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An American Werewolf in London (1981)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
John Landis (written by)
Release Date:
21 August 1981 (USA)
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Tagline:
John Landis - the director of Animal House brings you a different kind of animal. more
Plot:
Two American tourists in England are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Won Oscar.
Another 2 wins
&
2 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(159 articles)
Terror Tidbits (Fango #290): The Wolfman: Hair Today, Gore Tomorrow
(From Fangoria. 22 December 2009, 10:00 PM, PST)
Director updates on Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Brood
(From The Geek Files. 19 December 2009, 7:13 AM, PST)
(From Fangoria. 22 December 2009, 10:00 PM, PST)
Director updates on Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Brood
(From The Geek Files. 19 December 2009, 7:13 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Our Dual Natures Served Up Hollywood Style
more (272 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| 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 |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
The American Werewolf (Philippines: English title)
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Parents Guide:
Runtime:
97 min | Sweden:92 min (heavily cut)
Language:
Colour:
Colour (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
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:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
John Woodvine was cast at short notice after the first two choices left the project.
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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.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Alien Incursion (2006)
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Soundtrack:
BLUE MOON
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FAQ
What's with the naked dead guy?more
more (272 total)
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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.