From talking to Fellophantians it seems there are at least a few fans of these luscious, sexy, campy horror films. For those who don't know - Hammer Film Productions was a British film studio that from the late 1950s to the 1970s turned out Gothic horror films. Although shot on very low budgets, the films are generally beautiful due to clever art production and exquisite and colorful photography. As in all things, there was a slide in quality as time wore on and by the mid-70s the party was pretty much over. But the earlier films are certainly worth a look if you aren't familiar with them. These are my favorites:
Horror of Dracula, known just as Dracula in the U.K. This was the first film that featured Christopher Lee as the Count, and he gives a dynamic performance. He's also fine as wine. The script is fast-paced and fun, and Peter Cushing is wonderful as van Helsing.
Brides of Dracula. This first sequel to Horror of Dracula - doesn't have Dracula in it. But is does have Cushing as van Helsing and is beautifully shot with some compelling images and a cracking story (the female lead is rather vacuous but at least she is pretty).
Hound of the Baskervilles. Yeah so, technically this isn't horror but rather a retelling of the Sherlock Holmes story. But there's still a veneer of gothic suspense over the whole film and Peter Cushing (yes, again) is one of the great portrayers of Holmes on screen. And Lee is in this one too, and is as usual, hot.