WHEN PETER CUSHING FLEW IN TO THE 'BATTLE FOR BRAY' 1990

WHEN PETER CUSHING Flew in to 'Save Bray Studios!' Back in 1980, what was once the impressive home of Hammer films, Bray Studios, was under serious threat of being 'sold off'... the site and studio, despite being used by other production companies for over 40 years since Hammer left, demolished, making it valuable real estate, for the building of luxury apartments. Several names from the entertainment world, joined forces to raise awareness to the cause of 'Save Bray Studios'.

ON AUGUST 9TH 1990, Peter joined a tv news and press day at the studios, flying in by helicopter, for a chat with the press and photo ops, bringing a high profile to the cause. Bray studios was of course where many of Cushing's and Christopher Lee's classic Dracula and Hammer film were produced. It was a well fought battle, but I think everyone knew, despite the efforts of the 'Save Bray' campaign . . it would be a battle lost.

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, the Bray studio empty lots and production buildings have been demolished. The major 'mansion house' Down Place, used in many of the Cushing's Hammer films like, Dracula (1958) The Mummy (1959) The Curse and Revenge of Frankenstein.. and so many others, despite being in a quite a poor state, was privately purchase, and is being cleaned up and internally restored as I write. It will be used as a private residence.

Bray Down House in 2015 : Bray Studios is centred around Down Place, country estate built in 1750 by the Tonson family. It became residence of the Hartford family between 1835 and 1901. In 1951, Hammer Film Productions, in search of a base to make their budget horror films, settles on the derelict Down Place. Shooting in country houses avoided the need to build sets, and usually also meant large grounds were available for location work. As the one year lease on Down Place ran out and a union strike prevented a move to a studio, Hammer decide to build a studio in the grounds of Down Place, and name it Bray Studios, after the local town.

 

In 1965 Mr Ernest Oliver, owner of the adjacent Oakley Court, dies, leaving the Court uninhabited. 

 

The building became an ideal setting for many Bray productions, especially featuring in Hammer Films such as 'The Old Dark House', the 'St Trinian's' film series, 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', 'Half a Sixpence' and 'Murder By Death'. 

 

Hammer sold Bray Studios in 1970 and it then became a renowned centre for specials effects teams, e.g. 'Space 1999' and the model and miniature filming for notable films including 'Alien' (1979; 'Reign of Fire' (2002), 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' (2009) Over the years, the studio lots were also used for pre-production rehearsals by many groups such as Radiohead, Kings of Leon, Amy Winehouse and Live Aid back in 1985.  

 

 

It was announced back in 2013 by Neville Hendricks, the then owner of Bray Studios, that the studios are no longer viable and were sold to property developers. There was a high profile local campaign supported by many past stars such as Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Richard O'Brian to save the studios but if failed. In July 2015, it was announced that the listed Down Place building would be restored and converted into luxury apartments and the sound stages and workshops would be demolished to make way for new houses.

 

 

Recently however, like many of it's Hammer resident vampires of old, it proved it wasn't done just yet.. Elton John's bio-pic 'Rocketman' and the BBC 2020 retelling of a tale in a grand three part spectacular saw THE COUNT return to his old haunt in 'Dracula' produced and written by Mark Gatiss and Stephan Moffat! This was filmed, while the final plans, for the bull-dozer....have not won the day yet! 

 

 

 

YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO JOIN US at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! With posts every day, rare images and photographs, features ad prize competitions.. all celebrating the LIFE and CAREER of Peter Cushing OBE

CHRISTOPHER LEE : ACTORS LEARN YOUR TRADE!

#ChristopherLee Saturday! Advice for young actors.....

 

PLEASE COME JOIN US at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! With posts every day, rare images and photographs, features ad prize competitions.. all celebrating the LIFE and CAREER of Peter Cushing OBE!

NEWS! MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT HAMMER FILM : ULTIMATE COLLECTION : 20 TITLES BLU RAY BOX SET

NEWS! WELL WE'VE NOT SEEN a package like this in a while!! Mill Creek Entertainment has announced the release of their 'Hammer Film - Ultimate Collection' a gathering of 20 Hammer films titles, ranging from the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Just two Cushing titles in there, 'The Revenge of Frankenstein' starring Cushing, Francis Matthews and Eunice Gayson, 'Cash on Demand' (1960) and 'The Gorgon' with Cushing, Christopher Lee and Barbara Shelley. Those of familiar with the Mill Creek stock, will recognise these titles from the triple and double bill releases of the last five years. But, if you missed your opportunity to bag them then and have gaps in your collection, here is an opportunity to bag them all together!

AT THE TIME POSTING, I am not aware if these titles are part of and the same 'remasters' we've seen over the past two years in Europe... but if that info is released, I'll let you know. The box set is available for PRE-ORDER NOW at $109.99 MSRP and has a street release of NOVEMBER 17th 2020. Below is the spec from Mill Creek 😉

'For more than four decades, Hammer Films’ unique blend of horror, science fiction, thrills and comedy dominated countless drive-ins and movie theaters. Enjoy this massive collection from the darkest corners of the Hammer Imagination!'

Featuring 20 Cult-Classics from the infamous Hammer Studios produced in the 50s, 60s and 70s available together for the first time in high-definition!

The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)
The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960)
The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb (1963)
These Are The Damned (1962)
The Old Dark House (1963)
The Gorgon (1964)
The Snorkel (1958)
Maniac (1963)
Die! Die! My Darling (1965)
Scream of Fear (1961)
Stop Me Before I Kill! (1961)
Never Take Candy From A Stranger (1960)
Cash On Demand (1961)
The Stranglers of Bombay (1960)
The Terror of the Tongs (1961)
The Pirates of Blood River (1962)
The Devil-Ship Pirates (1964)
The Camp on Blood Island (1958)
Yesterday's Enemy (1959)
Creatures the World Forgot (1971)

Tech Specs:
Language: English
Discs: 10
Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English Subtitles
Run Time: 2065 min.
Rating: Not Rated
Region Code: Region A
Street Date: 2020-11-17
Color: Color/B&W

PLEASE COME JOIN US at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE! With posts every day, rare images and photographs, features ad prize competitions.. all celebrating the LIFE and CAREER of Peter Cushing OBE!

SEVERIN RELEASES UPGRADED AND UNCUT BLU RAY : AMICUS FILMS 'THE BEAST MUST DIE'

THE BEAST SKIPS ACROSS BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC! Back in June, Indicator / Powerhouse films released a much awaited blu ray remastered limited edition of one of the last horror films that Peter Cushing made for Amicus films, 'The Beast Must Die'.... also originally planned for June, was Severin films own REGION 0 release of a remastered blu ray of 'THE BEAST MUST DIE'. This release was scuppered by on going issues internationally with a real horror of a different kind... but now, I am very pleased to announce, Severin has everything in hand and their release hits the streets on AUGUST 25th 2020... orders have been panting in, since July! 

ABOVE: CALLUM MCKELVIE'S great review of Amicus films, 'The Beast Must Die' along with a growlingly PCASUK rare still gallery of images and pic fro  the film: RIGHT HERE! 

IT'S GREAT THAT PETER CUSHING FANS and admirers of the film on both sides, can now enjoy a remaster of a Amicus Cushing Classic! I'll be posting a review of both releases and their remasters later. I would guess there would little if any quality differences BUT.... the extras, do differ on the two blu rays extras.. I would love to hear from anyone who has the Powerhouse release... and if you have ordered Severin's? 

BELOW is rundown of the SPEC of the Severin films release..... 

Audio Commentary with Director Paul Annett and Filmmaker Jonathan Sothcott.

'And Then There Were Werewolves' – Audio Essay By Horror Historian Troy Howarth.

Directing the Beast – Archival Interview with Director Paul Annett.

Audio Interview Excerpt of Milton Subotsky on BEAST MUST DIE – Interviewed by Philip Nutman.

Audio Interview with Producer Max J Rosenberg – Interviewed by Sothcott.

Original Theatrical Trailer with Optional Commentary by Genre Scholars Kim Newman and David Flint.

'The Beast Must Die'
1 DVD disc
Label: Severin Films
Pre-order Started: 7/28/20 Street: 8/25/20
MSRP: $19.98
UPC: 663390004067

Catalog #: SEV94067

'THE BEAST MUST DIE', when released, was actually asking a LOT from your average 'Peter Cushing' fan. Not only was the script.. interesting, the score, but Cushing's appearance as Dr Lundgren . .  the crop cut wig AND THAT sweater?? Too much?? ....maybe..... 

MPAA Rating: NR
Genre: Horror
Color, 92 minutes in English and Spanish with English subtitles
Anamorphic Widescreen 1.66:1
Dolby Digital Mono
Region: 0

Production year: 1974
Director: Paul Annett
Cast: Calvin Lockhart, Peter Cushing, Marlene Clark

OVER AT THE UK PCASUK FACEBOOK FAN PAGE I am asking our friends and followers to identify THIS dog! I think MOST of us will. How about YOU? 😏😁 

COME JOIN US AT THE UK PETER CUSHING APPRECIATION SOCIETY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE! posts everyday, rare images and vintage photographs, features and prize competitions. Now with almost 34,000 followers and friends!

SCREAM FACTORY ANNOUNCES NEW BLU RAY 'BRIDES OF DRACULA' FOR RELEASE IN NOVEMBER 2020

NEWS: SCREAM FACTORY has announced a NEW Collector Edition Blu Ray for the US of Hammers Brides Of Dracula starring Peter Cushing, Yvonne Monlaur, David Peel, Martitia Hunt, Freda Jackson.. and a host of Hammer film regulars! Make up Roy Ashton. Directed by Terence Fisher!

 

 

 

OUR PCASUK REVIEW of 'BRIDES OF DRACULA'  with Gallery and GIFS written by  Callum McKelvie! RIGHT HERE!

The DETAILS we have from SCREAM currently are as follows:

• National street date for North America (Region A) is 11/10.

•This is being presented as a Collector’s Edition release and will come guaranteed with a slipcover in its first three months of release

•The newly commissioned artwork you see pictured comes to us from artist Mark Maddox (Dracula: Prince of Darkness, Frankenstein Created Woman). This art will be front-facing and the reverse side of the wrap will feature the original theatrical artwork.

•New extras are in progress and will be announced on a later date. We can confirm today though that we are proceeding with a new transfer of the film

 

Order from SHOUTFACTORY.COM and get an EXCLUSIVE 18" X 24" ROLLED POSTER featuring our brand new artwork, available while supplies last!

 

COME JOIN US at our FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE HERE! Post

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACTOR DAVID WARNER : THE OMEN : STRAW DOGS : TIME BANDITS AND FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE

PLEASE JOIN US in wishing DAVID WARNER a Very Happy Birthday Today! Warner's Cushing connection is the role of Edward Charlton (segment 1 "The Gate Crasher") in Amicus films 'From Beyond The Grave' in 1974. A great story, a fine performance...particularly enjoyed his play with Cushing in the Temptations Ltd store... but what a sticky end!

Andrew Coupe who writes at the Fan Page ' A really nice guy. He told me he wasn’t a fan of horror films as he finds them too scary!'

Steven Christina who says of his meeting with David Warner 'I was lucky enough to meet 2 years ago. Had a lovely chat with him. Really friendly guy.

WARNER'S breakthrough role on screen was his lead performance in the Karel Reisz film Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment, for which he was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

'I KNOW SOME ACTORS TAKE ACTING TERRIBLY SERIOUSLY. I TAKE IT SERIOUSLY IN THAT, IF SOMEONE PAYS ME TO DO IT, I KNOW I HAVE TO DELIVER! : David Warner

There were certain young actors I had trained with at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art who had always got the big parts and I was always the spear-carrier. Suddenly the roles were reversed and I couldn't understand why, and nor could they. David Warner
Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/david-warner-quotes

WARNER HAS ALWAYS BEEN QUITE A DIVERSE actor, who has portrayed both romantic leads and villainous characters across a range of films, including The Ballad of Cable Hogue, Straw Dogs, Cross of Iron, The Omen, Holocaust, The Thirty Nine Steps, Time After Time, Time Bandits, Tron, A Christmas Carol, Portrait in Evil.

Andy McNeill meets David Warner at a signing!

WARNER HAS ALSO DRAWN quite the following for his performances in 'Star Trek The Final Frontier', then as Gorkon the chancellor of the Klingon High Council in 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country' and as Gul Madred in the 'Star Trek The Next Generation' episodes "Chain of Command Pt. I & Pt. II"

'IF PEOPLE ARE GIVEN GOOD QUALITY STUFF TO WATCH... THEY

WATCH IT! David Warner

Tricia Hayes with David Warnerwho says on the Facebook PCASUK Fan Page 'Happy birthday, such a lovely man and fantastic actor!'

TODAY THE ANNOUNCEMENT of David Warner's Birthday, has brought quite a crowd, sharing their appreciation of roles and his very friendly and approachable attitude to fans who meet him at signings and conventions. Here's to many more years and superb entertainment, from quite a gentleman who always brings very interesting and entertaining work to the screen... Happy Birthday David Warner!

COME JOIN US AT THE FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE,where everyone is welcome, to celebrate the life and career of Peter Cushing, with features, rare photographs, prize competitions and much more.... JUST CLICK HERE!

HAIR RAISING ISSUES WITH DRACULA : VINCENT PRICE INTERVIEW 1986 : A THROWBACK-THROWING BACK?

#CHRISTOPHERLEE We HAM and EGGED it!' Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in TWO rare photographs . .Lee here sharing thoughts on his work and long friendship with Peter Cushing . . .

#VincentPrice YESTERDAY, over at the FACEBOOK PCASUK FAN PAGE I shared  a lovely interview with Vincent Price in 1986, rebroadcast in 1993. ..as ever, charming, entertaining and funny 😊 'Madhouse' and 'House of the Long Shadows' were Peter Cushing appeared with Vincent Price, I think are a joy to watch them together! I hope you enjoy THIS INTERVIEW too 😉

 

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY: THROW YOUR MIND BACK about three years ago..... and the rare photograph I posted you can see on the RIGHT. It's an image of writer Chris Knight from Cinefantastque 'behind the scenes' at Elstree Studios, during the making of 'Dracula AD 1972', with Christopher Lee. The photograph, an exposure on a contact sheet from photographer and good friend of Christopher Lee's, Peter Nicolson, wasn't actually titled or labelled. But it looked pretty obvious to me and several others, that this was taken, during the shooting of AD. Nicolson took several amazing behind the scenes shots during filming, some were used in a feature on AD in volume 2 number 2, of Cinefantastique . . an issue until recently, I have never seen before until just a few days ago. Some thought on the Facebook PCASUK Fan Page it was taken during the making of 'Taste the Blood of Dracula'... why not slip along to the page and tell us, what you think? - Marcus

MORE ON THIS ABOVE : RIGHT HERE! 

GIFS GALORE! WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES OF THE BEST OF THE HAMMER DRACULA BLU RAY RELEASES! COLLECTING CUSHING WEDNESDAY

WITH THE ARRIVAL of THE LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES from SCREAM FACTORY in APRIL on BLU RAY, it signals the long awaited fact that, all of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing Hammer Dracula films, are now available on BLU RAY . . in some region and in most cases, REMASTERED. We will forever sadly, be hearing many clashing and some questionable opinions for from collectors, experts and fans, to the overall quality of some if not all of these releases. But personal tastes aside, it is great that all of these films have risen from the VHS quality of yesteryear, to a format that embellishes some of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee's best work. Over at the FACEBOOK PCAS FAN PAGEHow many of these titles do own on blu ray, how many on DVD and which stands out as your favorite release and why?

HOW MANY OF THE THESE GIFS from Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing DRACULA tittled Hammer Films can you identify?  

COME UP HELP US keep the memory of PETER CUSHIJG ALIVE and join us at the FACEBOOK PCAS FAN PAGE and our PCAS INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT!