Blindspot 2016: Classic Horror: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Blindspot 2016: Classic Horror: The Hound of the Baskervilles

I conclude my yearlong exploration of classic horror with Hammer Films 1959 adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. Following the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, Dr. Richard Mortimer (Francis de Wolff) seeks the assistance of Sherlock Holmes (Peter Cushing) to protect the remaining Baskerville heir Sir Henry (Christopher Lee) from the apparent curse placed upon the…

Blindspot 2016: Classic Horror: The Curse of Frankenstein

Blindspot 2016: Classic Horror: The Curse of Frankenstein

I’m continuing with Hammer Films this month, as I look at their version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. After inheriting his family’s wealth, Victor Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) uses the money to fund his research, assisted by his longtime friend and tutor Paul Krempe (Robert Urquhart). However, Paul becomes increasingly concerned when Victor becomes obsessed with creating a new…

R.I.P. Christopher Lee

R.I.P. Christopher Lee

It’s sad news today as acclaimed actor Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 93.  With a career that lasted more than 65 years, Lee was best known for his roles in the Hammer horror films of the 1950s, particularly the 1958 version of Dracula.  He also had memorable roles as Lord Summerisle in…

Hugo

Hugo

That fact that Hugo is directed by none other than Martin Scorsese was probably the first sign that it wouldn’t be just your average family film.  In fact, the film turns out to be a celebration of the history of early cinema, most notably the work of Georges Méliès, played in the film by Ben Kingsley. For…