Starting off our list (which is in reverse chronological order) are two very original werewolf films, Ginger Snaps & An American Werewolf in London. Although An American Werewolf in London stays truer to the werewolf mythos, it turns the victims regret into a living dread, and Ginger Snaps is a brilliantly black comic look at the changes that can be brought on by the full moon. The following films remain the most imaginative of not only the werewolf genre, but of horror films in general.
Ginger Snaps (2000) DEJ Productions
Directed by John Fawcett
Written by Karen Walton
1hr 48min / Rated R
CAST: Kathrine Isabelle (Ginger), Emily Perkins (Bridgette), Kristopher Lemche (Sam), Jesse Moss (Jason), Danielle Hampton (Trina), Mimi Rogers (Pamela), John Bourgeois (Henry), Peter Keleghan (Mr. Wayne), Christopher Redman (Ben), Lindsay Leese (Nurse Ferry).
Kathrine Isabell & Emily Perkins in Ginger Snaps (2000)
Karen Walton’s screenplay renders an entirely original take on werewolf mythology. The script’s feminist’s tongue in cheek narrative takes the viewer into the darkness in wonderfully weird ways. Fawcett’s direction elicits exceptional performances by all, especially Isabelle & Perkins who quickly make the roles their own. This is a must see, Halloween or not. So when that moon comes up don’t forget to press play!
An American Werewolf in London (1981) Universal
Written & Directed by John Landis
1hr 37min / Rated R
CAST: David Naughton (David Kessler), Griffin Dunne (Jack Goodman), Jenny Agutter (Nurse Alex Price), Anne-Marie Davies (Nurse Susan Gallagher), David Schofield (Dart Player), Brian Glover (Chess Player), Lila Kaye (Barmaid), Joe Belcher (Truck Driver), Paddy Ryan (First Werewolf)
Griffin Dunne, David Naughton, and Jenny Agutter in An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Easily one of the most frightening of all classic monster horror films. Everything from the transformation to the haunting by the werewolf’s victims is terrifying. One of the most memorable scenes is a nightmare that is even more horrifying than the situation that Naughton (David Kessler) finds himself in after being bitten and killing his friend. An exceptional cast adds atmosphere and includes Jenny Agutter (Logan’s Run 1976, The Avengers 2012) as Naughton’s lover and nurse. This hardcore werewolf tale is not for the faint of heart, but is perfect for a terrifying Halloween.
The Howling (1981) MGM
Directed by Joe Dante
Written by John Sayles and Terence H. Winkless
1hr 31min / Rated R
CAST: Dee Wallace (Karen White), Patrick Macnee (Dr. George Waggner), Dennis Dugan (Chris), Christopher Stone (William “Bill” Neill), Kevin McCarthy (Fred Francis), Belinda Balaski (Terry Fisher), Elizabeth Brooks (Marsha Quist), Robert Picardo (Eddie Quist), Margie Impert (Donna).
Dee Wallace, Margie Impert, Patrick Macnee, and Elizabeth Brooks in The Howling (1981)
With a screenplay by John Sayles (Brother From Another Planet 1984) you must expect the unexpected and this offering is unique in the extreme. Joe Dante expertly juggles the frights with the funny and is assisted by an exceptional cast including Dee Wallace, Kevin McCarthy, and Patrick Macnee. One of the great werewolf pictures that digs a little deeper than the rest of the pack.
Wolfen (1981) Orion
Directed by Michael Waldleigh
Written by Michael Waldleigh & David Eyre & David M. Eyre, Jr.
1hr 55min / Rated R
CAST: Albert Finny (Dewey Wilson), Diane Venora (Rebecca Neff), Edward James Olmos (Eddie Holt), Gregory Hines (Whittington), Tom Noonan (Ferguson), Dick O’Neill (Warren), Dehl Berti (Old Indian).
Albert Finney, Dick O’Neill, & Diane Venora in Wolfen (1981)
This film stays even further from the pack, and has a very different take on werewolves. Wolfen is a horror film that is part mystery and suspense and set in the South Bronx. Dewey Wilson (Albert Finney) is investigating a number of brutal deaths that appear to be animal attacks. Finney (Big Fish 2003) is supported by a strong cast as well as a well written script that also reflects on the plight of Native Americans. This is another must see that scares and informs. It may be due to its very original narrative that it has not received the popularity that it deserves. Be that as it may, a perfect Halloween who done it.
The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
Hammer Films
Directed by Terence Fisher
Written by Anthony Hinds based on the Novel by Guy Endore
1hr 33min / NR
CAST: Clifford Evans (Alfredo), Oliver Reed (Leon), Yvonne Romain (Servant Girl), Anthony Dawson (The Marques Siniestro), Josephine Llewellyn (The Marquesa), Richard Wordsworth (The Beggar), Anne Blake (Rosa Valiente).
Oliver Reed, Yvonne Romain, & Anthony Dawson in The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
The Curse of the Werewolf is the most underrated of all of the Hammer horror films. Yet, even though it is one of their best efforts, it has never received the popularity of the Dracula and Frankenstein pictures. It boasts a competent script that reflects some 1960’s values, even though it is set in 18th Century Spain. It has a fine cast that includes Yvonne Romain (Circus of Horrors 1960) and Oliver Reed (Oliver 1968) as the Werewolf. This neglected classic is Terence Fisher’s most accomplished work and is a fine way to spend a full moon with a loved one.
The Wolf Man (1941) Universal
Directed by George Waggner
Written by Curt Siodmak
1hr 10min / NR
CAST: Claude Rains (Sir John Talbot), Warren William (Dr. Lloyd), Ralph Bellamy (Colonel Paul Montford), Patric Knowles (Frank Andrews), Evelyn Ankers (Gwen Conliffe), Bela Lugosi (Bela), Maria Ouspenskaya (Maleva), Fay Helm (Jenny Williams), & Lon Chaney Jr., (as Larry Talbot, the Wolfman)
Lon Chaney Jr., Evelyn Ankers, and Maria Ouspenskaya in The Wolf Man (1941)
This is the film that started it all with a fine script by Curt Siodmak (I Walked With a Zombie 1943), and an astonishing cast that gives gravity to the story of the gypsy legend of the werewolf. Bela Lugosi is solid as the gypsy and Claude Rains (Casablanca 1942) scores once more as Talbot Sr. Evelyn Ankers (Ghost of Frankenstein 1942) is the love interest put in peril by the full moon. The film is one of the most popular of the original Universal horror films, and it made Chaney a star. For a classic Halloween, this film is fun for the entire family.
NEXT: Scream Queens 1950 – 2020: 70 Years of Horror
Thanks, you have help me gain an appreciation for black and white films; leaving more to the imagination.