Memories of Hammer [Hardcover]

Gary J. Svehla (Author), Susan Svehla (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 2002

For many boomer horror fans, the Golden Age of Horror was the 1950s and 1960s, and occurred, courtesy, not of Universal Studios, but, from what those fans consider England's greatest export, Hammer Film Productions.

What teenager could argue with Technicolor blood, smolderingly sexy vampires (male and female) and heaving bosoms?

Memories of Hammer brings fans the reminiscences of the people in front of and behind the cameras at Hammer including: James Bernard, Martine Beswicke, Veronica Carlson, Freddie Francis, Val Guest, Christopher Lee, Suzanna Leigh, Ingrid Pitt, Jimmy Sangster, Barbara Shelley, Yutte Stensgaard and Virginia Wetherell.

This important film history documents the talks give at the FANEX film conventions throughout the years.

This book is a numbered limited edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Midnight Marquee Pr Inc (February 11, 2002)
• ISBN-10: 1887664440
• ISBN-13: 978-1887664448
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,615,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the Memories., April 15, 2002

By 

H. N. Dohe (My Sanctum Sanctorium) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Memories of Hammer (Hardcover)

This book is a fine compilation of the different appearances of Hammer stars at the various Fanex-Monster Rally conventions. Being one of the staff who worked at some of these cons, it's nice to now have a written account of the wonderful talks given by guests such as Ingrid Pitt, Veronica Carlson, and Christopher Lee. Nothing compares with having seen them in person, but this book captures the insights and behind-the-scenes stories these actors and actresses delighted us with. And now those who weren't able to attend these cons can read their stories.

The only problem with the book is in the introduction, which gets a little maudlin. But don't let that dissuade you. Skip the intro, and delve into the rest of the book, and enjoy the wonderful "Memories of Hammer".

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT MEMORIES!!, July 9, 2002

By 

PHILIP J HOLTHAUS (BELAIR, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Memories of Hammer (Hardcover)

The guest talks at Baltimore's Fanex Conventions have always been filled with great stories about making a particular film, working with the great hammer stars, and a lot of fun behind the scenes stories. 'MEMORIES OF HAMMER" captures a lot of these wonderful and often hilarious talks on paper for those of you out there unlucky enough to be there in person. Also, there's a very heartwarming introduction with some very entertaining stories that should be titled "behind the scenes at Fanex" with such greats as Christopher Lee, Ingrid Pitt, Carloine Munro, Veronica Carlson and Val Guest.

This is definitely a "MUST HAVE" book for horror film fans!!! 2 THUMBS UP!!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tribute to FANEX appearances, April 17, 2002

By 

Ralph Kirchoff (Columbia, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Memories of Hammer (Hardcover)

FANEX is always so special. Convention goers get up close and personal with long time favorite special guests, get meaningful autographs, take lunches and dinners with very small groups that include a guest or two, in short party with the stars. Best of all are the well thought out ceremonies and awards shows whereby hearts are mightily gladdened for both guests and conventioneers. Multiple volumes could be written regaling these events. Meanwhile, with "Memories of Hammer" Gary and Sue Svehla offer a savory sampling of past FANEX experiences. The preface is especially welcome as Gary Svehla recounts anecdotal history that really shines the light on the fun and passion of FANEX. Interview questions at guest Q & A sessions were carefully considered, eliciting surprisingly insightful reactions. The interviewees, in a forum where they were relaxed and coddled, opened up, become real people. A warm and informative interview book, "Memories of Hammer" is also a great supplement to current Jimmy Sangster and Christopher Lee bios.