Carita

 Last Updated - 2/8/10

Born: May 20, 1943 in Finland

Hammer film(s): The Viking Queen (1967)

Other notable roles: none

You've probably never heard of Carita, unless you're a true Hammer fan, because aside from her role in an unknown French film Carita's other single acting role was in Hammer's brief attempt at the adventure genre in The Viking Queen.  Born Carita Jarvinen, she was paid $5,000 for her starring role in the film while her co-star Don Murray was paid $75,000.  She's one of the few foreign actresses Hammer didn't feel the need to dub her voice.  Carita really got into the role of the Viking Queen, receiving lessons on chariot driving.  Unfortunately the film was such a major failure as Hammer didn't plan the production very well and the story itself was quite awful.  Carita quit acting, planned to return one day but ended up devoting her time to her family.

Hotness Rating: 9/10 
She reminds me of a grownup version of the Collinson twins from Hammer's Twins of Evil.  Sorry for the lack of photos, but finding any publicity photos of her is nearly impossible.

Acting Rating: 6/10  
Unfortunately The Viking Queen would have been a poor film for anyone to make, and would bring out the worst acting out in anyone.  Carita is by far the best aspect of this film, both visually and in terms of acting talent.  It's sad she got the short end of the stick when it came to monetary compensation while Don Murray, who doesn't have any greater role or talent seemed to get a pretty hefty salary in comparison.

Average Hammer Film Rating: 4/10
Like most of Hammer's attempts in the adventure / historical genre The Viking Queen simply fell flat on its face.  The quality of acting and writing simply wasn't in the same league as their horror films.

Overall Rating

6.3