Werewolf of London
is a lesser-known addition to Universal’s iconic monster movie catalog. However, revisiting this movie 90 years after it premiered in 1935 reveals plenty to love about the old-fashioned horror movie. A тιԍнт hour and 15 minutes long, Werewolf of London wastes no time diving straight into the action, even if the film isn’t action-oriented. Henry Hull leads the cast as the single-minded botanist Dr. Glendon, a scientist who gets bitten by the movie’s other werewolf, Dr. Yogami, played by Warner Oland. It’s a dated and honestly not that exciting film, but I found myself charmed by it.
From the jump, I was entranced by the moody lighting and gothic aesthetic of Werewolf of London. Though some modern audiences claim to be turned off by black-and-white, I can’t imagine experiencing this film any other way. Over time, Werewolf of London has taken on a relic-like quality. The lore of this old Hollywood movie feels as enshrined in legend as the tales of lycanthropy that populate the story. However, I couldn’t ignore the obvious orientalism that runs through the picture. As far as old movies go, it could be worse, but it isn’t a mark in its favor.
It’s Hard To Imagine Where The Monster Movie Would Be Without Werewolf Of London
Its Influence Can Be Felt In The Monster Movies Of Today
One of the most fun parts of watching a movie like Werewolf of London today is that the glimmers of the contemporary horror genre can be seen throughout the story. The design of Glendon’s wolf costume is very familiar, and it’s clear the film was as in conversation with its contemporaries as modern films are with past works. However, I was surprised by the fact that the mania and fear that usually are such large parts of a monster movie never appear in Werewolf of London. The movie’s limited scope makes it intimate but unusual.
It’s interesting to compare Werewolf of London to contemporary werewolf movies and horror movies in general. Though the influences of the movie’s depiction of the lycanthrope had on the genre are apparent, many of the tropes that are now considered classics are missing. Glendon’s transformation into the wolf is quick and painless, with no blood-curdling screams required. In fact, Werewolf of London is practically bloodless. When Glendon gets sH๏τ – not with silver bullets – he perishes with a quick whimper and a few heartfelt words directed at the wife he didn’t seem to like very much.
The tragically tortured scientist delivered faithfully by Glendon is the aspect of the project that’s aged the best, besides the fun, practical effects.
However, though Werewolf of London is closer to a fairy tale than it is to the gore and blood of contemporary horror films, it delivers the melancholy madness that defined the early Hollywood monster movies. The tragically tortured scientist delivered faithfully by Glendon is the aspect of the project that’s aged the best, besides the fun, practical effects. While we never get to see the depth of his love for his wife, Lisa (Valerie Hobson), or a pᴀssion for anything besides plants, Hull makes something of what could have easily been a one-dimensional character.
Oland’s film has a sinister and serious edge that also lends authority to the piece. However, Werewolf of London‘s supporting cast made me laugh throughout the film, sharply juxtaposing Hull’s tortured portrayal of the central wolf. It’s a friendly reminder that Werewolf of London knows that it’s a genre film and B-movie that was probably never intended to be brought back into the public eye. With a limited budget, no major stars, and a story cobbled together from disparate pieces of folklore and cinematic legend, Werewolf of London has no business being as slyly funny as it is.
Werewolf Of London Doesn’t Pack An Emotional Punch, But It Doesn’t Expect To
The Film Is Perfectly Comfortable Having Us Meet The Story Where It’s At
The reason these Universal monster films were considered B-movies was because the filmmakers and studios had no illusions about winning Best Picture or breaking boundaries. Meant to be pure, pulpy fun, Werewolf of London asks little of us and asks for virtually nothing in return. The characters’ developments and their relationship to each other are surface-level at best, but you don’t watch Werewolf of London to be moved to tears. There are enough strong moments to make it obvious why it inspired so many classic werewolf movies.
Films like An American Werewolf in London wouldn’t exist without Werewolf of London. The best thing the movie does for the genre is introduce the idea that there’s really a man inside that wolf. With the more subtle canine design, it’s impossible to forget this wild beast is something that’s part of all of us, hidden and waiting to come out. These deeper themes occasionally rear their head throughout Werewolf of London, but for the most part, the movie lets you relax.
