The Howling (1981)

Director:

Joe Dante

Writers:

Gary Brandner (novel)
John Sayles (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

10 April 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Imagine your worst fear a reality

Plot:

After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem.

Plot Keywords:

Serial Killer | Werewolf | Colony | Woods | Psychiatrist

Awards:

2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Dee Wallace	...	Karen White
Patrick Macnee	...	Dr. George Waggner
Dennis Dugan	...	Chris
Christopher Stone	...	R. William 'Bill' Neill
Belinda Balaski	...	Terry Fisher
Kevin McCarthy	...	Fred Francis
John Carradine	...	Erle Kenton
Slim Pickens	...	Sam Newfield
Elisabeth Brooks	...	Marsha Quist
Robert Picardo	...	Eddie Quist
Margie Impert	...	Donna
Noble Willingham	...	Charlie Barton
James Murtaugh	...	Jerry Warren
Jim McKrell	...	Lew Landers
Kenneth Tobey	...	Older Cop

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Argentina:18 | Finland:K-18 (cut) (1981) | Finland:K-18 (uncut) (2004) | Iceland:16 | Australia:M | New Zealand:R16 | UK:(Banned) (Special Edition DVD) | New Zealand:(Banned) (Special Edition DVD) | UK:R (Special Edition DVD) | France:-12 | Singapore:M18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | West Germany:16 | Norway:18 (video premiere) (1984) | Norway:(Banned) (1981-2003) (cinema release)

Filming Locations:

Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

AVCO Embassy Pictures

Trivia:

Jack Conrad was originally set to direct and write the film, but troubles with the studio forced him to leave the project. In addition Terence H. Winkless was writing the script at one point, but when his version proved unsatisfactory, he left the production. It eventually fell into the lap of director Joe Dante who brought on writer John Sayles, with whom he had previously worked for Piranha (1978), to write the screenplay.

Goofs:

Continuity: Werewolf Eddie needed to press the Play and Record button at the same time to record Terry's attack. But only the Play button was pressed down.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Dr. George Waggner: Repression. Repression is the father of neurosis, of self-hatred. Now, stress results when we fight against our impulses. We've all heard people talk about animal magnetism, the natural man. the noble savage, as if we'd lost something valuable in our long evolution into civilized human beings. Now there's a good reason for this.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Dogma (1999)

A Howling Good Time

Joe Dante is a great fan of the horror genre, and most of his films are dedicated to that passion directly, as in his film creations, and indirectly, with his use of inside jokes and references and his use of beloved figures from the genre itself in small roles. It is this passion and love that makes his films special, and The Howling is no different. It is a boost for the relatively weak sub-genre of lycanthropy. It has marvellous special effects which are still quite good by today's standards, some good humour, well-choreographed chase scenes, and some good acting. The script is weak and laden with cliches, but remember it is a parody in ways. Dante names characters using the names of great horror directors(his idols I imagine) such as Terry Fisher, Freddie Francis, and Erle Kenton. Forrest J. Ackerman, Roger Corman, John Sayles, Dick Miller, John Carradine, Kenneth Tobey, and Kevin McCarthy make appearances. Patrick Macnee is quite good in his role, and Dee Wallace is excellent in her screaming way. Overall a fine film!