Review of The Wolf Man (1941) by Kevin R — 18 Mar 2010

In 1941 The Wolf Man captivated it's audiences to new heights and over time it has become one of cinema's greatest achievements. Today the historical aspect of the film rings true still as it has become engrained into the eyes and minds of cinophiles everywhere. It follows a man who has just returned to the house he grew up in. As he adjusts to his new estate surroundings in Wales he approaches a beautiful woman. When attending a fortune telling with her, he tries to prevent the wolf from continuing to attack another accompanying woman. He is bitten and is instilled with the deadly virus where he turns into a werewolf. He cannot stop attacking people as it is in his blood now and those who know him best must decide if this is true or if he is insane.

The direction of the film for back in those days was very good. George Waggner (Man Made Monster) did a marvelous job conducting what was then a major blockbuster picture. His ability of harnessing a pioneering genre showed his poise and grace behind camera. While it may have lost it's flair due to age and lack of graphic ability, his pioneering technique of horror direction was a great foundation for presenting the viewer with a true work of art.

The script though flat and plain in essence, it was refreshing and tasteful for its generation and is something in which many future motion pictures were based upon. Written by Curt Siodmak (Black Friday), the basic story plot of having the love story twist is a classic tale and self sacrifice of our main hero (and villain) was true to the times of old. Wooing (the lost art form of trying to date a girl for those who don't know) the girl and then losing the battle of self is one seen time and time again but in the case of this film it really puts a new spin on it. This script is one that has a legacy as long as it is old and it continues to grow as the remakes keep pouring out of Hollywood.

From the age of this film, a viewer might expect the acting to be quite substandard but this is quite the opposite. While it would not be up to the high level the actors and actresses put forth today, it is still very well acted out. Lon Chaney Jr. (Riders of Death Valley) did a good job as Larry Talbot, eventually becoming the Wolf Man. He brought a certain charisma to the character that brought out his best qualities as an actor, though it fit his role as a horror film regular. His dame, Evelyn Ankers (Hold That Ghost), was no shy maiden to horror films herself and she did a good job aiding his performance as a heroic villain that the audience cheers for. Supporting cast members, though not as well portrayed were still decent enough to be entertaining and enhance the performances of the main characters. The main supporting cast member who stood out was the old gypsy woman, Maria Ouspenskaya (Love Affair) who attempts to control the werewolf for his good and the good of the townspeople. Overall the cast had good chemistry and presented well in front of the camera which brought forth an unpredictable classic.

Films throughout history have shown many things. From romance to war epics, it is obvious to see the great development put into those films. Here is a great depiction of the groundbreaking embark on horror films. There was nothing drastic or over the top but simple enough to intrigue the viewer in a way that it is possible to enjoy a film within history. It makes or a wonderful film view. Despite being historic and groundbreaking for its time, the film can be compared to that of a fine musician, forgotten before truly appreciated. Watching the beginning of historical horror makes this a masterpiece.