Matt-131

I found this documentary to be very interesting. Although most of the clips from the Hammer films were in the format of theatrical trailers (due to actual film clips being too expensive), I found that there was enough of a mix of interviews and clips to keep most people happy. The narration was good (as you would expect from Peter Cushing & Christopher Lee) but was also tinged with sadness, as when it was shown in the UK (on consecutive Saturday evenings) Peter Cushing died before the second part was shown. It can truly be seen as his swansong for Hammer, for whom he made so many classic films.

Not really knowing alot about the life of Oscar Wilde, I looked forward to viewing this film, hoping that it would fill in one of the many gaps in my education. I was not disappointed.

This is a film of exceptional human warmth and I can highly recommend it. It deals matter-of-factly with the "issue" of homosexuality, it doesn't condemn or condone what happened in Wilde's private life, the viewer just gets a look at the man underneath the legend.

Stephen Fry does a great job as the title role, making Wilde a sympathetic character with whom the audience empathises. How he contrasts with the Marquess of Queensbury! I will long remember the confrontation between the two men, with Wilde giving as good as he gets against the Marquess' pathological hatred.

Jude Law gives an expert performance as Bosie (or Lord Alfred Douglas), with his deeply contrasting nature shown to full effect, sometimes being tender and loving, at other times changing into a screaming "madman".

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and can heartily recommend it to anyone who likes good films.

This film is really a vehicle for the beauty and guile of Ingrid Pitt. She seems to have been having a great time as the femme fatale, leaving large sways of lovely young women dead in her wake.

This film is the first of the trilogy of Karnstein vampire movies made by Hammer, based on the book Carmilla by Sheriden Le Fanu. It has quite a cast and they all seem to be enjoying themselves. Peter Cushing has a brief role as General Spielsdorf, Douglas Wilmer is the Baron Hartog and George Cole plays Morton. Along comes the mysterious Marcilla, and suddenly beautiful young women fall in love with her and die.

While this film is not the best that Hammer ever made, neither is it the worst and is rather enjoyable overall, as long as you remember to keep the crucifixes handy!