Madeleine Collinson, Mary Collinson – Twins of Evil (1971)

Twins of Evil (1971), directed by John Hough, is a standout in Hammer Horror's catalog, blending gothic atmosphere with a provocative twist on vampire lore. Madeleine and Mary Collinson play Maria and Frieda Gellhorn, twin sisters sent to live with their puritanical uncle Gustav Weil (Peter Cushing) in a repressive 17th-century village. The film pits religious fanaticism against hedonistic evil, embodied by the decadent Count Karnstein (Damien Thomas), a vampire who seduces Frieda, while Maria remains virtuous.
The Collinsons, Playboy’s first twin Playmates, bring a striking presence, their identical looks amplifying the good-evil dichotomy. Their acting is earnest, though limited—Frieda’s rebellion feels more nuanced than Maria’s saintliness. Cushing delivers a powerhouse performance, his Gustav torn between zealotry and humanity, stealing scenes with chilling intensity. The film’s pacing stumbles at times, with a rushed climax, but its visuals—moody castles, shadowy forests—and Tudor Jessop’s cinematography nail Hammer’s signature aesthetic.
At 87 minutes, it balances gore, sensuality, and moral ambiguity, critiquing both puritanical hypocrisy and unchecked libertinism. While not as iconic as Dracula entries, it’s a bold, atmospheric gem for Hammer fans.