Ingrid Pitt really needs no introduction. Anyone who has been a fan of gothic horror - be it Hammer or Amicus - is very familiar with her work and the classy charm she has brought to legendary films like The House That Dripped Blood, The Vampire Lovers, Countess Dracula, and others. We had the great opportunity to catch up with Ms. Pitt and as usual, she shared with us some of her great experiences in the classic gothic horror business and about her latest cameo in the new Hammer film Beyond The Rave.
Amicus Productions (AP): I would like to start off by saying thanks very much for taking the time to do this interview. It is an honor to correspond with someone who has been in such unforgettable and influential films. With that stated, let’s begin. How did you come about getting the role you played in The House That Dripped Blood?
Ingrid Pitt (IP): As far as I can remember it was because I guested on one of Jon's Dr. Who series and it had been fun. When the Queen of Atlantis was called for in The Time Monster he thought of me. So there I was.
AP: What was the shooting schedule like?
IP: Do they have those in Dr. Whos'? Oh you mean on THTDB? You are going back a long time and my memory is nearing its sell-by date but as far as I can remember it was all fairly amicable. Originally it was supposed to be a much darker story. That was before Jon got his fangs into it and turned it into a comedy.
AP: How was it working with John Pertwee?
IP: Wonderful. Always good for a laugh. He used to live in Barnes and I went to his place a couple of times before the film for some rehearsal. It always seemed to be a hoot. I also remember that his son Sean had just got a new tricycle and was scudding around the place. I had the bruises to prove it.
AP: Amicus Films are mistaken for Hammer Films a lot of times, for obvious reasons – they share some of the same actors, the gothic feel of the films, etc. What do you think separates and makes the two different?
IP: You're right about there being some confusion about what is Hammer and what Amicus. The picture of me rising from the coffin, fangs akimbo, is often used by the media to illustrate something about Hammer. Of course it is from THTDB.
AP: What were the differences that you noticed between being on an Amicus movie set and a Hammer movie set, if there were any?
IP: I suppose it's a cliche but Hammer was always a chummy company. Everybody had worked together for ages and they fitted together like a well oiled machine. They had to work together to produce film of the quality they did on the budgets they had. I didn't notice any particular atmosphere on the Amicus films. Everyone was friendly enough but there wasn't the bonhomie found 'at the other place'.
AP: You are legendary for being in some of the more “risque” Hammer Films – The Vampire Lovers, Countess Dracula, etc. Do you ever regret anything you’ve done or “shown” for a film? What do your children think when they see you in those movies?
IP: I think my movies were rather tame compared with what goes on at the moment. I've never had any problems about stripping off. I am entrenched in the ethos of 'if you have it, flaunt it.' You make me sound like a Porn Queen. Not that I have anything against PQs but the stuff I did was all in the best possible taste- as Kenny Everett used to say. If I have a regret perhaps it is that I wasn't asked to do more. When your body looks like you are wearing someone else's fat-suit it is wonderful to be able to blank out the present and think, those were the days. And the kids? They have no problem with it. They just roll around laughing.
AP: Why didn’t you repeat your role as the vampiress Carmilla / Mircalla in the second and third entries in the Karnstein Trilogy of films?
IP: I was working on Countess Dracula when they were being set up. I did read the scripts but they were nothing like Vampire Lovers and Mircalla was just part of the ensemble. Now I think I should have done them but then I was conjuring up delusions of grandeur and decided to pass.
AP: What is it like to wake up in the morning and know that you’re a part of something that is regarded as cinematic history and the foundation of gothic horror films?
IP: The only thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is what I am going to have for breakfast. I'm amazed that so many people think the films I did are still worth seeing all these years later. What is it - 48 years? Unbelievable! At Festivals I get grown men coming up to me and telling me that they met me in New York in 1975 when their father brought them to the show. Then they introduce me to their grand children.
AP: When most people think of the horror queens and women of Hammer Horror, you are the first one to come to mind. What are your thoughts on that?
IP: I'm very flattered. I remember some years ago seeing a poll of the 100 best remembered Horror actresses and I came in third. Can't remember who the other two were but I was mightily pissed off that I was third.
AP: You are involved in the new Hammer production, Beyond The Rave. What role do you play and what is the character’s connection to the events that occur in the film?
IP: Ah! Yes! A very good question. I wish I had a very good answer. I'm not sure what the diminutive of Cameo Role is but if there is one, my role in Rave from the Grave can be so described. Again it is very flattering that anyone thought enough of me to invite me to take part in the first Hammer film for 30 years. If you see it, try not to blink or you might miss me emoting.
AP: When it was announced that Hammer was beginning production on a new film, there was a real feeling of excitement in the air. When it was announced that it was going to be split up into parts on MySpace, there were a few disappointed and disgruntled fans. How do you feel about the way the movie is being released?
IP: I think it is innovative. Hammer became great by being innovative under James Carreras. I went to the screening expecting to be put off by the five minute segments. Luckily those that were screened hung together very well. I was surprised by the quality of the film and the way they had handled the Vampire lore. There was a film made in the US some years ago, I think it was called Lost Boys (or is that something from JM Barrie?) that even had a rave at the beginning. Rave from the Grave reminds me a lot of that film although that was played as a black comedy and Rave is all Vampire. I thought good things about it. I've tried to watch the episodes on MySpace and it does take a lot of getting used to. Hopefully it will be released on DVD soon and we will be able to see it in one bite .
AP: What was your favorite role in a horror movie?
IP: I quite enjoyed Countess Dracula. Lots of posh frocks and OTT acting. Downside was the amount of time it took to put the make-up on and take it off. On the days I was playing the old Countess I had to arrive at the studio at about 5.30 in the morning and sometimes I didn't leave until after eight o'clock at night. During all that time I couldn't eat so it was drinking and smoking all the time. Vampire Lovers was more relaxed and there were no night shoots as far as I can remember. Compared with some of the horror shoots I did in Spain it was all very civilised in England.
AP: What was your favorite role outside of horror films?
IP: I don't think I have a favourite. Where Eagles Dare with Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton was good fun. I also liked Who Dares Wins. I enjoyed having all those SAS men about the place. And I particularly like the fight I did with Rosalyn Lloyd. They wanted to bring in the stunt girls but we weren't having that. I am very proud of that scene. And the bruises were like badges of honour.
AP: How do you feel about the present state of the horror film industry?
IP: Not too keen on the slasher movies. I like a story that has some anchorage in reality. Or at least takes the time to shut out reality and indoctrinate the audience into the reality of the story. I think this was one of the great strengths of both Amicus and Hammer. It wasn't a matter of wham! bam! your intestines are on the plate, ma'am!. You had a premise for the story, the build-up and the resolution. I know I'm old fashioned - but that's how I like it.
AP: What kind of projects do you have going on right now? What are you keeping busy with?
IP: Main project is The Hammer Xperience. A tome taking the reader through the whole experience from the start in 1934, the company's various reincarnations and bringing the story right up to date. It was finish just before the company was taken over by Endomol. This has held the process of publishing it up a little as the book was commissioned by the old Hammer company and the new directors haven't given it the thumbs up yet. Plans to publish it for Hallow'een are still in place but time is marching on. I am also supposed to be making a film in America in August but that has gone a little quiet at the moment. In reality I have something like 54 projects out and about. Is that reality?
AP: Again, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. We appreciate you giving us a little information and background about your life and career.
Interview with Ingrid Pitt
