ABOVE: PETER CUSHING and movie mogul Run Run Shaw arriving to start work on Hammer films
Kung Fu Vampire film, 'Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires'. Producer and CEO of Hammer Michael Careeras can be seen 'hiding' behind Cushing, with a look of a man stressed. It was a production where they knew it was going to be a challenge. But nothing could have prepared them, for what was to come. Director, Roy Ward Baker, in
the background right...full of positivity, as you can see...can't wait to begin!😁😂 Personally, I LOVE the film. Hammer HAD to change the format of the Dracula film, it was becoming stale. Many complain about John Forbes-Robertson's Dracula, his make up and 'look'! But 'Legend' was produced with a style and concept, common to supernatural and Kung Fu films in Hong Kong. You don't go all the way from the UK to Hong Kong to make a Hammer film, that looks the same as, something that could have been made cheaper and easier at Elstree studio, just outside London! Warner Bros was providing the backing for distribution, but insisted that the film also carry a character, like Dracula, someone well known to the West, where the film would be seen. Hammer films, go to for the Count, Christopher Lee, wasn't up for the game, but Peter Cushing as Van Helsing was. Warner hated it and buried it. A real shame. So, there you have it... a Hammer Dracula Vampire film with Kung fu. If you get the chance, go along with it, for the ride... it IS different 😏😃
HERE'S A FACE... if you are a Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Hammer film or indeed James Bond fan... you will certainly recognise... but his name?? Dudley Frederick Peter Butler-Madden, was born in Malaysia back in 1904. Became an actor and chopped the name to Peter Madden and went on to appear in many, many films and tv shows produced in the UK. 'Frankenstein Created Woman' in 1967, 'Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell' in 1973 both with Peter Cushing for Hammer films.