Although she hasn't made a potful of genre movies, few actresses have made the indelible impression on viewers that a certain raven-haired actresses has.  Now, in her own words, you'll learn the facts behind the career of...

By DAVE HAGAN

Having been fortunate enough to have been blessed with a father that actually spent Sunday afternoons taking me to the theatre to see some of the best Hammer Horror films as a child, I can say that some of that British studio’s work holds a very special place in my heart. And one of the Hammer heroines I especially noticed was Caroline Munro.

A few years ago while showing classic horror films in the Philadelphia/South Jersey area under the banner of SpookyFilms, I ran a double-bill of Dracula Has Risen From The Grave with Dracula AD 1972.  I remembered sitting in the theatre being totally mesmerized by film star Caroline Munro when I first saw her and now, more than twenty years later, I still felt the same way watching her on the big screen again. She also was memorable in that great Arabian Nights film, The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad, with special effects by the legendary Ray Harryhausen, and a Bond girl, too, in The Spy Who Loved Me.

It was with great pleasure that I finally got to meet Caroline at a Chiller Theatre convention this year. Caroline was more than friendly and our conversation eventually led not only to this interview but also the opportunity for Monster-Mania to produce some licensed collectibles for our customers and her fan club.

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HORROR-WOOD: You've been a very versatile person, doing everything from being an internationally known model, a James Bond girl, the dead wife of Doctor Phibes, and a victim of Christopher Lee’s Count Dracula to working with the rock musician Gary Numan. What's currently on your agenda? Can we expect any new film roles or music from you?

CAROLINE MUNRO: Thank you. I like to try my hand at different things and yes, I did start out many years ago as a photographic model, which I enjoyed very much, and which eventually led to film roles. I did several small parts in films i.e. Hammer’s Dracula AD 19 72, and the bigger role of Carla in Captain Kronos, A Talent For Loving with the great Richard Widmark as my father, and At The Earth’s Core with Peter Cushing and Doug McClure, which led to my co-starring role with Roger Moore in 1977 in The Spy Who Loved Me. I was a very lucky girl! I then starred in several European films working with some very special directors such as Luigi Cozzi (The Black Cat, 1989), Paul Naschy (Howl of the Devil, 1987), and Jess Franco (Faceless, 1988). Working in Europe meant that I got to stay nearer to my family and home in London, which was very important to me.

My most recent film part was in an American film called Domestic Strangers with a young American director called Jeffrey Arsenault, an extremely talented and lovely young man. Watch out for his name. There are a couple of film projects that have come my way but as always, they are awaiting the financing to begin shooting. Both are English projects so I do wish them luck as it would be great to work with an English crew again.

The music still continues; maybe some more songs with Gary Wilson in the near future (Wilson Munro), which would be great, but no studio time scheduled with Gary yet. I also have some ideas myself that I’m working on which I hope come into play soon. I have an on and off affair with music but certainly love everything about it.

H-W: I know you took some time off to raise your children. Can you tell me what factored into that decision and how long you took off?

C.M.: I decided to take the time off to look after my children, Georgina (now 11) and Iona (now 7), because as a mother it is so important to be there for them. It’s also a very life changing experience having children, coupled with the all encompassing love you have for them, I just wanted to look after them myself and not have a nanny do it. I feel that it’s so important for the children in their formative years. Of course I always thought that one could still have a career after children, although the older you are the harder it is, especially for a woman. After taking so much time off it has been hard getting back to work, but it’s not a decision I would ever go back on. I absolutely did the right thing and that's all that matters.

H-W: You've actually appeared as yourself in a number of horror films. How did the part in Don't Open Till Christmas come about and what was that song that you were singing?

C.M.: My husband, George Dugdale, was working on some of the special effects for the film and they were looking for someone to fill in as an actress/singer in one of the scenes, so they asked me if I would do it, just as myself, and would I like to sing a song. I said, "Yes, please," and sang a song called "Warrior of Love," which I co-wrote.

H-W: How did you become part of the Hammer group of actors and actresses? I’ve read that Hammer contract was the result of James Carreras seeing a poster for Lamb's Navy Rum on his way into work every morning.

C.M.: I was lucky enough to be signed to a one-year contract with Hammer films after Sir James Carreras spotted me on a Lamb’s Navy Rum poster/billboard. He was on a train headed for the south coast of England and saw the Lamb’s poster and asked his right hand man, James Liggett, to find and screen test me, which they did, and that led to me working for Hammer in Dracula AD 1972 and Captain Kronos. It was truly a great experience and an honor to work for Hammer.

H-W: There’s a famous photograph of you in what appears to be a Vampirella-like costume with the thigh high black boots. I've read that you had been considered for a Hammer film called Vampirella but that you turned the part down because it required nudity. Can you shed any more light on the film and why it was never produced?

C.M.: During my time with Hammer there was talk of me starring as the lady herself, Vampirella, and there is a publicity shot I did for Hammer films with long black boots, large leather belt, and a small white, tight outfit – very vampy. They produced a script, which was all nudity and not much else, so I did decline the part. Shame about all the nudity because what a great character it would have been to play; kind of like our own Modesty Blasé.

H-W: I've also read that you turned down an offer to appear in Playboy magazine. When did this occur and can you tell me more about it?

C.M.: It is true that I turned down Playboy magazine and maybe I was a silly lady at the time--the money they offered was very good. Even my granny said, "Oh, why don’t you do it," but I chose not to for many personal reasons. I believe I made the right decision for myself.

H-W: How did your working with Gary Numan come about and what other music ventures have you engaged in?

C.M.: I was very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Gary "Cars" Numan. He had produced this single called "Pump Me Up" and needed a female vocalist, so he asked if I would do it. It was a very different sound ala Numan, and I believe the single did very well in Europe. I had recorded quite a bit before working with Gary, and have done quite a lot since then. When I was still at school I recorded my first single called "Tar and Cement." The backing musicians on that song included Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce of Cream as well as guitarist Steve Howe of Yes. I also had great fun appearing in two music videos: "Goody Two Shoes" with Adam Ant, and "If You Really Want To" with MeatLoaf. Both artists were wonderful to work with and I had a great time doing the videos. My most recent music projects have been with Gary Wilson and under the "Wilson Munro" name we have recorded several singles. Gary’s a very talented artist and I look forward to working with him again in the near future. I also have a few of my own music ideas that I’m currently working on but I’ll keep those hush, hush until they are actually in production.

H-W: I know that Rod Stewart and Faces were originally scheduled to appear in Dracula AD 1972 but they pulled out at the last minute. Can you tell me what happened there? Was there ever any audition film ever shot of them for the film?

C.M.: Yes, I had heard something about Rod Stewart and the Faces appearing in the film, but I really don’t know what happened. I think they did do some of the recording for the film.

H-W: I understand that Christopher Lee was more or less disenchanted with the Dracula series as it continued on. Was that evident at all to you during the filming of Dracula AD 1972?

C.M.: It was not evident at all that Christopher Lee was unhappy during the filming of Dracula AD 72, or Dracula Today as it was then called. Being the true professional that he is, he just got on with the job and, as usual, was fantastic in the part.

H-W: You've worked with a number of famous actors, including Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Roger Moore, Vincent Price, etc. Have any of them left a particular impression upon you?

C.M.: They have certainly all left a lasting impression on me. As a young, upcoming actress I can’t even tell you what a thrill it was to work along side all of these greats. They were all so very different I don’t even know where to begin talking about them. But, if I had to sum them all up in a few words I would say that Peter was almost like a grandfather to me--a very honest, open and caring man, always concerned about everyone; Vincent was the master of his craft and a gentle, fascinating man to be around; Christopher Lee, another true master of the craft, was easy to work with, very open to the other actors, and what a thrill to watch him work; Roger was fun, upbeat, and very generous as an actor. What more can I say--they are every actor's dream co-stars.

H-W: Without a doubt my favorite film of yours is Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter. It's sort of had a cult following and looking back, is now regarded as one of Hammer's best horror films, along with Brides Of Dracula and Vampire Circus. What are your thoughts on the film? Can you tell me anything about it that I may not have already heard?

C.M.: Yes, I would still say that Captain Kronos remains close to my heart and I do regard it as one of my favorite film roles. I truly loved playing the wild and willful, but caring gypsy girl, Carla. I also loved being directed by Brian Clemens and found him to be a very thoughtful director who should be working all the time – he is a very clever man. Also, my co-star Horst Janson made a dashing and handsome sword master. I think the casting was very well matched and, topped off by Brian’s superb directing; it really turned out to be a great film. I think the film works almost better today, as people now seem to understand its content. Inasmuch as telling you something you might not have heard, I honestly can’t think of anything that I have not already shared with everyone over the years. Sorry I don’t have any juicy bits of gossip to add in here.

H-W: With your aversion to doing nude scenes for films, how did you get around it in the love scene with Horst Jansen?

C.M.: The director did know of my aversion to nudity and it was suggested that my stand-in, the lovely Glenda Allen, do the scene for me. But, with the help of great lighting, some toupee tape to secure my long hair to my chest, and a pair of flesh colored knickers, I was able to do the scene myself. The illusion of nudity works very well in that scene don’t you think.

H-W: Yes, I’d certainly say so. I know that Captain Kronos was originally planned to be the first in a series of films featuring the Kronos vampire hunter. Can you tell me why none of the sequels came to fruition?

C.M.: There was a sequel planned if Kronos was successful, but unfortunately it got put on the back burner, as they say. At that time not many people seemed to get the film with all its subtleties, etc. It was a very new age film at a time when Hammer was in trouble and as it didn’t have the usual heaving bosoms and blood extremes, it didn’t do as well as we all thought and there was just no talk of a sequel, at that time. I feel it had a lot to offer and I’m so glad that the audiences finally did get it. I still love watching the film--to me it has a very European feel to it.

H-W: Tell me about your fan club. I see that it is run from both the US and UK. How did it get started and how has it grown? What future plans do you have for the fan club and how directly involved in it are you?

C.M.: A few years ago my good friends, Jayne and Roz, were visiting me at home and noticed a large sack of fan mail that had been forwarded to me by my then agent, Dennis Selinger. They told me that I needed to start dealing with it and that they would help me. So, slowly but surely we got through the mail and when my hands started to get numb from writing to each one individually, it became apparent that life would be easier if I just did up a newsletter of info answering all the general questions that everyone asked, and then mail a copy of that out to everyone. Of course you always feel guilty that you can’t answer each and every piece of mail by hand but it was more important to me to actually get every piece answered and the only way I could do that was a newsletter. The fan club has grown steadily over the years and we have so many loyal and wonderful members. I find it all very humbling and hard to understand. All the fans are so kind and giving--I just hope I have given something in return.

H-W: I really have to say that it has been a real pleasure working with you on the new lines of licensed collectibles that Monster-Mania is now offering.  I was very impressed with your concern that the collectibles are not only good quality but offered at a reasonable price for your fans.

C.M.: Thank you Dave for all your hard work. I'm very impressed with the licensed collectibles and am so glad that I finally have some new and exciting merchandise to offer the fans. The mugs and clock look terrific, and I know the posters will be very well
received. So again, thank you for getting all this up and running. I must also mention how much I'm looking forward to working with Monster-Mania on the forthcoming statue that I understand will be ready for release at next June's Monster Bash show in
Pittsburgh. That's going to be a really fun project and I can't wait to see the finished product.

H-W: Thanks Caroline. I’m hoping that we will be able to have you join us at our tables at the Monster Bash for the unveiling of your statue. That would be a real treat for my son and I. I first had the pleasure of meeting you at this past April’s Chiller Horror Convention in NJ. Do you do many of those conventions? What are your thoughts on them? I know that you often set time aside to meet with your fan club members at the various appearances you make. It’s clearly evident that you enjoy care about and enjoy meeting your fans.

C.M.: I do quite a few conventions each year, mostly in England, but always love doing the Chiller show in New Jersey. The guests and audiences there are great and always very responsive. You get fantastic feed back from the American fans. Kevin Clement puts on a terrific show and I love to meet with so many familiar faces at Chiller, and lots of new ones too. As I don’t usually get a chance to meet all the members I do try to do a little fan club get together at one of the US shows I attend each year, and always have a wonderful time doing so.

H-W: I know you went out to the tent on that Saturday night to check out the bands that were playing. Did you have the urge to get up on stage and join in?

C.M.: The musical evenings are so much fun at Chiller. I love the atmosphere there, especially during the music show. All the bands are having a great time and having a little musical knowledge myself, I do love to see all the talent coming up. The fans are very encouraging to all the bands but, to be honest, I’m a little too shy to think of getting up there on stage. But, maybe one day, you never know.

H-W: With the recent announcement of the re-emergence of Hammer Studios, has anyone contacted you in regards to its future?

C.M.: I have heard on and off for years about Hammer returning, but have had no direct contact from anyone about it. It’s amazing how much Hammer really did and does affect people, even now. I recently attended a fashion show put on by a fabulous English designer called Neil Cunningham. His whole collection was inspired by Hammer--he called it "Glammer," and it was quite spectacular. I would of course dearly love to be involved in Hammer if it returns, but I can’t quite picture it. But, if it happens that would be great!

H-W: Well, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. It’s been a pleasure talking with you again. I hope we see you on our side of the water again this coming year.

C.M.: Thanks, Dave. I’ll definitely see you again in April 2002 at the Chiller convention and at the Monster Bash in June 2002.

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I would personally like to thank Caroline Munro for taking the time out for this interview. I would also like to thank Caroline’s assistant, Tami who helps run the Caroline Munro Fan Club, for her tireless efforts on helping to arrange this interview. Best of luck on the upcoming new edition to your family!  Readers, be sure to visit the Caroline Munro Fan Club on-line as well as the official Caroline Munro Website. There's also the Caroline Munro Discussion Group  and you can click here to send email to her fan club's mailbox. And check out the new line of licensed Caroline Munro Collectibles at Monster Mania.

(Dave Hagan is a collecting expert and runs Monster Mania collectibles on-line.  He also writes the regular Collector's Crypt column for HORROR-WOOD.)

Thanks Dave, and especially thank you, Caroline!  We couldn't think of anything nicer than a revived Hammer Studios with Caroline Munro waiting in the (vampire's) wings...

Article copyright © Dave Hagan

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