An American tourist, a youth gang leader, and his troubled sister find themselves trapped in a top secret government facility experimenting on children.An American tourist, a youth gang leader, and his troubled sister find themselves trapped in a top secret government facility experimenting on children.An American tourist, a youth gang leader, and his troubled sister find themselves trapped in a top secret government facility experimenting on children.
Tom Kempinski
- Ted
- (as Thomas Kempinski)
Allan McClelland
- Mr. Stuart
- (as Alan McClelland)
Nicholas Clay
- Richard
- (as Nicolas Clay)
- Director
- Writers
- Evan Jones
- H.L. Lawrence
- Ben Barzman(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe film's release was delayed for two years and was not shown in Britain until the Spring of 1963, when it was released as the lower half of a Hammer Films double-bill with Maniac (1963). It had been cut by Hammer (against Joseph Losey's wishes) from a length of 96 minutes to 87 minutes and was cut further to 77 minutes when it was finally shown in America in 1965. However, the missing footage has been fully restored to the film for the DVD and Blu-ray versions and for 21st-century television showings.
- GoofsA shadow of a crew member can be seen moving after King shoots the soldier in the lab.
- Quotes
Freya Neilson: A public servant is the only servant who has secrets from his master.
- Crazy credits'sculpture Frink'. (Elisabeth Frink's surname/ signature in her own handwriting alone on right of screen) in opening credits.
- Alternate versionsCut prior to 1961 X rated cinema release over child concerns. It was further cut for US theatrical release. The cuts were restored in 2010 for UK 12 rated DVD and 2019 Blu-ray release.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Son of Monsters on the March (1980)
- SoundtracksBlack Leather Rock
(uncredited)
Music by James Bernard
Lyrics by Evan Jones
Arranged by Douglas Gamley
Sung by the gang in the opening sequence
Featured review
Black Leather, Black Leather
Smash! Smash! Smash!
Of all the Hammer films I've seen so far, and they are quite numerous, "These Are The Damned" definitely ranks as their strangest and most curious effort. This legendary British production studio specialized in straightforward monster movies and gorier updates of classic horror tales, but this particular film is something entirely different and actually quite hard to categorize. There are two principal and extremely opposite story lines in this film and, even though they seem impossible to blend, director Joseph Losey pulls it off without much effort. The first half (approximately) of the story is more or less reminiscent to such films as "West Side Story" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", and
NO, I'm not kidding. Set on a small and isolated British island community, we're introduced to King (the phenomenal Oliver Reed), his oppressed sister Joan and their docile gang of youthful thugs. The gang targets tourists, like the unfortunate American boat owner Simon Wells. Joan seduces and lures Simon to a quiet alley, where King and C° are waiting to rob and attack him whilst whistling a really awesome tune ("Black Leather, Black Leather
Smash! Smash! Smash!). But Joan is fed up with her life-style and dominant brother and returns to Simon the next day, hoping to escape together. As you're subsequently expecting the rest of the story to revolve on an exciting chase & battle between the two parties, the tone and atmosphere of the film suddenly changes completely and turns into an awkward Sci-Fi ploy! Fleeing from King, Joan and Simon end up in a cave where a bunch of children are apparently kept prisoners by the military and the government. There's something odd about these kids as they all share birthdays, feel extremely cold and respond mysteriously to Geiger counters
The sudden change in atmosphere is unusual, but very original and fascinating! The second half of the story is clearly influenced by the success of "Village of the Damned", which happens to be one of my favorite Sci-Fi tales and easily of the greatest classics in the genre. A fairly high level of suspense is sustained throughout both story lines and there are several genuinely creepy moments to enjoy. The acting performances aren't superb, but Losey's direction is surefooted enough to compensate. The stylish black & white photography adds tension to the already grim atmosphere and as said the theme song is truly terrific. I read about "These are the Damned" before, but it's an obscure and hard-to-find film. So, thank you very much good people of the BBC, for programming this beauty!
helpful•369
- Coventry
- Aug 30, 2007
- How long is The Damned?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- These Are the Damned
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $500,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 27 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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