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 Werewolf of London
(1935) on IMDb

Werewolf of London (1935): A Pioneering Horror Film That Revolutionized the Werewolf Genre

Werewolf of London is a classic monster movie from 1935 that tells the story of a botanist named Wilfred Glendon who travels to Tibet to find the rare mariphasa plant. During his journey, he is attacked by a mysterious creature, and upon his return to London, he starts to experience strange physical changes. As it turns out, Glendon has been infected by a werewolf and must find a way to control his transformation before he becomes a danger to himself and others.

One of the most interesting aspects of Werewolf of London is its depiction of the werewolf legend. Unlike other movies in the genre, the werewolf in this film is not a mindless beast but a sophisticated and educated man struggling with his inner demons. The movie explores themes of identity and duality as Glendon battles with his own animalistic tendencies and attempts to keep his condition a secret from those around him.

The film’s visual effects were groundbreaking for their time, particularly the transformation scenes, which were achieved using a combination of makeup and stop-motion animation. The movie’s cinematography also deserves praise for its use of shadows and lighting to create a dark and eerie atmosphere, adding to the suspense and horror of the story.

The cast of Werewolf of London includes some notable actors of the time, such as Henry Hull, who portrays Glendon, and Warner Oland, who plays Dr. Yogami, a mysterious character who is also a werewolf. Hull’s performance is particularly impressive, as he manages to convey both the intellectual and primal sides of his character with equal skill.

Overall, Werewolf of London is a classic monster movie that has stood the test of time. Its unique take on the werewolf legend, impressive visual effects, and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of the horror genre. It is also an important piece of film history, as one of the earliest movies to explore the theme of lycanthropy on screen. If you’re looking for a spine-chilling horror movie with a twist, Werewolf of London is a great choice.

Theatrical poster, Werewolf of London
Theatrical poster

Cast

The cast of Werewolf of London (1935) includes Henry Hull as Dr. Wilfred Glendon, Warner Oland as Dr. Yogami, Valerie Hobson as Lisa Glendon, Lester Matthews as Paul Ames, Lawrence Grant as Sir Thomas Forsythe, and Spring Byington as Miss Ettie Coombes.

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