Cast
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Crew
Director
- Dan Curtis
Producer
- Dan Curtis
Reviews
Wuchak
_**One of Clint Walker’s best roles and certainly his most intriguing**_
People are found slain in the coastal Los Angeles region from what appears to be a vicious animal. The Sheriff (Philip Carey) enlists the help of a former hunter turned author, John Wetherby (Peter Graves). He in turn seeks the assistance of his mysterious big game hunter friend (Clint Walker), who seems entertained by the heightened fear that the attacks have created. Jo Ann Pflug is on hand as the author’s girlfriend.
“Scream of the Wolf” (1972) debuted on TV as a Movie of the Week. The 70s produced some really good or even great television films, like “Tribes” (1970), “Duel” (1971), “The Night Stalker” (1972), “Kung Fu” (1972), “Short Walk to Daylight” (1972), “Go Ask Alice” (1973), “Pray for the Wildcats” (1974), "Dracula" with Jack Palance (1974), “Trilogy of Terror” (1975) and many more.
This one was directed by Dan Curtis, known for Dark Shadows and the first two Kolchak movies, the aforementioned “The Night Stalker” and the just-as-good sequel “The Night Strangler” (1973). It’s similar in tone to those movies, just without Kolchak (Darren McGavin), and is superior to “Moon of the Wolf,” another ABC Movie of the Week from two years prior. Actually, I think Peter Graves makes for a superior protagonist to the somewhat goofy McGavin and I could see this becoming a series, like Kolchak, wherein Wetherby (Graves) encounters and endeavors to solve mysterious phenomena each episode.
But what makes this flick so worthwhile is Clint Walker’s character, Byron. He’s a Zaroff-type (from “The Most Dangerous Game”) and Walker is perfect for the quiet, enigmatic loner who respects primal emotions, fair hunting, cunning and strength above all. Wetherby’s girlfriend (Pflug) naturally discerns Byron’s dark eccentricity, which he finds amusing in his thoroughly nonchalant way.
The film doesn’t overstay its welcome at a mere 1 hour, 14 minutes, and was shot at Universal City, California, and the nearby coast.
GRADE: B
Oct 28, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This Thriller/TV Movie/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Scream of the Wolf presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Dan Curtis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1974, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Scream of the Wolf took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 78 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 944 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 270 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1974, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Scream of the Wolf shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Underworld, which focuses more on action than character development, Scream of the Wolf offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like An American Werewolf in London and Underworld: Evolution explore similar territory, Scream of the Wolf stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 16, 1974
- Runtime: 1h 18m
Where to Watch
