It’s Hammer Time Presents: The Adominable Snowman (1957, Val Guest)

Despite staring Peter Cushing, The Abominable Snowman is one of Hammer Studios’ lesser films, one that would have benefited from the touch of a better director. While Val Guest attempts to set up the film’s atmosphere and make it creepy or at least entertaining, the movie stalls midway through and lacks quality pacing and style. Oh and the Yetis are merely hinted at and never shown, which is puzzling for a movie with “Abominable Snowman” in the title. Which is really disappointing, because Hammer Studios has always been known for wicked cool special effects and creatures that at their best look terrifying and unique. I understand that Guest was going for a psychological supernatural effect yet since the film never really goes anywhere it doesn’t work.

Still this movie isn’t a complete waste, as I liked Forrest Tucker and Cushing’s interactions with each other, presenting gruff harsh individualistic Americanism versus quiet, refined British ideals. Once we actually get to see one of the Snowman its a cool sight, which once again makes me wonder why the film waits so long to present the titular creatures. That would be the equivalent of making a Godzilla movie that only has Godzilla pop up near the end of the movie. Despite being a mixed bag I found this movie watchable at times, and I liked the ending I guess. I almost wonder if this film is a prime candidate for a remake, but there have been plenty of killer Yeti movies over the years so probably not.