Horror of Frankrnstein as that kind of makes sense. Glad your enjoying the shows. I really enjoyed Scars a second time round for sure and now I know a bit of the censorship behind it - enjoyed it even more as I loved Hammers defiant stance that kept our 'betters' on our toes. Just watched Hands of the Ripper - up there with devil rides out what a brilliant film that is. Great to hear from you - good luck with lick me out and v.d and poverty . Best always. Crab

[@trevdowson5810]

Just found your channel, FANTASTIC! Thanks for your in depth ''look'' into Hammer studios, the best I've seen anywhere. I can't praise you enough so I'll stop but please carry on, (and there's a possible topic if you're into it?)

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Thank you so very much Mr D , so appreciate it. Am open to topics - what would you have in mind 🤔. Best 🦀

[@trevdowson5810]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN I was hinting that the ''Carry On'' series of films might be an interesting and enjoyable subject but that would require your interest and I'm not in a position to demand anything from you. I appreciate the work that has gone into your detailed reviews of the Hammer films and I can tell you enjoy the studio's output on the whole. If you don't feel that you could do a similar job for Carry On films then I won't grumble, I'll just enjoy your channel as it is, thank you.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Oh I see forgive me being ditsy - that may be feasible for the future. You may like to know or may be aware I have reviewed the saucy confession films with Robin Askwith or the bizarre but brilliant Danish sex comedies 'In the sign of...' (a.k.a The Zodiac Films) which were like carry on films but with hardcore and just as funny and enjoyable. Enjoy the channel and thank you so much for getting in touch and for your recommendation. Will see what I can do. 🦀

[@trevdowson5810]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN That's great! I'm really enjoying your channel and thank you again for considering my suggestion, I was worried that you may see it as ''low brow'' but for me the Carry On series captures a time and mind set that has all but gone and I can assume by some of your commentary that you might share some of these views.

[@barrycrump6189]

Great stuff - thank you.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Awwww - thank you. Am glad you enjoyed it . Crab

[@richardjones4466]

It's Courtley!

[@garyhaskins7482]

I do love taste the blood of dracula must say even though the count was under used not my fave but not least fave good hammer movie❤

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

It's one of my favourites - love the demise of the hypocritical parents and is a statement against, for the time, the generation gap a big thing in the 60's to early 70's . Classic line 'you drink it....you drink the filth' 😆. 🦀

[@garyhaskins7482]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN love it watched it countless times it's a cautionary tale about the perils of black magic and indulgence in evil and they get there just desert's at the end by there kids there double standards make them pay the ultimate price.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@garyhaskins7482 Linda Hayden ♥️

[@garyhaskins7482]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN hell yeah lol 🤣

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Agree that Taste the Blood of Dracula is great, but for me Scars is the worst film in the series, if not Hammer’s worst film, period.

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I loved Scars. 🦀

[@SimonHeartfield]

Scars is the low point for me, it's a train wreck. There's nothing post 1970 that I particularly like apart from the TV series. I have enjoyed all these Hammer/Amicus docs though!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

I loved it - I love all of them really. By the time of the 1970's it was more cleavage and claret - most apparent. Recently watched Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires Again - and no doubt will watch it a 100 times over. Still find it brilliant. i wish Hammer had made Dracula Vs Kali - Van Helsing battling Vampires around the world would have been a treat.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN i absolutely love all of them too, even the ones that I feel are poor I somehow still gravitate to. And I absolutely can watch them over and over. They’re like comfort food now. A bit like the Carry On movies 😃

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

@@TheOverlordOfProcrastination Absolutely, I echo the carry on's, between work and the vlog (just finished reviewing Danger Route and heading into Pinters The Birthday Party) I have been watching Season 17 Who on blu ray - I wasn't keen on the Sunmakers but love it now - thats perfect comfort viewing. Its amazing how you evolve and how visual comfort food remains. The seasons change but our inner child always remains me thinks. Enjoy your bank holiday. 🦀

[@princesshassim6009]

Hi Hon, it's only me. Ok i'm truly glad you liked the Dinosaur flick, as everyone deserves at least one friend (and that goes for movies too, lol). I was just confused watching it when i bought it and quickly considered it a sad miss (at least for my shelf). You mentioned 'THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE' (1968). That was really a milestone movie at the time, and features a standout performance from Beryl Reid in the lead as an old Dyke, one of the old tweed suit brigade that were so Hip in the 1930's. Anyway, yeah that film had it's problems, in that the censors and critics gave it a hard time DEESPITE the fact it was a large hit outside the U.S. (where it has hardly ever been seen to this day, thanks largely to the intervention of the Church). You're right, 'THE VAMPIRE LOVERS' (which i thought was great stuff) WAS definately treading on stoney ground - but it's faithfull to the book (in it's own way) and the public loved it, in fact, they could not get enough of it and i for one am very proud of it. Shame Ingrid didn't wanna continue the part for subsequent movies of the same part, still that's life. 'SCARS OF DRACULA', liked it but thought Patrick Troughton walked away with it in a small part. One thing, heated swords on the back such as in 'that scene' are definately NOT part of BDSM, and anyone who says so either doesn't know what they're talking about or is a lunatic. That's one thing i know about quite well. ANYWAY.....getting back to movies.....as for 'CRESCENDO'....i had to wait a looong time to see that, and finally caught up with it over here in 2018. It's not bad as you say hon, ....but i felt it was a bit long-winded with not much to show for it. Still it was always nice to see Stef Powers in action. Such a nice underrated girl, I'm so glad she went on to make it on TV. Oh well, i'm now getting very close to leaving here after nearly 5 whole years. Dunno what awaits me in England but it looks a lot like the title of a certain Spaghetti Western i'm so familiar with....darling i hope you're holding together and staying safe cos the old country does not look safe at the mo. OK well, that's if for now....your friend. Me XX

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Hey Princess - tweed suit brigade - that made me chuckle as know exactly what you mean as well as your comment about THAT Dinosaur flick. I loved it - it seemed to transport me back to being a wee nipper - the sort of feeling i get with a Doug Maclure movie. Do people really think having your back ripped up by hot swords is BDSM etiquette - its sadistic but in a cruel way and as you pointed out i dont think there is anything darkly sexual there - its just the count being a nasty swine to his slave and the purpose is to show how vicious this incarnation is - nothing more nothing less. I loved Scars. Isnt the music beautiful too ? Especially James Bernards' melodies- i never 'homed' in on it until reviewing these treats again. Taste the Bloods' score is so melancholy. I have just finished watching Hands of the Ripper - another amazing film. I was quite teary at the end which is quite rare - got really into that one. I am also surprised Pitt didnt carry on the Karnstein groove but she probably saw the script for Lust for a Vampire ! Although - personally I dont mind that one either. The U.K is a bit odd at the moment it has to be said - i dont really do politics as most are in it for career and personsl gain rather there to serve the people whether left, right or somewhere in between. It just doesnt seem to have much of a backbone at the moment and a bit slipshod - nobody seems to make decisions for the fear of offending someone which as we know the saying about 'you can please some people some of the time but not all the people all the time' or words similar. Its also a bit damp and grey - however look at it as an opportunity to make it cosy. Get the candles lit and drink rum - that helps. Will speak soon. As always Princess - stay safe . Your friend Crab xx

[@princesshassim6009]

@@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN Now Doug McClure's first British film was 'THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT' in 1974. That was quite an ambitious production and led as you know to a series of films at that time which strangely played their part in all that was to come in the early 80's / post 'STAR WARS' era. New processes were mused to bring the cavemen to life. And wasn't young Anthony Ainley good as the evil German Commander Dietz. But i'll tell you what made it for me in that film was the basic storyline. Edgar Rice Burroughs had written it back in 1919 i think. In common with the originals of Sherlock Holmes, when 'LAND' first made landfall (sorry couldn't resist that one - terrible i know, lol) but when it was first published it was in serial form in a certain Newspaper whose name now eludes me. The idea of survivors being rescued by a U-Boat was something everyone could relate to at the time, and contrary to what the German ARmy may have been doing, it was by no means un-common to find German Warships and U-Boats, giving warning to passengers and escorting them OFF their vessels before they were sunk (total war like that seen in WW2 was being talked about from the High Command but was a new thing and many Commanders thought it was immoral). Now if you remember the film, they find an island off the coast of Antartica called Caprona and upon investigation notice that all life on it moves forwards from Dinosaurs to Cavemen, though strangely never beyond it. Now speaking as a Paleontoligst this is a very sound theory since it was indeed an island there was no reason why life couldn't have done this, begun and progressed as ours did but only to a point since it was devoid of outside influence and i'm surprised there weren't places where this happened. Anyway, i really have to be in the mood to watch this film, since it really is too good...but it has that dark forboding EERIE atmosphere that you never quite unravel it's mysteries. A much INFERIOR Hollywood version which completly omitted or re-wrote (depending on how they felt at the time) many of the scenes and concepts in the original story was produced around 12 years ago and i advise you to miss it. Accept no substitute. Made by Amicus i think it was a superb movie, what do you think? XX

[@princesshassim6009]

Script??? You mean 'Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth' actually had a script - oh darling and there was me thinking it was just LITERALLLY point'n'shoot!

[@LOOKLOOKLOOKAGAIN]

Hahaha. Of sorts princess ... of sorts. Love the film though. Great to hear from you as always . Hope you are doing good. Crab