Hammer Goes to Hell: The House of Horror's Unmade Films

This book explores the production issues and cultural contexts of Hammer's unmade films, presenting a previously undocumented history of one of the most famous British production companies. It utilizes the Hammer Script Archive, including over 100 files on unmade projects, to provide a new perspective on Hammer Films. The book argues for the importance and sustained study of unmade films within film history and offers a fresh perspective on a legendary studio.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:

Hammer Films, a legendary British production company, is known for its iconic horror and science fiction films that have captivated audiences for decades. However, the company's history extends beyond its successful releases, as it also had a rich collection of unmade films and television projects. This book explores the production issues and cultural contexts of Hammer's unmade films, presenting a previously undocumented history of one of the most famous British production companies of all time.

The Hammer Script Archive:

The Hammer Script Archive, a collection of over 100 files on Hammer's unmade film and television projects, provides a unique source of information for this book. This archive contains screenplays, correspondence, and other materials that shed light on the creative process behind these projects. By utilising this resource, the book offers a previously unseen perspective on the development and cancellation of these films.

A Significant Addition to the Field of Unmade Film Studies:

This book is a significant addition to the burgeoning field of unmade film studies and the study of Hammer Films. While many studies of Hammer Films have been written, none have accounted for the significant amount of creative and economic labour that went into over 100 unmade projects at the company. By examining the production contexts of these unmade films, the book provides a deeper understanding of the creative processes and challenges faced by filmmakers during the early stages of production.

Production Contexts:

The book explores the production contexts of an eclectic range of Hammer's unmade films, ranging from the Loch Ness Monster project Nessie to Dracula in India script Kali Devil Bride of Dracula. Each project represents a unique combination of creative ideas, financial constraints, and cultural influences. The book examines the challenges faced by Hammer's filmmakers in bringing these projects to fruition, including the difficulties in securing funding, casting talented actors, and navigating the complex legal and regulatory frameworks of the film industry.

Academic Intervention:

This book represents a significant academic intervention by being the first sustained industry study to primarily use unmade projects. By focusing on Hammer, the book offers a fresh perspective on a legendary film studio and argues for the importance and sustained study of unmade films within film history. The book challenges traditional narratives of film production and offers a new understanding of the creative processes and economic considerations that shape the making of films.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Hammer's unmade films and their production contexts. By utilising the Hammer Script Archive and other primary materials, the book offers a new perspective on one of the most famous British production studios of all time. The book is a valuable addition to the field of unmade film studies and will interest scholars, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the creative processes and economic considerations of film production.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474496650