Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Horror Countdown 2018: The Abominable Snowman (1957)

The Abominable Snowman (1957), dir. Val Guest, Hammer Film Productions.







Moving back to Hammer's glory days, this is actually the second version of the same story, having been made as a miniseries for the BBC in 1953 called the Creature.

Dr. Rollason (Peter Cushing, who played the role in the 53 version), his wife Helen (Maureen Connell), and his assistant Dr. Fox (Richard Wattis) are currently studying medicinal herbs at a remote Tibetan monastery. Another expedition soon arrives, lead by American Dr. Friend (Forrest Tucker) and consisting of trapper Shelly (Robert Brown), photographer McNee (Michael Brill) and Sherpa guide Kusang (Wolfe Morris). Friend's motives are a bit more interesting than herbs.

Yeah, Friend is convinced the legendary Yeti is lurking somewhere in the mountains and he wants Rollason to accompany him. Despite his wife's objection, Rollason heads out. He quickly becomes disillusioned, as it becomes clear that Friend is only interested in the Yeti so he parade the creature around in sideshows.

That night they strike gold when a yeti wanders into the camp and leaves with a few bullets in it. That isn't good enough for Friend, however, who insists that he wants a live one. Pity the yetis are disinclined to agree with his wish...

Wonderful on all fronts. The cast is excellent. Tucker and Cushing steal the show, and the effects are breathtaking. This is Hammer at its best.


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