Reviews (16)

Vintage Hammer. Babes, severed heads AND Peter Cushing!
The fist time I saw this movie, at the tender age of 10, it left a lasting impression that has no doubt skewed my view of the world. Here was a former Playboy Bunny trying desperately to contain herself in a typical Hammeresque period costume, running around the Village exacting revenge in a series of bloody murders. The grisly climax contains a scene where she talks to the severed head of her (former) boyfriend. She was, of course, Frankenstein's newest creation. I recently watched this again, curious as to how I would react 30 years later. Aside from a terrible ending (this movie doesn't end so much as it stops), the movie still holds up pretty well. Fans of the Hammer genre, and fans of Peter Cushing will no doubt enjoy this one. Good wacky laboratory sequences, a fun cast of characters (some of which you are glad to see die) and Denberg as the best looking creature yet.

Will the real Soul please stand up
At the beginning of the movie a murderer is guillotine and witnessed by his young son Hans. Years later Hans is working with Dr. Hertz and Dr. Bon Frankenstein (played by Peter Cushing). Frankenstein has himself frozen for exactly one hour, down to the second, where he is trying to prove that the soul does not leave the body. He is revived and to celebrate his success sends Hans out to get some champagne at one of the local pubs. Hans is in love with the owner's daughter (Christina played by Susan Denberg) and spends the night with her but when the owner is killed Hans is accused and refuses to tell where he was when the murder took place. Hans is found guilty and himself guillotined like his father. Christina sees this and jumps off a bridge and drowns.

Dr. Frankenstein retrieves Hans's body, captures his soul, and places it in Christina body. Among Frankenstein accomplishments he is a brilliant cosmetic surgeon and turns Christina into a beautiful blond with the aid of Dr. Hertz. Now with a new body and Hans's soul revenge is sought for Hans and Christina's father's deaths.

This is another excellent Hammer film and with Peter Cushing heading the cast. The quality of the DVD is excellent.

WARNING
this Anchor Bay DVD appears to have serious flaws as almost all of the originally pressed discs no longer play correctly.....those of you who have these discs, Please check them in your dvd players as 9 out of 10 of them have suffered a form of corruption that doesnt allow them to work anylonger...........the worst news of all is that ANCHOR BAY dont apparently have the license to release this title again at the moment, so those of us who have dumped our Elite Laserdiscs are rather stuck with a dud dvd. Anchor Bay who are normally so excellent about handling themselves ought really to start something about refunding those of us who are stuck with a dud disc - clearly something they MUST have had some idea about.

stylish, erotic, smart- all my favorites!!!
I saw this many, many years ago in the theatre... still a great movie, but the tape didn't exactly capture the lush backgrounds, the erotism of the first time. Well, I'm also not 6 (or whatever) years old.
Still, I experienced again: a delirious crush on Hans, the romantic, too-good-to-be-true, hero- who was able to love AND LUST after Christine, the flawed and mistreated servant girl (haven't we all been her at one time?)His ability to see past the scars she felt such shame from made him a big numero uno for me even way back then.
Second: yowza! I prayed that my pre-adolescent self would develop into ANY SEMBLANCE WHAT-SO-EVER of the oozing sexuality of the transformed/re-created (isn't that another wish of ours, ladies?) Christina (Susan Denberg)...
And, oh yeah... Peter Cushing is in it, too.
HA! Just kidding...the blend of old school, classic horror and repressed sexuality made for a memorable movie that I had to buy and watch again and again.
If you dig the mix... and you know who you are out there... get this movie

Will the real Hammer Frankenstein please stand up?
Hammer's Victor Frankenstein owes little to the Universal series (where the character was named Henry and in fact the sequels featured the monster and not the Doctor) or even the original novel (whose Victor was a young college student and not a Baron).
When one follows the Baron in the Hammer series, one finds a lot of inconsistency. The insensitive, murderous Baron of CURSE is toned down a bit in REVENGE, misunderstood in EVIL, is the "hero" of CREATED WOMAN, is a killer and more evil than ever (and just transplants a brain) in MUST BE DESTROYED, and is back more or less like the Baron in REVENGE in AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL. Cushing is a wonderful actor and makes the character interesting, in spite of the scripting.
One wonders how the Baron came upon the idea to transplant souls since he seems to be an atheist or how he is able to acquire the machinery to be able to accomplish it without arousing suspicion. FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN is a pretty good film overall, but the ending does seem weak. One gets the feeling they couldn't think up a more satisfying ending and just had her drown herself again. Hammer fans will probably enjoy it anyway. Others should look for a more traditional Frankenstein movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

The best that can be said for There's a Girl in My Soup is that it is not quite as bad as its reputation. A belly flop in the careers of Peter Sellers and Goldie Hawn (she was fresh off her Oscar® for Cactus Flower), this Boulting brothers production did nothing to showcase the sparkling comic talents of those two performers. Sellers has some nice moments early as a famous TV-host twit, whose career as a serial seducer is halted after meeting hippie chick Goldie. It's one double-entendre after another:"You only want one thing," says one of Sellers's conquests. "Yes, but what a lovely thing," he sighs. Seen now, the movie is most fun for its goofy look at the gestalt of swinging London: Sellers' automated bachelor pad was surely an inspiration to the Austin Powers folks, and his checkered beige suit must be seen to be believed. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

For many years after becoming one of the definitive movie Draculas in the 1958 Hammer Films classic Horror of Dracula (in which he was pitted against Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing), Christopher Lee refused to reprise his role as filmdom's most infamous vampire. He finally returned to the role in this belated 1965 sequel, once again directed by Hammer studios veteran Terence Fisher. It's not as effective or as intelligently written as the earlier film, but it has become a minor classic in its own right for horror connoisseurs, notably due to the combination of eerie atmosphere (a Terence Fisher specialty) and violence that was, by mid-'60s standards, quite bloody and graphic. Indeed, the story begins when Count Dracula's servant revives his master by hanging an unsuspecting victim over the tomb containing Dracula's ashes and draining the blood from the unlucky fellow so it can trickle into the tomb and restore life to the remains of the undead vampire! It's this kind of unholy communion that was a trademark of Hammer horror, and Dracula: Prince of Darkness continues with all the requisite ingredients--including a group of tourists who arrive at the count's secluded castle just in time to feed his insatiable bloodlust! True horror fans will appreciate the performance by Hammer regular Barbara Shelley, widely considered to be one of her best. So, file your fangs and enjoy Lee in his most famous and immortal role! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (58)

An okay repersantation worth mentioning
dracula Prince of Darkness, the second hammer horror dracula in the series. starring christopher Lee in an unspeeking role(why?), and the worst actress, Barbra Shelly(I don't know about you but shelly reminds me of my seventh grade teacher). One of the few wide screen hammer films that I could find, its a must have for any hammer collecter. The story isn't bad, four travelers from england are taking a vacation in, of all places, the Carpathian, supposedly to broden there minds. They are abandoned by there coach driver so when a misterios cart comes rolling down the road they decide to take it. But the horses went in the wrong direrction, towards castle Dracula. The servent of the castle, kills one of the travlers and pours blood on the ashes of the count(he ran into the sun in Horror of Dracula). then Dracula stocks helen (the sventh grade teacher(Barbra Shelly). Two travelers get out alive after being confronted by Dracula. They seek the help of a preist who knows how to destroy vampires(a real Van Helsing). They Destroy the count with a bit of the old stake through the heart. a few bad points, no dialog from the Lee, the cute chick doesnt get naked, and Barbra Shelly. It's too bad.

Dracula-Prince of Darkness: A must see for all horror fans!!
This film was first released in 1965 and is certainly worth the 90 minates of running time. Filmed in Techniscope, Dracula-Prince of Darkness is about 4 tourists who stray off their destination of Carlsbad and end up within the walls of Castle Dracula. Christopher Lee and Barbara Shelley provide plenty of scares and keep you on the edge of your seats. Plenty of gore and a very tense scene involving B. Shelley towards the end of the film, make this (in my opinion) one of the scariest Dracula films ever. Although Christopher Lee was disappointed that he didn't have a speaking role, I think (in my opinion) it made him more frightning to watch. The only 2 faults I have with this film is the dialog a little weak at beginning and an extra scene or two could have been used at the end. Never the less, an enjoyable film to watch for all horror fans. Cast: Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, Andrew Keir, Susan Farmer, Charles Tingwell and Thorley Walters. Director: Terence Fisher

A Hammer classic
Dracula, Prince of Darkness tends to get short shrift from the critics, but it is hard to see why. Director Terence Fisher is on top form, delivering some of Hammer studios' most memorable and fascinating images: Klove's pseudo-Eucharistic ritual to bring Dracula back to life; the staking of a female vampire; the Count's destruction at the film's icy climax. Cast are second to none: Christopher Lee reprising his role as the Count; Barbara Shelley as a repressed Englishwoman-cum-vampire; Andrew Keir as Father Sandor, a rough-and-ready Van Helsing-type. Rest of the crew are top-notch: The atmospheric photography is by Michael Reed; the score is one of studio regular James Bernard's best; and Bernard Robinson's set designs are among his most memorable (the castle exterior was shared with the less impressive but still entertaining Rasputin the Mad Monk in the same year).

I found this film riveting as a child, and it still captivates me today. It certainly belongs in the essential Hammer canon, and is perhaps the finest of the Dracula sequels.

OK, but does not add up to the original
This one is OK for Halloween perhaps, but not the best of them all. Dracula does not even say anything in this film although the evil is quite effective. Only buy this one if you are a die hard fan of the Hammer "Dracula" films. Other than that, renting it at your local video store might be better.

This film may have also been better with the presence of Professor Van Helsing, and that's what also made the first film even better.

Dracula Returns
In 1895 two english couples on a trip in the Carpathians find themselves stranded at an eerie castle. They do not know it but they are at Castle Dracula. Count Dracula's manservent Klove has been waiting for this, it seems his master has been dead for 10 years. One of the guests becomes a victim and reconstitutes Dracula. The next day the other couple go in search of Alan & Helen Kent, Helen has become a vampire and Charles is no where to be found.

They seek the help of Father Sandor and he helps them combat the Count. The final is a thrill when Sandor shoots the ice around Dracula. The Count is consigned to the moat, destroyed by running water. Father Sandor replaces Dr. Van Helsing in this one.
Barbara Shelly gives the performance of a lifetime as Helen Kent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A great British crime comedy always worth watching again, Two Way Stretch is about imprisoned crooks who hatch a scheme to pull off a heist with a perfect alibi by breaking out, doing the job, and then breaking back in to serve out their sentences. Peter Sellers, usually an eccentric support in these things, takes a rare lead as cocky mastermind Dodger Lane, confident enough to share the screen with performers who would be doing serious time if scene-stealing were an actual offense. The chief delight of the film is Lionel Jeffries's bristling, infuriated, hilariously humiliated warder Sidney Crout, forever fuming as Dodger gets away with some new scheme. Also in on the scam: Wilfrid Hyde-White as a bogus clergyman, David Lodge as the dimwitted muscleman, and Bernard Cribbins in the nice young man part. The British cinema has been turning out an unheralded series of wonderful caper comedies for decades, from The Lavender Hill Mob through A Fish Called Wanda to The Parole Officer; this effort--along with the follow-up, The Wrong Arm of the Law--ranks among the best. --Kim Newman ... Read more

Description

Another take on the classic tale. This one's a British version from 1969 with a more heartless version of the mad scientist. Instead of having a lab assistant to do his dirty work, this Dr. Frankenstien pushes a young doctor and his betrothed to kidnap the next victim. They must capture the mentally ill Dr. Brandt so that hi sbrain may be used in Dr. Frankenstein's experiments. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Possibly the finest Hammer horror film of them all.
FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED is the fith entry in the Hammer series, which began with 1957's revolutionary CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Much of the impact of the series can be attributed to the input of director Terence Fisher and star Peter Cushing, and here they are united with stunning results. The story pulls no punches in telling the tale of the Baron, embittered by a string of failed experiemens, who is bent on taking his hatred for humanity out on all those who come into contact with him. Unlike many Fisher-Hammer films, which opt for fairy tale optimism, this film is informed by the nihilistic climate of the late 1960s. Typical for Fisher, the characters and relationships have more depth and complexity than is the norm for a low budget horror film. In fact, the film is more of a drama than anything else, so schlock fans need not apply. A stunning exercise in pathos and suspense, with a brilliant performance by Cushing, and a moving one by Freddie Jones as the pathetic "monster." Highly recommended.

The Baron is in the building...
The character and quality of Frankenstein varied a bit from film to film in the series. Luckily, Peter Cushing always brought his usual vitality to the role. Here the Baron is up to his old habits. He creates life yet again using the brain of a well respected, brilliant scientist (played with power and pathos by Freddie Jones)to make his creature intelligent. The sequence where the scientist tries to make contact with his widow touches on the sadness and power that made James Whale's "Bride of Frankenstein" so great. "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed" stands as among the best of Hammer's series (along with my personal fav the more atmospheric "Revenge of Frankenstein").

The extras amount to the original theatrical trailer. What makes this DVD worthwhile is the sharp, crystal clear and stunning transfer to DVD. The vivid, rich colors from the original film remain, for the most part, in tact. Although there's a bit of fading evident, the rich colors and nicely detailed sets look quite nice. There's few if any analog or digital artifacts in evidence.

It's a pity that there's no commentary track from a Hammer film or horror historian. Although most of the cast is dead, Simon Ward (in his debut as a Dr. that Frankenstein blackmails in to helping him make his latest creature)could have provided much needed information about the shooting of the film. It's a pity as "Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell" benefited from the commentary track featuring actor David Prowse.

A good choice to add to your Hammer film collection.

Who is the real monster
This is Hammer's fifth Frankenstein movie in the series and again Peter Cushing plays the Baron. He transplants the brain of a brilliant but insane Dr. Brandt into the body of Dr. Richter. The Baron appears to be the monster and the creature is just an unhappy victim, which is apparent in the opening scene where the Baron is wearing a hideous mask. At the end, the creature, whose mental agonies have turned into a hatred for the Baron, carries the Baron back into a blazing house.

The next in the series is The Horror Of Frankenstein (1970).

Hammer's finest hour?
FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED (UK - 1969): Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing) blackmails a young medical student (Simon Ward) and his fiancee (Veronica Carlson) into helping him with a brain transplant which goes horribly wrong.

Following a long period of cheap-looking productions designed to play as double-features on their home turf, Hammer returned to premium quality horror with FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED, arguably the company's finest hour, and certainly Peter Cushing's definitive portrayal of the monstrous Baron. Instead of the misguided adventurer depicted in previous films, screenwriter Bert Batt emphasizes the Baron's ruthless pursuit of knowledge and power, culminating in an unexpected sequence in which Cushing's domination of Carlson segues from mere tyranny to rape, a scene which Cushing reportedly found distasteful. Overall, however, Batt's script allows the characters to evolve via a skilfully constructed plot which employs levels of drama and emotion largely absent from much of Hammer's output at the time, alongside the usual elements of horror and suspense. Director Terence Fisher rises to the occasion with remarkable dexterity, orchestrating set-pieces which have been compared to Hitchcock in some quarters, especially the opening sequence in which a petty thief (Harold Goodwin) breaks into the wrong house and has a truly hair-raising confrontation with its volatile owner (leading to a truly great 'reveal'); and the traumatic moment in the back garden of Carlson's boarding house, when she's forced to deal with a corpse (one of Frankenstein's cast-offs) ejected from its makeshift grave by a burst water pipe. Freddie Jones adds pathos to the proceedings as the helpless victim of Frankenstein's latest experiment, his brain transplanted into another man's body against his will, traumatizing his incredulous wife (Maxine Audley) who refuses to accept his new identity (a scenario echoed by a similar plotline in John Woo's FACE/OFF in 1997). The period decor may look a little cramped and cut-price in places, but this is Hammer/Fisher/Cushing at the very height of their creative powers, and the film is a small masterpiece of British Gothic.

Warner's DVD offers a sterling reproduction of the film, letterboxed to its original screen ratio, anamorphically enhanced, with a strong soundtrack marred only by background hiss (clearly audible during quieter sequences) and a brief muffled section toward the end of the movie, during a short sequence without music or dialogue. The only extra is a trailer which sells the film as an outright exploitation flick, though the production is slightly classier than this tell-all promotion suggests! The running time quoted below doesn't include the Time Warner logo at the end of the DVD print, which wasn't part of the original film.

100m 33s
1.75:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
DVD soundtrack: Mono 1.0
Theatrical soundtrack: Optical mono
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1

Peter Cushing's Finest Performance and One of Hammer's Best
This is one of Hammer's very best productions as well as their best Frankenstein film. Peter Cushing is wonderful as the Baron, more ruthless and sadistic this time out--he stops at nothing to get his way. The supporting cast of Veronica Carlson, Simon Ward and Freddie Jones are excellent. And the fiery cat and mouse finale is a total knockout--the best finale in the Hammer canon.

Warner's DVD is excellent. Picture and sound are sharp and robust. The 1.85:1 framing seems perfectly accurate. Theatrical trailer included. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Carlton-Browne of the F.O. is a little less tart and smart in itsassault on British diplomacy than the earlier satires by John and Roy Boulting.The much-loved Terry-Thomas plays the idiot son of a great ambassador, given asinecure in the Foreign Office that becomes a hot seat when crises rock thealmost-forgotten former colony of Gaillardia. Clod-hopping "dance troupes" ofevery world power dig for cobalt, a line of partition is painted across theentire island, and the young King (Ian Bannen) is undermined by his wicked uncle(John le Mesurier) and unscrupulous Prime Minister Amphibulos (Peter Sellers).There's a touch of royal romance as the King gets together with a rival princess(the winning Luciana Paoluzzi), but it's mostly mild laughs at the expense ofBritish ineptitude, with Thorley Walters as the dim army officer, Miles Mallesonas the gouty consul, and a snarling Raymond Huntley as the minister. The filmfinds Sellers's nonspecific foreign accent unusually upstaged, with Terry-Thomaswalking off with most of the comedy scenes. It fumbles a bit with obvioustargets, especially in comparison with similar films like Passport toPimlico and The Mouse That Roared, but you can't argue with a castlike this. --Kim Newman ... Read more

Description

Ian Richardson stars as Sherlock Holmes, the World's Greatest Detective, in a spine-tingling murder mystery filled to the bloody brim with peg-legged killers, poisonous pygmies, boat chases, carnivals and sudden merciless extinction, all tied to a king's ransom in jewels known as the Great Agra Treasure! With the faithful and resourceful Dr. Watson by his side and the beautiful Miss Mary Morstan, a delectable damsel in distress, it's up to the human bloodhound known as Sherlock Holmes, with the help of a remarkable canine called Toby, to unravel the puzzle and find the stolen fortune before The Sign of Four claims yet another victim! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fangtastic Double Feature
This is an awesome movie collection
Prince Of Darkness is typical of a Hammer Film
Satanic Rites is somewhat hokey, but then again it was released in the 70's. In Prince Of Darkness Christopher Lee has no lines whatsoever, and I personally believe that only enhances his performance as Lord of the Undead.
In Satanic Rites, Lee once again dons the fangs and cape
to reprise the role of the Dark Lord for the final time
his lines are minimal, as they are in other Hammer vampire films, but then again most vampires are not interested in making conversation; They're more interested in draining the blood from a victim.
Again I state that Lee reprises the role of the Dark Lord for the final time and in this movie his demise is brought on by the Hawthorn plant, which supposedly was the same type of plant that was used for Christs crown of thorns and therefore is considered a holy relic.

As always, Lee's performance as the Lord of the Undead makes the viewer fall in love with the Vampire and makes you want to be able to find a way to step in and intervene when Van Helsing (played by Peter Cushing) is preparing to destroy him.

Note: Satanic Rites Of Dracula was given more than one title one of the other ones is Dracula And His Vampire Brides

Great deal with some little flaws...
The 4 star rating is for the quality and presentation of the DVDs, not the movies themselves. I am a huge Hammer fan and I am building up a collection. These seemed like a deal I couldn't pass up, so I will pour out the facts about this new set so you can make an informed opinion. For reviews of their plotlines, actors and the rest, it would be best to look up these movies by their seperate titles or at the links given below by this website.

The good news about the DVDs:
*Two movies at a good price!
*Chris Lee (and others) commentary on Prince of Darkness!
*Large nice quality poster postcards inside of both films! They have the chapter stops on the other side of them.
*5 minutes of Behind The Scenes footage on Prince of Darkness with commentary by Chris Lee (and others!)
*House of Hammer short called "Dracula and the Undead," mainly clips from Hammer films with vampires in them but very cool, never seen a scene from Vampire Circus, so now I want to check that out!

*Both movies are gloriously uncut!

The Bad News:
*Widescreen ratio is smaller than average, which is disappointing. More so on Prince of Darkness...I think Satanic Rites was bigger, more the standard letterbox form.
*Films tend to jump a little. I have no idea if this is the original print of the film, the DVD or my player...or a bit of all three. It doesn't happen often enough for me to really complain about it since I have VHS versions of these which are much worse as far as film quality. Scenes "skip" a 1/3 second or so, such as in Prince when the woman gets out of the carriage. Happens about 5-6 times in the whole set.
*Hammer extra on Satanic Rites is the same "Dracula and the Undead" on the other DVD. So you get the same show twice. I guess that is ok if you are lending one of the DVDs out...but I would think they could have put on another House of Hammer.
*Holders for the DVDs tend to smack into each other and since they are both double sided DVDs (not one sided,) I worry about them getting scratched. They do come off the center without much effort, compared to the Midnite Movie ones you basically have to pry off, almost breaking the DVD in the process!

Overall, a good effort. 4 Stars. Could have been 5 if there had been commentary on both films, no jumping of the frames and two different Hammer specials. But for the price, you really can't beat it. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to get a taste (heh) of what Christopher Lee's Dracula character is like and wonderful insights into the world of Hammer Films. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you like big fake dinosaurs--and who doesn't?--this is the movie for you. Patrick Wayne stars as the intrepid Major Ben McBride, searching the Arctic for his lost friend. Sarah Douglas is at his side as Charly, the spunky lady photographer with a dainty puckish streak. As luck would have it, they come across a tropical zone that is home to big fake dinosaurs, surly Neanderthals, and nubile cavewomen with truly astonishing cleavage. Ah, but if only it were that simple. An evil rival tribe has been exterminating the gentle cave people and must be stopped. Whatever else you may want to say about producers Samuel Z. Arkoff and John Dark, they simply do not skimp on explosions. The People That Time Forgot has a detonation-filled corker of an ending that leaves the cast absolutely showered with dirt clods. Highly entertaining. --AliDavis ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Crazy Slapstick Comedy
If you only like comedy films that are subtle and sophisticated, "Who Done It ? " is not for you. Personally, I found this movie to be consistently amusing, and I laughed out loud a number of times.

Benny Hill was one of Britain's most inventive comics, who achieved international stardom in the 70s and 80s through his zany television shows. In fact, television was Benny's medium--he did not make many movies.

"Who Done It ?"--released in 1956--features a young Benny in his first major starring role, and he makes the most of it. After losing his job at the Ice Capades, Benny decides to become a private detective, with the help of a surprisingly energetic bloodhound. He becomes involved with a pretty girl
( young and gorgeous Belinda Lee ), and a group of up-to-no-good Iron Curtain-type spies, led by stalwart British character actor, David Kossoff. Benny gets into one scrape after another, much to the continual annoyance of the police. There are various opportunities for Benny to "disguise" himself--a Hill trademark. Several setpieces stand out--posing as a "mad professor", Benny demonstrates a machine that "controls" the weather, with disastrous results--Benny and Belinda chasing the spies around a broadcasting convention at Earl's Court ( the whole film takes place in London )--the climactic race around a stock car track, reminiscent of the silent Keystone Cops movies.

Basil Dearden directs at a breakneck pace, and--yes--the plot is outlandish--the acting over the top--but if you like Benny and his antics, as I do, you'll love it.

Benny passed away suddenly about 12 years ago, and Britain lost one of it's brightest talents. In the biography included with this disc, it notes that a dying Charlie Chaplin spent many of his last days watching Benny's shows. Apparently, Milton Berle was a huge fan. If Chaplin and Berle thought Benny was funny, does it really matter what the rest of us think ? No comic could have more respected fans than these two "giants".

Another "bonus" with the DVD is a 30-minute, silent film Benny made in 1969, called "The Waiters"--Benny and a dim-witted sidekick are hired to cater a small party at an elegant country home. Would you want Benny to serve you food and drinks at a party ? If one of your guests is a curvaceous woman in a low-cut dress, would you want Benny within half a mile of her ?
Rhetorical questions both ! For you the viewer, this is a very entertaining half hour.

The picture quality for "Who Done It ?" is excellent--mono sound, of course. If you like goofy comedies--and Benny Hill in particular--Anchor Bay has given us another winner. Well done !

Who Done It? - Who Cares? Dum-Dum Wanna-Be Comedy
Benny Hill fans will enjoy this free-for-all nonsense about International espionage and a "secret weapon" developed by stereotypical Eastern-Block scientist. Benny, our likeable hero, is a "Inspector Clouseau" type amateur detective, ready to tackle his first assignment: impersonate the famous professor, as part of the secret plan for the bad guys to rule the world.

The story is "formula" and thin as a satin thread, but an extra large helping of "Benny Hill" slap stick, complete with lots of pretty girls and the obligatory Benny-in-drag scenes, make this predictable vehicle hobble along. The final car chase on (are you ready for this?) a race track is totally stupid, but what did you expect?

Given the 1960s mentality and the limited budgets available to produce a silly comedy, the objective was met. Today something similar would hope to recoupe it's investments in direct-to-video sales.***

Proof That Benny Hill Was A Great Comedian
Although I have watched the video 4 - 5 times, the most recent viewing was over a year ago. This is significant because it proves the memorably of the film. The film is well done. I must say there is no "obligatory endless complaining about rampant Socialism" so common to comedies of its era/place.

It has a fun chase at the end. There is a disastrous awards dinner. There are disguises too. It's a fun film. A note of caution: THERE ARE NO "BABES IN BIKINIS." It is a film with an actual plot ! Benny does exhibit many of his famous mannerisms, it's fun to look for them. I heartily recommend the film to fans of B&W Brit Comedies, and the "intellectual" Hill fan. :-D ... Read more

Description

Updated to 1970s London, this faithful adaptation of Herman Melville's classic follows a young accounting clerk rebelling against his employer by responding to demands to do work by saying, "I prefer not to." This is carried on ad absurdum until the office is in chaos because the other employees must do Bartleby's work. His boss is unable to fire or help him and eventually has him placed in a mental hospital. Paul Scofield (A Man for All Seasons), John McEnery (The Duellists) and Thorley Walters (TV's "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy") star in this impeccably mounted study of employment, insanity, and the rigors of everyday life from one of literature's most acclaimed geniuses. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very Good Rendering!
The cheesy television drama music score doesn't do wonders, to a mostly wonderful adaptation of Melville's story.
The only other drawback is that the moviemakers didn't have the guts to develop the two supporting co-worker characters, who were perhaps the most memorable part of that story. Melville was tremendous at developing lesser characters the same way Shakespeare paid attention to such details.
But the two main characters, Bartleby and his boss, are marvelously portrayed. They really hit the nail on the head and didn't change their characters from the story at all. Those two characters and the actors who play them make this movie very much worthwhile.

Bartleby - the movie
The book is kinda fun and the movie is an excellent supplemental.. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better Than I Expected!
Over the years I've always read what a bad film this was, so I was pleasantly surprised when I bought this DVD and found the film to be quite good. I think Christopher Lee is a perfect Sherlock Holmes! Granted, it is a disappointment that he was POORLY dubbed in the American version, but this is something I can overlook because the film is a compelling mystery. Besides, Lee is often dubbed in these European films he made in the 60's, like Mario Bava's "THE WHIP AND THE BODY" and "HERCULES IN THE HAUNTED WORLD"; the lame Italian comedy "UNCLE WAS A VAMPIRE"; "THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM", etc. So, if you can get past that, you'll find an intriguing and well-paced thriller well worth a look for fans of Lee and/or Holmes. The picture is ok, the print is a bit scratched here and there, and is presented full-frame (my big complaint). I'd rather have a widescreen picture myself. Lee is so tall, often the top of his head is cut-off here. Still, I enjoyed it and do recommend it quite highly. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

An okay repersantation worth mentioning
dracula Prince of Darkness, the second hammer horror dracula in the series. starring christopher Lee in an unspeeking role(why?), and the worst actress, Barbra Shelly(I don't know about you but shelly reminds me of my seventh grade teacher). One of the few wide screen hammer films that I could find, its a must have for any hammer collecter. The story isn't bad, four travelers from england are taking a vacation in, of all places, the Carpathian, supposedly to broden there minds. They are abandoned by there coach driver so when a misterios cart comes rolling down the road they decide to take it. But the horses went in the wrong direrction, towards castle Dracula. The servent of the castle, kills one of the travlers and pours blood on the ashes of the count(he ran into the sun in Horror of Dracula). then Dracula stocks helen (the sventh grade teacher(Barbra Shelly). Two travelers get out alive after being confronted by Dracula. They seek the help of a preist who knows how to destroy vampires(a real Van Helsing). They Destroy the count with a bit of the old stake through the heart. a few bad points, no dialog from the Lee, the cute chick doesnt get naked, and Barbra Shelly. It's too bad.

Dracula-Prince of Darkness: A must see for all horror fans!!
This film was first released in 1965 and is certainly worth the 90 minates of running time. Filmed in Techniscope, Dracula-Prince of Darkness is about 4 tourists who stray off their destination of Carlsbad and end up within the walls of Castle Dracula. Christopher Lee and Barbara Shelley provide plenty of scares and keep you on the edge of your seats. Plenty of gore and a very tense scene involving B. Shelley towards the end of the film, make this (in my opinion) one of the scariest Dracula films ever. Although Christopher Lee was disappointed that he didn't have a speaking role, I think (in my opinion) it made him more frightning to watch. The only 2 faults I have with this film is the dialog a little weak at beginning and an extra scene or two could have been used at the end. Never the less, an enjoyable film to watch for all horror fans. Cast: Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, Andrew Keir, Susan Farmer, Charles Tingwell and Thorley Walters. Director: Terence Fisher

A Hammer classic
Dracula, Prince of Darkness tends to get short shrift from the critics, but it is hard to see why. Director Terence Fisher is on top form, delivering some of Hammer studios' most memorable and fascinating images: Klove's pseudo-Eucharistic ritual to bring Dracula back to life; the staking of a female vampire; the Count's destruction at the film's icy climax. Cast are second to none: Christopher Lee reprising his role as the Count; Barbara Shelley as a repressed Englishwoman-cum-vampire; Andrew Keir as Father Sandor, a rough-and-ready Van Helsing-type. Rest of the crew are top-notch: The atmospheric photography is by Michael Reed; the score is one of studio regular James Bernard's best; and Bernard Robinson's set designs are among his most memorable (the castle exterior was shared with the less impressive but still entertaining Rasputin the Mad Monk in the same year).

I found this film riveting as a child, and it still captivates me today. It certainly belongs in the essential Hammer canon, and is perhaps the finest of the Dracula sequels.

OK, but does not add up to the original
This one is OK for Halloween perhaps, but not the best of them all. Dracula does not even say anything in this film although the evil is quite effective. Only buy this one if you are a die hard fan of the Hammer "Dracula" films. Other than that, renting it at your local video store might be better.

This film may have also been better with the presence of Professor Van Helsing, and that's what also made the first film even better.

Dracula Returns
In 1895 two english couples on a trip in the Carpathians find themselves stranded at an eerie castle. They do not know it but they are at Castle Dracula. Count Dracula's manservent Klove has been waiting for this, it seems his master has been dead for 10 years. One of the guests becomes a victim and reconstitutes Dracula. The next day the other couple go in search of Alan & Helen Kent, Helen has become a vampire and Charles is no where to be found.

They seek the help of Father Sandor and he helps them combat the Count. The final is a thrill when Sandor shoots the ice around Dracula. The Count is consigned to the moat, destroyed by running water. Father Sandor replaces Dr. Van Helsing in this one.
Barbara Shelly gives the performance of a lifetime as Helen Kent. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wilder & Company's Hysterical Homage to Sherlock Holmes
Gene Wilder's "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" has a unique snap & sparkle, with a thread of insanity, that makes it one of my favorite film comedies. While very funny and often irreverant, the film pays affectionate tribute to the wonderful Conan Doyle franchise of Holmes' stories. It is also well-produced, with brooding photography and honest depictions of period London settings. But perhaps the best thing about "Holmes' Smarter Brother" is its zany cast, from Marty Feldman, Madelaine Kahn and Wilder himself, to wonderfully crazed performances by Leo McKern as the infamous Dr. Moriarty and Dom DeLuis as a bizarrely-affected opera impressario. This film is first rate FUN and should become a classic in the comedic vein of Mel Brooks'"Young Frankenstein", "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety". I highly recommend "Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" and hope we can all soon add it to our DVD collections.

Sherlocks Smarter Brother
This is the coolest movie Ive ever seen in my intire life. It is my favorite move to be exact. Madeline Kahn plays Jenny Hilton the liar of England. Gene Wilder plays Sigerson Holmes the Smarter Brother. And Marty Feldman plays Orville Sacker the man who can remember the words of people from a long time ago. I got a copy at home and it is a very good one. Its an old movie and it stars my favorite actors GENE AND MADELINE. I think they did good in every roll they have played. I hope this review tells you a little bit about SHERLOCK HOLMES SMARTER BROTHER. I hope you order your copy right away!

Best in Class!
The Opera scene alone is worth the price of the VHS edition! As a long time musician and Gene Wilder fan, I had to find this film again. Now if they would only release a DVD edition.

SHEER BRILLIANCE!!
i love this film!! i first saw it when i was very young and i've loved it ever since. im a huge fan of gene wilder and madeline kahn and i think they work so well together. madelines character jenny hill or should i say bessy bellwood is hilarious as is gene wilders sigerson. dont even get me started on dom deluise! he has me in stitches everytime, orville sacker and professor moriarty are equally amazing. As for the plot well its genius! i mean come on, the kangaroo hop for gods sake! this film manages to be both random and brilliant at the same time and i cant praise it enough. its a shame that madeline kahn is no longer with us, she's a true talent. its also a shame that gene wilder doesnt do films anymore, hes an example of a true actor. i'd love to see this cast conjour up another side splitting film like this, they certainly dont make em like that anymore!!

Gene Wilder's Funniest Movie
This is by far Gene Wilder's funniest movie. I can't believe that the studios haven't released this on DVD yet. I have never laughed so hard as I did watching this film. If you like The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, you will go nuts for The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother. I have been waiting not so patiently for Amazon to notify me that it is out on DVD. HURRY, Please! ... Read more