Director – Freddie Francis (Tales from the Crypt, Legend of the Werewolf)
Starring – David Knight (The Devil’s Agent, Clue of the Twisted Candle), Moira Redmond (Alleyn Mysteries, A Shot in the Dark), and Jennie Linden (Dr. Who and the Daleks, Tales of the Unexpected)
Release Date – 1964
Rating – 3/5
Blu Release – 3.5/5
Hammer released some seriously unforgettable horror films during their years in production. Their partnership with Universal Pictures brought their classic monsters into a whole new light that still delight fans to this day. During their years they released so many amazing films and over time several of them have become buried or overlooked by genre fans. In 1964 Hammer released the gothic horror tale Nightmare to audiences. It never clicked with fans like their Universal adaptations but is till a fantastic horror film.
Over the years you could find it locked away in several of the Hammer box sets as another title that was meant to boost the count in the set without receiving the treatment it truly deserved. That changed when Scream Factory announced the blu release of this often overlooked film. I had seen this one several times over the years and couldn’t wait to revisit it so I reached out to Scream and they were kind enough to send a review copy my way. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows Janet (Linden) who is away at a private school but reoccurring nightmares force her expulsion. She returns to her home with her maid, driver, and on occasion, her guardian Henry Baxter (Knight). Her mother snapped when she was younger and killed her father resulting in Janet’s fear that she would inherit her mother’s mental disorder. After returning home she finds herself haunted by visions of a woman with a distinctive scar on her cheek. After several hauntings she is introduced to Baxter’s bride who just happens to be the woman from her visions. Janet snaps and kills her resulting in her incarceration. However, the woman that she had been seeing in her visions was actually a plant from Baxter and as more murders appear he wonders if his plan to have his wife killed did push Janet over the edge or is something more supernatural happening in the estate. **Spoiler Alert**
Nightmare is far from the best that Hammer had to offer. In fact, I wouldn’t include it in my top ten or even top twenty but that doesn’t make it a bad film. In fact, it’s real enjoyable and the story oddly works even though it’s predictable while combining elements from other films. You have to give this one a chance but if you go into it with a negative attitude you will be very disappointed.
The acting for this one is very enjoyable. Knight is fantastic as the loving father figure and the calculative man with greed and lust on his mind. His performance is fantastic and even though the story is predictable his performance and character progression makes it worth watching. Linden is great as well. Her intensity steals the scene. She gives the movie her all and is fantastic. The supporting cast is great as well with so many great performances.
The story for this one blends the main plot from Strangers on a Train with Nightmare Castle which would release a year later based on a popular plot from other films before it. It’s predictable but not bad. The film is essentially split up into two parts but it works. You follow the story like a good book that you’ve read many times before. It’s a lot of fun especially when it’s combined with the amazing set locations and atmosphere.
Finally, the film doesn’t give us blood but does more than make up for it with great cinematography and fantastic sets. Overall, Nightmare is a great watch especially if you are looking for something with great atmosphere to watch late at night. Snag this release from Scream Factory because you will not be disappointed.
Special Features:
NEW 2K Scan From The Interpositive
NEW Audio Commentary With Film Historian Bruce Hallenbeck
NEW Sleepless Nights – An Interview With Author/Film Historian Kim Newman
NEW Slice And Fright – An Interview With Author/Film Historian Jonathan Rigby
NEW Reliving The Nightmare – Including Interviews With Actress Julie Samuel, Continuity Person Pauline Wise, And Focus Puller Geoff Glover
Nightmare…In The Making – Including Interviews With Actress Jennie Linden, Writer Jimmy Sangster, And Art Director Don Mingaye, Hosted By Author Wayne Kinsey
Jennie Linden Remembers – The Full Interview With Actress Jennie Linden
Madhouse: Inside Hammer’s NIGHTMARE Featuring Interviews With Film Historians Jonathan Rigby, Kevin Lyons, Alan Barnes, And John J. Johnson
Theatrical Trailer
Still Gallery
