The HAMMER Mummy Collection

There have been a number of Mummy franchises over the years but, like the title says, this one is for HAMMER Studios only, of which they made four (1959–1971). The bandages aren't really that frightening, but what they represent is. While they keep the walking corpse from falling to pieces, they also serve as a constant reminder that it's possible to become trapped in an eternal prison/punishment, cursed and unable to progress to the afterlife. The horror the Mummy experiences is equal or greater than what they make us feel. The mixture of mortal fear and sympathy is an odd one that none of the films make the best use of, but that doesn't stop them being entertaining in other ways.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. The Mummy (1959)
02. The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb (1964)
03. The Mummy's Shroud (1967)
04. Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (1971)

The HAMMER Karnstein Trilogy

Most of Hammer's vampire films are part of one unified whole wherein Count Dracula is the progenitor of all vampiric evil. The plucky Van Helsing, or his descendant, is the Count's human nemesis, a scholar with some action hero skills and an unshakable resolve. But the Karnstein Trilogy was different. It had its own lore (e.g. the vampires aren't afraid of sunlight) that separated it from the bigger picture. It's a trilogy in the loosest sense and, depending on who you speak to, might even have four films.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. The Vampire Lovers (1970)
02. Lust for a Vampire (1971)
03. Twins of Evil (1971)
04. Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974)

Books on Nut Ink:
00. Twins of Evil was novelised by horror author Shaun Hutson in 2011. I own it but haven't read it yet. I wanted to mention it in case any of you who would like to know of its existence didn't already know. Now you do.

The HAMMER Frankenstein Collection

Universal Studios denying Hammer the use of their trademarked monster make-up actually worked in the British company’s favour. It forced them to shift the focus from the monster to the creator—the man for whom the entire franchise was named—and in so doing enabled them to better explore the nuances of character that defined the Baron. That they managed to have Peter Cushing star in all but one of the films was the icing on a fortuitous cake.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
02. The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)
03. The Evil of Frankenstein (1964)
04. Frankenstein Created Woman (1967)
05. Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969)
06. The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)
07. Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974)

The HAMMER Dracula Collection

I confess that I really ought to have titled this a 'Vampire Collection' because, technically, while I consider them a part of the franchise, two of the films included (numbers 02 and 03) don't feature the Count, but I wanted very much to use the above picture and font, so logic be damned.

Films on In a Nutshell:
01. Dracula (1958)
02. Brides of Dracula (1960)
03.The Kiss of the Vampire (1963)
04. Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966)
05. Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
06. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
07. Scars of Dracula (1970)
08. Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972)
09. The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973)
10. The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974)