Hammer Films: The Elstree Studio Years

by Wayne Kinsey

Wayne Kinsey reveals the story of Hammer Films from 1967 to the present day, following the highs and lows of the company as it bedded into its new home at Elstree Studios. Based on extensive oral history recording with Hammer personnel, the book describes in fascinating detail how the studio would plummet from one of the most successful British film companies and proud recipients of the Queen’s Award for Industry, to the depths of bankruptcy within a single decade. As the British Censor relaxed, Hammer took full advantage, steeping their films in the seventies with sex and nudity as well as ever increasing gore. Even better than Kinsey’s previous volume, the acclaimed Hammer Films – The Bray Studios Years, this book is heavily illustrated throughout by rare, never before published photos and documents, many taken behind the scenes of the famous "House that Dripped Blood".

Genres: Film

432 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2007

Reviews

[Steve Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Companion volume to 'Hammer Films: The Bray Studios Years' and formatted the same so as to make a neat and chunky whole.

This covers 1967 onwards. The consistency of quality in the 70's wasn't as high as previous, but there are still plenty of films worth reading about. One of my favourites, 'Twins Of Evil' is from this time. As with the 'The Bray Studios Years', there is tons of info and quotes from the British censor ('boooo!') and many black and white stills from behind the scenes.

Excellent companion to a viewing of the films.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgia fest. Blood thirsty kid that I was.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinsey continues the Hammer studio story , this volume from 1967 till the closure . Thoroughly good book.