Earl is a low-key and likable actor, the storyline is basic and takes some care in introducing the characters before going into the Wolfman scenes. Some over-the-top maniacal laughter on the bad guys part early on is a riot, and shows you where they stand! It must be me but every time I watch it I think it's set in Olde England, until the Sheriff shows up and I realize it's set in the US. The name Colin Glascow doesn't help! It's not going to terrify anyone but few horror films do any more which is why plot and character is important. This gives me the feel of a retro monster mash type flick. Simplicity, the kind of film I'd make if I had a little money. Better to make an effort like this than nothing at all! It's not laughable in an Ed Wood type way, at least not to me. Maybe it's just the anti-Twilight male models, anti-CGI aspect that makes this a nostalgic nice little flick.
25 Reviews
Hairiest horror film I have seen
mstomaso6 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
It is remarkable that Earl Owensby has made as many b- grade low budget action films as he has. More amazing is the fact that this likable but paunchy and balding 30-something-ish producer stars in many of them. It is even more remarkable that this extremely hairy man has taken his shirt off in at least two of them. Having said this - the only thing right about Wolfman is the casting. Earl Owensby has remarkable amounts of body hair. The actors in this film really look their parts, even if only a couple of them actually bother to play their parts. Ed Grady looks like a Satan worshiping minister, Sid Rancer looks like a doctor, and Earl really looks like a wolfman, even without the carpet of monochrome brown hair applied to his face and hands during most of the action sequences.
Though Owensby has occasional flashes of acting in this film, the only person who manages to consistently carry her role is Kristina Reynolds. Unfortunately two Owensby films were enough for her, and she appears to have left the career after "Living Legend: The King of Rock and Roll" (also produced and starring Owensby). Amazingly, one of the absolute worst performances in the film was achieved by Ed Grady - the reverend - in his first role. Grady has gone on to make several very good appearances in better films such as The Notebook.
If you've read one of my b-movie reviews before, you know that I reserve single star ratings for big budget Hollywood atrocities and give out 2s and 3s for very bad b movies which are ultimately harmless and sometimes quite funny. The only thing truly painful about Wolfman is the soundtrack, but since the only thing you will lose by muting this film is the dialog, you do have an option.
Wolfman gets a 3 because it does have a couple of things going for it. This film was Worth Keeter's first directoral and writing effort. The plot, set in the late 19th century (despite a couple of anachronisms like Earl telling Kristina "I'll call ya." after he breaks a date with her), and the sets and costuming are cheap, but not too badly done. The storyline is original, if not particularly engaging (how many wolfman films qualify as "engaging" anyway? - I can only think of two).
Earl plays a young man whose father- apparently a werewolf - has died. He returns to his estranged home town, somewhere in the southern US, and finds that he has inherited a sizable estate. He also finds that he has inherited a family curse, but this fact, which is central to the entire plot, is not clearly exposed until surprisingly late in the film. And finally, he rekindles an old passion for Kristina Reynolds' character, a lovely, mature and intelligent divorced shop-keeper. Then, of course, things start to go horribly wrong.
To his credit, Keeter paced this film such that the actual wolfman plot does not really become the main focus until after the characters are developed (though poorly because of the lack of acting talent). Unfortunately, by the time the wolfman aspect of the film really becomes the main theme, I had already fallen asleep four times (the fifth nod-off occurred during the chase scene at the end). Note that I am an insomniac, and I sleep about 4.5 hours on any given night.
Keeter has, not surprisingly, developed a career in bad to average action films, and has recently started making good cartoons and video games. He is one of the few people whose career survived an Earl Owensby film, however.
Far from the worst film ever made, but really only recommended for b- horror movie fans.
Though Owensby has occasional flashes of acting in this film, the only person who manages to consistently carry her role is Kristina Reynolds. Unfortunately two Owensby films were enough for her, and she appears to have left the career after "Living Legend: The King of Rock and Roll" (also produced and starring Owensby). Amazingly, one of the absolute worst performances in the film was achieved by Ed Grady - the reverend - in his first role. Grady has gone on to make several very good appearances in better films such as The Notebook.
If you've read one of my b-movie reviews before, you know that I reserve single star ratings for big budget Hollywood atrocities and give out 2s and 3s for very bad b movies which are ultimately harmless and sometimes quite funny. The only thing truly painful about Wolfman is the soundtrack, but since the only thing you will lose by muting this film is the dialog, you do have an option.
Wolfman gets a 3 because it does have a couple of things going for it. This film was Worth Keeter's first directoral and writing effort. The plot, set in the late 19th century (despite a couple of anachronisms like Earl telling Kristina "I'll call ya." after he breaks a date with her), and the sets and costuming are cheap, but not too badly done. The storyline is original, if not particularly engaging (how many wolfman films qualify as "engaging" anyway? - I can only think of two).
Earl plays a young man whose father- apparently a werewolf - has died. He returns to his estranged home town, somewhere in the southern US, and finds that he has inherited a sizable estate. He also finds that he has inherited a family curse, but this fact, which is central to the entire plot, is not clearly exposed until surprisingly late in the film. And finally, he rekindles an old passion for Kristina Reynolds' character, a lovely, mature and intelligent divorced shop-keeper. Then, of course, things start to go horribly wrong.
To his credit, Keeter paced this film such that the actual wolfman plot does not really become the main focus until after the characters are developed (though poorly because of the lack of acting talent). Unfortunately, by the time the wolfman aspect of the film really becomes the main theme, I had already fallen asleep four times (the fifth nod-off occurred during the chase scene at the end). Note that I am an insomniac, and I sleep about 4.5 hours on any given night.
Keeter has, not surprisingly, developed a career in bad to average action films, and has recently started making good cartoons and video games. He is one of the few people whose career survived an Earl Owensby film, however.
Far from the worst film ever made, but really only recommended for b- horror movie fans.
Yup, it's pretty awful ...
Teknofobe706 April 2005
Well, it looks like there's another contender here for the "so bad it's good" category. This is a werewolf movie that was made towards the end of a very long dry spell, after the glory days of Universal's "Wolf Man" series, and before the year 1981 brought us several great werewolf movies ("American Werewolf", "The Howling" and "Wolfen").
A man returns to his home town when his uncle dies (or, or more accurately, is murdered -- as we know from the first scene). He soon finds out that there is some kind of a curse on his family, which his grandmother is aware of and which involves some kind of an evil priest. The plot after this point is fairly predictable and straightforward. It's film-making for the sake of film-making, and there aren't very many original ideas. However, the look of the film is quite cool, and clearly it's inspired by the "Hammer Studios" productions, in which everything looks kind of like a set but has a very creepy feel to it.
The cast are generally pretty laughable. Seriously, there's no excuse for acting this bad -- hell, I've seen much better actors in local theatrical productions. The leading man has zero charisma, and even less acting ability, as clearly he was cast simply for his 'Wolf Man' appearance. This leads to some pretty hilarious scenes, for example when he delivers sentences along the lines of "Doctor, my grandmother told me that my father was a werewolf and a priest stabbed him in the heart with a silver dagger", in a complete monotone with a straight face and absolutely no emotion, you just can't help but laugh. He doesn't get a whole lot of help from the supporting male cast, but most of the female members actually seem quite competent actresses. Not that it helps much.
On the other hand, there is a sub-culture of people out there who will really enjoy this movie. If you're one of those people that collects Edward D Wood Jr's movies, or if your idea of a good time is to stay in and laugh your way through "Manos: Hands of Fate", odds are you'll really appreciate much of the badness in this movie.
It's bad. It's very, very bad. But if you're a fan of those terrible B-pictures, you'll probably find something to enjoy here.
A man returns to his home town when his uncle dies (or, or more accurately, is murdered -- as we know from the first scene). He soon finds out that there is some kind of a curse on his family, which his grandmother is aware of and which involves some kind of an evil priest. The plot after this point is fairly predictable and straightforward. It's film-making for the sake of film-making, and there aren't very many original ideas. However, the look of the film is quite cool, and clearly it's inspired by the "Hammer Studios" productions, in which everything looks kind of like a set but has a very creepy feel to it.
The cast are generally pretty laughable. Seriously, there's no excuse for acting this bad -- hell, I've seen much better actors in local theatrical productions. The leading man has zero charisma, and even less acting ability, as clearly he was cast simply for his 'Wolf Man' appearance. This leads to some pretty hilarious scenes, for example when he delivers sentences along the lines of "Doctor, my grandmother told me that my father was a werewolf and a priest stabbed him in the heart with a silver dagger", in a complete monotone with a straight face and absolutely no emotion, you just can't help but laugh. He doesn't get a whole lot of help from the supporting male cast, but most of the female members actually seem quite competent actresses. Not that it helps much.
On the other hand, there is a sub-culture of people out there who will really enjoy this movie. If you're one of those people that collects Edward D Wood Jr's movies, or if your idea of a good time is to stay in and laugh your way through "Manos: Hands of Fate", odds are you'll really appreciate much of the badness in this movie.
It's bad. It's very, very bad. But if you're a fan of those terrible B-pictures, you'll probably find something to enjoy here.
A Lot of Warts but Also Interesting
Michael_Elliott14 October 2016
Wolfman (1979)
** (out of 4)
After the death of his father, Colin Glasgow (Earl Owensby) returns to the family estate where he begins to learn some dark secrets about his father. One is that his father was actually murdered. Another secret is a mysterious Satan worshiping events. And, finally, there's the fact that he's now turning into a werewolf and killing the locals.
WOLFMAN is a somewhat notorious film but then again everything Owensby did was somewhat legendary or notorious. He basically went from rags to riches and his love of movies had him begin to make them. This film was obviously inspired by the Universal series with Lon Chaney and while it's not a good movie it's certainly a rather interesting one to watch.
I say that because the film is a bit too long for its own good and some of the performances aren't that good. I'd also argue that the direction could have been much better. I could also add that the film has too slow of a pace to make it very entertaining. You could go even further by saying that there's a very non-professional feel about the entire picture. All of this stuff would be true but there's still some charm about the picture.
It has a very regional feel to it and I must say that the old time setting actually works and looks much more believable than you'd see out of your typical Andy Milligan picture. Like Milligan this film like the costume period setting and it looks real at least. I'd also argue that Owensby wasn't a great actor but he does have a certain charm here that leaps off the screen and makes you like his character and performance.
Finally, WOLFMAN does at least succeed whenever the actual werewolf is on the screen. The make-up effects are quite good with a strong resemblance to the Paul Naschy films of the era. The death scenes are more old-fashioned as there's nothing too graphic or gory. Again, there are a lot of warts here but at the same time this is a somewhat interesting take on the familiar story.
** (out of 4)
After the death of his father, Colin Glasgow (Earl Owensby) returns to the family estate where he begins to learn some dark secrets about his father. One is that his father was actually murdered. Another secret is a mysterious Satan worshiping events. And, finally, there's the fact that he's now turning into a werewolf and killing the locals.
WOLFMAN is a somewhat notorious film but then again everything Owensby did was somewhat legendary or notorious. He basically went from rags to riches and his love of movies had him begin to make them. This film was obviously inspired by the Universal series with Lon Chaney and while it's not a good movie it's certainly a rather interesting one to watch.
I say that because the film is a bit too long for its own good and some of the performances aren't that good. I'd also argue that the direction could have been much better. I could also add that the film has too slow of a pace to make it very entertaining. You could go even further by saying that there's a very non-professional feel about the entire picture. All of this stuff would be true but there's still some charm about the picture.
It has a very regional feel to it and I must say that the old time setting actually works and looks much more believable than you'd see out of your typical Andy Milligan picture. Like Milligan this film like the costume period setting and it looks real at least. I'd also argue that Owensby wasn't a great actor but he does have a certain charm here that leaps off the screen and makes you like his character and performance.
Finally, WOLFMAN does at least succeed whenever the actual werewolf is on the screen. The make-up effects are quite good with a strong resemblance to the Paul Naschy films of the era. The death scenes are more old-fashioned as there's nothing too graphic or gory. Again, there are a lot of warts here but at the same time this is a somewhat interesting take on the familiar story.
So bad it's, well not really good, but...
crashpoint14 February 2006
Look, give Earl Owensby some credit... the guy's a tool salesman, had a movie dream and is living it. Sure his pictures suck, but that's part of the charm. This mish mash has Earl (with his Elvis like accent) playing a Colin, a guy who comes back to his hometown in 1910 and becomes sort of a werewolf. There is something compelling about Owensby's movies because it looks like the kind of thing that you or I'd do if we had some rough film stock, a couple of cameras and a weekend to shoot a flick. Considering this, it's not quite as bad as it could have been. The female actresses are quite good, although our pudgy star is very hard to take as the hero. His wooden acting skills, monotone delivery and silly dialogue ruin any chance this film had. On the plus side though, the musical accents are quite effective and some of the shots are set up pretty well. There are far to many continuity mistakes, but Owensby does know a little bit about film making and sets up his shots pretty well. There is, at least, a genesis of what a film should be about here, and Earl clearly enjoys what he's doing. As far as EO Studios in North Carolina, it would appear that it is an adequate film making venture and has been used by some "A" list pictures, including "The Abyss", where the many of the underwater scenes were filmed. The highlights are ruined by bad acting and script problems however. There was just enough atmosphere to keep me watching to see how this train wreck would resolve itself. Owensby's films are unintentionally good in enough areas to keep it going along as a low-budget time filler. Go into this kind of thing with the right attitude and you won't be disappointed. Owensby does know his way around a camera.
Wuff, man, that was hard to watch.
irishmonster20 November 2019
Where to begin? This movie is so bad, in so many ways. The story? Silly and predictable. The acting? Atrocious. The special effects? They're special, alright... Cinematography? Mediocre at best. Maybe the best thing about this movie is the music, which is actually pretty good.
One thing I did find amusing was that some of the actors have decidedly noticeable southern accents (pronouncing the word "wolf" as "wuff"), but others have mid-western or northern accents.
beyond cheesy
bigshow027452 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know what was worse in this movie, the acting or the special effects. The transformation scene was about as bad as I have seen. The acting was like a high school drama class. Towards the end of the movie the wolfman is running around killing multiple people wearing a white long sleeve shirt, and the whole time it stays spotless. The lead actor takes his shirt off in multiple scenes, none while he is the wolfman. But his chest and back are hairier than his face is in the transformation scenes. I have seen worse movies, with worse acting but this is up there.
dull
dbborroughs22 July 2008
Earl Owensby is a guy who made a fortune with films aimed at the drive in circuits in the south. He parlayed that into some big budget films before it all going wrong when he built a studio that was the site of the under water filming of The Abyss. Before his semi leap to the big time Owensby produced and starred in a number of action and horror films that pretty much only played south of the Mason Dixon Line. Until Wolfman I had never seen one of his films. Watching it I really don't understand why he made as much money as he did. The plot of the film has a miscast Owensby returning home when he is told that his father has died. Actually his father didn't die until his scheming relatives were certain that he was on his way home, at which time they killed him so that the werewolf curse would pass on to Owensby. Filmed with models and (somewhat) obvious sets the film looks cheap but serviceable. The performances are all over the place with actors and non-actors mixing freely. Owensby isn't a bad actor as such but he is so low key as to be almost invisible. He conveys none of the intensity needed for the role. It doesn't help that the pacing is so slack as to be near catatonic with there being a good chance you'll nod off before the wolfman (of the Lon Chaney variety) shows up. Something for the insomniacs or those wanting to see what a footnote filmmaker made his fortune on. 3 out of 10.
Last of the time lapse effects-filled werewolf films.
DigitalRevenantX77 October 2014
Colin Glasgow, a businessman, arrives back in his old hometown when his father passes away, only to find that the man's will prohibits him from leaving for at least a month. Checking the will, Colin finds that it has been forged. But that is not the least of it – his cousins & an evil devil-worshipping priest have maintained a curse over the family's male members, turning them into werewolves. As Colin tries to uncover the mystery over the curse, he slowly becomes a werewolf.
Worth Keeter has made a name for himself, directing many episodes of the inexplicably popular 1990s television craze Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. He also made a number of slick but really poorly written genre films such as Last Lives & the rather offensive Memorial Day. Wolfman was Keeter's first film & true to form features many of the same qualities that made his later works such laugh riots.
Wolfman is basically a werewolf film done in the old school time-lapse & yak hair face masks that were pioneered back when the werewolf film was a new thing. But the time that the film was made was ready to usher in a whole new breed of transformation effects that were introduced in films such as THE HOWLING & An American Werewolf in London – effects that would make the type of stuff shown here obsolete.
Wolfman also suffers from a lack of narrative drive – indeed for a horror film, the film doesn't go very far with its premise (or more to the point, doesn't get much mileage from its central idea). The film is stuck in the mystery angle that would ironically mar many later Howling sequels. There are also the little things that suggest a mediocre production – the microphone on star Earl Owensby's coat making a tearing sound when he reaches over to kiss his co-star & several slight anachronisms to be seen in the background. Despite being the last film to feature the old type of transformation effects, Wolfman does a fair job in this area & the climax is reasonable for this type of film. If nothing else, Wolfman does a slightly better job of making a werewolf mystery than some of the crass Howling sequels.
Worth Keeter has made a name for himself, directing many episodes of the inexplicably popular 1990s television craze Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. He also made a number of slick but really poorly written genre films such as Last Lives & the rather offensive Memorial Day. Wolfman was Keeter's first film & true to form features many of the same qualities that made his later works such laugh riots.
Wolfman is basically a werewolf film done in the old school time-lapse & yak hair face masks that were pioneered back when the werewolf film was a new thing. But the time that the film was made was ready to usher in a whole new breed of transformation effects that were introduced in films such as THE HOWLING & An American Werewolf in London – effects that would make the type of stuff shown here obsolete.
Wolfman also suffers from a lack of narrative drive – indeed for a horror film, the film doesn't go very far with its premise (or more to the point, doesn't get much mileage from its central idea). The film is stuck in the mystery angle that would ironically mar many later Howling sequels. There are also the little things that suggest a mediocre production – the microphone on star Earl Owensby's coat making a tearing sound when he reaches over to kiss his co-star & several slight anachronisms to be seen in the background. Despite being the last film to feature the old type of transformation effects, Wolfman does a fair job in this area & the climax is reasonable for this type of film. If nothing else, Wolfman does a slightly better job of making a werewolf mystery than some of the crass Howling sequels.
Dustbin dwellers: Bad horror films with no redeeming values.
Captain_Couth6 July 2004
Wolfman (1979) is a terrible movie with no redeeming values what so ever. This movie is bad, bad too the bone. I have seen them all (and I have too) and this one has to be one of THE worst werewolf themed movies I have ever seen. The actors, the storyline, the props, special effects and the sets are atrocious. I can't think of a single thing about this travesty that was the slightest entertaining (besides the day I took it back to the video shop). Dude this movie is horrible, I wouldn't even wish this movie upon my meanest foe.
Please do not view this movie. If you do you are one crazy fool. Even if you're desperate with nothing to watch and this movie fell from the sky, I have a word of advice for you. Run!!
Zero, nil. zilch.
I cannot rate this travesty.
xxx
Please do not view this movie. If you do you are one crazy fool. Even if you're desperate with nothing to watch and this movie fell from the sky, I have a word of advice for you. Run!!
Zero, nil. zilch.
I cannot rate this travesty.
xxx
Worst acting in film history
timtindy23 June 2003
For me to take the time to write something on this site I have to be pretty motivated. Unfortunately, in this case, it is because I have never seen a movie quite this bad (and I have suffered through losers like Mountaintop Motel Massacre). Usually it is the script and direction that make a movie this bad. And don't get me wrong -- those qualify in this case as well. But I have truly never seen acting as bad as in this movie -- I have seen better performances in grade school plays. Earl Owensby is laughably bad -- he is the worst in a cast that is comprised of truly terrible actors. The only positive thing I will say about this experience is that it is so bad it is almost worth renting with some friends for an unintentional comedy.
fair
fowens112530 May 2006
I was around when this movie was made and yes it is rough and amateurish, but it was fun to make and people have to start somewhere. It was made in a small town in NC and the sets were local. Many of the locals were in it. I saw it from start to finish and still have the poster from the original. The lead was a tool salesman with boatloads of money who decided to become an actor and that may have something to do with his lack of acting ability. The director and writer was just beginning and had talent which was beginning to emerge. I enjoyed the movie for its genre, homage to the older horror films and its familiarity to me.
PG Rating should tell you something
james1-494-8268574 November 2019
PG rating should tell you something PG ratings are for elementary students, children in 11th grade. Therefore it is no surprise this movie pitches what is commonly known as a large " goose egg". There are no spoilers in this review as there's nothing to spoil as nothing even happens which is significant to spoil.
Silly monster mash, totally harmless.
EyeAskance29 June 2007
A long-absent relative of a cursed family returns home, only to find that he has been chosen by the others to carry the burden of their ancient curse...lycanthropy.
There is a certain naive charm to Earl Owesby's movies...they are schlock, no question, but the obvious earnestness put into them is...uh...cute? That said, WOLFMAN is an altogether watchable piece of poo, and manages to come out at least *looking* like something better than it is...a fairly well shot little horror film with very little attention payed to the details of the Victorian setting in which it takes place. The primary characters are attired in late 19th century costume, but peripheral characters have a laughable "come as you are, but try to look kinda Victorian" style.
Not scary, and not really good-bad, but mildy amusing despite itself. 4/10
There is a certain naive charm to Earl Owesby's movies...they are schlock, no question, but the obvious earnestness put into them is...uh...cute? That said, WOLFMAN is an altogether watchable piece of poo, and manages to come out at least *looking* like something better than it is...a fairly well shot little horror film with very little attention payed to the details of the Victorian setting in which it takes place. The primary characters are attired in late 19th century costume, but peripheral characters have a laughable "come as you are, but try to look kinda Victorian" style.
Not scary, and not really good-bad, but mildy amusing despite itself. 4/10
on one hand...
ejmc1113 January 2020
On one hand this movies is a stinker, and on the other hand it was free on Shudder. If I had a third hand I would grab the remote turn off the TV and try and forget the time I wasted attempting to watch this crap. This movie had all the horror of an episode of Joanie Loves Chachi.
Earl is a wolf man anyway
QueenoftheGoons23 March 2021
I have some hairy goons like Lyle Bettger and Schell but Lord almighty. Earl is one hairy goon. You could braid the hair on his back. I just watched it for him, and he delivered like he did in Dogs of Hell, but So Earl gets the stars, the movie gets none.
Wolfman
CinemaSerf5 June 2023
Now, this is a real shocker of a film.... Earl Owensby "Colin Glasgow" arrives at the estate of his wealthy late father. He inherits just about everything, but the will requires him to hang about for a few weeks to look after his creepy family. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that his father was murdered; the document has been forged and his evil family aided by a wicked Satanic priest are working a curse that causes "Colin" to slowly become the "Wolfman". The acting is rotten; the screenplay as bad - and the special effects are the stuff of 1960's "Dr. Who" with plenty of horse hair, maniacal laughing, wobbly soft focus candles and wild church organ music. Don't bother...
Old-fashioned werewolf flick by a do-it-yourself filmmaker
Wuchakk29 October 2021
In 1910, a traveling heir (Earl Owensby) returns to his family's estate in North Carolina after his father's death, but becomes suspicious of what went down while learning of a family curse linked to a satanic priest (Ed Grady). Sid Rancer is on hand as a helpful doctor.
"Wolfman" (1979) had a limited release in Southern states and is comparable to a Hammer flick of the 60s, but the writing & acting aren't as finely tuned (because that takes money) and the sluggish story is easily 15 minutes too long; plus don't expect horror icons like Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee or even Andrew Keir. This was writer/director Worth Keeter's feature film debut. Although the movie's low-budget, it has good Gothic horror ambiance with fitting music. Keeter shows that he's a competent filmmaker in a do-it-yourself way, but sometimes the modest budget betrays itself.
The quaint werewolf make-up & effects are decidedly old-fashioned with the hairy beast resembling Spain's renowned Paul Naschy. In just a couple years hits "The Howling" and "An American Werewolf in London" would forever raise the bar for werewolf movies.
Whilst short/stocky Owensby is serviceable as the protagonist, don't expect the caliber of Oliver Reed in "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961). On the positive side, Kristina Reynolds is stunningly beautiful and a good actress to boot. Too bad Keeter didn't do more with her.
At the end of the day, "Wolfman" fills the bill for if you're in the mood for Hammer-esque full moon horror AS LONG AS you don't mind the limitations of low-budget Indie productions, including parts that drag, like the sequence where the protagonist digs up a grave. Personally, I appreciated the depictions of life in a small Eastern town in the early 1900s with the corresponding mood of Victorian horror.
The film runs 1 hour, 42 minutes, and was shot in Shelby, North Carolina, which is about a half-hour drive west of Charlotte.
GRADE: C.
"Wolfman" (1979) had a limited release in Southern states and is comparable to a Hammer flick of the 60s, but the writing & acting aren't as finely tuned (because that takes money) and the sluggish story is easily 15 minutes too long; plus don't expect horror icons like Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee or even Andrew Keir. This was writer/director Worth Keeter's feature film debut. Although the movie's low-budget, it has good Gothic horror ambiance with fitting music. Keeter shows that he's a competent filmmaker in a do-it-yourself way, but sometimes the modest budget betrays itself.
The quaint werewolf make-up & effects are decidedly old-fashioned with the hairy beast resembling Spain's renowned Paul Naschy. In just a couple years hits "The Howling" and "An American Werewolf in London" would forever raise the bar for werewolf movies.
Whilst short/stocky Owensby is serviceable as the protagonist, don't expect the caliber of Oliver Reed in "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961). On the positive side, Kristina Reynolds is stunningly beautiful and a good actress to boot. Too bad Keeter didn't do more with her.
At the end of the day, "Wolfman" fills the bill for if you're in the mood for Hammer-esque full moon horror AS LONG AS you don't mind the limitations of low-budget Indie productions, including parts that drag, like the sequence where the protagonist digs up a grave. Personally, I appreciated the depictions of life in a small Eastern town in the early 1900s with the corresponding mood of Victorian horror.
The film runs 1 hour, 42 minutes, and was shot in Shelby, North Carolina, which is about a half-hour drive west of Charlotte.
GRADE: C.
Welp, It's A Wolfman Movie!
BeRightBack26 April 2020
This film might well have been made by a werewolf movie aficionado with money and a hankering to get into showbiz. It reminds me of a small-town dinner theater effort.
Hey, if you, like me, are a horror fan, and love werewolf movies, check this one out.
Hey, if you, like me, are a horror fan, and love werewolf movies, check this one out.
Just A Little Bit Better Than It's Rating
Rainey-Dawn5 November 2016
The film is just a little bit better than it's rating. The acting is not good - but I have seen much worse. I really believe that everyone did their best for not being big named actors. The story isn't all that bad either... as far as the Wolfman himself goes, he looks quite a bit like Paul Naschy's werewolf. The special effects are pretty good for a B-film of the time era. They also get extra points for creating eerie Gothic imagery. AND I love the fact they took themselves (their roles) and the film itself seriously - this is not a tongue-in-cheek horror. They were creating a werewolf film in the late 70's on a small budget - and I think they did a good job with it.
This is a film you just kick back and enjoy - it's not a "thought provoking" film nor is it an award winning film.. it's just a film that surrounds a family curse of a Wolfman - just have fun watching the movie.
BTW I wish I could find this movie in a film pack: 10, 20, 50 or 100.
6.5/10
This is a film you just kick back and enjoy - it's not a "thought provoking" film nor is it an award winning film.. it's just a film that surrounds a family curse of a Wolfman - just have fun watching the movie.
BTW I wish I could find this movie in a film pack: 10, 20, 50 or 100.
6.5/10
Earl Wolfman Owensby.
HumanoidOfFlesh27 March 2011
After the death of his Father Colin Glasgow(Earl Owensby)finds out that his father and grandfather were cursed and that they were werewolves. And now Colin discovers that he also has the curse and he is a werewolf too and he must stop a Satanic Reverend who put the curse on him and his family."Wolfman" by Worth Keeter is a pretty abysmal horror flick.The action is slow and there is very little violence and absolutely no nudity.The script is strikingly generic and the appearances of titular werewolf as well as werewolf attacks are rare.Still the film has plenty of likable southern charm and a bit of Gothic mood.A generous 6 out of 10.
scary bad horrible
itsruss30 June 2003
if you rent this movie, do it solely for a laugh, as it is one of theeee worst flicks i have ever seen. the acting is way below sub par. look for a story set in the civil war era, where you use a kerosine lamp at night but when colin goes into the toolshed, he turns on a lightbulb!!!! also look for the main actors to be dressed in period attire except the village mob who are all dressed in somewhat current fashions. (did they really have nylon windbreakers during the civil war??) smoking monkeys could have done a better job.....and what's with the doctor with his borscht belt accent????
Forgotten Memory
usiii4 September 2003
I can just barely remember being taken to this movie as a 5 year old child in '79. My parents were going out on the town and were leaving me with an Aunt (who enjoyed horror movies evidently). She took me and my older cousin to see this movie and exposed me to my first taste of horror cinema. I haven't seen this movie since that night (I'm now 29) but since it has now come to DVD, I might have to check it out, just for kicks. Even though the reviews of this movie are awful, it truly scared the hell out of a five year old kid back in '79.
"Bring Us A Pot Roast!"...
azathothpwiggins3 November 2019
In WOLFMAN, Colin Glasgow (Earl Owensby) arrives at his recently-deceased uncle's estate, unaware that his uncle has actually been murdered. Colin is met by his oddly creepy relatives, who have nefarious intentions for him.
Set in some strange universe where a mixture of accents, including Colin's southern drawl and others from Yonkers? Bangor? Romania??, make it impossible to pinpoint just where in the hell this is taking place.
Colin finds himself up against the forces of eeevil, as well as his own dark, furry destiny. Led by the world's most bombastic preacher (Ed Grady), the Satanic group unveil their plot. Eventual lycanthropy ensues. This isn't difficult to believe, due to Mr. Owensby's wealth of back and chest hair, making him appear to be a human head atop a mountain of steel wool.
In addition to the aforementioned dialect mystery, we can never be certain just when or where this is occurring, since the wardrobe and interiors hint at some anomaly where time and space overlap in some enormous thrift store. A prime example of this comes when Colin enters the tool shed, carrying a lantern, then turns on the electric light! All this, while Owensby's character opines on, sounding like Elvis Presley in need of a sandwich.
The host of other players were most likely recruited from passersby on the street. Just wait until the sheriff (Brownlee Davis) enters the picture! He's got the badge, the gun, and only needs a banjo! Even hardened schlock enthusiasts will squirm during the torturous 102 minute length of this "film". Being drubbed by rubber mallets comes close to recreating this viewing experience.
P. S.- It's encouraging to see that someone purchased one of those Wolfman masks from the back pages of popular horror magazines of the period...
Set in some strange universe where a mixture of accents, including Colin's southern drawl and others from Yonkers? Bangor? Romania??, make it impossible to pinpoint just where in the hell this is taking place.
Colin finds himself up against the forces of eeevil, as well as his own dark, furry destiny. Led by the world's most bombastic preacher (Ed Grady), the Satanic group unveil their plot. Eventual lycanthropy ensues. This isn't difficult to believe, due to Mr. Owensby's wealth of back and chest hair, making him appear to be a human head atop a mountain of steel wool.
In addition to the aforementioned dialect mystery, we can never be certain just when or where this is occurring, since the wardrobe and interiors hint at some anomaly where time and space overlap in some enormous thrift store. A prime example of this comes when Colin enters the tool shed, carrying a lantern, then turns on the electric light! All this, while Owensby's character opines on, sounding like Elvis Presley in need of a sandwich.
The host of other players were most likely recruited from passersby on the street. Just wait until the sheriff (Brownlee Davis) enters the picture! He's got the badge, the gun, and only needs a banjo! Even hardened schlock enthusiasts will squirm during the torturous 102 minute length of this "film". Being drubbed by rubber mallets comes close to recreating this viewing experience.
P. S.- It's encouraging to see that someone purchased one of those Wolfman masks from the back pages of popular horror magazines of the period...
unbelievable
randallrune7 February 2004
This has got to be the worst movie that i have ever seen in my life! the cheapness of the set is only outweighed by horrible acting. I normally like even the worst z movie, but this gave new meaning to low budget production. The special effects could have been better. The scenes where the wolf man transformation happens makes the special effects of Plan Nine From Outer Space look like the Matrix Reloaded. I am unaware if there exist a movie more cheaply made than this,I could only make it halfway through the whole thing and was awakened by my cat biting my toes! the Brentwood 10 for horror set over all is a good deal, but movies like WOLFMAN and MEMORIAL VALLEY MASSACRE should have never been filmed period.
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