(1962)
Dir - Peter Graham Scott
Overall: MEH
Out of all the Hammer films nudged into the "horror" category, Captain Clegg could be the most undeserving. Though it was released in America under the menacing title Night Creatures, any ties to supernatural and/or Gothic creepiness begins and ends there. The film features two scenes of "the Marsh Phantoms", (a bunch of glowing ghosts on horseback that keep the villagers in their locked doors during the eve), and some of these shots are indeed rather creepy looking. As there are no blood sucking maidens or mad scientists running amok though, the film can of course be judged for what it is instead of what it is not. The script by future Journey To the Unknown producer Anthony Hinds is as tight as any in from the studio. It is plenty suspenseful enough to be enjoyable and Peter Cushing has an almost duel role that suites his exquisite talent to a tee. Some gruesome torture scenes are also alluded to, though never shown and the exotic Yvonne Romain and her bountiful cleavage fit the eye-candy requirement that Hammer films usually had. It is hardly as rewatchable as other films from the production company, but there we go comparing it again
(1963)
Dir - Don Sharp
Overall: GOOD
In the slew of hundreds upon hundreds of vampire films which Hammer Studios in particular contributed a hefty portion to, sometimes it takes just a few tweaks on the mythos to produce a refreshing bit of celluloid. The Kiss of the Vampire was helmed by Hammer's premier Fu-Manchu director Don Sharp and it twas originally intended to follow Horror and The Brides of Dracula to be the third film in said series. The famous Count or any mention thereof is not to be found here though. Neither is Peter Cushing or any of Hammer's other heavy hitters, though keen eyes will recognize Noel Willman and Jennifer Daniel who both appeared in The Reptile. What the film does posses is that aforementioned subtle and fresh take on bloodsucker epics, including but not limited to a quite unusual massacre scene. Hardly any cross waving or holy water throwing is to be found here, but an evil cult does makes an appearance at least. For familiar films like this where "vampire terrorizes a small, peasant village" is the recycled plot, the extra effort to change it up ever so slightly is nice since the other usual, atmospheric, Gothic eeriness is predictably still present.
(1964)
Dir - Freddie Francis
Overall: GOOD
Prolific cinematographer/occasional genre director Freddie Francis took charge of the low-key, black and white Hammer offering Nightmare from 1964. It was written by studio regular Jimmy Sangster, who also did the Horror of Dracula and Curse of Frankenstein screenplays. This one was enjoyable for both pulling the rug out several times, switching protagonists halfway through, and having a few characters satisfyingly get their comeuppance. Francis conveys a good, ominous mood where shadows are constantly seen, doors mysteriously open and close, and unexplainable things keep happening to break the psyches of certain characters. The opening "nightmare" is quite good and you would be right to guess that the film's best moments are at night when we the viewer do not know who or what is messing with whom or to what extent let alone end game. Even with a lesser known cast and few if any of Hammer's Gothic horror hallmarks, it is an effective, atmospheric thriller that is well-deserving of more eyes upon it.
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