EDDIE IZZARD IS DR JEKYLL: A REBOOT AND SUPER TWEAKING IN A MODERN WAY

NEWS: Film studios don’t get much more iconic than Hammer Films, the production company that defined the horror genre in Britain throughout the 1950s, 1960s and beyond, releasing classics including Dracula, The Curse Of Frankenstein and The Mummy. #ChristopherLee and #PeterCushing appeared in their own version of the Jekyll tale, with a strange twisting of the doctor's Jekyll and Hyde character names, in #AMICUSFILMS 'I, MONSTER' back in 1970. Ralph Bates and Martine Beswick, played to a similar plot of genre twisting for Hammer films, with #DrJekyllandSisterHyde' back in 1971. 

 

 

WHILST the studio’s repertoire expands beyond just horror movies, its back catalogue of monsters and more are its signature, and have had a lasting impact on the genre to this day. Nearly 90 years after Hammer was founded, they’re moving into a new era with the release of Doctor Jekyll – a modern take on the classic double-identity story, starring legend #EddieIzzard in the titular role.

 

THIS WEEK, we've been treated to a brand-new promo poster for the film, which features Izzard in full character, posing in front of a dimly lit window while #Hyde’s sinister shadow is reflected onto the floor.

 

 

IN A STATEMENT released at the beginning of the year, Izzard expressed her eager anticipation at joining Doctor Jekyll. ‘I am very excited to be playing the role of #NinaJekyll in this new feature film, and it’s wonderful to be able to reimagine this classic story in a modern way,’ she said.

 

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DOCTOR JEKYLL will be released in UK cinemas from 27 October – a supremely spooky time of year, and just in time for Halloween. The film also stars Lindsay Duncan and Simon Callow. - Marcus

 

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, #facebook fan page and #youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS co-ordinator since 1979. PCASuk is based in the UK, but open to everyone, whoever, where ever, YOU a

NEWS: THE MANY LIVES AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE DOCUMENTARY 2023 : 'RESURRECTED THROUGH ANIMATION, MARIONATION and ARCHIVAL TREATS!'....

NEWS: MANY LIVES AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE DOCUMENTARY, 2023. This sounds to be quite a different and very interesting concept of documentary ,an animation of Christopher Lee, with a voice artist to speak for his character? A different documentary with Lee, 'RESURRECTED through ANIMATION, MARIONATION and ARCHIVAL TREATS!'.... 

THE MANY LIVES AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE 2023

ABACUS Media Rights has pre-sold the feature documentary “The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee,” to Sky Arts, SBS Television Australia; to NonStop Entertainment for Scandinavia, Iceland and the Baltics and to Movistar for Spain.

LEE IS KNOWN as the Dracula character and for transitioning from 1960s Hammer horror films to a distinguished acting career that encompassed James Bond films, the “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” franchises.

 

 

LESS WELL-KNOWN are his aristocratic Italian roots, a close family connection to James Bond novelist Ian Fleming, Lee’s wartime experiences in the British and Finnish military, post-war Nazi-hunting adventures and a side career as a heavy metal rock singer. As an actor, Lee achieved a Guinness world record for the highest number of screen appearances.

PRODUCED in association with the British Film Institute and Trigger Films by Canal Cat Films, “Life and Deaths” is an innovative documentary which uses fresh interviews, archive material and multiple forms of traditional and cutting-edge animation, including marionation, to bring one of the world’s leading actors back to life on screen.

A-LIST DIRECTORS and actors set as contributors include Peter Jackson, John Landis and Joe Dante, as well as Lee’s niece, actor Dame Harriet Walter.

 

The film will feature animated sequences from a number of award-winning artists including legendary illustrator/artist/filmmaker Dave McKean (Sandman, Arkham, Asylum, Mirrormask), artist/animator Astrid Goldsmith (Quarantine, A Funeral in Freiburg) and 2000AD’s Simon Coleby (Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper). It will also feature puppet work from Arch Model Studios (Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and Asteroid City, and Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie).

DIRECTED by Jon Spira (“Reel Britannia,” “Hollywood Bulldogs,” “Elstree 1976”), produced by Hank Starrs (“Reel Britannia,” “Being Frank”) and executive produced by Adam F. Goldberg (“The Muppets Mayhem”), the documentary is narrated by popular actor and voice artist Peter Serafinowicz (“Star Wars,” “John Wick 2,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”) who plays the voice of Lee.

JON SPIRA comments, “Christopher Lee is a cinematic icon but what is commonly known about him pales in comparison to the true story of this driven, complex, fascinating man. It has been fantastic working with the BFI and our returning creative team from last year’s Reel Britannia to create a really special film which will illuminate and entertain movie fans of all ages.”

JONATHON FORD, Managing Director at AMR adds, “There is so much more to the life and career of Sir Christopher Lee – and who better to tell that story than the man himself? Despite being dead for the past six years, there could be no better candidate for narrator than the Prince of Darkness and Master of Macabre himself. We’re very pleased to have this captivating and ingenious piece of film-making to offer our clients around the world.”

 -marcus

 

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'ONE CONDITION' CHRISTOPHER LEE AND PLAYING THE ROLE OF DRACULA 1992 INTERVIEW

ONE CONDITION! Over at the PCASuk Facebook Fan Page today, you can catch up with a very interesting interview with #ChristopherLee on 'that' subject matter, he knew very well, but after the late 1970's, didn't really want to discuss any more, 'DRACULA'! But, surprise, surprise, here at the BBC in 1992, he did. The foundation, on which this interview was built swaying, was the sudden rash of vampire themed films and tv drama appearing on the box at that time, and at the flicks. Kim Newman, author and critic, shares his opinions and a plug for his novel on 'Anno Dracula'. Lee shares some interesting thoughts on his playing of the character of Dracula and things are going well, until the programme presenter falls foul. 

 

LEE is no fool and had heard just about every gag, joke, and lame cod reference, to his playing the Count. So, 'Do you find the public or children are afraid of you', and 'Will you ever play Dracula again..?... ends the interview, with clang and gold star to the presenter, who no doubt was counting down the seconds left, so she could trawl out, that tired ol question. Lee understandably, defends any hint of the assumption, and is quick to outline, the passing of much time since he played the role and has done MUCH more and different roles, over the last 20 odd years. However, he does give pause and for this first time an extension on his usual answer, thus giving the presenter a Brownie point and badge, for her persistence and the interview gets a tabloid ending, with a scoop . . .          

 

YOU CAN watch the interview over the PCASuk Facebook Fan Page HERE! It's regrettable we are no longer updating our PCASuk YouTube Channel, but the change in account conditions and methods, no longer work for our audience. All updates and clips can now be seen at the PCASuk Facebook Page... Enjoy!

 

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With posts every day, rare images and photographs, features and prize competitions. All celebrating the LIFE and CAREER of Peter Cushing OBE! 

THE CANTERBURY #PETERCUSHING AUCTION : PERSONAL DOCUMENTS AND MOVIE EPHEMERA LOTS

BELOW: Here is a just few samples of lots from the HUGE PETER CUSHING AUCTION taking place at the Canterbury Auction Gallery on October 1st 2023. You'll find a WHOLE album of more than 30 fabulous items at the Peter Cushing Facebook Fan Page!  

 

Below is the news and a just small sample taken from the album at the PCASuk Facebook Page :

 

NEWS: PHOTOGRAPHS of JUST SOME of the TEN SECTIONS of LOTS, up for bidding, here! These are MAYBE some of the many 'best of the bunch' of the items, there is a LOT! Stills, Books, Letters, Script Page, Postcards, Paper Work, Helen's greeting cards, Contact Sheets, written work, rare photographs, a model and even Peter's childhood 'ol Piglet friend', gets moved on! I may have missed the kitchen sink. What do you think? Anything you are surprised by? - Marcus

 

Lot 1791

Star Wars- Grand Moff Tarkin - Peter Cushing's 12ins action figure from 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope', 1977 with the slippers for the action figure made by the props/costume department and the slippers worn on set by Peter Cushing during filming. 

 

Note: During filming Peter Cushing found the knee-high boots worn by his character, Grand Moff Tarkin, very uncomfortable. He asked whether it would be permitted for him to wear slippers and for filming to be arranged so that the slippers were not visible. This became a running joke and Cushing was presented with the action figure complete with slippers after filming was completed.

 

Provenance: These items were exhibited at The Whitstable Museum and Art Gallery as part of the 'Peter Cushing at 100' March - June 2013

Estimate £15000 - £20000

 

Lot 1501

Oct 01, 2023, 10:00 AM (BST)

Peter Cushing's Childhood Toy Pig - a 15ins high soft toy pig with blue glass eyes, complete with floral dress, apron and long lace-edged underwear

Estimate £200 - £300

Lot 1761

Scratch-built Model of Peter Cushing's Whitstable Home and its neighbour, believed to be built by Peter Cushing and used to decorate a 'Whitstable Beach' cake, together with three colour photographs showing the model on the cake, each 5.75ins x 4ins, with '1990' in blue biro to verso

Estimate £100 - £150

Lot 1751

Barbara Fister-Liltz (20th Century) - Oil painting - Portrait of Peter Cushing as Mr Grimsdyke in 'Tales from the Crypt', monogrammed with inscription plaque to frame 'Presented August 1973, American Peter Cushing Club', canvas, 13.5ins x 18ins, in deep moulded frame and with one 8ins x 10ins black and white photograph of Peter Cushing with the portrait, photograph has "A Tyburn Production 'Legend of the Werewolf'" sticker to verso (2)

Estimate £100 - £15

Lot 1729

 

'Sons of the Desert' - Peter Cushing's honorary membership certificate, two A4 headed letters from The Sons of the Desert, dated May 1971 and one black and white postcard promoting Laurel and Hardy's film 'Way Out West', 1937, certificate 13.75ins x 11ins (4)

Estimate £100 - £150

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, #facebook fan page and #youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCASuk co-ordinator since 1979. PCASuk is based in the UK, but open to everyone, whoever, where ever, YOU are!

NEWS: GORE TAKES OVER AND AQUIRES HAMMER FILMS

ICONIC BRITISH horror label Hammer Films and Studios has been acquired by renowned British theater producer John Gore.

 

GORE, a 20-time Tony, Emmy and Olivier-winning entertainment producer, is known for his live theater company the John Gore Organization, which owns Broadway.com and Broadway Across America – a leading presenter, distributor and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. The company was one of the producers of three of 2022’s big Tony winners: “A Strange Loop” (best musical), “The Lehman Trilogy” (best play) and “Company” (best revival). Gore is listed in Variety500 – an index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. 

GORE will lead a new team as chair and CEO.

FOUNDED in 1934, Hammer Films is synonymous with horror, after defining the genre in Britain with classics such as “Dracula” (1958) “The Curse of Frankenstein” (1957) and “The Mummy” (1959), which made stars of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing while spawning numerous sequels successful across the globe. It also produced such classics as “One Million Years B.C” (1966), starring Raquel Welch, and “She” (1965), starring Ursula Andress. It has a vast library of content including “The Woman in Black” (2012), “Let Me In” (2010), “The Abominable Snowman” (1957) and “The Quatermass Experiment” (1953).

IN 2021, the U.K.’s Network Distributing signed a deal with Hammer Films to form Hammer Studios Ltd. After the death of managing director Tim Beddows in 2022, Network was liquidated.

 

WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? We have seen this happen before. Is this a good idea, a RE BOOT? Should HAMMER FILMS now be laid to REST? Lots to be said on PCASuk Twitter and PCASuk Facebook Fan Page! 

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll  love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, #facebook fan page and #youtube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCAS co-ordinator since 1979. PCASuk is based in the UK, but open to everyone, whoever, where ever, YOU are!

 

ACTRESS SARAH LAWSON DIES AGED 95

SAD NEWS to report it has been announced that actress Sarah Lawson has sadly passed away at age 95. She co-starred with Peter Cushing in Night Of The Big Heat (1967) also starring her husband Patrick Allen. Another notable role was in Hammer's The Devil Rides Out (1969) with Christopher Lee both films directed by Terence Fisher. You'll find more on #SarahLawson's life and career @ the Peter Cushing Appreciation Society Facebook Fan Page 

 

Sarah Lawson on her wedding day with husband Patrick Allen 

on April 7th, 1960.

 

'The Devil Rides Out' Christopher Lee, Paul Eddington 

and Sarah Lawson

 

Sarah Lawson with husband Patrick Allen, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in Night Of The Big Heat (1967)

IF YOU LIKE what you see here at our website, you'll love our daily themed posts at our PCAS FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.  Just click that blue LINK and click LIKE when you get there, and help us . . Keep The Memory Alive!. The Peter Cushing Appreciation Society website, #facebook fan page and #YouTube channel are managed, edited and written by Marcus Brooks, PCASuk co-ordinator since 1979. PCASuk is based in the UK, but open to everyone, whoever, where ever, YOU are