The Gorgon (Hammer, 1964)

[Earth 2 Chris]

Watched this flick for the first time over the weekend, having DVRed it back around Halloween 2011.

I enjoyed it. It was fun to see Christopher Lee play a heroic role, and Peter Cushing take the role of the ambiguous villain, even if his heart was in the right place.

Of course the usual Hammer sets are redressed and reused. That castle interior appeared in almost every film they made, including "The Reptile" which had a very similar theme and feel.

The plot was pretty transparent, but even telegraphing what was going to happen, it was enjoyable to go through the paces with the characters. The ending was very grim, even for Hammer!

The makeup of the Gorgon was a bit shoddy, but it did its job. I read online yesterday that Barbara Shelly offered to wear a wig with real snakes, but they didn't have the budget to make it work!

Chris

[Godzilla]

I agree, I think it watched it when you DVRed it and I enjoyed it. Not stellar, but a fun film.

[Earth 2 Chris]

^Yeah, it's not one of Hammer's best for sure, but it's still enjoyable. Anything with Lee and Cushing is worth watching for them alone.

The scenes where the Gorgon appears reflected in the pool of water and the window are actually pretty creepy, as is the scene where you barely see her in the shadows of the castle.

Chris

[PNGwynne]

I enjoy it, although I think The Reptile is far superior in tone, plot, and effects.


The petrification concept & effects in the Gorgon are pretty good--the effect of venom. The Gorgon itself is disappointing but acceptable considering the budget & technology available.

I do like the cast, though the film feels rushed.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I enjoy it, although I think The Reptile is far superior in tone, plot, and effects.

I would agree, despite not having Hammer's heavy hitters, Lee and Cushing. The Reptile's design and make-up is actually very well done and effective.

Chris

[Hedji]

Just about all Hammer is worthwhile. The Gorgon has some nice chills. And I rather like the makeup.

[Earth 2 Chris]

The makeup is pretty effective...the snake wig is a little under developed, but standard for the time.

And yes, I've yet to see a Hammer flick that wasn't worth watching. My least favorite I've seen is "Kiss of the Vampire". It really pales to all other Hammer vampire flicks I've seen, from the Dracula and Karnstein series.

Chris

[Gorn Captain]

Not a bad effort, but the pretty inanimate snakes kind of ruin it.
I've read the make-up man's book about his creations, and the budget just wasn't there...

[PNGwynne]

My least favorite I've seen is "Kiss of the Vampire"

Chris

What!? I love KOV--have you seen the uncut version? I think it's more watchable that most any Lee-Dracula foray.

I guess I just enjoy Noel Willman...

[Earth 2 Chris]

What!? I love KOV--have you seen the uncut version? I think it's more watchable that most any Lee-Dracula foray.

I guess I just enjoy Noel Willman...

I have it on that Hammer set Universal put out with Brides of Dracula, Curse of the Werewolf, and Phantom of the Opera, among others. So, is that the uncut version?

Chris

[PNGwynne]

Yes, I believe so--I have it on Universal VHS, but it should be the same release with the full-length ending.

[Bruce Banner]

Speaking of Hammer classics, the restored Dracula (AKA Horror of Dracula) is out on Blu ray today.
Fully restored, with the extra, previously censored, scenes included.

http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/38403/dracula-deleted-scenes-are-crucial-to-hammers-vision/