8054 S. Kenton Avenue, Chicago, IL
year: 2013
If we gave out awards for uniqueness, we certainly would
have our share of haunts to choose from. However, there is one haunt that, in
our experience, has something that no other haunt we know of does – a focus on
Hammer Horror movies. The House of Hammer Horror, which celebrated its 30th
year in 2013, is the only display we’re aware of that takes most of its
inspiration from the great movies put out by Hammer Studios from the 1950’s
through the 1970’s.
Each portion of the setup at the House of Hammer Horror is dedicated to a specific Hammer horror movie, ranging from classics such as “Evil of Frankenstein” to later films like “Vampire Circus,” with many more in between. The centerpiece of each year’s display is the main window of the house, which, in years past, has focused on “Evil of Frankenstein” and has featured not only a perfect likeness of Peter Cushing as Baron Frankenstein, but also a great likeness of wrestler Kiwi Kingston as his creation. This year, however, the main window was a tribute to Hammer’s “The Mummy,” with Cushing as an Egyptologist and a life size figure of Christopher Lee as the eponymous title character. In addition, various other vignettes appear around the house, including nods to “Brides of Dracula”, “The Vampire Lovers”, “Curse of the Werewolf”, and the original Hammer Frankenstein movie, “Curse of Frankenstein." This year’s display also featured a modern Hammer movie, with a figure of the “Woman in Black” in one window. Aside from the Hammer movie references, there are other, more traditional items, including Jack-O-Lanterns (our favorite being a giant Jack-O-Lantern headed ghoul hanging from the edge of the house), tombstones (including one for actor Peter Cushing), and even a figure of Death guarding the front door (made from a skeleton mask from “Halloween III”). On a more humorous and creative note, this year’s setup also incorporated a mound of earth and grass that was created when the owner had some sewer work done. It looked remarkably like a fresh grave, so that’s what it became for Halloween!
The entire setup is complemented by flaming torches and eerie music, including some of the actual Hammer movie scores. Driving by the place at night when no one is around is certainly unnerving, and one almost expects the figure of Death to tap one on the shoulder! Overall, House of Hammer Horror is a lot of fun, and it’s one display we look forward to every year. While it’s not fancy, and relies on more traditional props, it’s unusual subject matter and creative layout sets it apart. It’s definitely worth a look! NOTE: House of Hammer will have a new location for 2014, this time in Indiana! |
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