Written By: Ken Hulsey
In 1941, Curt Siodmak set out to write a horror story inspired by Greek mythology and the widespread folkloric belief in human-to-animal transformation. Little did he know that his script for The Wolf Man would not only shape the future of horror films, but also influence perceptions of the occult. Contrary to common belief, Siodmak was solely responsible for iconic werewolf elements like the pentagram, silver vulnerability, and the full moon trigger - including the legendary poem "Even a man who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms, and the autumn moon is bright." This was an original creation, not a reflection of pre-existing folklore and witchcraft as is often assumed.
The Wolf Man was not Universal's first werewolf film. That distinction belongs to Werewolf of London, which flopped at the box office in 1935. The earlier film starred popular character actor Henry Hull, with a far more subtle makeup design by Jack Pierce - the same artist who would later transform Lon Chaney Jr. into the iconic Wolf Man six years later. Many fans who have seen Werewolf of London have commented that the werewolf design in that film appeared more menacing than the version that came after in The Wolf Man.
Universal convinced the reluctant Lon Chaney Jr. to follow in his father's footsteps, enduring six-hour makeup sessions to portray the iconic character of Larry Talbot and his alter ego, the Wolf Man. This transformative role catapulted Chaney to superstar status, as the Wolf Man appeared in a total of five popular films, including Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, House of Frankenstein, House of Dracula, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein - all starring Chaney.
However, the fame and success Chaney achieved did not bring him true happiness. In reality, the actor struggled with his own personal demons, including a lifelong battle with alcoholism that ultimately took a toll on his health. When Chaney passed away, his body was donated to the USC Medical Center for study, leading to an urban legend that his preserved head is still housed in a jar somewhere within the hospital.
When Larry Talbert returns to Llanwelly, Wales to reconcile with his estranged father, Sir John Talbert (Claude Rains), he gets more than he bargained for. While examining his father's telescope, Talbert accidentally focuses on the bedroom of the alluring Gwen Conliffe (Evelyn Ankers), and becomes smitten. Eager to meet her, he visits the family store the next morning. There, he stumbles upon an intriguing walking stick bearing a silver wolf's head marked with a mystic pentagram. Hoping to convince the cautious Conliffe of his trustworthiness, Talbert purchases the item. Though initially hesitant, Conliffe agrees to a date, but only if she can bring a friend along.
As Gwen, Jenny, and Talbot explore a local carnival, Jenny is viciously attacked by what seems to be a wild animal. Talbot bravely uses his cane to ward off the creature, but is bitten in the struggle. When the police investigate the attack, they find the body of a dead gypsy traveler. Talbot is unable to account for his apparent mistake in identifying the young man as a wolf.
Talbot's life spirals into chaos as he starts experiencing unexplained gaps in his memory and a growing sense of losing control of his own mind. Meanwhile, a series of murders only serves to further arouse the suspicions of the local authorities, who begin to doubt both Talbot's stories and his innocence.
Maleva, a gypsy woman, informs Talbot that the creature he killed was not a wolf, but rather a werewolf. Her son, Bela (played by Bela Lugosi), had endured the lycanthropic curse for years, and now that affliction had been passed on to Talbot.
At night, the afflicted Talbot loses control and runs wild, prompting the local townspeople to form hunting parties to capture or kill him. One evening, Gwen searches for Talbot and he assaults her. Just in time, John Talbert arrives and, unaware, uses his silver-tipped cane to fatally strike his own son. Moments later, Talbot reverts to his human form, confirming that the monster had been Larry Talbot all along.
The 1941 film The Wolf Man not only drew inspiration from existing werewolf mythology, but it also transformed that mythos forever. Subsequent werewolf films adhered to the new folklore established in the movie, effectively erasing prior legends from the public consciousness. This can be credited to a well-conceived screenplay and an impactful cinematic execution that left a lasting impression on audiences - rewriting the history of werewolf lore, in a sense.
The Wolf Man (1941), also known as Destiny (1941), was a horror film produced by Universal Studios. It was directed by George Waggner and written by Curt Siodmak. The film starred Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Maria Ouspenskaya, Evelyn Ankers, J.M. Kerrigan, Fay Helm, and Lon Chaney Jr. as the title character. The Wolf Man had a runtime of 70 minutes, was filmed in black and white, and featured a mono sound mix. It was released in the United States on December 12, 1941.
Lon Chaney, Jr.: Horror Film Star, 1906-1973 Paperback
Though he was haunted by the shadow of his legendary father and devastated by alcoholism, Lon Chaney, Jr., carved out a very successful film career as Universal's leading horror star in the 1940s, and later as a leading character actor in Westerns, dramas, and on television. While rightly focused on the career of the underrated actor, this study also explores his life and times.
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