Cult Hammer Noir Whispering Smith Hits London Getting 4K Upgrade
We do enjoy our hidden gems and Hammer Films has plenty to share with us. Unseen for many decades, Whispering Smith Hits London, the cult Hammer noir makes its worldwide debut as a brand-new 4K restored Limited Collector’s Edition.
Directed by English filmmaker Francis Searle (The Man In Black), Whispering Smith Hits London follows an American detective, played by Hollywood star Richard Carlson, whose London holiday turns deadly when he’s drawn into a suspicious suicide case. Co-starring Greta Gynt, Herbert Lom, Rona Anderson, and Alan Wheatley, the film is rich in smoky tension and moral ambiguity, all shaped by Hammer’s unmistakable British sensibility.
Before Hammer became world-renowned for horror, the studio was already mastering crime and suspense, and this long-overdue restoration revives an essential chapter in Hammer’s early exploration Brit Noir. Whispering Smith Hits London has now been painstakingly restored from the original film negatives and looks better than ever in this new 4K presentation.
For Hammer fans, collectors, and lovers of British film history, this definitive restoration of one of the studio’s rare early noirs continues the studio’s commitment to restoring its cinematic treasures for today’s film enthusiasts and dedicated film collectors worldwide.
The Limited Collector’s Edition is packed with treasures including exclusive documentaries, expert commentaries, rare archival material, plus a richly illustrated booklet and deluxe packaging.
Synopsis: “Hammer’s take on the hard-boiled detective” stars Hollywood’s Richard Carlson as Whispering Smith, a visiting American investigator who is hired to investigate Sylvia Garde’s suicide. When an attempt is made on his life his suspicions are confirmed that she was murdered. His investigations uncover a blackmailing ring involving her lawyer, fiancé and his ex-girlfriend. He knows he need not look further for the killers but will he survive long enough to prove their guilt?
Whispering Smith Hits London Limited Collector’s Edition details:
- A two-disc 4K UHD and Blu-ray set – featuring both film versions, multiple subtitles and a brand new 5.1 mix alongside the original mono soundtrack.
- The set includes the film’s US release version Whispering Smith vs. Scotland Yard – offering fans a fascinating comparison of tone, pacing, and cultural perspective.
- Deluxe Collector’s Packaging - a premium slipcase and digipak, with a richly illustrated booklet of new essays by Hammer experts including a gallery of stills and publicity material.
There’s a host of exclusive new features:
- He’s Got a Gun! – Film-maker Chris Alexander casts an appreciative eye over this early Hammer Brit noir.
- Acting the Foreigner – Lucy Bolton, Barry Forshaw, William Fowler, and Vic Pratt explore Herbert Lom’s early British career.
- Alfie Cox Interview – A rare conversation from 1992 with the editor, reflecting on his time at Hammer.
- A gallery of production stills and promotional art, with selections from Frank Spencer’s score.
- Titillating Titles: Vic Pratt and William Fowler examine the differences between the UK and US versions of Whispering Smith.
The booklet includes brand new essays from leading Hammer and noir experts:
- Wayne Kinsey on the making of Whispering Smith Hits London.
- Philip Kemp on Whispering Smith’s literary and screen incarnations.
- Nora Fiore on Greta Gynt and the power of the postwar femme fatal.
- Vincent Barnett on Hammer’s early crime period.
- Sarah Morgan on Richard Carlson’s multifaceted career.
Whispering Smith Hits London Limited Collector’s Edition is available to own 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray from 15th December.
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