Hammer Films:4 Creepy Classics

Rating NR Formats DVD Genre horror Starring Paul Massie, Terence Morgan, Peter Cushing, Susan Strasberg Directed by Various Publisher SONY PICTURES

Creepy Classics:
The Curse of the Mummy’ Tomb
Scream of Fear
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll
The Gorgon

A plethora of Halloween classics, this horror collection of short films offers a variety of frightful adventures that will leave one satisfied for whatever gives them their fright.  With the inclusion of four distinct films, all the categories one dreams of in a horror film are covered.
                       
What makes these films interesting is that they maintain their vintage qualities, as most of them were first released in the 1960’s era, and yet are still just as entertaining and creepy as when they were first viewed.  Due to the age of these films, many distinct qualities are found that are often absent in today’s horror films. The dynamic and intense music makes all of these films powerful.  Of course, music makes an impact in today’s films, but I feel as though it was dramatically emphasized in the films of an earlier era. Fluctuations of rhythms and dynamics make the music extremely powerful and frightening.  I often found myself startled by not just the villains of the films, but by the music itself.  I never fully appreciate the music unless it is not there.  Can you imagine a film
with no music?  Boring.

As with the vintage style of music comes the old style of clothing. The costume choice in each of these films is completely impeccable and very beautiful to observe.  One actually feels as though they are actually in the 1960s at a magnificent dance party or out in a desert. The costumes make a strong impact on all of the elements that make a film successful, such as the setting and the plot line.

It is difficult to imagine that anyone would dislike these timeless films. Similar to Aladdin and Cinderella, part of the Disney genre, these films can be watched over and over again by generations of children and adults.  That is what makes these films outstanding classics.   Viewers can watch these pieces of art over and over and appreciate them every time.   They include a story about a mad scientist with a dual persona of a monster who harms people, a mummy who reawakens itself and chases down the explorers and people who are trying to catch him, an insane monster who, with just a look from him, can turn a man into hard stone, and lastly, a women who becomes utterly insane and completely out of line.  All in all, one can experience a scientific malfunction, mummy, supernatural power, and insanity.  What else could one ask for?  All the bases are covered. The tales are told extremely well and are very entertaining to watch.  They bring back memories of stories that one is told when he or she is a young child, stories about these particular villains and their twisted tales.

Each of these films would be a great choice to view on Halloween as each is truly recognized as a traditional horror classic.  They are stories one can show or release over and over again that still have an impact on each new audience. One of the best things about these films is that each is suitable for children.  Young people can have the opportunity to see something authentic and classic, rather than the blood and guts witnessed in another version of Saw.  They will be introduced and welcomed to the horror classics of our time.  Overall I give these films four stars and I am not even sure if that is enough.