Introducing The Hammer-Amicus Blogathon V

 

Where has the time gone? It only seems like yesterday when, I, along with my superb blogging partner in crime Gill from Realweegiemidget Reviews, introduced the Hammer-Amicus Blogathon back in 2018. Believe it or not, we’re back for round five! Through this series of blogathons, we hope to keep the spirit of these iconic production companies alive (Be sure to check out Gill’s post for a special message from legendary Hammer actress Judy Matheson)! Since this is the fifth iteration of this blogathon, we decided to add a little twist. Read on for more details…

 Tales That Witness Madness

What’s the twist? Especially during the period of the ‘60s through the ‘70s, a number of Hammer/Amicus lookalikes popped up, featuring familiar actors such as Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Michael Ripper, as well as directors like Terence Fisher and Freddie Francis. These movies prompted many of us to do a double take – if it looks like Hammer or Amicus, it must be, right? Well, based on this premise, we decided to permit some of these “clone” productions this time around. You’re welcome to run any potential title by us, but here are just a few examples to get you started: 

·       Tigon British Film Productions – The Blood Beast Terror (1968), The Creeping Flesh (1973), The Crimson Cult (1968), The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)

·       Planet Film Productions – Island of Terror (1966), Night of the Big Heat (1967)

·       Tyburn Film Productions – The Ghoul (1975), Legend of the Werewolf (1975)

·       Glendale Films – The Asphyx (1972), Crucible of Terror (1971)

·       World Film Services – Tales that Witness Madness (1973)

·       Tempean Films – Blood of the Vampire (1958)

If you’ve participated in either of the past Hammer-Amicus Blogathons, welcome back. If this is your first time joining us, we’re glad to have you aboard. Either way, be sure to read our rules below, as a few items have changed (plus a new rule). Don’t have a blog, but you’d like to take part? In addition to blog posts, participants may submit a link to their Instagram or Facebook post, podcast, YouTube video, finger paintings, or whatever. As long as it’s original content and covers some facet of Hammer or Amicus productions (or one of the aforementioned look-alikes), we’ve got you covered.

Once again, it’s time for my occasional public service message, reminding you that Hammer and Amicus productions are much more than horror. In their respective catalogs, you’ll find adventures, dramas, war movies, noir, sci-fi, wacky comedies, psychological thrillers, and a mix of genres. With all those choices, there’s virtually a Hammer or Amicus movie for every mood and preference. We encourage you to peruse the titles found in the links below (we’re always happy to provide suggestions, as well).

You may find a complete list of Hammer films here. 

…and a list of Amicus films here.

What: The Hammer-Amicus Blogathon V 

Who: Hosted by Yours Truly (Barry P.) and Gill Jacob 

Where: Cinematic Catharsis and Realweegiemidget Reviews 

When: November 7-9, 2025 (plus a bonus wrap-up day) 

How: Please read the rules below, and send me your post request via email (barry_cinematic@yahoo.com), BlueSky (@barrycinematic.bsky.social), Twitter/X (@barry_cinematic), Instagram (barry_cinematic), or by commenting below. You may also contact Gill by commenting on her post, or through her blog’s Contact Me page. Be sure to include a link to your blog, your blog’s title, and your preferred name.

THE RULES… 

1.     You may review ANY Hammer or Amicus film or TV show. Hammer and Amicus-related book reviews are fine.

2.     Alternatively, you may review one of the many Hammer/Amicus look-alike productions, such as the ones mentioned above, or contact us

3.     We will not allow duplicate film titles, UNLESS you are covering a series of films or a retrospective of an actor/filmmaker’s work.

4.     A maximum of TWO entries will be permitted. (You may choose one post from Hammer and one from Amicus …or both can be Hammer or Amicus, or a combination of Hammer/Amicus look-alikes and the real deal. The choice is yours!)

5.     When responding with your choice, be sure to add your BlueSky/Twitter/Instagram/Mastodon handle or a link to your Facebook page so we can promote your post.

6.     Please choose one of the banners below to display on your blog.

7.     A full list of blogs, podcasters and review choices will be posted on a separate page and updated regularly.

8.     Only original, never-before-published posts will be accepted.

9.     Send a link to your post/podcast/video to Gill and me during one of the days of the blogathon.

10.  Note: we will publish all the links on both blogs, with daily updates on November 7, 8, and 9. If you plan to participate, but you’re running late, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can post a last-minute update.

11.  Please also note: Gill and I have already claimed the following the titles below, so they are off the table, unless they’re included in a larger retrospective (see Rule #3 above). 

Barry at Cinematic Catharsis – Hammer: The Ugly Duckling (1959) 

Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews –Amicus: Danger Route (1967)

 

 

                                

                                            

As always, we look forward to your posts!