Euro Media Forum, The Xara Lodge, Mdina Experience and Knights of Malta, present ‘Vampires in Film: Revisiting Hammer’s Dracula Presentation and Discussion at The Xara Lodge on Monday August 5th at 7 p.m.

Speaker Dr Krista Bonello Rutter Giappone, along with moderator David Pace, will be exploring Hammer’s place within horror. For two decades, the name Hammer seemed synonymous with UK horror. Hammer Film Productions launched its series of horror films with the Quatermass films, and established its horror credentials with Curse of Frankenstein (1957), and Dracula (1958). Over the next few years, it cemented its reputation as primary horror production company in the UK. Hammer took on the classic monsters, and often gave them its own spin – for example, in Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde (1971), and Frankenstein Created Woman (1967). There can be little doubt, moreover, that Christopher Lee’s Dracula has become as iconic as Bela Lugosi‘s, and that the Hammer Gallery of Monsters is one of the most striking and influential in the history of cinema. The speakers will consider what distinguishes Hammer horror films from those produced by other companies around at the time – most notably Amicus, Tigon, and American International Pictures. The discussion will centre on Hammer’s distinctiveness and the phenomenon of the crystallisation of horror around particular studios (foreshadowed by Universal), with a more or less consistent and identifiable pool of actors – including Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, the two stars of Dracula. The wider implications of this for the idea of a ‘horror genre’, and more specifically in relation to vampires, will also be considered.

The speakers’ promise an interesting debate and the audience is invited to participate and put forward to the panel their questions, curiosities and observations.

To spice up the evening there will also be a Hammer and Vampires in film quiz, with the opportunity to win great prizes. So quiz participants keep your eyes open for Count Dracula‘s clues! Limited seating is available. Tickets are available from Xara Lodge. For bookings please email euromediaforum@gmail.com or send an sms to 99454066, or log in http://www.facebook.com/Euro.Media.Forum

This event is being done in collaboration with The Xara Lodge, Mdina Experience, Knights of Malta, Mdina Dungeons; Ghost walks Malta, Eden Cinemas and Bargain Box bookshop. Price is Euro 10 per person including Wraps and a glass of wine. For enquiries regarding the free shuttle service that will be available from Saqqajja, Rabat Bus Terminus please email euromediaforum@gmail.com or send an sms to 99454066.

Vampires in Film: Revisiting Hammer’s Dracula Presentation and Discussion

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