THE UNKNOWN PETER CUSHING

Many horror fans know the great Peter Cushing for his many roles in Hammer Films. But, Cushing played in many non-Hammer films and non-horror movies.

Severin Films has assembled a 6-disc Blu-ray collection of some of Cushing's lesser-known movies, including some never before seen on disc and other dramatic rarities.

Pre-order HERE.

From Severin Films:

From Hammer Films to STAR WARS, he remains one of genre films’ best-loved actors. Now celebrate six of the most unexpected, rarely seen and decidedly curious performances from the legendary career of PETER CUSHING: Cushing delivers a rare villain turn in the 1960 aviation thriller CONE OF SILENCE. That same year, Cushing brought gentle dignity to The Boulting Brothers’ cold-war drama SUSPECT. In 1962’s THE MAN WHO FINALLY DIED, Cushing co-stars opposite Stanley Baker as a former Nazi hiding a grave post-war secret. Cushing returns to his iconic role of SHERLOCK HOLMES in these six surviving episodes of the 1968 BBC-TV series. The oft-maligned 1971 shocker BLOODSUCKERS can now be reassessed for the first time in its Restored Extended Version. And Cushing portrays a vampire for the first and only time in 1974’s off-the-wall erotic comedy TENDER DRACULA, premiering here in its Director’s Cut. Each disc has been mastered from original vault elements with over 16 total hours of trailers, commentaries, vintage interviews, location features and more, plus the all-new 200-page book PETER CUSHING: A PORTRAIT IN SIX SKETCHES by award-winning horror film historian Jonathan Rigby.

Disc 1: CONE OF SILENCE (1960) 

In one of his rare villain roles – and hailed by the British Film Institute as one of his “10 Essential Films” – Peter Cushing stars as an arrogant pilot who attempts to undermine the investigation into the cause of an airline disaster. Oscar® winner George Sanders (PSYCHOMANIA), Oscar® nominee Michael Craig (TURKEY SHOOT), Elizabeth Seal (VAMPIRE CIRCUS), André Morell (THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES) and Bernard Lee (‘M’ in the James Bond films) co-star in “a film that still resonates today” (Shades of Gray) directed by former Hitchcock editor and Academy Award® nominee Charles Frend (THE CRUEL SEA) – released in America as TROUBLE IN THE SKY and inspired by true events – now featuring a new 2K scan from the dupe negative by the BFI and three hours of rare interviews, newsreels and more. 

Special Features:

Newsreel Of Peter Cushing And His Miniature Soldiers

Illustrated Audio Interviews

Peter Cushing On The Funster Show With Paul Carrington

The Guardian Interview With Peter Cushing 

Peter Cushing Interviewed By Tony Dalton, Author Of Terence Fisher: Master Of Gothic Cinema

Cushing's View – 1973 Interview With Peter Cushing On Whitstable And His Late Wife Helen

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Audio: English Mono

Closed Captions

Region Free

Run time: 92 mins

Disc 2: SUSPECT (1960) / THE MAN WHO FINALLY DIED (1962)

Peter Cushing delivered two of his finest non-horror performances in these early ‘60s dramas: In SUSPECT, Peter Cushing leads a team of research biologists who may be plotting to sell government secrets to a foreign power. Donald Pleasence, Ian Bannen (IDENTIKIT) and Spike Milligan co-star in this “damn good thriller” (Shameless Self Expression) produced and directed by The Boulting Brothers (BRIGHTON ROCK). THE MAN WHO FINALLY DIED sees Cushing in one of his most sinister roles as the family friend of a jazz pianist (Stanley Baker) who uncovers a post-war conspiracy of suspicious deaths, switched identities and a shocking Nazi past. Mai Zetterling (THE WITCHES), and Nigel Green (THE SKULL) co-star in this stylish suspense thriller directed by Quentin Lawrence (THE TROLLENBERG TERROR), with both films scanned in 2K from the original negatives by Studio Canal.

Special Features:

Audio Commentary For SUSPECT With Jonathan Rigby, Author Of English Gothic, And Horror Historian Kevin Lyons

Audio Commentary For THE MAN WHO FINALLY DIED With Kim Newman, Author Of Anno Dracula, And Barry Forshaw, Author Of Brit Noir

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.66:1 (Suspect) / 2.35:1 (The Man Who Finally Died)

Audio: English Mono

Closed Captions

Region A

Run time: 81 mins (Suspect) / 100 mins (The Man Who Finally Died)

Discs 3 & 4: SHERLOCK HOLMES (1968)

Having first portrayed the legendary detective for Hammer Films in 1959, Peter Cushing enthusiastically returned to the role of Sherlock Holmes for this 1968 BBC television series co-starring Nigel Stock (THE LOST CONTINENT) as Dr. Watson. Though most of the shows were forever lost, these six surviving episodes – including the two-part The Hound of The Baskervilles adapted by award-winning playwright Hugh Leonard – showcase Cushing at his elementary best, with guest stars that include Madge Ryan (A CLOCKWORK ORANGE), Ann Bell (THE WITCHES), Nick Tate (SPACE: 1999) and Gary Raymond (JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS). This definitive presentation of SHERLOCK HOLMES – which also includes the classic cases A Study in Scarlet, The Blue Carbuncle, The Boscombe Valley Mystery and The Sign of Four – is now scanned from BBC tape protection masters.  

Special Features:

Audio Commentaries For All Episodes Featuring Kim Newman, Author Of Anno

Dracula, Barry Forshaw, Author Of Brit Noir And David Stuart Davies, Author Of

Starring Sherlock Holmes: A Century Of The Master Detective On Screen

All Episodes Available With BBC Countdown Clock

Illustrated Peter Cushing Audio Interview With David Stuart Davies

Lost Segments With Optional Commentary By Jonathan Rigby, Author Of English Gothic, And Horror Historian Kevin Lyons

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.33:1

Audio: English Mono

Closed Captions

Region A

Run time: 308 mins

Disc 5: BLOODSUCKERS (1971)

Perhaps the most maligned and misunderstood horror film of Peter Cushing’s career, this notorious 1971 shocker can now be re-evaluated via the longest version ever assembled: When a brilliant young Oxford professor disappears while researching in Greece, his mentor (Cushing) launches an investigation that will trigger a nightmare of ritual sacrifice, sadomasochistic perversion, deranged academia and one of the most unique takes on vampirism in genre history. Patrick Macnee (THE AVENGERS), Alex Davion (THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES) and Edward Woodward (THE WICKER MAN) co-star in this infamous drama directed by Robert Hartford-Davis (CORRUPTION) – originally known as INCENSE FOR THE DAMNED in the UK and FREEDOM SEEKERS in the US – now scanned in 2K from the original negative with additional elements from a recently discovered 35mm vault print – including the uncut psychedelic orgy sequence – for the first time ever. 

Special Features:

Audio Commentary With Jonathan Rigby, Author Of English Gothic, And Horror Historian Kevin Lyons

STRANGER IN THE CITY (1961) – Short Film By Robert Hartford-Davis

Daddy's Girl – Interview With Director Robert Hartford-Davis’ Daughter, Jean Hartford-Davis

Bite Me! – Tigon: Blood On A Budget Author John Hamilton on Robert Hartford-Davis 

The Trip – Interview With Uncredited Drug Orgy Actress Françoise Pascal

FREEDOM SEEKER Title Sequence

Trailer

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.66:1

Audio: English Mono

Closed Captions

Region Free

Run time: 83 mins

Disc 6: TENDER DRACULA (1974)

Never before available on disc in North America, the first and only film in which Peter Cushing portrayed a vampire is also the most unapologetically bizarre movie of his entire career: When horror’s biggest star (Cushing) announces his retirement from the genre, two dimwit screenwriters and a pair of sexy actresses are dispatched to the actor’s castle for a lavish farce d’horreur érotique of violence, whippings, orgies, tender romance and a devilishly dignified performance by Cushing, even while spanking the bare bottom of French starlet Miou-Miou. Alida Valli (SUSPIRIA, EYES WITHOUT A FACE) and Bernard Menez (DRACULA AND SON) co-star in the sole feature film directed by award-winning producer Pierre Grunstein (TESS, THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY) – also released as CONFESSIONS OF A BLOOD DRINKER and THE BIG SCARE – now restored by Pathé, scanned in 2K from the original Paris vault negative and authorized by the director.

Special Features:

Audio Commentary With Jonathan Rigby, Author Of English Gothic, And Horror Historian Kevin Lyons

Love Me Tender, Dracula – Interview With Director Pierre Grunstein

Menez of Speaking – Interview With Actor Bernard Menez

Trailer

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.66:1

Audio: English Mono / French

Closed Captions / English Subtitles

Region A

Run time: 89 mins

THE HELLFIRE CLUB

While not a Hammer Film, Avco Embassy's 1961 film, THE HELLFIRE CLUB, was co-written by Jimmy Sangster and starred Peter Cushing and Adrienne Corri and was based on the British 18th Century "Gentleman's Club", where it is claimed that acts of debauchery and satanism were performed.

This feature from PLAYBOY (June, 1961) covers the film and the infamous club's history.

NEW PETER CUSHING VAN HELSING FIGURE FROM SIDESHOW

Also available for pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles is the companion statue to yesterday's post is Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing in HORROR OF DRACULA! A fantastic likeness of Cushing! Details below.

Van Helsing Peter Cushing 1/4 Scale Premium Format Figure Hammer Films Dracula

Retail price: $529.99

“... Count Dracula, the propagator of this unspeakable evil, has disappeared. He must be found and destroyed!”

The Van Helsing Premium Format™ Figure, inspired by the frightful and famous Dracula (1958) by Hammer Horror.

The Van Helsing Premium Format measures 21.5” tall on top of a stone-like base with Gothic gargoyles, creating an air of dread as the famed vampire hunter steadies himself to pursue the fiendish Count Dracula. Sculpted with an incredibly detailed likeness of actor Peter Cushing in the iconic role, this statue captures an expression of fearlessness and resolve, with Cushing’s wide blue eyes, furrowed brows, unmistakable cheekbones, and carefully styled hair. 

The Van Helsing Premium Format Figure is a mixed media horror collectible with a fully tailored fabric costume recreating the character’s signature appearance onscreen. He wears a black suit jacket and suit pants along with a red vest, a white collared dress shirt, and a necktie. An elegant faux fur-trimmed coat completes the costume, while his leather-like gloves and black dress shoes are sculpted with realism to complement the fabric elements. Armed with a crucifix in one hand and a hammer and stake in the other, Van Helsing has all the tools of the trade with which to defeat the dreaded vampire.

Hammer Horror fans and collectors alike won’t want to miss pairing Count Dracula with Sideshow’s Dracula Premium Format™ Figure, based on actor Christopher Lee’s iconic appearance as the legendary vampire himself. Pair these two archenemies in your collection for a truly unforgettable horror movie display.

Hunting for more horror to add to your collection? Enlist the Van Helsing Premium Format Figure in the fight against evil today!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Brand: Dracula

Manufacturer: Sideshow Collectibles

Type: Premium Format™ Figure

Artists:

Adam Beane (Sculpt)

Bernardo Esquivel (Paint)

Esther Skandunas (Cut and Sew)

The Sideshow Design and Development Team (Design)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS & DIMENSIONS

Materials: Fabric , Polystone

Product Size: Height: 21.5" (546.1 mm) | Width: 8" (203.2 mm) | Depth: 7" (177.8 mm) | 

Images shown are prototypes.

DRACULA RESTORED

For years, rumors circulated around monster cognoscenti that Hammer's first vampire flick, DRACULA (HORROR OF DRACULA in the U.S.) was missing some footage. Marcus Hearne, Hammerphile, went so far as to say that the two scenes are "crucial to the film".

The missing scenes in question were tracked down in Japan, where it was the only country that played the movie uncut. They were restored and added to the extant footage. The most recent version released to viewers was a 2013 Region 2 Blu-ray/DVD.

So why haven't we seen a U.S release yet? The rationale escapes me.

Shown here is an article from SCI-FI NOW's HAMMER HORROR Special Edition (2014) that discusses the find. Also included is a Q&A from IMDB.

 

I've seen stills from scenes that don't appear in the film. How come?

There are at least two scenes for which stills exist, but which did not make it to the final edit of the film. The first is the decayed corpse of Jonathan Harker. The second is Dracula's prolonged disintegration sequence at the end. For a long time the latter was rumoured to have been included in the Japanese release, and in 2012, it was confirmed. Several seconds of extra disintegration footage, including some of Dracula tearing his flesh from his face, were restored and integrated into the 2007 BFI restoration, then released in March 2013 on Region 2 Blu-ray and DVD. The recovered Japanese reels also included an alternate version of Dracula's seduction of Mina, with erotically charged shots of Mina from Dracula's point of view and more explicit shots of Dracula kissing Mina and her very clearly enjoying it. These, too, were restored and included in the 2013 Blu-ray/DVD release. The photograph of a decomposed Jonathan Harker is thought to be a test shot or studio still, and it's unlikely the full scene was ever filmed, not least because it wouldn't make sense for Harker, who is young, to age like the other vampires on being destroyed.
 

What's new about the BFI's 2007 restored version?

Although the colours are certainly beautifully and vibrantly restored in the new print, all the footage has been seen before--just never together in one version. The 2007 restoration includes the original British title card, which reads simply Dracula, in ornate, gothic script. A few seconds of extra blood are seen in Lucy's staking scene. These were in the original US release but not in the UK version. Contrary to rumour, this restored version does NOT contain any of the supposed Japanese footage of Dracula's disintegration or of Jonathan Harker's decayed corpse. Photographic stills exist of both, but until the 2011 discovery of a partial print in Japan, no actual film had been found.
 

What are the differences between the Restored Version from 2007 and the 2012 Restored Uncut Version?

The BBFC demanded some cuts for the theatrical release of the movie in 1958. This version, known as Horror of Dracula in the USA, was for many years thought to be the longest version and was restored in 2007. So it was a real surprise when in September 2011, some old film reels containing previously unknown scenes were found in Tokyo. They didn't include the whole movie (just the last 36 minutes). Nevertheless, the buzz among the fans was huge and they naturally wanted to see these scenes. And the impossible happened at the beginning of 2013, when Lions Gate and the British Hammer Films announced the release of a new longer version of the movie on DVD and Blu-ray. Although the picture quality of the new scenes is a little bit worse than the rest and the movie's also only a few seconds longer, it is nevertheless the ultimate version for fans of this classic.

SMOKIN' MONSTERS

Peter Cushing relaxes in his "director's chair" between takes on the set of Hammer's FRANKENSTEIN CREATED WOMAN (1967). Cushing was often seen smoking a cigarette or a pipe in his films.

PETER CUSHING: GENTLE MAN OF HORROR

This month the world of monsterdom is celebrating the centenary of Peter Cushing, one of the finest actors that this or any other movie genre has been blessed to call one of theirs. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees that Mr. Cushing deserves to be included in the lofty canon of horror film actors such as Karloff, Lugosi, Chaney, Price, and Lee. Cushing gave his all in nearly every role he played. His re-imaginings of characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Abraham Van Helsing rank among the best.

Like many actors of his kind, Cushing was a gentle soul, who quietly lived his life in the small English town of Whitstable, painting and enjoying the company of his soul-mate. Tragedy struck when she died after a long and agonizing illness, and Cushing would be affected by this for the rest of his life. We are left with a legacy of films that deserve to be viewed and remembered for years to come.

The May 2013 issue of FORTEAN TIMES magazine includes a remembrance of Cushing by screenwriter Stephen Volk. It encapsulates perfectly the man, his life and his career.