The Howling

  • 18
  • Joe Dante (1981)
  • US
  • 86 min
Film Review
Reviewed By
4 out of 5

Co-writer John Sayles and director Joe Dante have huge fun turning werewolf clichés on their head in this rare beast - a horror film that gore fans and film buffs can enjoy. For the former, there is Rob Bottin's amazing make-up and a witty plot in which a sceptical TV journalist (Dee Wallace) uncovers a werewolf colony that's trying - unsuccessfully - to tame its animal instincts. And, for the latter, Dante touches his cap to monster greats of the past by naming key characters after cult horror directors such as Terry (Terence) Fisher and Fred (Freddie) Francis, and finding cameos for such genre alumni as Kevin McCarthy, Dick Miller and Roger Corman.

Plot Summary

Comedy horror starring Dee Wallace and Patrick Macnee. After undergoing a disturbing ordeal involving a sex murderer, TV journalist Karen White is advised by psychologist Dr George Waggner to recuperate at his remote meditation centre. But after checking in with her husband, Karen hears sinister howling noises from nearby woods.

Cast and crew

Cast

Karen White
Dee Wallace Stone
Dr George Waggner
Patrick Macnee
Chris
Dennis Dugan
R William "Bill" Neill
Christopher Stone
Terry Fisher
Belinda Balaski
Fred Francis
Kevin McCarthy
Erle Kenton
John Carradine
Sam Newfield
Slim Pickens
Marsha
Elisabeth Brooks
Eddie
Robert Picardo
Walter Paisley
Dick Miller
Donna
Margie Impert

Crew

Director
Joe Dante

Other Information

Language: 
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor: 
Barber International Films
Guidance: 
Violence, swearing and nudity.
Available on video and DVD
Certificate 18
Distributor:
Momentum Pictures
Categories
Drama

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