The 31 Days of Horror: Day 9

The Curse of Frankenstein (Terence Fisher, 1957) has been called the first modern horror film. Produced by the great Hammer Films, it added color, gore and sex to the mix and kicked started a run of horror flicks for the British studio that would last nearly two decades.

Viewed today, Curse seems rather tame, but it had UK critics all kinds of hot and bothered upon first release.

"Among the half-dozen most repulsive films I have ever seen," said a Guardian critic.

"Depressing and degrading for anyone who loves the cinema," opined the Tribune.

Ouch.

You can see what the hubub was about for yourself tonight at Facets FRIGHT School. The action kicks off at midnight with my lecture, Hammer Time: Inside Britain's House of Horror. I'll discuss the history and influence of Hammer on the horror genre, the career of Terence Fisher, and the production, reception and influence of arguably his (and Hammer's) greatest work, The Curse of Frankenstein. A screening of the film and a post-screening discussion follow. All for only 5 little dollars.

See you there!


-Phil Morehart