The Wolf Man (1941) [DVD]

This decent, if slightly underwhelming film (with nice atmospheric, black-and-white photography), was the first to feature this version of the classic monster. (Lon Chaney Jnr would go on to play the Wolf Man in at least two sequels, plus an Abbott & Costello ‘horror comedy’.)For fans of the genre, I can recommend this DVD for the extras: an informative audio commentary (that also points out a few plot problems, and continuity errors), plus a documentary about ‘the werewolf on film’, and the work of makeup specialist Jack Pierce.Oh, and this disc may have a different cover to the one advertised. (Mine did.)

A classic that can never be done twice. the cast of characters are quickly introduced and established including the sympathetic and likable lead tortured by supernatural powers brought to life by brilliant werewolf effects for the time. The story reinvented the classic beast of legend into how we know it today including the now famed weakness to silver and the main character Larry Talbot, while not as famous as Dracula or Frankenstein, has essentially become the archetypal werewolf much like the for mentioned characters have for vampires and mad scientists.

This was made during the same era as the Classic Dracula and Frankenstein movies and I place this movie in the same class as them. The late Lon Chaney, Jr who plays The Wolf Man was one of Holywoods best horror actors of the day along with his father (Lon Chaney), Bela Lugossi and Boris Karloff.Eventhough this movie is in black and white and the sound quality is not to today's standard, I still find this an enjoyable to watch, and it is a good comparison to the one which came out last year.Lon Chaney, Jr had to spend many hours in the makeup chair each day as they covered his face and visible body in hair to turn him into the part - no CGI them days, only makeup and limited special effects.The story has the mixture of love, gypsy folklore and magic with good background music to make good entertainment.Remember that in the 1940s the film censors where much stricter that today, and the war was raging over in Europe so the content was more limited than what some people would expect.

The Wolfman is a peculiar beast in that yes it is a horror film but it also has a warmth to it, maybe its something about the era that the movie was filmed in.It's certaintly not scary, but is of course one of the great Universal classics.Lon Chaney Jr is superb as the Wolfman, it's interesting to see his character start the movie quite cocky and then turn into a quivering recluse as it dawns on him that he is a wolf.Sure there are some plot holes here and there and the sets do look a little 'creaky' but it's hard to knock such a classic and highly enjoyable film. I did though prefer Frankenstein meets the wolfman to this movie.An essential purchase nonetheless.

The original and still best incarnation of the man bitten by a wolf and cursed. The transformation from man to beast is well realised and the setting is suitably spooky.Lon Chaney is great and embodies both man and best perfectly. His suave human form brutally gives why to his beast form is style and provides some very tense moments.Not my favourite of the monster movies but certianly a strong addition. Well worth a watch.

the wolfman another good horror film staring lon Chaney jr .. these kind of black &white horror films always never fail to let film down they are just so good to watch thank you [email protected]

Possibly the best werewolf movie ever - great cast, beautifully filmed & just oozing gothic atmosphere. Good picture quality & the disc comes with some good extras. Essential addition to any serious horror collection.

GREAT FILMS