Howling, The (1981)

Emerging as the first in a spree of 80’s wolf movies, The Howling has it all: lupine howls drifting through dark woods, a secluded and creepy retreat that’s more than it seems, and the first, startling glimpse of lycanthropic metamorphosis.

After undergoing a disturbing ordeal involving a sex murderer, TV journalist Karen White (Dee Wallace) is advised by psychologist Dr George Waggner (Patrick Macnee) to recuperate at his remote meditation centre.

But after checking in with her husband, Karen hears sinister howling noises from nearby woods.

Executed with fluid precision, the film shows off tight direction, pioneering special effects and an engrossing story.

Packed with genre in-jokes and B-movie cameos, The Howling is almost as much fun as it is frightening and, while sullied by six abominable sequels, is a testament to the chilling power of the werewolf myth.

“Silver bullets or fire, that’s the only way to get rid of the damn things. They’re worse than cockroaches.”

Karen White
Dee Wallace
Dr George Waggner
Patrick Macnee
Chris
Dennis Dugan
Bill Neill
Christopher Stone
Terry Fisher
Belinda Balaski
Fred Francis
Kevin McCarthy
Erle Kenton
John Carradine
Sam Newfield
Slim Pickens
Marsha Quist
Elisabeth Brooks
Eddie Quist
Robert Picardo
Donna
Margie Impert
Charlie Barton
Noble Willingham
Jerry Warren
James Murtaugh
Lew Landers
Jim McKrell
T.C. Quist
Don McLeod
Walter Paisley (bookstore owner)
Dick Miller
Kline
Bill Sorrells
Shantz
Mesach Taylor
Jack Molina
Ivan Saric

Director
Joe Dante

Video