The premiere of Hammer Films’ “Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters” last night provided a delightful preview to the documentary’s eagerly awaited release on Sky Arts this Halloween.
The event was graced by a cadre of legendary stars from Hammer films, including Caroline Munro of “Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter,” Madeline Smith from “The Vampire Lovers,” Martine Beswick of “One Million Years B.C.,” and Charles Dance OBE, the documentary’s narrator. The premiere, held at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, marked the commencement of the iconic British film studio’s 90th-anniversary celebrations.
Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to view an array of remarkable props amassed by Hammer Films connoisseur Wayne Kinsey, such as Peter Cushing’s Aquascutum coat worn while portraying vampire hunter Van Helsing in “The Satanic Rites of Dracula” (1973), his top hat and spats from “Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed” (1969), and a wooden stake crafted for the 1974 cult favorite “Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter.”
A lively Q&A session followed the screening, led by broadcaster and avid enthusiast Nicholas Briggs, who engaged with Munro, Smith, Beswick, director Benjamin Field, and John Gore, the Chairman and Owner of Hammer Films.
Narrated by celebrated actor Charles Dance OBE, the documentary offers exclusive insight into the figures who brought Hammer’s unique vision to life. With contributions from cinematic heavyweights Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Logan, alongside Hammer’s own beloved stars and experts, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters provides an unprecedented look into the world of Hammer.
Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters tracks Hammer Films’ journey from humble beginnings in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status in the horror genre, where its core legacy of gothic horror and psychological tension continues to inspire and entertain to this day.
It explores the influential figures – both on screen and behind the scenes – who formed a unique family within the studio and made Hammer a defining force in cinema, including stars like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Through a series of fateful turns, the film reveals how Hammer’s distinct visual style and storytelling continue to shape modern horror and inspire filmmakers around the world.
The documentary culminates in a powerful and poignant reveal of Hammer royalty, with a special homage to the incomparable Peter Cushing at the very end, ensuring this moment will be an unforgettable highlight for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Fans of horror films can anticipate a spooktacular night in this Halloween when Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters is screened on Sky Arts on Thursday 31st October at 9pm.
The momentous event of Hammer Films’ 90th anniversary on 9th November and Sky’s special commission underscores Hammer’s lasting impact on cinema and its exciting future which also includes the highly anticipated 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray of a brand-new 4K restoration of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter.
The cult classic has been meticulously restored from the original film negatives and will be released as a limited collector’s edition 5-disc set (2 * UHD discs and 3 * Blu-rays). Its available for pre-order on 31st October. This release marks the beginning of Hammer’s exciting restoration programme, bringing the studio’s beloved films back to life for modern audiences.
