House of Horror: The Complete Hammer Films Story (Creation Cinema Collection) [Paperback]

Jack Hunter (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Creation Cinema Collection | Publication Date: September 2000

Already established as one of the most comprehensive studies of the notorious British film company: Hammer, this new, revised edition ensures that House of Horror remains both visually stimulating and a key source of up-to-date, factually correct information.

Tracing the complete history of Hammer films, from its early origins through to its golden era of classic horror movies, House of Horror presents a comprehensive overview of Hammer's importance and influence in world cinema.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Creation Books; Rev Exp edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840680571
• ISBN-13: 978-1840680577
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,878,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars For Hammer completists only, December 27, 2004

By 

Holger Haase (Cork, Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: House of Horror: The Complete Hammer Films Story (Creation Cinema Collection) (Paperback)

Stay clear of that one!

This is an updated (or so they have you believe) edition of a book that was originally published in the 1970s. The first edition didn't even carry an author's name and was more or less the first book length publication about Hammer movies ever. It was effectively just a rehash of two or three sentence summaries of all the films without any real film historical info. It did have a good number of pictures, mainly black and white and poorly reproduced. The first edition at least has historical value and a gallery of a dozen or so one page Hammer Glamour photos. The current edition here has decided to drop all Hammer Glamour pics (THE main reason most even remember the book) and to replace it with a general chapter on Vampire Cinema (written by Jack Hunter) that is neither here nor there. All the remaining chapter are pretty much identical to the 1970s book.

I have both of editions. The Glamour pics are now graced by autographs of some of the ladies. The newer edition I got as I foolishly thought it would add some info.... as opposed to actually offer *less* for the Hammer fan!

For Hammer completists only. If you really need to buy this, at least try and get the original version from the 1970s. If you need an introductory book full of info and decent pictures, go for Marcus Hearn's/Alan Barnes' HAMMER STORY instead.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Place for Newer Devotees of Hammer's Horrors, January 1, 2004

By 

Matthew Mclaughlin (locustville) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: House of Horror: The Complete Hammer Films Story (Creation Cinema Collection) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful guide through Hammer's world of monsters, and should be of particular use to the newer initiate into the Hammer Cannon, yet still manages to provide enough bits for the seasoned veteran, such as the many photos (a good amount are color) and a chapter on the movie-almost-weres. It is a light read, and doesn't contain much critical commentary other than whether or not the film was successful. A few behind-the-scenes tidbits are mentioned, and a quick summary of each movie.

This was the first book of Hammer I bought, and I read through it in a night. It helped me base my opions on which film series I wished to pursue first (my favorite still being the Frankensteins), as well as lend a general knowledge to the company as a whole. Though it really is a scratch on the surface, it whet my appetite for more serious readings.

The only slight fault - and it's nothing to gripe about really - is that the movies are not listed in chronological order, which makes cross referencing between series somewhat awkward. However, on the other hand, if one is only interested in the Frankenstein Series (or whatever have you), the movies are laid out in one solid chapter, and therefore easier to reference to each other. So, a give and take, but essential nonetheless.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fangtastic!, March 18, 2000

By 

Dr Blood (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: House of Horror [Old Edition]: The Complete Hammer Films Story (Creation Cinema) (Paperback)

One of the best reference works on Hammer Horror. Lots of film making history and behind the scenes goings on plus some great interviews with the leading names. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the great British horror movie. It could also help you in choosing which Hammer films you would like to buy from Amazon or from Dr Blood's Video Vault (an Amazon.com affiliate)- www.drblood.co.uk.