The last official 'Hammer horror' film - 'To The Devil A Daughter - was released in 1975. That seemed to be it. Five years later, this I.T.V. series appeared. Despite the title it was actually made by I.T.C. Entertainment ( 'Lew Grade's House Of Horror' didn't have the same ring, I suppose ). The thirteen episodes were a mixed bag, many relying on gore and nudity for their shock value, rather than well written stories. Easily the best was 'The Silent Scream' starring the late, great Peter Cushing. Great final shot! 'Witching Time' was pretty memorable too ( because Patricia Quinn and Prunella Gee both got their kit off ). But there was little of the essence of the movie series that had scared audiences for two decades. The strongest influence came from 'Thriller', an anthology made by A.T.V. in the early '70's. 'Guardian Of The Abyss' was the most Hammer-like episode, bearing a resemblance to 'The Devil Rides Out' ( 1968 ) based on the famous Dennis Wheatley novel.
31 Reviews
A well remembered, classic series.
Sleepin_Dragon12 June 2023
You could argue that by 1980 Hammer's best years were well and truly in the past, but they had one final hurrah with this series, thirteen episodes of witches, demons, werewolves and possessed children.
It's Hammer, so expect to see blood, gore, nudity and of course Peter Cushing. There are actually several very macabre moments to enjoy.
If you're a fan of the Hammer films, or shows like Thriller, Armchair Thriller and Tales of the Unexpectedly, then this show will definitely appeal to you.
It's a generally very well produced series, it certainly looks good, there are some great props and make up, and some of the camera angles are hugely imaginative.
My only gripe with this show, is that it ran for just one series, overall it's an excellent series, but with so many highlights in the series, surely it had a lot of mileage left.
Everyone seems to remember one scene in particular, the party scene from The House that dripped blood, it's certainly a memorable moment.
There are plenty of great episodes, The Silent Scream is a definite fan favourite, and a personal favourite, but the likes of Charlie Boy and The Thirteenth reunion are very good also.
I wouldn't say any episodes are out and out clunkers, but I would say that Visitor from The Grave and Growing Pains are some of the less successful offerings.
Expect to see some incredibly well known faces, look out for Denholm Elliott, Anthony Valentine, Patricia Quinn, Brian Cox and many more.
8/10.
It's Hammer, so expect to see blood, gore, nudity and of course Peter Cushing. There are actually several very macabre moments to enjoy.
If you're a fan of the Hammer films, or shows like Thriller, Armchair Thriller and Tales of the Unexpectedly, then this show will definitely appeal to you.
It's a generally very well produced series, it certainly looks good, there are some great props and make up, and some of the camera angles are hugely imaginative.
My only gripe with this show, is that it ran for just one series, overall it's an excellent series, but with so many highlights in the series, surely it had a lot of mileage left.
Everyone seems to remember one scene in particular, the party scene from The House that dripped blood, it's certainly a memorable moment.
There are plenty of great episodes, The Silent Scream is a definite fan favourite, and a personal favourite, but the likes of Charlie Boy and The Thirteenth reunion are very good also.
I wouldn't say any episodes are out and out clunkers, but I would say that Visitor from The Grave and Growing Pains are some of the less successful offerings.
Expect to see some incredibly well known faces, look out for Denholm Elliott, Anthony Valentine, Patricia Quinn, Brian Cox and many more.
8/10.
Hammer House Of Horror: Children Of The Full Moon (Tom Clegg, 1980) (TV) ***
Bunuel197627 October 2007
Curiously enough, this is only Hammer's second foray into Wolf Man lore after THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF (1961); intriguingly, it's mixed here with a VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960)-like brood of evil children while the sinister procreation plot is a clear nod to ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968). An unsettling mood pervades this particular episode (helped by its central location, an English country-house situated deep into the woods) even if, when finally glimpsed, the werewolf make-up is kind of goofy! The bewildered hero is played by Christopher Cazenove, his business partner by Hammer veteran Robert Urquhart, while Diana Dors is the deceptively genial housekeeper of the eerie mansion who, apart from looking after the children by day, has the task of initiating the werewolf's female victims (the latest being Cazenove's wife) into their new 'role'. The final twist concerning a woodsman Cazenove meets when he goes looking for his missing wife is predictable, but nicely handled all the same. As has been the case with some other episodes in the series which, I have to admit, has taken me by surprise overall this presents a far more chilling, and subversive, concept (bestiality) than is usually associated with Hammer Films!
Cinematic jewels for the small screen...
boom-1025 March 2003
Could you believe that after so long, the Hammer Company could come back and release a show that had as much quality content as the original Twilight Zone? For those who have not seen this, the closest that I can come to describing this gems is to compare to the 1 hour episodes that Rod Serling put out. Even that doesn't do them justice.
There are thirteen episodes in all. The cover lists Peter Cushing, Denholm Eliot, and Pierce Brosnan, but there are stand-out performances by many more in each episode. Jon Finch (Hitchcock's Frenzy) starts off as director editing his film at home when a fierce storm draws near... From the first minute of the first episode, it is apparent that this series was something special. Good direction, tight casting, and fast paced stories are the norm. This is not to say that all will interest, and some have common themes to other episodes, but all are enjoyable. Picture a standard film, and cut out a half an hour of the excess, and you've got these.
Certainly worth the investment, these episodes can be collected in one box set, which is quite well done by A+E. Werewolves, demons, witches, voodoo dolls, and for good measure a demented Nazi can all be found within. Horror fans, and those who miss good television, should take a look at Hammer. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
There are thirteen episodes in all. The cover lists Peter Cushing, Denholm Eliot, and Pierce Brosnan, but there are stand-out performances by many more in each episode. Jon Finch (Hitchcock's Frenzy) starts off as director editing his film at home when a fierce storm draws near... From the first minute of the first episode, it is apparent that this series was something special. Good direction, tight casting, and fast paced stories are the norm. This is not to say that all will interest, and some have common themes to other episodes, but all are enjoyable. Picture a standard film, and cut out a half an hour of the excess, and you've got these.
Certainly worth the investment, these episodes can be collected in one box set, which is quite well done by A+E. Werewolves, demons, witches, voodoo dolls, and for good measure a demented Nazi can all be found within. Horror fans, and those who miss good television, should take a look at Hammer. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
A truly classic series from the masters of horror
sgodrich11 July 2006
1000 words are not enough to review this entire series but I'll try my best. These are 13 one-hour stories with the usual horrific ending. Standard fare? No. Quality actors, great direction and superb scripts make a great series of stories that are long gone but definitely not forgotten. 25 years have passed since the original airing and upon review, they're still great! Madness, revenge, greed, jealousy and the occult are just some of the subjects covered by these stories. The effects are dated, the actors look unfashionable and the locations look dated but that isn't unexpected. This is the third decade since then and life moves on. You may recognise familiar faces from Peter Cushing (Famous Hammer Actor: From Beyond the Grave, Asylum, Top Secret) to Lucy Gutteridge (Top Secret, Secret Garden) and Denholm Elliott (Trading Places).
If you love British horror, made during the 'golden era' of British television, get the DVD and start watching!
If you love British horror, made during the 'golden era' of British television, get the DVD and start watching!
The last gasp of Hammer
pacey796 May 2020
I have read the other reviews and pretty much agree with the comments, be they negative or positive. But what you have to appreciate, is that for some of us, these superb, very British mini horror films are a huge nostalgia trip.
Like one of the other reviewers, I first saw these at a tender age (I must have been about 8) and they have really stuck with me into middle age!
I still see a Werewolf at my window every time I pull the curtains in the dark! (Children Of The Full Moon) I still imagine that on the other side of my bedroom door stands the guy that was previously shot and buried in the woods! (A Visitor From The Grave) When driving at night, I still see glimpses of the sinister figure in the yellow mac! (The Two Faces Of Evil).
I used to somehow manage to watch them each week without my parents realising quite how scary they would have been!
So, back to the perspective of today. The 13 films are defiantly a mixed bag, most are hits but there are a few misses. They are all still worth your time though.
I would rate them in the following order, (1. being my favourite.)
1. The House That Bled To Death
2. The Two Faces Of Evil
3. Children Of The Full Moon
4. Charlie Boy
5. The Silent Scream
6. The Mark Of Satan
7. Rude Awakening
8. A Visitor From The Grave
9. Guardian Of The Abyss
10. The Thirteenth Reunion
11. Growing Pains
12. Witching Time
13. The Carpathian Eagle
To be honest apart from the last 3, they are all really good and there's not much between them.
Yes, they do look dated now, but there are some great stories in there and some great performances from the likes of Peter Cushing, Denholm Elliot, Diana Dors, Christopher Cazenove and Simon MacCorkindale, plus a pretty ropey one by Pierce Brosnan!
Despite being 40 years old now these films are still very effective at building a sense of dread and un ease in what start off as normal everyday situations.
I think this is where they work, taking the everyday and spiralling into your worst nightmare!
If you are into splatter fest's and torture, then these films are not for you.
But, if you like your horror a bit more subtle, with solid tales that stay in your sub conscience for life and lurk in your nightmares (as all the best horror should), then you wont be disappointed!
Glad they made these but rather a mixed bag.
andrewjones8881 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
It was a good idea to make these one hour episodes brought to us from the famous Hammer house film company,but it would of been even better had they kept up a high standard and not got predictable.
The small budget doesn't make a difference if the writing and script are top notch but in some episodes we are left feeling quite bored and "yeah didn't see that coming" The episode "CARPATHIAN EAGLE" is a fine example of what i have just mentioned,its totally predictable has no shocks or twists in it and feels down right padded at times,but look out for 007 himself Pierce Brosnan sporting quite big hair.
From a bad episode to a classic "THE SILENT SCREAM" is one of the best,in part because the story is original but also because of Hammer veteran Peter Cushing who effortlessly injects depth and a sinister feel to his Character. That will teach thieving Brian Cox to go near his safe!
My personal favourite is "RUDE AWAKENING". Denholm Elliot turns in a fine performance as a seedy estate agent who goes to look at a disused country house and finds himself caught up in a endless surreal dream...or does he?
There seems to be a story amongst the batch of 13 that will appeal to most peoples tastes and on the whole the acting is to a good standard. If nothing else, these are good to watch to spot future big names before the money rolled in.
The small budget doesn't make a difference if the writing and script are top notch but in some episodes we are left feeling quite bored and "yeah didn't see that coming" The episode "CARPATHIAN EAGLE" is a fine example of what i have just mentioned,its totally predictable has no shocks or twists in it and feels down right padded at times,but look out for 007 himself Pierce Brosnan sporting quite big hair.
From a bad episode to a classic "THE SILENT SCREAM" is one of the best,in part because the story is original but also because of Hammer veteran Peter Cushing who effortlessly injects depth and a sinister feel to his Character. That will teach thieving Brian Cox to go near his safe!
My personal favourite is "RUDE AWAKENING". Denholm Elliot turns in a fine performance as a seedy estate agent who goes to look at a disused country house and finds himself caught up in a endless surreal dream...or does he?
There seems to be a story amongst the batch of 13 that will appeal to most peoples tastes and on the whole the acting is to a good standard. If nothing else, these are good to watch to spot future big names before the money rolled in.
13 Reasons why Hammer were the best.
yetinessie-o-donnell7 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This Hammer box-set from the 1980 TV series provides a fitting homage and legacy to arguably the greatest contributors of horror on the big and small screen.
The 13 stories cover everything from evil doppelgangers to Satanists; witches; ghosts; 'voodoo dolls'; werewolves; cannibals and more besides (no vampires though, something of a departure for Hammer!) They are imaginatively written and well acted with great performances from fine actors such as Peter Cushing and Diana Dors.
It is from a time when horror was about more than hi-tech gory special effects and torture sequences thrown together to make a 'body' of work and although this Hammer box-set is of its time it is a brilliant collection that has also stood the test of time. I like a lot of modern day horror as well as the old Universal horrors, horrors from the 70's etc but you will never purchase a more diverse and enjoyable collection of horror shorts in one collection as this one.
Well done Hammer, I truly salute you, you are sorely missed.
The 13 stories cover everything from evil doppelgangers to Satanists; witches; ghosts; 'voodoo dolls'; werewolves; cannibals and more besides (no vampires though, something of a departure for Hammer!) They are imaginatively written and well acted with great performances from fine actors such as Peter Cushing and Diana Dors.
It is from a time when horror was about more than hi-tech gory special effects and torture sequences thrown together to make a 'body' of work and although this Hammer box-set is of its time it is a brilliant collection that has also stood the test of time. I like a lot of modern day horror as well as the old Universal horrors, horrors from the 70's etc but you will never purchase a more diverse and enjoyable collection of horror shorts in one collection as this one.
Well done Hammer, I truly salute you, you are sorely missed.
Uneven With The Selling Point Being The Studio Name
Theo Robertson9 September 2013
Anthology series featuring stand alone episodes centered around supernatural and horror themes weren't all that common in television in the 60s 70s and 80s and the longest running one was the often dire TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED sarcastically referred to by some people as Tales Of The Bloody Obvious . They do however stick in the mind of a people of a certain age often down to the fact we remember good ones and quickly forget he bad ones . they're often very variable and my personal opinion is that the best anthology show was JOURNEY TO THE UNKNOWN a syndicated British show produced by Hammer films . Hammer were the world kings of horror film making in the 60s and 70s and mindful of their output they produced this well remembered show which was broadcast in 1980
What struck me about watching this series after a gap of many years is how parochial everything is . Unlike JTTU which due to finance constraints had to shoe in a American lead in to each and every episode , and to a lesser degree Brian Clemens THRILLER from the mid 1970s there's no real attempt to make characters identifiable to an audience outside Britain and the cast are almost exclusively those actors and actresses who you instantly recognise even though their names don't come readily to mind . Possibly the best known actor - and with a nice touch to the studio's past - is Peter Cushing in THE SILENT SCREAM where he appears with a totally unknown Scottish actor called Brian Cox . . This parochial thinking shouldn't be taken as a criticism however and the stories do have a strong though slightly quaint feeling of Britishness rather than trans Atlantic gloss
The episodes themselves are some what variable the outstanding episode being The House That Bled and the clear wooden prize winners jointly being held by the very predictable Visitor From Beyond The Grave and demonic child Growing Pains according to opinion here but my own opinion is Children Of The Full Moon being the worst down to it's rather silly storyline . Interesting too that episodes seen divided between macabre mystery and out and out horror tale . Watching the show you're struck by how limited the horror genre is . We thankfully don't get any horny teenagers in peril type stories but much of the themes here have been done before and probably better . This seems to have split opinions on this page quite markedly judging by the comments and I suppose to enjoy this series in the spirit it was meant you'd have to be home every Autumn Saturday in 1980 . A second series was planned for broadcast in 1982 but a behind the scenes production deal led the series to mutating in to HAMMER HOUSE OF MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE which was financed by 20th Century Fox which meant we had shoe horned American characters and very hap hazard scheduling in Britain which meant that show became very obscure
What struck me about watching this series after a gap of many years is how parochial everything is . Unlike JTTU which due to finance constraints had to shoe in a American lead in to each and every episode , and to a lesser degree Brian Clemens THRILLER from the mid 1970s there's no real attempt to make characters identifiable to an audience outside Britain and the cast are almost exclusively those actors and actresses who you instantly recognise even though their names don't come readily to mind . Possibly the best known actor - and with a nice touch to the studio's past - is Peter Cushing in THE SILENT SCREAM where he appears with a totally unknown Scottish actor called Brian Cox . . This parochial thinking shouldn't be taken as a criticism however and the stories do have a strong though slightly quaint feeling of Britishness rather than trans Atlantic gloss
The episodes themselves are some what variable the outstanding episode being The House That Bled and the clear wooden prize winners jointly being held by the very predictable Visitor From Beyond The Grave and demonic child Growing Pains according to opinion here but my own opinion is Children Of The Full Moon being the worst down to it's rather silly storyline . Interesting too that episodes seen divided between macabre mystery and out and out horror tale . Watching the show you're struck by how limited the horror genre is . We thankfully don't get any horny teenagers in peril type stories but much of the themes here have been done before and probably better . This seems to have split opinions on this page quite markedly judging by the comments and I suppose to enjoy this series in the spirit it was meant you'd have to be home every Autumn Saturday in 1980 . A second series was planned for broadcast in 1982 but a behind the scenes production deal led the series to mutating in to HAMMER HOUSE OF MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE which was financed by 20th Century Fox which meant we had shoe horned American characters and very hap hazard scheduling in Britain which meant that show became very obscure
A TRUE JEWEL OF 80'S TV
asalerno1017 June 2022
13 episodes that deal with different types of suspense and horror stories, from diabolical dolls, doppelgangers, hellish nightmares, satanic sects, anthropophagy and sinister plots, etc. The atmosphere of each thematic episode is creepy, the acting and directing are outstanding and considering that this show is from TV and from the 80's it is quite daring. Almost all the stories end with an unexpected and sometimes surprising twist, the development of each chapter is unpredictable. Like all series, some episodes are better than others, but here it is worth highlighting some like Rude Awekening, The Silent Scream, The Two Faces of Evil or The House That Bled to Death.
A Welcome Change In Direction From Hammer
palhud31 December 2022
I've enjoyed watching the Hammer House of Horror TV series, I vaguely remember a few of the Hammer House of Horror films but this TV series is nothing like this. There are no vampires but rather a modern (at least at that time) take on horror from Hammer productions and I think they can be pleased with what they did here.
The stories are original and there are some clever concepts within. There were no turkeys for me here rather some very good or good episodes with a few average ones in and amongst.
I particularly liked Rude Awakenings (Denholm Elliot is brilliant in this) and The Two Faces of Evil (probably the scariest of all the episodes). On the back of these two I'd say The Silent Scream, Children of The Full Moon, The House That Bled to Death and Witching Time (Patricia Quinn puts in a superb performance here) are all equally enjoyable. Some of these episodes have more modern plots whilst others have a more traditional horror theme (involving witches or werewolves) but all these episodes were very engaging.
Following on from the above I'd then rank Guardian of The Abyss and The Thirteenth Reunion around the same (joint 7th and 8th) - both of these were well written stories with some nice horror moments just not quite as good as the former episodes described in my view.
In 9th place I'd have Charlie Boy, a good episode based on a Voodoo followed by Visitor From The Grave and the Carpathian Eagle, whilst these two episodes are quite far down the pecking order, I still enjoyed them.
This then leads to what I think are the only average episodes on offer which are Growing Pains and The Mark of Satan. Neither of these episodes are badly acted but the stories just aren't as well written, don't move as well and involve less tension and edginess that good horror should deliver.
It's great to reconnect with some of the famous and not as famous actors in this series from 1980 and also enjoy some of the nostalgia from this time if you're old enough to have been around in 1980.
All in all, if you're a fan of horror, particularly from that period of time and you're looking for something that has a bit more originality than a diet of vampires, then I'd be surprised if you didn't like this series.
The stories are original and there are some clever concepts within. There were no turkeys for me here rather some very good or good episodes with a few average ones in and amongst.
I particularly liked Rude Awakenings (Denholm Elliot is brilliant in this) and The Two Faces of Evil (probably the scariest of all the episodes). On the back of these two I'd say The Silent Scream, Children of The Full Moon, The House That Bled to Death and Witching Time (Patricia Quinn puts in a superb performance here) are all equally enjoyable. Some of these episodes have more modern plots whilst others have a more traditional horror theme (involving witches or werewolves) but all these episodes were very engaging.
Following on from the above I'd then rank Guardian of The Abyss and The Thirteenth Reunion around the same (joint 7th and 8th) - both of these were well written stories with some nice horror moments just not quite as good as the former episodes described in my view.
In 9th place I'd have Charlie Boy, a good episode based on a Voodoo followed by Visitor From The Grave and the Carpathian Eagle, whilst these two episodes are quite far down the pecking order, I still enjoyed them.
This then leads to what I think are the only average episodes on offer which are Growing Pains and The Mark of Satan. Neither of these episodes are badly acted but the stories just aren't as well written, don't move as well and involve less tension and edginess that good horror should deliver.
It's great to reconnect with some of the famous and not as famous actors in this series from 1980 and also enjoy some of the nostalgia from this time if you're old enough to have been around in 1980.
All in all, if you're a fan of horror, particularly from that period of time and you're looking for something that has a bit more originality than a diet of vampires, then I'd be surprised if you didn't like this series.
Outstanding
laura-summerfield2 May 2023
I remember these as a kid, especially the doppelgänger/hitch hiker story, and have forever had the image of the yellow coated hitch hiker standing on the hill engrained in my head. Now having watched them all again a number of times as an adult and lover of all things horror, I can totally appreciate why. The low budget-ness of every episode adds to the eerieness of the episodes, they are creepy but just brilliant and deal with horror in different ways compared to modern horror. There's no jump scares or gore or anything like that, it's just atmospheric but in a creepy retro way. The 2 Faces of Evil will always have a special place in my heart.....that image though, it'll never leave me.
Season appraisal
southdavid9 September 2020
Having ploughed through "Beasts" and most of "The Frighteners" series, I was looking for another anthology horror series to kick on with and what could be better than "Hammer House of Horror" - trading of the classic UK studio name, with a series of sometimes gory, sometimes scary, sometimes sexy stories. You can find my review of each episode on its page.
The episodes are, it's fair to say, a mixed bag. There are some high spots, such as fantasy horror "Rude Awakening" and "The House That Bled to Death". But there are also some real clunkers, such as "Growing Pains" and "The Mark of Satan". The budget for each episode is not extraordinarily high, so you can see several locations reused across the run, and repeated use of driving stunts, by the one stuntman they had. There is, however, a lot of talent on the screen. James Cosmo, Denholm Elliott, Peter Cushing, Brian Cox, Diana Dors and Georgina Hale all make appearances.
It's hard to judge the horror aspects of these on their merits 40 years later - but I'll say that looking back on the series, there's only the horror of one episode that has made much of a lasting impression on me. I'd be hard pushed to tell you what some of them were about, despite having watched them all within the last month or so.
Unless you're a real completest, like I unfortunately am, I'd say that you use Youtube to watch "The Silent Scream" then if you're really curious "Rude Awakenings" and "The House That Bled to Death" and ignore the rest, they're generally not worth your time investment.
The episodes are, it's fair to say, a mixed bag. There are some high spots, such as fantasy horror "Rude Awakening" and "The House That Bled to Death". But there are also some real clunkers, such as "Growing Pains" and "The Mark of Satan". The budget for each episode is not extraordinarily high, so you can see several locations reused across the run, and repeated use of driving stunts, by the one stuntman they had. There is, however, a lot of talent on the screen. James Cosmo, Denholm Elliott, Peter Cushing, Brian Cox, Diana Dors and Georgina Hale all make appearances.
It's hard to judge the horror aspects of these on their merits 40 years later - but I'll say that looking back on the series, there's only the horror of one episode that has made much of a lasting impression on me. I'd be hard pushed to tell you what some of them were about, despite having watched them all within the last month or so.
Unless you're a real completest, like I unfortunately am, I'd say that you use Youtube to watch "The Silent Scream" then if you're really curious "Rude Awakenings" and "The House That Bled to Death" and ignore the rest, they're generally not worth your time investment.
Eh, I appreciate the effort
Malpaso132 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Was really looking forward to this finally, but was a little disappointed. The stories themselves rely on tired horror tropes that are all too predictable. The results are some small thrills, gore, incoherent plots, and a whole lotta cheese. From evil little kids, naive parents, and the fact that every time you see a pet you know it's a goner--well, the actors are good, and one episode featuring Peter Cushing and a young Brian Cox is a standout. Go in with measured expectations and you should be fine.
A psychologically disturbed thirtysomething writes...
nick_oke26 July 2002
For those of us of a certain age, this was the must-see Saturday night TV event. And out of the 13 (very apt number...) individual episodes, there are several that chill my blood and haunt my nightmares to this day.
The luridly titled 'House That Bled To Death' was an excellent take on the Amityville theme - new owners of a house discover its murderous past, 'Thirteenth Reunion' takes the cannibal-aircrash-survivors story to a scary extreme, and 'Charlie Boy' gives us the cursed voodoo effigy from hell.
But undoubted winner of the 'Scare A Thirteen Year Old So He Pees The Bed' Award - 'Two Faces of Evil'. For any thirtysomething who has passing hazy recollections of this series, think rotten teeth and one sharp, black fingernail...
I'm off - I need the loo.
The luridly titled 'House That Bled To Death' was an excellent take on the Amityville theme - new owners of a house discover its murderous past, 'Thirteenth Reunion' takes the cannibal-aircrash-survivors story to a scary extreme, and 'Charlie Boy' gives us the cursed voodoo effigy from hell.
But undoubted winner of the 'Scare A Thirteen Year Old So He Pees The Bed' Award - 'Two Faces of Evil'. For any thirtysomething who has passing hazy recollections of this series, think rotten teeth and one sharp, black fingernail...
I'm off - I need the loo.
what a series !!!
searchanddestroy-110 August 2019
Brilliant
ronbell-2398428 June 2020
Hammer time
raben-811462 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Long before the VHS compilation movies from the 2010s there was these rows of the 1980s Hammer House of Horror episodes. I was watching this on Danish TV in the 1980s late in the evening. It´s been so many decades that I can´t remember any of these episodes that was one hour long with actors who later on would become big stars in the 1990s and the 2000s. This show are just not for the classic horror fans, but this show are also a must watch for the fans of the 1980s horror TV shows and mystery detective 1980s fans too who would stay up late as teens and adults to watch these horrors unfold on the screen.
Some TV shows deserve to remain obscure
jayhawk-1825 October 2006
My boyfriend was happy to see these available to rent through Amazon. He remembered many a late night as a boy under the blanket in front of the telly watching these. Some childhood memories don't deserve to be revisited though and he said the original thrill of watching these was long gone.
We sat through about six episodes in all, cringing at the cheap effects, crap acting and lame pacing. Most episodes had no suspense or intrigue to them whatsoever (some were downright boring) and every twist makes itself known well in advance. Some episodes are nonsensical, even in the 'anything can happen' genres of horror and sci-fi. Doppelgangers in East Anglia? Must be 'normal for Norfolk.' Hospital porters being groomed by Satanists to eat babies? Again, normal for Norfolk, I guess.
The acting was hammy to the extreme, like the time travelling witch who does nothing but bare her breasts and cackle (as witches do). The actress who played the American woman suffering from a nervous breakdown deserves a BAFTA, honest. 'I...will be...AVENGED!!!' If you're a unsophisticated teenager or some ironic uni students wanting some cheap entertainment, here's your series. Anyone with a serious interest in creepy thrillers should stay well away.
We sat through about six episodes in all, cringing at the cheap effects, crap acting and lame pacing. Most episodes had no suspense or intrigue to them whatsoever (some were downright boring) and every twist makes itself known well in advance. Some episodes are nonsensical, even in the 'anything can happen' genres of horror and sci-fi. Doppelgangers in East Anglia? Must be 'normal for Norfolk.' Hospital porters being groomed by Satanists to eat babies? Again, normal for Norfolk, I guess.
The acting was hammy to the extreme, like the time travelling witch who does nothing but bare her breasts and cackle (as witches do). The actress who played the American woman suffering from a nervous breakdown deserves a BAFTA, honest. 'I...will be...AVENGED!!!' If you're a unsophisticated teenager or some ironic uni students wanting some cheap entertainment, here's your series. Anyone with a serious interest in creepy thrillers should stay well away.
Very unusual TV series that deserves a second look (SPOILERS!)
world_of_weird10 December 2004
Hammer House Of Horror, with its Spinal Tap's 'Stonehenge' soundalike theme tune, casts of soon-to-be-famous actors and commendably nasty flair for nihilism and genuine nastiness slithered onto British television (on Saturday nights, too!) in 1980 and carved indelible scars in the collective subconscious of an entire generation. Sure, not all the episodes were up to the same standard, but the ones that worked - well, they were classics.
THE HOUSE THAT BLED TO DEATH is one of the most memorable episodes, and rightly so. I think this would have made a decent feature-length film. An apparently unsuspecting family moves into a house with a grim recent past and quickly realize that all is not as it should be. A series of horrible incidents (animal lovers should not even consider watching this episode) culminate in the notorious blood-soaked birthday party and the family moves away, but even that isn't the end of their problems. This episode has one of the most shocking and disturbing final scenes of the whole series and would make a nice companion piece to Romano Scavolini's NIGHTMARE (1981), released the following year. SILENT SCREAM is another excellent series entry, with Peter Cushing at his creepy best as a seemingly innocuous pet shop owner who turns out to be a former concentration camp guard with a penchant for unpleasant experiments involving "prisons without walls". The finale is extremely creepy and haunted my dreams for a long time when I was a child. THE TWO FACES OF EVIL goes all out to disturb, with creepy electronic music, claustrophobic camera angles, dopplegangers, nausea-inducing shocks and another troubling ending. It's the closest the series comes to straight horror for its own sake, and should NOT be watched alone!
After the excellent opening salvo of three brilliant episodes, the rest of the series can seem like a disappointment, but CHARLIE BOY, WITCHING HOUR, GROWING PAINS, THE MARK OF Satan and VISITOR FROM THE GRAVE are all fine stories (the latter boasting a completely wacko final scene that will have you muttering "what the hell was THAT?!"), RUDE AWAKENING is as bizarre as anything the late Dennis Potter ever came up with, THE CARPATHIAN EAGLE boasts the gorgeous Suzanne Danielle, THE THIRTEENTH REUNION is well-acted and macabre if a little predictable, and the remaining few episodes don't quite come off. Nonetheless, it's a pleasingly varied series that's consistently entertaining, and a reminder of a time when television treated adults like adults and had yet to dumb down to the levels of dreck like Freddy's Nightmares.
THE HOUSE THAT BLED TO DEATH is one of the most memorable episodes, and rightly so. I think this would have made a decent feature-length film. An apparently unsuspecting family moves into a house with a grim recent past and quickly realize that all is not as it should be. A series of horrible incidents (animal lovers should not even consider watching this episode) culminate in the notorious blood-soaked birthday party and the family moves away, but even that isn't the end of their problems. This episode has one of the most shocking and disturbing final scenes of the whole series and would make a nice companion piece to Romano Scavolini's NIGHTMARE (1981), released the following year. SILENT SCREAM is another excellent series entry, with Peter Cushing at his creepy best as a seemingly innocuous pet shop owner who turns out to be a former concentration camp guard with a penchant for unpleasant experiments involving "prisons without walls". The finale is extremely creepy and haunted my dreams for a long time when I was a child. THE TWO FACES OF EVIL goes all out to disturb, with creepy electronic music, claustrophobic camera angles, dopplegangers, nausea-inducing shocks and another troubling ending. It's the closest the series comes to straight horror for its own sake, and should NOT be watched alone!
After the excellent opening salvo of three brilliant episodes, the rest of the series can seem like a disappointment, but CHARLIE BOY, WITCHING HOUR, GROWING PAINS, THE MARK OF Satan and VISITOR FROM THE GRAVE are all fine stories (the latter boasting a completely wacko final scene that will have you muttering "what the hell was THAT?!"), RUDE AWAKENING is as bizarre as anything the late Dennis Potter ever came up with, THE CARPATHIAN EAGLE boasts the gorgeous Suzanne Danielle, THE THIRTEENTH REUNION is well-acted and macabre if a little predictable, and the remaining few episodes don't quite come off. Nonetheless, it's a pleasingly varied series that's consistently entertaining, and a reminder of a time when television treated adults like adults and had yet to dumb down to the levels of dreck like Freddy's Nightmares.
A true horror, though not for the right reasons.
illegal_alien5121 December 2010
I can sympathize with those who saw this when they were young and were quite thrilled by it. But this has no value past the unintentionally funny campness or nostalgia.
The true horror of this series sadly lies with the scripts, the acting, the dialogues, the stories themselves. There is not one episode that doesn't make you cringe. The logic and story mechanics are rather hair raising, in a way that makes the Friday the 13th series look like a masterpiece.
I watched this with very high hopes, since, of about 70 Hammer Productions full length movies I've seen, only about three were truly bad, the remainders, even though also camp to some degree, were full of heart and meaning, even unexpected depth. This series however is the absolute opposite and a very big let down if you expect typical Hammer Horror quality.
If you haven't seen this when you were little, I'd only recommend you see it for its historic value, but not really with the hopes of getting entertained.
The true horror of this series sadly lies with the scripts, the acting, the dialogues, the stories themselves. There is not one episode that doesn't make you cringe. The logic and story mechanics are rather hair raising, in a way that makes the Friday the 13th series look like a masterpiece.
I watched this with very high hopes, since, of about 70 Hammer Productions full length movies I've seen, only about three were truly bad, the remainders, even though also camp to some degree, were full of heart and meaning, even unexpected depth. This series however is the absolute opposite and a very big let down if you expect typical Hammer Horror quality.
If you haven't seen this when you were little, I'd only recommend you see it for its historic value, but not really with the hopes of getting entertained.
Very interesting series
rundbauchdodo2 September 2001
This TV-series contains 13 episodes of 52 minutes, and all of them are worth to watch. Of course, not all stories are even, there are tops and flops. But all in all, there is no episode that is really bad.
First, the three weakest stories. The fourth episode, "Growing Pains", tells an interesting story about the ghost of a dead boy coming back from the grave to haunt his parents who haven't had enough time to look after him. But too slow paced and a tame ending make this episode rather a letdown. The ninth episode "Carpathian Eagle" boosts a very interesting serial killer story with a twist (and Pierce Brosnan in a small role as a victim), but it's also too slow paced and predictable towards the end. The weakest of all episodes is number ten, "Guardian of the Abyss". It's a not very original story about a Satan's cult, only the final twist is nice to watch.
But there are some exquisite horror stories in the series. For example, episode two, "The Thirteenth Reunion". It's a creepy story about a cannibalistic secret society, highly recommended. As is the sixth episode, "Charlie Boy", the goriest episode with the highest body count about an African voodoo fetish with deadly powers. Or the seventh, "The Silent Scream" starring Peter Cushing as an ex-concentration camp guard who makes a grueling experiment with an ex-convict. Psychologically very unnerving. "Visitor from the Grave", the eleventh episode, has also some creepy moments that are perfectly timed. But the most haunting story is the twelfth, "The Two Faces of Evil", which will make You shiver for quite a while. Atmospheric horror at its best.
The first episode, "Witching Time", starring Ian "Zombi 2" McCullogh, is mainly remarkable for being the only one with a happy-end. "Rude Awakening", the third, is the most (dark) humorous one with Denholm Elliott playing the lead role gleefully funny. The fifth episode "The House That Bled to Death" makes a seven year old girl suffer some really bad shocks, while episode eight, "Children of the Full Moon", tells a nice variation of the classic wolf man story. The final episode, "The Mark of Satan", is an interesting study of a man's paranoia and its unpleasant consequences.
For being a TV-series, the episodes boost surprisingly subversive and violent moments. They are mostly highly entertaining and creepy. Recommended to all who like to shiver while they're watching movies.
First, the three weakest stories. The fourth episode, "Growing Pains", tells an interesting story about the ghost of a dead boy coming back from the grave to haunt his parents who haven't had enough time to look after him. But too slow paced and a tame ending make this episode rather a letdown. The ninth episode "Carpathian Eagle" boosts a very interesting serial killer story with a twist (and Pierce Brosnan in a small role as a victim), but it's also too slow paced and predictable towards the end. The weakest of all episodes is number ten, "Guardian of the Abyss". It's a not very original story about a Satan's cult, only the final twist is nice to watch.
But there are some exquisite horror stories in the series. For example, episode two, "The Thirteenth Reunion". It's a creepy story about a cannibalistic secret society, highly recommended. As is the sixth episode, "Charlie Boy", the goriest episode with the highest body count about an African voodoo fetish with deadly powers. Or the seventh, "The Silent Scream" starring Peter Cushing as an ex-concentration camp guard who makes a grueling experiment with an ex-convict. Psychologically very unnerving. "Visitor from the Grave", the eleventh episode, has also some creepy moments that are perfectly timed. But the most haunting story is the twelfth, "The Two Faces of Evil", which will make You shiver for quite a while. Atmospheric horror at its best.
The first episode, "Witching Time", starring Ian "Zombi 2" McCullogh, is mainly remarkable for being the only one with a happy-end. "Rude Awakening", the third, is the most (dark) humorous one with Denholm Elliott playing the lead role gleefully funny. The fifth episode "The House That Bled to Death" makes a seven year old girl suffer some really bad shocks, while episode eight, "Children of the Full Moon", tells a nice variation of the classic wolf man story. The final episode, "The Mark of Satan", is an interesting study of a man's paranoia and its unpleasant consequences.
For being a TV-series, the episodes boost surprisingly subversive and violent moments. They are mostly highly entertaining and creepy. Recommended to all who like to shiver while they're watching movies.
Terrible
JonnyDR7513 October 2022
One of my channels is showing a marathon of this series this morning, so I've watched a few episodes. This series is so poorly written, isn't the least bit scary, and has all this weird sexual content added for no apparent reason other than lots of rated R movies with lots of sex were coming out at the time, and the series felt some sort of obligation to add sexual situations in order to capture viewers' attentions. I'm no prude and have no issue with sexual content, but this is so forced that it it just seems silly. It also doesn't seem at all in the spirit of the classic Hammer movies which one would guess the series wanted to emulate.
HAMMER HOUSE OF HORRORS - episode 7 the silent scream
harican26 February 2006
Hammer House Of Horrors DVD collection is the ultimate collectible when it comes to horror DVD's. I have almost 200 horror films in my collection, and I must say Hammer House Of Horrors is amongst the top 5 in the horror category.
Anyway, Hammer House Of Horrors is one series of films that one can't grow tired of. The episodes are well thought out and executed. The best of all is episode VII "the silent scream." The episode is everything horror should be, surprise, fright, and regret. I strongly suggest seeing this series of DVD's with an emphasis on episode VII "the silent scream.
Enjoy!
Anyway, Hammer House Of Horrors is one series of films that one can't grow tired of. The episodes are well thought out and executed. The best of all is episode VII "the silent scream." The episode is everything horror should be, surprise, fright, and regret. I strongly suggest seeing this series of DVD's with an emphasis on episode VII "the silent scream.
Enjoy!
Vastly overrated
ebeckstr-113 October 2019
Like its American counterparts from the same era, Tales from the Crypt & Tales From The Darkside, Hammer House of Horror is overrated. Story ideas are unimaginative, the writing is predictable, and the acting overwrought. These characteristics seem like intentional features of this exact style of pulpy television anthology (very different from the far superior The Twilight Zone and One Step Beyond), is a kind of sub-genre. I don't understand the appeal.
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