Product Enterprise have been carving a very successful niche for themselves over the last few years with their near-monopoly of Doctor Who themed figures and models (some might say "toys", but I know better). From replicas of 1960s model Daleks, they have branched out to include a range of talking figures, as well as solid statuettes. Recently they have branched further, with forays into The Avengers, Red Dwarf and Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds. Coming up are a range of Carry On... dolls.

Such is the marketing history as we awaited the arrival of the first of their Hammer-themed figures. Announced early in 2004, and promised for delivery in November 2004. November promptly arrived, and my review figure arrived with the first issue batch.

It is perhaps fitting that for the first in the possible range (as yet, I have no idea if more are planned, but I hope so), they choose Hammer Films most iconic character, and probably the most internationally recognised star, Christopher Lee as Dracula. No doubt bearing in mind the marketability of Christopher Lee figures as The Lord of the Rings trilogy continues to sell on dvd, and his appearance in Star Wars Episode III just a few months away.

Marketed (in the UK at least), in a very striking black box, bearing the Hammer Films name, and new "H" logo, above the name "Dracula" in the font of the film. The box also states this is "Deluxe Collector Edition" (well, its nice, and probably sought by collectors, so fair enough), and that it is not suitable for the under 14s.

With the Dracula logo in big red print down the sides of the box the back sports a list of accessories and some promotional shots of the package contents. The front of the box flaps open to reveal the figure behind the plastic window. Enticing the viewer to at least open the box.

No doubt many of the more obsessive fans will be happy to leave it at this point. Being able to see the likeness of Mr Lee through the box is enough. After all, keep him sealed, and in years to come he is hopefully worth more money. Don't be silly, these things are meant to be taken from the box and lovingly posed, and poised. Which is exactly as I have done myself. Of course, I put him back into the box again, but the craftsmanship is stunning, and deserves to be lifted from the box to be appreciated.

"The sculptor deserves to be praised... captured not only the likeness
but the mood of Lee's frightening characterisation..."

The sculptor deserves to be praised. This is one of the best likenesses I have ever come across. Some of Product Enterprise's previous models have been lacking in detail, been misproportioned, or merely looked a little off. Christopher Lee has suffered similar problems at the hands of other sculptors. Some of the Lord of the Rings models I have seen have been shoddy, and the James Bond Scaramanga dolls I saw recently were piss-poor. Andrew Teal (sculptor) has clearly spent a great deal of time with the reference photographs, and captured not only the likeness but the mood of Lee's frightening characterisation, and Hammer's masterpiece.

Dracula stands teeth gritted, fangs beared, his hair slicked back, and starting to turn grey (still black, but no longer a jet-black). His eyes frown, and are blood-shot, eyebrows slightly arched. The detail on the skin here is fine, with neat creases. My own figure, looks better than the models on the promotional shots.

His arms are lengthy, hands slightly curled, as if grasping, without being clenched. Contorted.

The detail on the clothing is to be praised as much. The full fabric is simply splendid, and lifts this piece from the realms of acceptability to neccessity. This figure comes complete with white dinner shirt, a black cravat, black single breasted jacket, and button-fly trousers, black chelsea boots, and flowing black cloak (which is also lined). The cloak flows beautifully, tied slightly at the very centre of the hem. The details is so fine, the cloak tied with a simple black cord bow. The cravat comes complete with a shiny silver tie-pin, the left hand is carved with a signet ring, the shirt even sports red and gold cufflinks.

I found Dracula easy to pose, and stand upright. He is jointed in many places, including the neck (which turns with ease), two joints in the waist, joints in sholders, elbows, wrist, hips, knees and ankles.

In addition, the figure can be poised on a jet black circular stand. The stand sports a red "H" Hammer logo. The set also includes additional pieces, with scale replicas of the flaming candlestick from the climax of the film; a large silver cross on a beaded chain; and a scale model of Jonathan Harker's (closed) diary. Clearly attention has been paid to the original props and nothing is out of place.

One can only hope for further models in the series - from Dracula, and from other films in the Hammer cannon. I await a Peter Cushing as Van Helsing, so I can perform my own re-enactments of the firey climax. And an Oliver Reed Werewolf figure, enabling a miniature Hammer House of Dracula remake....

All praise to the folks at Product Enterprise. A desirable, and beautiful piece of Hammer memorabilia.

© Robert JE Simpson 2005
images used with permission of Product Enterpise