Hammer Horror: classic horror cinema from Hammer Studios

What is the course about?

This online film studies course explores the horror output of Hammer studios. We will view and discuss the studio's series of 'reimaginings' of classic gothic cinema, (including its successful Dracula and Frankenstein series of films) its noir infused contemporary chillers (e.g., Taste of Fear), and occasional forays into science fiction-horror (e.g., the Quatermass films). We will consider the studio's history and its relationship with other areas of British horror cinema, and with British cinema in general, and assess a range of critical accounts of its horror films, noting both contemporary resistance to the Hammer style and its later re-evaluation as a vital part of a British national cinema.

Films featured on the course will be from the following:
The Quatermass Xperiment (1955), The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Dracula (1958), The Mummy (1959), The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959), The Brides of Dracula (1960), The Curse of the Werewolf (1961), The Shadow of the Cat (1961), Taste of Fear (1961), Kiss of the Vampire (1962), The Phantom of the Opera (1962), The Gorgon (1964), Nightmare (1964), Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1965), The Nanny (1965), Frankenstein Created Woman (1966), The Witches (1966), The Plague of the Zombies (1966), The Reptile (1966), Quatermass and the Pit (1967), The Devil Rides Out (1968), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969), The Vampire Lovers (1970).

Prior viewing and reading is not required. The tutor will provide notes for each session and suggest further reading and viewing.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• Key Hammer horror films
• The reception of Hammer's horror films
• Key Hammer personnel (e.g., Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and director Terence Fisher)
• Hammer's production strategies
• Critical account of, and approaches to Hammer horror films
• British horror cinema beyond Hammer (its competitors).

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Evaluate a the studio's key horror films, and related output, and their key characteristics and style
• Describe and evaluate the reception of the studio's horror cinema
• Identify and evaluate the contribution of key personnel to the Hammer horror style
• Describe the studio's production strategies
• Evaluate a range of critical accounts of, and approaches to, the Hammer's horror films
• Identify British horror cinema beyond Hammer.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class, but this is not essential.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Look for other film studies courses at www.citylit.ac.uk/history, culture and writing/film studies.