I’ve been going through and reviewing all the recently released Hammer films that have been released by labels such as Indicator (Powerhouse Films) and Studiocanal. The film I’m looking at here is from the Indicator Hammer boxset titled Hammer Volume One: Fear Warning. Does Fanatic look as splendid as the rest of the films it accompanies? Well it’s time to find out, so without further ado here’s my Fanatic Blu-ray Review.
- Fanatic (1965) aka Die! Die! My Darling (US Title)
- UK Rating 15
- Released By 30 October 2017 (Part of the Hammer Volume One: Fear Warning boxset)
- Blu-ray Released: Indicator (Powerhouse Films)
Plot
When Patricia Carroll arrives in London she is intending on marrying her lover Alan. However before she does so she feels it only right to pay a visit to her deceased fiancé Stephen’s mother. Stephen had been killed years earlier in a car accident.
The mother, Mrs Trefoile lives in a small village, however upon arrival it becomes clear that she expects Patricia to remain with her whilst remaining single for the rest of her live out of respect for her dead son.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Silvio Narizzano with the cinematography been handled by Arthur Ibbetson. Most of the film is set around a remote house and grounds, it’s all shot very nicely and the film moves along at a rather good pace.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is by Wilfred Josephs and begins in a whimsical manner leading you into thinking this is a light hearted affair. However as things take a darker turn so does the music. The music fits the film quite well but is certainly not a score you will remember outside of the film.
Acting / Characters
No worries on the acting front as all the main actors put in good performances with Tallulah Bankhead’s as Mrs Trefoile proving to be particularly good as are Stefanie Powers and Peter Vaughan.
In fact its Stefanie Powers character of Patricia that brings a light hearted touch of comedy before realising that her predicament may actually be life threatening. Tallulah Bankhead performance on the other hand is both domineering and worrisome and is why the film succeeds.
Cast
- Tallulah Bankhead as Mrs Trefoile
- Stefanie Powers as Patricia Carroll
- Peter Vaughan as Harry
- Maurice Kaufmann as Alan Glentower
- Yootha Joyce as Anna
- Donald Sutherland as Joseph
- Gwendolyn Watts as Gloria
Conclusion: Fanatic (1965) Film Review
Another of the lesser known Hammer films and one rarely shown on television these days and yet it’s actually rather good. The story may not be particularly original but it’s well constructed and utilises a good location and decent sets. The pacing is just about perfect with film never feeling any lulls and the acting is very good. It’s a strange combination of comedy and psychological horror.
Fanatic is certainly well worth watching whether you are a Hammer fan or not.
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Conclusion: Fanatic Blu-ray Review
The picture quality on Fanatic is perfect, it’s sharp and clear with the colours looking right. I’m also pleased to say there are no speckles anywhere to be found, make no mistake this is yet another excellent Blu-ray release from Indicator.
On to the extras and Hammer fans will be very pleased as there’s plenty to enjoy here. The pick of the extras has to be documentary in which Hammer expert Jonathan Rigby shares some interesting facts surrounding the film’s production.
Extras
- Die! Die! My Darling Alternative Presentation with US Titles
- House of Horror: Inside “Fanatic” (2017) (14 mins)
- Hammer’s Women: Tallulah Bankhead (2017) (10 mins)
- David Huckvale on Composer Wilfred Josephs (2017 14 mins)
- Fanatical Detail (2017) (9 mins)
- Matthew Lombardo on Tallulah Bankhead (2017 7 mins)
- Original Trailer
- Image Gallery
- Limited Edition 36 Page Booklet
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Fanatic (1965)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Purchase Fanatic (1965) On Blu-ray
Fanatic (1965) is available now on blu-ray as part of the Hammer Volume One: Fear Warning boxset
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Fanatic (1965) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That’s Fanatic blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them on our Facebook page.
Summary: Fanatic (1965) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Fanatic (1965)
Duration: 96 mins
Director(s): Silvio Narizzano
Actor(s): Tallulah Bankhead, Stefanie Powers, Peter Vaughan, Donald Sutherland, Yootha Joyce
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
A strange feeling Hammer thriller that’s more than worth a look. Powerhouse Film’s Blu-ray version is a truly outstanding release.
