Greenfingers - the black comedy horror story filmed at Dorewards Hall in Bocking - reached the big screen this week.
On Monday stars Ingrid Pitt and Janina Faye joined producer-director Paul Cotgrove for the West End premiere of the film which is a tribute to the classic Hammer horror films of the 50s and 60s.
With a score by Hammer composer James Bernard the 20 minute tale of mystery, horror and death is already attracting interest on the fantasy film circuit.
The film tells of the genteel but deadly lady gardener Mrs Bowen (Ingrid Pitt) who discovers something nasty growing in her flower beds.
Paul explained that he chose Dorewards for its isolation, walled garden and magnificent period facades.
"The house was built at different eras, dating from the 16th century, which gives a real period feel to the film. Of course being an Essex man myself - I was brought up in Benfleet - it was good to shoot my first film here."
Dorewards owners Susan and Wilson Lord were guests of honour at the premiere.
Greenfingers will reach international audiences when it is showcased at the Brussels International Fantasy Film Festival on March 26.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article