An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Director:

John Landis

Writer:

John Landis (written by)

Release Date:

21 August 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Horror | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

John Landis - the director of Animal House brings you a different kind of animal.

Plot:

Two American tourists in England are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.

Plot Keywords:

Werewolf | England | Nightmare | Curse | Alley

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

David Naughton	...	David Kessler
Jenny Agutter	...	Nurse Alex Price
Griffin Dunne	...	Jack Goodman
John Woodvine	...	Dr. J. S. Hirsch
Lila Kaye	...	Barmaid
Joe Belcher	...	Truck Driver
David Schofield	...	Dart Player
Brian Glover	...	Chess Player
Rik Mayall	...	2nd Chess Player
Sean Baker	...	2nd Dart Player
Paddy Ryan	...	First Werewolf
Anne-Marie Davies	...	Nurse Susan Gallagher
Frank Oz	...	Mr. Collins / Miss Piggy
Don McKillop	...	Inspector Villiers
Paul Kember	...	Sergeant McManus

Also Known As:

The American Werewolf (Philippines: English title)

Runtime:

97 min | Sweden:92 min (heavily cut)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS (re-release) | Mono

Certification:

Singapore:R21 | Canada:13+ (Québec) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | UK:X (theatrical rating) | Australia:MA (DVD rating) | USA:R (Certificate #26418) | Italy:VM18 | UK:15 (re-rating) (2009) | Argentina:18 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-18 | France:-12 | Norway:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | West Germany:16 | Peru:18 | Brazil:12 | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

64 Coleherne Road, Earl's Court, London, England, UK

Company:

American Werewolf Inc.

Trivia:

John Woodvine was cast at short notice after the first two choices left the project.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During the Piccadilly Circus car crashing sequences, a fawn colored car skids and sandwiches a policeman between itself and a red car. The safety barrier for the policeman (stuntman) can be seen before impact.

Quotes:

Alex: Shall I be forced to feed you, David?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Alien Incursion (2006)

Soundtrack:

BLUE MOON

Our Dual Natures Served Up Hollywood Style

John Landis reveals a philosophical take on mankind in this film, namely, that we have two natures: one benign, one monstrous. The werewolf legend handily serves as that proposition's allegorical vehicle, and compared to the alluded-to Nazi atrocities in two scenes, the legend actually pales. Sadly, under the dark impetus of our arrogance and vanity, our metaphorical "full moon", man is perfectly capable of transforming into nightmarish beast.

As a director, Landis approaches Hitchcock in terms of scene economy and symbolism. For example, the opening sequence set on the moors of northern England features the tragic hero David and his friend Jack climbing out of the bed of a truck laden with sheep - benign animals destined for slaughter. Biped "sheep" David and Jack meander to "The Slaughtered Lamb", a pub sheltering cowering, xenophobic locals from the monster afoot on the moors during full moon. Soon the inhospitality of the town folk compels the two lambs to leave - virtually sending them to their slaughter.

And so it goes throughout this brilliant film. Without revealing the ending, it can be stated that Landis makes his case against the idea that love conquers all; instead, he suggests that love only gives the beast within us pause.

Beware the moon.