Media    From 1934 

Hammer Films

Categories: Cinema

Film company famous for its Gothic horror genre. Prominent during the 1960/70s. Peter Cushing and Sir Chistopher Lee starred in many of their Dracula and Frankenstein films. It ceased production in the 1980s, but the brand and the film library live on.

The company began life in a three-room office suite at Imperial House, Regent Street. Its founder was comedian William Hinds whose stage name was Will Hammer, after his home area, Hammersmith. By 1949 Hammer had been through bankruptcy and recovered to set up offices at 113-117 Wardour Street.

For studios they used a series of large houses around London. In 1951 they moved to what would become Bray Studios near Windsor. This began as a derelict house which Hammer remodelled for their requirements. That was their main base until 1966. They then shot 4 films at Elstree Studios.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Hammer Films

Commemorated ati

Peter Cushing

Peter Cushing, star of Hammer Films and many other motion pictures, 'A true g...

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Other Subjects

British Film Institute

British Film Institute

In 1996 the BFI erected 126 plaques across Britain to commemorate the centenary of cinema. See the pdf.

Group, Cinema, Museums / Libraries

16 memorials
Malcolm Craddock

Malcolm Craddock

Television and film producer. Born Malcolm Gordon Craddock, London. Began making films while at university. Produced TV commercials for 14 years. Co-founder of Picture Palace, the television produc...

Person, Cinema, TV & Radio

1 memorial
Jessie Matthews, OBE

Jessie Matthews, OBE

Actor, singer and dancer. Born into a large family in Berwick Street.  Made her name in theatre and in the 30's was Britain's favourite musical film star.  Post-war her career flagged but in 1963 s...

Person, Cinema, Dance, Music / songs, Theatre, TV & Radio

2 memorials
John Le Mesurier

John Le Mesurier

Actor. Born John Elton Halliley in Bedford. Adopting his mother's surname, he was a supporting actor in many films of the 1950s and 1960s, but was projected to national fame as Sergeant Wilson in t...

Person, Cinema, Humour, TV & Radio

2 memorials
Sir David Hare

Sir David Hare

Playwright, screenwriter and director. Born in St Leonards-on-Sea. Best known for his stage plays including 'Plenty', 'Racing Demon' and 'Amy's View'. He has also written the scripts for many telev...

Person, Cinema, Theatre

1 memorial