More Classic American Cars

Posted on July 1, 2015 by platinumal

Stars and Stripes American Classic Car Show, Tatton Park

The American Classic Car Show is this weekend at Tatton Park – 4th July weekend. My, how time has flown since my last post about this great event.

In the last article, I shared some photos of classic chrome and fins autos from the 50’s rock’n’roll era. This time, I thought I’d share some cars from a slightly later period – the muscle cars of the late 60’s/early 70’s.

These are the cars I really love. They’re the cars on all those classic cop shows like Starsky and Hutch; or brilliant films like Vanishing Point. These are also the cars that I had Matchbox and Corgi replicas of – they were my favourites then, and they still are now.

Why don’t cars look like this any more, he asks with a tear in his eye…

Enjoy the photos. And if you can get to Tatton Park this weekend, enjoy the show.

And I saved the best till last. There were many great car shows from my childhood, and many iconic cars. The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard is my all time favourite, though. A beautiful Dodge Charger, it makes me weep when I hear how many of these cars they wrecked making that programme.

A word about the flag, too. I do not generally discuss politics on my blog, but I will declare that I’m no right winger. In fact my opinions are very much the opposite. I appreciate, however, that the Confederate flag shown on the top of the General is considered offensive. However I have decided to show the car here for posterity, as it’s a fine machine. The flag remains obscured for reasons of sensitivity. I admire the car, remember the silly television show, but do not advocate prejudice. Peace.

The Tatton Park website is here.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN

01625 374400

In Memoriam – Sir Christopher Lee

Posted on June 17, 2015 by platinumal

Sir Christopher Lee

27.05.1922 – 07.06.2015

I was genuinely saddened to hear that Sir Christopher Lee had passed away. Over the years Lee had become one of my favourite actors. Perhaps my absolute favourite. I certainly own more DVDs of his work than any other star.

My first encounter with Lee’s films would have been the brilliant, still unsurpassed The Three Musketeers (1973). Or perhaps his turn as one of the best Bond villains ever – in one the best Bond films – Scaramanga, in The Man with the Golden Gun.

It wasn’t until my teens that I was able to catch up with his work for Hammer (and Amicus), when ITV started showing old horror films way past the witching hour with the advent of all night television. I stayed up late, or recorded them all on the VCR to ensure I saw them all. Those classic British horror movies captivated me – and still do. Whether playing Frankenstein’s Creature, Dracula, The Mummy – Lee was central to their success.

Monsters had always fascinated me. I remember drawing them from an early age, though I wasn’t old enough to watch the films. My early horror experiences came from Marvel comics, and a few movies such as King Kong and Boggy Creek. Oh, yes – and the series of Fu Manchu movies shown on BBC2; again starring Christopher Lee.

The link to Hammer came from Star Wars. I loved the cantina scene – still do – with its bizarre creatures; after all, I loved monsters. Later, a connection from Star Wars would lead me to Hammer – I discovered that Peter Cushing wasn’t just Grand Moff Tarkin. It was inevitable that I would explore the Gothic creations of the great British horror studio. So I was understandably thrilled to find out that Christopher Lee would become part of the Star Wars family, as Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones.

Lee had something of a resurgence from the late 1990s. He started to work with Tim Burton and seemed like he’d found a new home. Sleepy Hollow (1999) was Burton’s love letter to the old Hammer movies, and Lee would return again and again to participate in the Director’s dark tales.

The fact that Christopher Lee found a new audience over the last decade and a half – with the Lord of the Rings films, even a return to Hammer with The Resident (2011) – is wonderful. And gratifying for those, like me, who’ve admired his work for a long time.

Let’s not forget the many other talents Lee displayed. How about releasing Heavy Metal albums in his nineties? Check them out – they’re great. And his wartime exploits (Google it) are worthy of a film in their own right. A life time of incredible achievement.

I had hoped, as people often do, to one day meet my hero in person. Unrealistic, I know – but Christopher Lee was always the top of my list for the old “three people you would invite to dinner” game. I would have loved to tell him how big a fan I am of the films he’s helped create. Alas, that will never happen now. It’s sad that tiny bit of a dream will never come true.

Thank you Sir Christopher Lee. Your constant creative progression is an inspiration. The impact you have had on our imagination – both dreams and nightmares – is your greatest gift.

Wales Comic Con 2015

Posted on May 2, 2015 by platinumal

Wales Comic Con – 26th April 2015

Glyndwr University, Wrexham

It was an amazing sunny day Wales Comic Con. The sun was shining and the atmosphere was a winner. I took my family along to Glyndwr University in Wrexham for an afternoon of Sci-Fi, fantasy and comic books and we had a fantastic time.

As per other conventions I’ve covered at the Virtual Hot Tub, the event was a mix of guests signing and doing Q&As, merchandise for sale, displays and gaming. A varied menu of entertainments brought out fans galore, and the area was filled with enthusiasts from all over.

No doubt the great weather helped, but there was a tremendously friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere at this event. My little girl, Eloise, dressed as Anna from Frozen and had a wonderful experience meeting lots of other Disney Princesses. It was the first time she’s been to an event like this, and I think Eloise is a convert for life.

Monkey business

Iron Man

The Cosplayers were numerous, and their costuming skills very talented. There were superheroes, Star Wars characters, time travelling doctors – everything you can think of. I took plenty of photos, as you can see here. All were happy to have their photographs taken, for which I am very grateful. So many missed opportunities though!

A real highlight of the day, fo me, was meeting Dath Vader himself – Dave Prowse. A very amiable chap, I’ve never met Mr Prowse before though I have met several of his Star Wars co-stars. I got a signed photo and shook the man’s hand. A real gent.

Jawa

The family meet Tyrese

Stepmum

Aliens vs Predator

Transformers

Batman and friends

Black Widow and friend

Awesome Cylon

My only criticism of the event was that there was little merchandise that appealed to me. But that’s a very subjective viewpoint and wouldn’t put me off Wales Comic Con in future.

The event appeared to be run very well. The last time I went, the queues were so long that my buddies and me gave up and went home without getting in. No problems this year, the convention was busy but with no apparent issues.

Harley and friend

Anna and Olaf

Cyclops

Eloise meets Meg and Hercules

The Doctors will see you now

Constantine and Zatana

Phoenix and Rogue

Sunny day Harley Quinn

Wales Comic Con was awesome fun. We all had a great day out and will definitely go again. It’s handy it’s so close to home. The real success here was that the event kept all of us enthralled, whether it was a four year old Princess or an old Jedi like me. Top marks.

Wales Comic Con website is here.

Arrow and Canary

Eloise meets Belle

Scarecrow

Meeting Chewie

Inspector Gadget and friends

Gwen

Groot hanging out

Me pretending to be Tony Stark

Meeting Dave Prowse

DVD Lucky Dip

Posted on April 27, 2015 by platinumal

So Ben the Swede was having a party at his house. He’s returned from the Big Smoke and had actually found a house to live in, as opposed to a cardboard box.

Mike had been selling loads of “quality items” on Ebay and was now selling batches of DVDs. Bundles of discs, twenty five or so, that he didn’t want anymore. Some good titles too.

As a bit of a jape, the idea was proposed for Mike to bring a load of his DVDs to Ben’s to sell. He brought a large bag containing fifty five films. The proposal was: each of the party goers would pay one pound a go to try their luck in the Luck Dip bag. No peaking; just reach your hand in and pick your prize at random. Just like at the school fair when you were a kid.

Here’s what we won:

Ben – Resident Evil, Deliverance
Jamie – Role Models
Janet – Deja Vu, War of the Worlds
Rob – Star Trek: First Contact, Body of Lies
Terry – Romeo and Juliet
Natalie – Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Withnail & I
Me – Requiem for a Dream, Rambo: First Blood

All good fun, if you’re a nerd like me who likes films and buying junk. Mike made quite a chunk of cash and still had plenty of discs to sell on Ebay. There were a few great films picked up for next to nothing, and it added a fun little game to the house party.

There was a certain amount of tension when you paid your pound and were hoping to get a good film. Sometimes we were lucky, sometimes not.

If you’re ever selling your DVD collection – or CDs, books whatever – why not try a Lucky Dip? And don’t forget to invite me.

Sci-Fi Weekender 2015: Bonus Photos

Posted on April 23, 2015 by platinumal

Flogging a dead horse? Me? Never. As per last year’s Sci-Fi Weekender features, there’s still loads of photos that for some reason, I didn’t share in the previous articles. So here are a few more pics from the weekend, featuring some amazing Cosplay outfits not shown here previously.

Now some of my pics didn’t turn out very well, and in some cases there were great costumes that I missed taking a photo of. Hope fully these additional shots will give a bit of additional flavour of the event.

Green screen Jar Jar!

Greeny meets Darth Elvis

I have no idea why Green Screen Jar Jar didn’t make the cut last time. Whatever your opinions on the Gungan Menace, you’ve got to admit that it’s a fantastic idea for a costume!

Above you will see documented evidence of Greeny meeting the Dark Lord himself, Darth Elvis. And below is a photo of Kurt, as Shaun from Shaun of the Dead – the only one of our troop who dressed up.

Kurt/Shaun

Comedian

Aquagirl and Fraggle

Silk Spectre

Harley and friend

Goonies R Good Enough

Classic Leia

joker and pal

The Lego characters below were simply amazing costumes. Likewise, the Mad Max gang – so disappointed that this is the only photo I got of them.

Lego folk

Girls just want to have fun

Darko

Pris

Mad Max gang

Greeny/Vulcan girl

Manga?

Zenith

So, there we have it for another year. My apologies to anyone who allowed me to take their photograph, for the image not to appear. That’s more than likely due to my camera skills, or lack thereof. Lens cap!

Thanks everybody, hope to see you next year.

Bananaman

Klingon ladies

Samauri pals

Punisher, Ivy, Starlord

Dark Jedi

Zenith 2

Gamora and friend

Marty McFly and Jawa

Captain Adamerica

Adam, Greeny, Kurt and Ste – we had a great time. Thanks Adam for organising everything, and thanks guys for all the fun. Awesome.

Here’s to next year…

Click here for the Sci-Fi Weekender website.

You can find Sci-Fi Weekender on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @scifiweekender

Sci-Fi Weekender 2015 – part 2

Posted on March 29, 2015 by platinumal

Sci-fi Weekender 19th – 22nd March 2015

Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli

Welcome back to part 2 of my Sci-fi Weekender 2015 update!

Saturday began in the usual manner for for my intergalactic crew mates and I – fairly lazy hanging around the caravan. The home comforts were pretty good t be fair; with a fridge stocked with beer, decent TV and plenty of space we had a good base for our weekend.

To be honest there was less of interest to me personally on this day. The highlight though was a Q&A with Judge Dredd creators John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra. The two were escorted on to the stage by a squad of mean looking Judges, and proceeded to tell the audience about their many years working in comics. All good stuff, though a bit less about the Dredd movies and more about the actual comics would’ve been preferable. But I guess that serves me right for not asking my own questions.

Dazzling outfit!

Rogue and Bucky

Green Arrow and Daryl

Girl from Mars

He-Man and pals

Constantine and Zatanna

Ripley and pals

Spidey and Stormtrooper

One Man Lord of the Rings was next, and not being a Hobbit geek (unlike Star Wars) I was off. I heard it was good though. Time to mill about round the various merchandise stalls, though there less of a science fiction theme to this year’s traders. With MCM Comic Con on the same weekend at Birmingham NEC, I guess most traders opted for that instead.

Another strange tweak to the event this year was that Hafan Y Mor was also hosting a Prog Rock event on the same weekend. Hence the large number of music related items on sale, perhaps. Though having these two events at the same time appeared to be a strange mutation at first, I decided to check a few bands out over the weekend and found some that were certainly worth hearing.

Back on Friday I witnessed the strange jazz prog of Knifeworld, which I enjoyed after my ears got used to it. “I want this music out of my head!” was the view of one of my gang.

On Saturday afternoon, I witnessed Landskap. They had an almost doom/stoner rock sound, with slow heavy guitar riffs – augmented by an almost Doors-like keyboard. Very, very good – saw the whole set and loved it.

Captain America and Agent Carter

Hawkman

Joker

Futurama

Superman and friends

Zoidberg

No black and white filter needed!

Shredder!!!

Next it was back to the Sci-Fi Arena to see the Cosplay preliminaries. As ever there were some amazing entries – well made, authentic, but also incredibly original. The best part was spotting characters from film and television that you just weren’t expecting to see. The Guardians of the Galaxy and Mad Max ensembles were both awesome. Lego movie Batman, Futurama robots and more were just amazing.

You can see some of the photos here, but there were also dozens of fans who were dressed up, and hadn’t even entered the competition. Plenty of people had obviously put a lot of thought and effort into their costumes, but were happy just to be part of the fun.

I did feel bad for one group, though – they were all in monochrome outfits (complete with make-up) to look like the old black & white Flash Gordon serial. However, they’d missed registration through no fault of their own.

Hot Fuzz

Futurama gang

Dark Jedi – nice blokes, actually!

Kick Ass

The winners!

Macho Man Randy Savage

Wilma – awesome idea!

Ant Man and the Wasp

The Cosplay was again a real highlight od Sci-Fi Weekender this year. So many fabulous and imaginative outfits, I couldn’t pick a favourite. My thanks to all who agreed to me to take a photo – you’re all superstars!

In the late evening, I popped over to the Prog Rock arena to see Rick Wakeman. Rick was performing on his own, with just a grand piano. Instrumental versions didn’t really appeal at first, though it turned out to be a fantastic set of lush, almost Classical songs. There was a Sci-Fi tie in with an absolutely wonderful recital of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars”, which Rick had preformed on originally. Plus the between song banter was hilarious!

Black Widow

Jedi

Lion-O

This is amazingly cool!

Black Cat and Maleficent

Village of the Damned

General Kala

Logan

Back to the Sci-Fi arena for the Cosplay finals – which saw a hard fought contest eventually won by the young Tim Burton character family! We ll done! Then it was party time, with characters from all conceivable franchises across the genre seeing the weekend out in style.

It was a long trip back to the real world. We met some awesome people, saw a few familiar faces from last year, and had a great time. Here’s to next year. If only I had a Tardis, I could do it all again…

I have dozens of photos left. I’ll do a bonus section as per last year in the coming weeks.

The Sci-Fi Weekender website is here.

You can find Sci-Fi Weekender on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @scifiweekender

The Prog Rock website is here.

Sci-Fi Weekender 2015 – part 1

Posted on March 26, 2015 by platinumal

Sci-fi Weekender 19th – 22nd March 2015

Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park, Pwllheli

Hard to believe it’s been a year since our last visit off-world to the magnificence that is Sci-Fi Weekender. But here we were again, for our second journey to the stars, with a guest list of thousands from the realms of science fiction and fantasy.

As a convention, what makes Sci-Fi Weekender stand out is that all the guests stay on site at the Hafan Y Mor holiday park in North West Wales. For one weekend each year, the geeks inherit the earth and take over in intergalactic style.

Hellboy and pals

Judges

Catwoman and Silent Bob

Something on your back…

Who ya gonna call?

Royal Guard

Harley behind bars

Joker

This year our band of explorers included Adam, Greeny, Kurt and myself as per last year, but with good buddy Ste along for his first voyage. Amongst the features on offer were all day gaming, merchandise for sale, props to view, films to see, and numerous luminaries being interviewed and partaking in Q and A’s.

Let it be said that the entertainments were many, and that much alcohol was consumed.

On the Friday, I was eager to see an interview with actor Julian Glover. He appeared as General Veers in The Empire Strikes Back so this was a pretty big deal. I have at least three different Star Wars figures of this guy, for a start. He also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, For Your Eyes Only and Quatermass and the Pit, for good measure. Mr Glover was extremely interesting to listen to and seemed like a thorough gentleman.

Poison Ivy

Batman

Phoenix

Rorschach

Drag Leia and chums!

Scarlet Witch

Captain America

Ghost Rider

Next up was James Cosmo, who I remembered from Highlander (classic!) and as Ewan McGregor‘s dad in Trainspotting. He’s also appeared in dozens of other films and TV shows, not least Braveheart, so his Q&A was top notch.

I took a few photos and milled about a bit, we had some drinks and I caught the One Man Star Wars show. For the uninitiated, this is one bloke recreating all three films from the original trilogy (Episodes IV to VI, fact fans!) in an hour – on his own. There are no effects other than what can be recreated with his own voice and actions. I have to admit that this was very impressive. The audience laughed along, but me as a full on Star Wars nerd was engrossed in how he made the sounds. I need to learn that R2 whistle for my action figures! I AM A NERD!

The finale of the day was once again the genius of Darth Elvis and the Imperials. What do you get? A band of Dark Side troops, fronted by an Elvis Jedi, rocking the stage like a crazed Bantha herd. They look great, they sound awesome!

Elvis classics are re-worked to suit the Star Wars theme, so we get “Return to Endor” and “Viva Mos Eisley”, amongst many more. Brilliant! The band rock out and also put a huge Hutt-like grin on your face with the genuinely witty spin on various classics. Not just Elvis either – nice to hear some Faith No More in the set this year. Absolutely epic entertainment and a perfect end to the night. Hot Dang!

What’s more, I can personally vouch for the fact that the band are 100% decent folks. I got a signed poster! Greeny got a poster and a photo with the Dark King himself! I got excited and forgot to ask for a photo of myself with Darth Elvis! I AM A NERD!!!

Part 2 of our adventure to the stars soon…

Here’s the Sci-Fi Weekender website.

Check out Darth Elvis and the Imperials on Facebook or follow the Dark King on Twitter: @darth_elvis

The Urban Troopers are cool guys – follow them on Twitter: @yodasbitch

The Urban Troopers!

Me with two of my childhood heroes…!

Memorabilia at Birmingham NEC – part 1

Posted on January 17, 2015 by platinumal

22/23 November 2014

I paid another visit to MCM Expo Comic Con at Birmingham NEC back in November. The drought of Star Wars action figures was still in effect, but I found some very cool stuff none the less.

Of course there were plenty of Cosplayers in attendance, ranging from comic books to movies and everything in between. Squads of stormtroopers, superheroes of every description – you name it, I saw it.

Here are a few pics of some of the folks I saw that day.

Harley Quinn and Green Arrow

Indy

Gold Dalek

Wolverine and Ms Marvel

Zatanna?

Hellboy

Chewie

Tyrese and baby Judith

The Chewbacca (above) is probably the best I’ve ever seen.

I earned major cool points from my little girl for the Disney pics I took this year.

Poison Ivy and Black Canary

Tony and Pepper

Disney gang

Jay and Silent Bob

I love a Catwoman pic

Neo, Cyclops and the Crow

Disney Princess Leia

Toy army

There were so many great, original ideas for costumes. Tyrese from the Walking Dead, the green plastic army men, Jay and Silent Bob – all brilliant concepts, executed skilfully. I really love those apes, too.

Thanks to everyone who allowed me to take their portrait. More pics soon…

Star Wars Spin Off Movies – part 1

Posted on January 10, 2015 by platinumal

2015 is a big year. Audiences around the world will get to see Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. Something I honestly never thought I’d see – a continuation of the Star Wars saga.

There is another disturbance in the Force, however – the prospect of new, stand alone, spin off movies set in a galaxy far, far away. These films are to feature characters from this rich universe,but who they will be at the moment is a mystery. Will they be minor characters or well known favourites?

There are various rumours about who the projects will concentrate on, of course. I’ve decided to add to the swirling speculation and anticipation with some thoughts who I would like to see appearing in their own Star Wars movie.

Let’s start with some of the obvious choices.

Boba Fett

To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of Boba Fett. He’s only in the films for a few minutes, and doesn’t do a great deal I always thought the pre-Empire buzz about this new character was a bit of a let down, so I never got the cult of Fett. He does have one of the coolest looking ships in the Saga, however.

Regardless of my ambivalence to the character, Boba Fett would be a great choice for a stand-alone movie. He’s got a ready made, massive fan base – and it would be an ideal opportunity to flesh him out and show exactly why Fett is the top bounty hunter in the galaxy. His mercenary buddies from the Executor bridge in Episode V could also make welcome cameo appearances.

Just one thing – the film would need to be set during the Original Trilogy. Why? Because Fett dies in Return of the Jedi. That’s right – he died, and HE DOESN’T COME BACK. Clear?

Plus I love the Original Trilogy and it would be great to explore more of this time. Let’s see Boba Fett in action, as one of the bad guys (because he is a baddie, face facts) causing trouble for the Rebel Alliance.

Han Solo and Chewbacca

The Corellian space pirate and his Wookiee pal have featured in their own series of novels years ago. Their popularity makes them a great choice for a spin off film. Again, this should be around the time of the Original Trilogy, maybe prior to Episode IV; or between that instalment and Empire. What exactly happened to the reward Solo got for his part in the rescue of Princess Leia?

The problem with a film of this type is casting a young Han Solo – whoever got the gig would have their work cut out for them playing Harrison Ford. That’s not to say that it can’t be done – River Phoenix did a fantastic job of impersonating Ford in the third Indiana Jones movie!

What would be really scary though is recasting such an iconic character as Han Solo could be a stepping stone to that horror that none of us want. That’s right – a “reboot”/remake of the original film.

May the Force protect us from that ever happening…

Palpatine

How did Palpatine become a Dark Lord of the Sith? How did he weasel his way into the role of Senator of Naboo? Just exactly what was he capable of, and what did he do to attain such power?

The early years of the Emperor to be could be a really fascinating story, full of Jedi Knights, Sith Lords and galactic intrigue. Betrayal, deceit, evil plots, darkness on a massive scale. Sign up Peter Jackson for this one now.

That’s all for now, though I will return to this subject soon, with more potential spin-off movie ideas.

May the Force be with you!

30 Days of Hallowe’en Horror Fest

Posted on November 2, 2014 by platinumal

OK: so I know Hallowe’en is all over. It’s November.

And I also know that there are 31 days in October.

But I’ve still got a few short’n’sweet Horror movie reviews for you, which due to scheduling issues I haven’t had chance to write up till now. So here we go!

30 Days of Night (2007)

The Alaskan town of Barrow is a remote place, and about to become more isolated once the month long night commences. As the town readies itself, a number of bizarre occurrences foreshadow an unimaginable horror. For the town will be besieged by a group of blood thirsty vampires, allowed free reign due to the towns people’s disbelief and the ongoing dark.

This film hauls vampire folklore into the 21st century and breathes life into the (undead) corpse. The vampires are brutal, savage and powerful. Their leader, played chillingly by Danny Huston brings an unrelenting nightmare to the people of Barrow. This is how vampires are supposed to be – the portrayal of the undead in this film is like the re-imagining of the zombies in 28 Days Later. Suddenly, we are confronted by vampires who are genuinely threatening.

The human leads – Josh Hartnett and lovely Melissa George – also give sympathetic performances. The audience are presented with characters we can empathise with, and share their fear.

The bleak, snowy landscape creates a hopeless and claustrophobic atmosphere. The premise of 30 Days of Night is ingenious, and the film delivers admirably. Recommended viewing, if only to see how ancient vampire myth can be made relevant – and frightening – for today’s audience.

9/10

Carry On Screaming (1966)

Yes, it’s the Carry On gang in a homage of sorts to that other British film institution – Hammer. Although the plot manages to mix up elements of House of Wax, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein and the Addams Family, it still manages to make some sense and entertain along the way.

Sid James is MIA, replaced in this film by Harry H. Corbett of Steptoe and Son fame. Corbett does an impeccable job as Detective Sergeant Sidney Bung. Also along are many of the usual faces, including Kenneth Williams, Jim Dale, Joan Simms and Charles Hawtrey.

The creepy show is stolen though by uber vamp Fenella Fielding as Valeria, in her tight red dress; who manages to smoulder like Lily Munster or (Carolyn Jones) Morticia. Utterly gorgeous!

It’s one of the better Carry On films in my opinion, and manages to get a few good gags in along with the usual double entendres. The monsters – Oddbod and Oddbod Junior – scared me to death when I was eight.

Carry On Screaming is great for a bit of light relief from other, truly scary films. And it manages to create a spooky Gothic vibe, too.

7/10

The Woman in Black (2012)

Hammer studios really got back in the game with this film. Starring Daniel Radcliffe (yes, Harry Potter) as a young lawyer sent to work in a remote old house, this film manages to inject some real frights.

Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) travels from London to his assignment in the North at spooky old Eel Marsh House. He’s there to examine papers of the deceased owner, but soon finds himself caught between the superstitious (and downright unfriendly) locals and whatever the presence is up at the house.

The Woman in Black was only certified as a 12 in the UK. Hammer (quite uncharacteristically) shed blood, gore, sex and violence and instead concentrate on a film that has an overdose of jumpy frights. The film is a classic ghost story, featuring a lonely haunted house that leaves the viewer truly unnerved. Brilliant!