I watched this episode a few days ago during the 4th of July Marathon and I was intrigued with how much they packed in such a short episode of 25 minutes. Carradine acted with such greatness that his few minutes on screen made the whole tale believable. I liked the way the lead actor HM Wynant did his best Charleston Heston impersonation to play against Carradine's reprisal of Aaron in the 1956 epic The Ten Commandments.The casting was brilliant and the directing was also well executed. The writer wanted a cross to be the item which kept the mysterious prisoner in his cell but was changed to the Staff Of Truth for a wider appeal. The religious aspects of the story is acceptable because the scariness of the concept. "U don't believe Him Do U?" was the best line in this tale and was also the turning point. I ending seemed a bit rushed but effective. I loved every episode of the original Twilight Zone series but this is one of the ones that stood out from the rest.
41 Reviews
"Honest men make unconvincing liars..."
Anonymous_Maxine28 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A man gets caught in a rain storm while on a "walking trip" in Europe, and he knocks on the first door he comes across, looking for food and shelter but finds instead, as Serling love to say, the outer edges of the twilight zone. It's interesting that the man isn't perturbed at all by the fact that the people in the house he comes to are all dressed in what can only be called biblical garb, with staffs and long robes. Maybe he was distracted by the even stranger way that they refused him and meant to send him back out into the rainy night. Not the kind of thing you would expect from a religious group.
This is the most overtly religious episode of the twilight zone that I've seen, but it never becomes preachy or anything like that, which is good. It seems that these people have captured the devil and have him imprisoned in a room in that house, rendering him powerless to harm people, little more than a howling man.
I was reminded of the old phrase 'the greatest thing the devil ever did was convincing the world he didn't exist' (which, no offense to anyone of any belief, always strikes me as a little bit of religious propaganda), because that's what the howling man does in the episode. The wanderer hears the man and sneaks back to his cell, and the howling man begs for his help in escaping from these lunatics who are imprisoning him.
Probably the best thing that the episode does is present an idea of what would really happen were Satan (or Jesus) to actually appear on earth. Naturally, it's the people with the robes and staffs that seem crazy, and the poor guy suffering in the cell seems like the victim. I have always had a sneaking suspicion that if rapture did occur, Jesus may very well find himself throw into an asylum of some sort.
The question that may arise from this is What asylum could possibly hold him? But I asked the same question about the devil in this episode, and one other IMDb user mentioned that he is locked in the room using a staff of light and truth, which is the perfect explanation. Once again, the episode scores big.
Of course, the devil is very convincing, and manages to escape and then, in the show's most impressive sequence, gradually transforms back into the healthy devil himself, much to the dismay of the unassuming man who just set him free. Thereafter, he makes it his life's work to capture the devil and put him back in prison where he belongs.
Cut back to the beginning of the episode (the whole show is told as a flashback), and you have the only big problem with it. Admittedly, it's not a huge problem, because it happens right at the very end of the episode, but he commits the same enormous mistake that the first captors did in their lax security measures.
I would think that if you had Satan locked up in a room in your house, you might want to arrange his captivity in such a way so that a wanderer off the street couldn't just sneak in and have a conversation with him. Similarly, if you find yourself with Satan in captivity, especially after having set him free once already, you may not want to leave the responsibility for his captivity in the hands of your house maid. Oops.
Nevertheless, this is still one of the most well-developed and interesting episodes of the twilight zone that I've seen, and is a great example of how good the show can be.
This is the most overtly religious episode of the twilight zone that I've seen, but it never becomes preachy or anything like that, which is good. It seems that these people have captured the devil and have him imprisoned in a room in that house, rendering him powerless to harm people, little more than a howling man.
I was reminded of the old phrase 'the greatest thing the devil ever did was convincing the world he didn't exist' (which, no offense to anyone of any belief, always strikes me as a little bit of religious propaganda), because that's what the howling man does in the episode. The wanderer hears the man and sneaks back to his cell, and the howling man begs for his help in escaping from these lunatics who are imprisoning him.
Probably the best thing that the episode does is present an idea of what would really happen were Satan (or Jesus) to actually appear on earth. Naturally, it's the people with the robes and staffs that seem crazy, and the poor guy suffering in the cell seems like the victim. I have always had a sneaking suspicion that if rapture did occur, Jesus may very well find himself throw into an asylum of some sort.
The question that may arise from this is What asylum could possibly hold him? But I asked the same question about the devil in this episode, and one other IMDb user mentioned that he is locked in the room using a staff of light and truth, which is the perfect explanation. Once again, the episode scores big.
Of course, the devil is very convincing, and manages to escape and then, in the show's most impressive sequence, gradually transforms back into the healthy devil himself, much to the dismay of the unassuming man who just set him free. Thereafter, he makes it his life's work to capture the devil and put him back in prison where he belongs.
Cut back to the beginning of the episode (the whole show is told as a flashback), and you have the only big problem with it. Admittedly, it's not a huge problem, because it happens right at the very end of the episode, but he commits the same enormous mistake that the first captors did in their lax security measures.
I would think that if you had Satan locked up in a room in your house, you might want to arrange his captivity in such a way so that a wanderer off the street couldn't just sneak in and have a conversation with him. Similarly, if you find yourself with Satan in captivity, especially after having set him free once already, you may not want to leave the responsibility for his captivity in the hands of your house maid. Oops.
Nevertheless, this is still one of the most well-developed and interesting episodes of the twilight zone that I've seen, and is a great example of how good the show can be.
Pandora opens the box and unleashes evil upon the world
The_Void6 March 2006
The Howling Man may not be the most exciting episode of The Twilight Zone - but it's certainly a very inventive little tale, and nods towards the classic story of Pandora's Box are well implemented. The plot follows a man who comes across an ancient mansion during a storm. He asks for shelter, but ends up collapsing upon his exit from the house. It isn't long before he comes upon an old stable...with a man whom he is told is the devil himself inside. The mansion itself is very eerie, and although we don't get to see much of it (budget constraints), the atmosphere is still well implemented. Obviously, this is only a 25 minute TV episode, so you can't go in expecting the kind of plot and character development seen in feature films; but even in that small running time, this episode gets a lot across. The story itself is the main strength of this piece, as it's very clever and imaginatively brought to the screen. This episode features the acting talents of classic horror star John Carradine, who stands out amongst a small unknown cast in the central, most memorable role.
Eerie and absorbing tale told on a dark and stormy night
mlraymond3 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
When I first saw this episode, I actually believed that it was two different actors playing Ellington as his older and younger selves. The makeup and the performance by the older Ellington are so convincing, that I thought it must have been an older actor playing the role. H.M. Wynant is superb in this episode.
The thunderstorm, the decrepit old castle, the mysterious monks, the tilted camera angles, the ambiguous behavior of both Brother Jerome and The Howling Man are all beautifully crafted. SPOILERS AHEAD: Watch closely the details of the scene that follows Ellington leaving Brother Jerome's study. Look at the intense way Ellington stares at the man in the cell, as the prisoner says softly, " He lied to you, didn't he? What did he say?" Ellington, unable to take his eyes off the prisoner, responds slowly, hesitantly, " He said you were the Devil." The prisoner shakes his head and laughs ruefully, then looks with wide eyed innocence at Ellington and asks, in a hurt, child like manner, " You didn't believe him, did you?" Ellington stares and there is a pause before he finally say, " No, of course not." As insane as Brother Jerome's revelation about the prisoner is, Ellington still can't help but wonder.
John Carradine is marvelous as Brother Jerome, and the verbal duel between him and Ellington is a witty and thoughtful exchange. The whole episode is so well written, acted and photographed, that it has a strange sort of believability, even though it's more fantastic than most Twilight Zone stories.
The thunderstorm, the decrepit old castle, the mysterious monks, the tilted camera angles, the ambiguous behavior of both Brother Jerome and The Howling Man are all beautifully crafted. SPOILERS AHEAD: Watch closely the details of the scene that follows Ellington leaving Brother Jerome's study. Look at the intense way Ellington stares at the man in the cell, as the prisoner says softly, " He lied to you, didn't he? What did he say?" Ellington, unable to take his eyes off the prisoner, responds slowly, hesitantly, " He said you were the Devil." The prisoner shakes his head and laughs ruefully, then looks with wide eyed innocence at Ellington and asks, in a hurt, child like manner, " You didn't believe him, did you?" Ellington stares and there is a pause before he finally say, " No, of course not." As insane as Brother Jerome's revelation about the prisoner is, Ellington still can't help but wonder.
John Carradine is marvelous as Brother Jerome, and the verbal duel between him and Ellington is a witty and thoughtful exchange. The whole episode is so well written, acted and photographed, that it has a strange sort of believability, even though it's more fantastic than most Twilight Zone stories.
"I saw him and didn't recognize him"
nvasapper21 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes. It is superb from start to finish. With a thought-provoking storyline, believable performances, a creepy set and a haunting score, this stands out as one of the best in the series. It is told in flashback, with the opening scene and the end sequence bracketing the episode in bookend fashion.
After the end of the First World War, a man named David Ellington(H.M.WYNANT) gets lost in a storm one night while on a walking trip through Central Europe. He happens upon an old monastery and requests food and shelter for the night. He is rebuffed by Brother Jerome(JOHN CARRADINE), the authoritarian patriarch of the religious order which occupies the premises. Physically ill, Ellington is about to be turned back out into the cold, rainy night when he collapses on the floor from exhaustion.
When he revives, he hears an unearthly sound which reverberates through the building. It's a mournful howling and he traces it to a makeshift cell containing a dirty, unkempt man in raggedy clothes. Ellington doesn't know what to make of this, especially when the man tells him how he wound up in the cell and asks his help in setting him free. Brother Jerome then appears and orders Ellington into his quarters. This sets up an interesting exchange between the two men, with Ellington making too many inquiries about the man in the cell and Jerome very anxious to get rid of this unwanted guest. Jerome feigns ignorance and keeps denying that a man is being held captive against his will. He tells him that no man has ever been imprisoned at the Hermitage. Ellington is incredulous at being told this, since he just saw the man with his own eyes and had a conversation with him. Apart from the fact that Jerome and the others saw him as well. Ellington threatens to go to the police and Jerome, realizing that he has a big problem on his hands, decides to reveal the uncomfortable truth to Ellington. He tells him that what he saw was not a man, but the Devil himself.
Ellington considers himself a modern, scholarly, 20th century man- too intelligent to give credence to a belief he considers little more than a medieval fairy tale. As Jerome continues to try and persuade him otherwise, Ellington becomes more convinced that the bearded Old Testament-like figure standing before him with the heavy wooden staff and the booming voice is a lunatic. And in the way he comes across, Jerome doesn't do much to disabuse him of that notion. Ellington says "But if he's the Devil, how do you keep him locked up?" Jerome holds his staff out in both hands and replies "With the Staff of Truth. The one barrier he cannot pass." Ellington decides to play along and tells Jerome that, although skeptical at first, he, Jerome, has managed to convince him otherwise. Ellington promises to keep their secret safe. Jerome accepts this and tells him he can leave in the morning. Ellington then heads over to the man in the cell and with a smile on his face tells him that Jerome says he's the Devil. The prisoner says "You don't believe him, do you?" and Ellington replies "No, of course not." But there's just the slightest appearance of doubt, both in his voice and on his face. He doesn't want to admit the possibility, but it's starting to nag at him. He stares intently at the prisoner, as if he's looking for something. A telltale sign, perhaps.
Later, Ellington steals a key from the sleeping Brother Christoforous, who was assigned to guard him, and locks him in the room they were in. He makes his way to the cell and the man tells him to lift off the wooden bolt that secures the door. Ellington sees that it's easily within his reach through the barred opening and asks why he hasn't done it himself. The man tells him there's no time for explanations and they'll both be killed if Jerome finds them together. Ellington starts to remove the bolt and then hesitates, letting it drop back in place. Christoforous awakens and yells at Ellington to stop. Ellington removes the bolt and the door swings open. He hands the man a cloak to protect him from the rain and then turns away. As the man exits the cell, he has a look of smug satisfaction on his face. He paralyzes Ellington, and changes into his true form before disappearing. Jerome approaches Ellington and tells him "I am sorry for you, my son. All your life you will remember this night. And you'll know, Mr. Ellington, whom you have turned loose upon the world." Ellington replies "I didn't believe you. I saw him and didn't recognize him." Jerome intones "That is Man's weakness and Satan's strength."
The last scene brings the episode full circle and again highlights our human frailty and vulnerability to the sorrowful-sounding entreaties of Evil. A masterful production. 10 out of 10.
After the end of the First World War, a man named David Ellington(H.M.WYNANT) gets lost in a storm one night while on a walking trip through Central Europe. He happens upon an old monastery and requests food and shelter for the night. He is rebuffed by Brother Jerome(JOHN CARRADINE), the authoritarian patriarch of the religious order which occupies the premises. Physically ill, Ellington is about to be turned back out into the cold, rainy night when he collapses on the floor from exhaustion.
When he revives, he hears an unearthly sound which reverberates through the building. It's a mournful howling and he traces it to a makeshift cell containing a dirty, unkempt man in raggedy clothes. Ellington doesn't know what to make of this, especially when the man tells him how he wound up in the cell and asks his help in setting him free. Brother Jerome then appears and orders Ellington into his quarters. This sets up an interesting exchange between the two men, with Ellington making too many inquiries about the man in the cell and Jerome very anxious to get rid of this unwanted guest. Jerome feigns ignorance and keeps denying that a man is being held captive against his will. He tells him that no man has ever been imprisoned at the Hermitage. Ellington is incredulous at being told this, since he just saw the man with his own eyes and had a conversation with him. Apart from the fact that Jerome and the others saw him as well. Ellington threatens to go to the police and Jerome, realizing that he has a big problem on his hands, decides to reveal the uncomfortable truth to Ellington. He tells him that what he saw was not a man, but the Devil himself.
Ellington considers himself a modern, scholarly, 20th century man- too intelligent to give credence to a belief he considers little more than a medieval fairy tale. As Jerome continues to try and persuade him otherwise, Ellington becomes more convinced that the bearded Old Testament-like figure standing before him with the heavy wooden staff and the booming voice is a lunatic. And in the way he comes across, Jerome doesn't do much to disabuse him of that notion. Ellington says "But if he's the Devil, how do you keep him locked up?" Jerome holds his staff out in both hands and replies "With the Staff of Truth. The one barrier he cannot pass." Ellington decides to play along and tells Jerome that, although skeptical at first, he, Jerome, has managed to convince him otherwise. Ellington promises to keep their secret safe. Jerome accepts this and tells him he can leave in the morning. Ellington then heads over to the man in the cell and with a smile on his face tells him that Jerome says he's the Devil. The prisoner says "You don't believe him, do you?" and Ellington replies "No, of course not." But there's just the slightest appearance of doubt, both in his voice and on his face. He doesn't want to admit the possibility, but it's starting to nag at him. He stares intently at the prisoner, as if he's looking for something. A telltale sign, perhaps.
Later, Ellington steals a key from the sleeping Brother Christoforous, who was assigned to guard him, and locks him in the room they were in. He makes his way to the cell and the man tells him to lift off the wooden bolt that secures the door. Ellington sees that it's easily within his reach through the barred opening and asks why he hasn't done it himself. The man tells him there's no time for explanations and they'll both be killed if Jerome finds them together. Ellington starts to remove the bolt and then hesitates, letting it drop back in place. Christoforous awakens and yells at Ellington to stop. Ellington removes the bolt and the door swings open. He hands the man a cloak to protect him from the rain and then turns away. As the man exits the cell, he has a look of smug satisfaction on his face. He paralyzes Ellington, and changes into his true form before disappearing. Jerome approaches Ellington and tells him "I am sorry for you, my son. All your life you will remember this night. And you'll know, Mr. Ellington, whom you have turned loose upon the world." Ellington replies "I didn't believe you. I saw him and didn't recognize him." Jerome intones "That is Man's weakness and Satan's strength."
The last scene brings the episode full circle and again highlights our human frailty and vulnerability to the sorrowful-sounding entreaties of Evil. A masterful production. 10 out of 10.
Excellent Version of a Classic Story
Hitchcoc11 November 2008
This is a simple story that probably has its roots in Melmoth the Wanderer and The Monk. A man finds himself on a snowy night at some kind of monastery (hermitage). He meets a group of staff carrying bearded men. The man is not welcomed by his hosts and is about to be turned out into the cold. He passes out on his way out the door. They tend to him and when he awakens, the begins to search the building. He runs across a man in a cell who asks for help. That is what sets up the story. This is a story about trust and about evil. It is carried out very well. While the men who live in the hermitage may seem threatening, their role in life is greater than any one of them. I have always had a great interest in the idea of how literature portrays the idea of evil as an entity, as a Satan, as a corporal being. I found this a very satisfying portrayal of the mythos.
Twilight Zone goes Gothic Horror
Coventry29 August 2017
An unusual but truly terrific "Twilight Zone" episode, dealing with aspects that are more into the domain of horror rather than sci-fi and/or fantasy. Written by the exquisite genius and master of the genre, Charles Beaumont, "The Howling Man" is like a miniature nightmare, with thunderstorms, spooky old monasteries, creepy bearded men and – most of all – the Devil himself! American traveler David Ellington seeks shelter in in monastery during a nightly thunderstorm but finds that the monks, especially Father Jerome, are quite inhospitable. He hears terrifying howling sounds from somewhere within the old building and discovers there's a man locked away in the cellars. Convinced that the monks are a bunch of madmen, he releases the man, but maybe Ellington should have taken Father Jerome's fantastic stories and warnings more seriously. This episode is a must see in case you are, like me, a fan of eerie Gothic horror that takes place in ominous castles and bathe in uncanny atmospheres. With a glorious role for John Carradine as Father Jerome, and a brief but unforgettably grim guest appearance by Lucifer, "The Howling Man" is an absolute highlight in Rod Serling's brilliant cult TV-series.
Spooky but Fantastic Episode
mustang3722128 February 2006
This is one of my favorite TZ episodes.
The Howling Man is a prisoner kept locked up in a cell of a German castle. He has been imprisoned there by a weird, seemingly crazy sect of friars that maintain the castle. David Ellington is on a walking tour at the end of WWII, caught in the rain and very sick. He stumbles upon this castle and asks for some food and shelter. At first this religious order strangely refuses to help him, but eventually they relent and let him in.
Shortly after is when the howling begins.
Robin Hughes plays the prisoner and looks like a living allegory right out of Milton. John Carradine is excellent as the crazy Brother Jerome.
This is a haunting episode that stays with you.....
The Howling Man is a prisoner kept locked up in a cell of a German castle. He has been imprisoned there by a weird, seemingly crazy sect of friars that maintain the castle. David Ellington is on a walking tour at the end of WWII, caught in the rain and very sick. He stumbles upon this castle and asks for some food and shelter. At first this religious order strangely refuses to help him, but eventually they relent and let him in.
Shortly after is when the howling begins.
Robin Hughes plays the prisoner and looks like a living allegory right out of Milton. John Carradine is excellent as the crazy Brother Jerome.
This is a haunting episode that stays with you.....
Who is the great deceiver?
mark.waltz19 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When an ailing H.M. Wynant comes across a mysterious castle, he faces what looks like Moses and his brother Aaron, as well as a mysterious figure held behind bars. John Carradine, who played Aaron in "The Ten Commandments", gets to wear a very similar costume, complete with staff. Along with Friedrich von Ledebur (in similar attire), Carradine lies to Wynant about there actually being a man held prisoner. Or is he lying? Carradine claims is that the man locked up is no man, but since he is howling, it is anybody's guess as to what the truth is. Robin Hughes, as the seemingly victimized prisoner, tries to plead his case, and just as you've begun to figure out who is actually what, the script twisted around and you get to see the shocking truth.
There's a great tag line spoken by Rod Serling in this episode that will keep you gripped. Carradine, as always, is commanding to watch and even when campy, you can't deny his sincerity. It is a spooky episode in many ways and horrific, but for different reasons than you might think. It is a predecessor to later horror films with a supernatural theme, and filled with excellent effects, photography and editing. It is also obvious that the episode is trying to state how foolish mankind can be when confronted by something so hideous, they can't even see it let alone believe it. That makes this episode a must, one that left me holding in laughter and a bit wiser as to how to deal with the great deceiver.
There's a great tag line spoken by Rod Serling in this episode that will keep you gripped. Carradine, as always, is commanding to watch and even when campy, you can't deny his sincerity. It is a spooky episode in many ways and horrific, but for different reasons than you might think. It is a predecessor to later horror films with a supernatural theme, and filled with excellent effects, photography and editing. It is also obvious that the episode is trying to state how foolish mankind can be when confronted by something so hideous, they can't even see it let alone believe it. That makes this episode a must, one that left me holding in laughter and a bit wiser as to how to deal with the great deceiver.
The Greatest Trick the Devil Ever Pulled Was Convincing the World He Didn't Exist
Samuel-Shovel28 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When a sick man seeks refuge from a storm in an isolated monastery, he quickly learns of a man imprisoned within its confined. The monks claim he's the devil. The prisoner claims the monks are insane. Who does one trust?
This is a great episode from Season 2. They are able to compact a dense story into a 20 minute time segment and they do it beautifully. There's no wasted scenes, no unnecessary shots.
The beginning of the episode really sets the tone: the dark night, the storm, the close-up on the crazed man, the flashback. It seems to the viewer that we're getting prepared to hear some kind of ghost story around the campfire from our narrator. This only enhances the story as it leaves the viewer unsure of whether or not this man truly is the devil or whether we're just hearing a spooky horror story from a crazed man.
The acting in this episode is solid. John Carradine really steals the scene anytime he's in it. Even with his long monologue, I was glued to my seat, catching every word.
At the end of the episode, the viewer is left to ponder why we as humans are led to do evil things. Are we too curious? Too strong- headed? Perhaps it's our nature. Why do we continue to release the devil even after we're specifically told not to? Maybe it's curiosity, or maybe, deep down, we want him running wild over the earth.
This is a great episode from Season 2. They are able to compact a dense story into a 20 minute time segment and they do it beautifully. There's no wasted scenes, no unnecessary shots.
The beginning of the episode really sets the tone: the dark night, the storm, the close-up on the crazed man, the flashback. It seems to the viewer that we're getting prepared to hear some kind of ghost story around the campfire from our narrator. This only enhances the story as it leaves the viewer unsure of whether or not this man truly is the devil or whether we're just hearing a spooky horror story from a crazed man.
The acting in this episode is solid. John Carradine really steals the scene anytime he's in it. Even with his long monologue, I was glued to my seat, catching every word.
At the end of the episode, the viewer is left to ponder why we as humans are led to do evil things. Are we too curious? Too strong- headed? Perhaps it's our nature. Why do we continue to release the devil even after we're specifically told not to? Maybe it's curiosity, or maybe, deep down, we want him running wild over the earth.
Awoo
Calicodreamin3 June 2021
You Can Catch the Devil, but You Can't Hold Him Long
claudio_carvalho23 April 2018
After the World War I, the traveler David Ellington becomes lost and seeks shelter in a convent during a storm. Brother Christophorus asks Ellington to leave but he faints. When he awakes, he hears a howl and snoops around. He finds a man locked in a cell that claims that the brotherhood is composed by lunatics and asks Ellington to release him. However Ellington is taker to the leader Brother Jerome that explains that the prisoner is not a man, but the devil. Ellington does not believe and releases the prisoner, learning who he is.
"The Howling Man" is a great episode of "The Twilight Zone" with a mystery situation. David Ellington opened the Pandora Box and has learnt in the most difficult way that you can catch the devil, but you can't hold him long. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "O Homem Uivante" ("The Howling Man")
"The Howling Man" is a great episode of "The Twilight Zone" with a mystery situation. David Ellington opened the Pandora Box and has learnt in the most difficult way that you can catch the devil, but you can't hold him long. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "O Homem Uivante" ("The Howling Man")
"The Howling Man".....he isn't a werewolf
chuck-reilly25 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
In this creepy episode, a fatigued and totally lost traveler (H.M Wynant)stumbles into a dark and foreboding monastery inhabited by a strange obscure order of monks. It's noted that he's somewhere in Western Europe and World War I is taking place. After making him feel more than unwelcome, the monks finally let him stay for a night so he can gather his strength. The head of this order, Brother Jerome, played by John Carradine, is adamant about ridding himself of his unwanted guest as soon as possible. It's easier said than done, however, as Wynant keeps hearing what sounds like a caged animal howling desperately in the cellar of the monastery. Naturally, Wynant begins to ask questions about it all and starts to do his own investigating. Eventually he discovers that the monks have locked up some poor fellow in a makeshift jail cell; for what true purpose they're holding him is the crux of the matter.
"The Howling Man" borrows its main theme from the ancient myth of "Pandora's Box" and to great effect. Wynant is excellent as the bewildered traveler whose inquisitive nature gets the better of him. Carradine can't help but ham it up a bit as the self-righteous and world-weary Brother Jerome. As they say, the "devil" is all in the details here.
"The Howling Man" borrows its main theme from the ancient myth of "Pandora's Box" and to great effect. Wynant is excellent as the bewildered traveler whose inquisitive nature gets the better of him. Carradine can't help but ham it up a bit as the self-righteous and world-weary Brother Jerome. As they say, the "devil" is all in the details here.
Put Away That Key
dougdoepke23 June 2006
Atmospheric entry, helped along by spooky sets, excellent cast (except for woman in final scene who is much too obvious), and especially by director Heyes' effective use of off-angle camera shots. These convey sense of unnatural happenings in a world temporarily off-balance which heightens the show's theme. Then too, there's the 'coming out' march through the castle's hallway that is very well done by special effects, and unusual for TV fare of that day. I especially like the tall, fearsome-looking Frederic Ledebur, who lends the right physical presence to this unconventional monastery. And, for once, John Carradine's natural propensity to 'ham it up' is also used to good effect. However, the script's theology seems a little shaky. Humans would appear to be responsible for our many wars, not Satan, and therefore wars should not be lumped into the same logical category as natural disasters. But then, this is a mere quibble with an episode that's in many ways, among the series' most memorable.
Catch But Not Keep
AaronCapenBanner26 October 2014
H.M. Wynant plays David Ellington, who recounts to the viewer his walking trip in Europe after the end of World War I, where he became lost and desperate, finding refuge in a monastery during a dark and stormy evening run by Brother Jerome(played by horror film veteran John Carradine) who tells him to ignore the incessant howling of an imprisoned man(played by Robin Hughes) whom he insists is really the recently captured Devil, who he wants to keep locked up indefinitely, though the Devil has many tricks to play, and proves the old adage about being able to catch him, but not keep him, something Ellington will learn all too well... Fun episode is quite atmospheric and well acted, with effective direction marking the striking on-screen transformation that viewer witnesses.
A spooky and splendid tale
Woodyanders1 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Traveler David Ellington (a fine and convincing performance by H.M. Wynant) seeks refuge from a fierce storm at a remote abbey run by an odd group of monks. Head monk Brother Theodore (an excellent and incendiary portrayal by horror stalwart John Carradine) informs Ellington that the mysterious man (well played by Robin Hughes) imprisoned in the abbey is none other than the devil himself.
Director Douglas Hayes ably crafts an intense brooding gloom-doom atmosphere along with a strong and unsettling mood of pure dread. Charles Beaumont's smart and literate script addresses interesting and provocative issues pertaining to faith and doubt. The sharp and agile cinematography by George T. Clemens makes creative use of tilted camera angles. The reveal of Satan's true visage at the end is expertly done. One of this show's single most eerie half hours.
Director Douglas Hayes ably crafts an intense brooding gloom-doom atmosphere along with a strong and unsettling mood of pure dread. Charles Beaumont's smart and literate script addresses interesting and provocative issues pertaining to faith and doubt. The sharp and agile cinematography by George T. Clemens makes creative use of tilted camera angles. The reveal of Satan's true visage at the end is expertly done. One of this show's single most eerie half hours.
A moral about human's weakness
TermlnatriX13 July 2010
This was an episode I saw on TV a few years ago and the one that I remembered the most due to the very memorable ending. As I started watching The Twilight Zone from the first season just about a month ago, I kept wondering which one of the next episodes I'm going to watch is going to be "The Howling Man" as I did not know the title of it when I first saw it. Well I just finished watching it in its' entirety and was compelled to write at least some of my impressions while they remain fresh.
This is without a doubt one of the best of the Twilight Zone. I can say this without having seen them all, although I will eventually as I am on my quest. However, it does not take one to see the entire series run to see which episode reeks of quality. It has just about everything that made classic black and white horror/science fiction cinema great.
The music, the classic cinematography, mystery, all enveloped in trademark horror atmosphere.
One of the best things I've always loved about The Twilight Zone, and in fact what piqued my interested in the series; is that they always have something to say about society, or man in general. This episode touches upon a few various character traits, but the most obvious one is left for the finale. One which I will not reveal for the sake of not spoiling the experience.
A memorable entry, one that I'm sure will be appreciated by newer viewers.
This is without a doubt one of the best of the Twilight Zone. I can say this without having seen them all, although I will eventually as I am on my quest. However, it does not take one to see the entire series run to see which episode reeks of quality. It has just about everything that made classic black and white horror/science fiction cinema great.
The music, the classic cinematography, mystery, all enveloped in trademark horror atmosphere.
One of the best things I've always loved about The Twilight Zone, and in fact what piqued my interested in the series; is that they always have something to say about society, or man in general. This episode touches upon a few various character traits, but the most obvious one is left for the finale. One which I will not reveal for the sake of not spoiling the experience.
A memorable entry, one that I'm sure will be appreciated by newer viewers.
"He makes his madness seem a harmless thing..."
classicsoncall7 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those Twilight Zone episodes I first saw as an adult well after it first aired back in the Sixties. It's probably a good thing I didn't catch it when I was nine years old, because the Howling Man's transformation into his alter-ego at the end of the story looks pretty chilling (and real) even to this day. "The House on Haunted Hill" spooked me for quite a spell back in those days, so it's better I grew up some before seeing this one for the first time.
It's probably best not to dig too deep into the details of the story though, as this devil found himself imprisoned not once but twice by what would be considered a far less skillful adversary. Especially the second time around, notice no explanation was offered on how David Ellington (H.M. Wynant) did it. But it's not that important, as the story conveys how Satan's influence in the world goes beyond good and evil. The master of deceit will take credit for war, pestilence, poverty and a whole host of ills that have plagued man throughout the ages.
By the time you make it to the end of the episode however, you'll wind up yelling at Ellington through the TV screen for being such a dope about leaving the housekeeper alone with Beelzebub. I mean really, what chance was she going to have? More simplistic than ironic for a Twilight Zone finale, and made way too easy for the Great Deceiver.
It's probably best not to dig too deep into the details of the story though, as this devil found himself imprisoned not once but twice by what would be considered a far less skillful adversary. Especially the second time around, notice no explanation was offered on how David Ellington (H.M. Wynant) did it. But it's not that important, as the story conveys how Satan's influence in the world goes beyond good and evil. The master of deceit will take credit for war, pestilence, poverty and a whole host of ills that have plagued man throughout the ages.
By the time you make it to the end of the episode however, you'll wind up yelling at Ellington through the TV screen for being such a dope about leaving the housekeeper alone with Beelzebub. I mean really, what chance was she going to have? More simplistic than ironic for a Twilight Zone finale, and made way too easy for the Great Deceiver.
John Carradine speaks of the devil, the father of all lies
kevinolzak23 July 2020
From Nov. 4, 1960, "The Howling Man" is justifiably acclaimed as one of the best remembered episodes, a succinct Charles Beaumont story with genuine weight and force depicted on disorienting sets with a small collection of actors. H.M. Wynant as David Ellington kicks off his fantastic tale, having spent the better part of 35 years paying penance for a discretion on which he blames himself but that perhaps no human being could resist. A walking tour across central Europe a few years following the Great War is interrupted by a violent thunderstorm, Ellington at the doorstep of a rundown hermitage where a curious sect of zealots reside, unwilling to provide shelter and insistent that he leave at once. Physically incapable of compliance, the incoherent traveler collapses before awakening to hear the awful sound of an eerie howl emanating from a prison cell, all too curious to discover its source. Inside is a bearded, lovelorn fanatic (Robin Hughes), imploring the newcomer to help him escape from his captors, whom he claims are not evil, only mad. Ellington is summoned by their leader, Brother Jerome (John Carradine), who denies any knowledge of a man being held against his will at the hermitage. Once pressed he reveals that 'The Howling Man' is no man at all but 'the devil himself!' Instantly both Ellington and the audience are positioned to question Brother Jerome, a biblical figure in suitable robes, long, flowing white beard, and wielding 'the staff of truth' (which Carradine himself had used as Aaron, brother of Moses, in Cecil B. De Mille's "The Ten Commandments"). Surely his unbelievable story can be verified by a statement about the stranger being imprisoned only by a single bar on the door that wouldn't hold back even a madman: "truth is our dogma, we believe it to be Man's greatest weapon against the devil who is the father of all lies." Alas for poor Ellington, it is Satan's ability to 'assume a pleasing shape' that convinces him to yield to the temptation to set free this terrible evil upon the world. John Carradine's larger than life portrayal is superbly done, calm and believably low key at first but eventually giving way to 'The Divine Madness' after his mentor John Barrymore, chewing every inch of scenery in fine fashion and again a compassionate figure once the truth is revealed (he'd be back for the 80s TWILIGHT ZONE in the 17 minute "Still Life," opposite son Robert, plus Rod Serling's NIGHT GALLERY in Richard Matheson's 1971 "Big Surprise"). Movie buffs familiar with Rouben Mamoulian's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and Henry Hull's "WereWolf of London" will appreciate the methods that television used to convey Satan's true identity, perhaps a disappointment to author Beaumont yet deemed necessary by director Douglas Heyes. Robin Hughes previously made a splash in the title role of Universal's "The Thing That Couldn't Die," illuminating eyes wielding hypnotic powers from a disembodied head, his seemingly harmless prisoner only too cleverly portrayed. In a similar vein was 1961's "The Devil's Messenger," Lon Chaney an exuberant Devil quite pleased by how easily man can be swayed: "people ruin their own lives, all we do is help them a bit!"
Haunting....
PaulywoodAZ14 May 2016
What does a dark castle, a stormy night and a howling man all have in common? One of the best that The Twilight Zone has shown the world. David Ellington (H.M. Wynant) stumbles across a castle while looking for shelter from a storm. The brotherhood that inhabits that castle is not pleased about having an uninvited guest and makes it no secret, that they have a secret. Every actor is convincing and dead on to where you can agree with both sides to this story. The climax is wonderful and haunting, and the Gothic theme sets this episode apart from the others. This was honestly an episode that could have been in season 4, when each episode was 45 minutes. Some things are not explained to where I would be content, however, I am still giving this a 10/10 due to everything be done so well. My kids love this. I love this. Enjoy, and keep an ear out for any howling you may encounter in your travels.
Talk of the Devil And His Horns Appear.
rmax3048235 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
One of the more popular episodes, it's an outlandish tale of a young men who stumbles into a remote hermitage, discovers that they have a man locked up who they think is the devil, lets the poor beggarly fellow loose, and watches as he transmogrifies himself into You-Know-Who, then spends the rest of his life hunting him down and imprisoning him again.
The devil is always a tricky figure to deal with. He doesn't have much of a role in the Bible. Milton described Lucifer as extremely beautiful, but otherwise, somewhere along the time line, he began to acquire the characteristics we associate him with today -- the horns, the tail, the beard, his evil nature -- until he finally came to resemble a Boatswain's Mate I once had the misfortune to serve under.
He's also tricky because, as a malignant force, he clashes with our traditional concept of God as all good and all powerful. If that's true, how come God doesn't stomp the Devil like the cockroach he is? Christianity has been wrestling with this conundrum a long time. The answer seems a little weak. The Devil is allowed to exist because he's here to tempt us and test our faith. Some of the early cults, the Manicheans and Zoroastrians more or less said the hell with it and made the two figures equally powerful.
As far as this story is concerned, the concept is kind of interesting -- the Devil holed up in Frankenstein's castle somewhere in Middle Europe. H. M. Wynant, as the protagonist, is as good as most television actors of the period. As the Chief Hermit, the cadaverous John Carradine is deliciously hammy. Robin Hughes is competent as the Howling Man. But the director, Douglas Heyes, almost ruins the story. What was going through his head. Almost every scene is shot at an alarming angle -- not a delicate tilt, and not during scenes intended to be hallucinatory -- but even simple conversations. Sometimes the camera tilts radically from one side to the other.
And Heyes kneecaps the story after Hughes is released from his cell. With an evil grin, he stride off towards the window, passing behind several pillars. Every time he reappears from behind a pillar he's more demonic than before. Well, every viewer over the age of ten, must know that when Hughes paces behind a pillar, the camera is stopped, more make ups are applied, the camera rolls again, and Hughes reappears as if he'd never stopped. And by the end, Hughes wears what appears to be a Hallowe'en costume.
The story was written by Charles Beaumont, who was pretty good before he got sick. Beaumont wanted the transformation to be unseen until the last second, when the hero dashes after the Devil, makes a futile grab for his foot, and the foot is a cloven hoof. Beaumont was right. Too bad Heyes overruled him.
The devil is always a tricky figure to deal with. He doesn't have much of a role in the Bible. Milton described Lucifer as extremely beautiful, but otherwise, somewhere along the time line, he began to acquire the characteristics we associate him with today -- the horns, the tail, the beard, his evil nature -- until he finally came to resemble a Boatswain's Mate I once had the misfortune to serve under.
He's also tricky because, as a malignant force, he clashes with our traditional concept of God as all good and all powerful. If that's true, how come God doesn't stomp the Devil like the cockroach he is? Christianity has been wrestling with this conundrum a long time. The answer seems a little weak. The Devil is allowed to exist because he's here to tempt us and test our faith. Some of the early cults, the Manicheans and Zoroastrians more or less said the hell with it and made the two figures equally powerful.
As far as this story is concerned, the concept is kind of interesting -- the Devil holed up in Frankenstein's castle somewhere in Middle Europe. H. M. Wynant, as the protagonist, is as good as most television actors of the period. As the Chief Hermit, the cadaverous John Carradine is deliciously hammy. Robin Hughes is competent as the Howling Man. But the director, Douglas Heyes, almost ruins the story. What was going through his head. Almost every scene is shot at an alarming angle -- not a delicate tilt, and not during scenes intended to be hallucinatory -- but even simple conversations. Sometimes the camera tilts radically from one side to the other.
And Heyes kneecaps the story after Hughes is released from his cell. With an evil grin, he stride off towards the window, passing behind several pillars. Every time he reappears from behind a pillar he's more demonic than before. Well, every viewer over the age of ten, must know that when Hughes paces behind a pillar, the camera is stopped, more make ups are applied, the camera rolls again, and Hughes reappears as if he'd never stopped. And by the end, Hughes wears what appears to be a Hallowe'en costume.
The story was written by Charles Beaumont, who was pretty good before he got sick. Beaumont wanted the transformation to be unseen until the last second, when the hero dashes after the Devil, makes a futile grab for his foot, and the foot is a cloven hoof. Beaumont was right. Too bad Heyes overruled him.
Down-sized Serving of Celluloid Scripture!
redryan642 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
ONCE AGAIN WE have an example of episodic television giving us an example of what could be considered likely fodder for a feature film. From the very beginning, the viewer is presented with a story; which is clearly just a little more complex than the usual, run of the mill "weekly edition ala the "Webs".(That is, the Networks.)
AS FOR THIS installment, "The Howling Man", we have a storyline which seems to at once be a member of the upper echelon of all TWILIGHT ZONES; while also being an episode born and bred totally outside Mr. Rod Serling's array of various SciFi fields; such as space travel, time warping/time travel and futuristic 'predictions'. He also left out many oft-used comic overtones and did not turn toward any of those scenarios that take place within the confines of the human mind.
INSTEAD, WE SEE is the depiction of the age old struggle between the Forces of Good and those of Evil. In short, it is pure Judeo-Christian teaching, period. In one sense, what we have is a sort of parable; one which would do proud to inclusion in the old "Good Book"!
AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, "The Howling Man" could well have been intended to be a full length, theatrical release, as a feature film. There is much about it that reminds us of one of those true shocker type, 'Horror Movies'; which were such a great contribution of Universal Pictures during the 1930's. We saw a lot of the same elements that made up THE BLACK CAT (Universal, 1934).
WE ALSO MUST sort of reverse, at least partially, what we had gone on record with previously. That would be: we had stated that the half hour Twilight Zone programs were far superior to those latter day hour long installments; which we felt were, in so many cases, padded out to fill an hour's worth of air time.*
THIS IS ONE obvious exception to our theory; for we truly believe that this should have had and, indeed, begged for some more time for proper storytelling.
STILL, THOUGH, THE production team did manage to give us some truly scary moments; particularly in the scene of transformation of the howler from human to demon.
NOTE: * We felt the same way when THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK SHOW was "Biggee Sized".
AS FOR THIS installment, "The Howling Man", we have a storyline which seems to at once be a member of the upper echelon of all TWILIGHT ZONES; while also being an episode born and bred totally outside Mr. Rod Serling's array of various SciFi fields; such as space travel, time warping/time travel and futuristic 'predictions'. He also left out many oft-used comic overtones and did not turn toward any of those scenarios that take place within the confines of the human mind.
INSTEAD, WE SEE is the depiction of the age old struggle between the Forces of Good and those of Evil. In short, it is pure Judeo-Christian teaching, period. In one sense, what we have is a sort of parable; one which would do proud to inclusion in the old "Good Book"!
AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, "The Howling Man" could well have been intended to be a full length, theatrical release, as a feature film. There is much about it that reminds us of one of those true shocker type, 'Horror Movies'; which were such a great contribution of Universal Pictures during the 1930's. We saw a lot of the same elements that made up THE BLACK CAT (Universal, 1934).
WE ALSO MUST sort of reverse, at least partially, what we had gone on record with previously. That would be: we had stated that the half hour Twilight Zone programs were far superior to those latter day hour long installments; which we felt were, in so many cases, padded out to fill an hour's worth of air time.*
THIS IS ONE obvious exception to our theory; for we truly believe that this should have had and, indeed, begged for some more time for proper storytelling.
STILL, THOUGH, THE production team did manage to give us some truly scary moments; particularly in the scene of transformation of the howler from human to demon.
NOTE: * We felt the same way when THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK SHOW was "Biggee Sized".
Cool to watch but dumb if you think too much
planktonrules29 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is told in a flashback. A traveler happens upon a very weird group of old monks who live in the middle of nowhere. In this quiet existence is something that makes no sense--there's a man locked inside a cell who is begging to be let out even though the prisoner himself SHOULD be able to unbolt the door. Yet again and again, he begs the traveler to aid him in escaping--saying that the monks are crazy and have been holding him prisoner against his will!! This is one of the episodes of Twilight Zone that is very high on the "cool factor" but is also kind of dumb if you allow yourself to think too much about the silliness of the plot. It's not just because the theological aspects of the show are very dubious, but because if you think too much your head might just explode!! So my advice is watch it--and see it as more of an allegory and don't worry that it makes no sense. It is still cool and exciting.
DARE YOU OPEN THAT RUSTY DOOR?
tcchelsey22 October 2022
"The Howling Man" holds the distinction of being an episode that could have been made into a horror film, for the atmosphere alone. Credit Charles Beaumont, outstanding tv writer, who specialized in horror films, some with the great Vincent Price. He and Rod Serling definitely graduated from the same school of chills. As you will see.
10 Stars.
For starters, John Carradine, in full makeup with a long, white beard-- and piercing eyes --plays Brother Jerome, an eccentric, ranting monk who runs a remote monastery, high up in the mountains. Enter H. M. Wynant (as David), a lost traveler one stormy night, who has the Twilight Zone-ish fortune to knock on the front door. The eerie catch is that deep inside the monastery there's a howling man (well played by Robin Hughes), considered a lunatic, but may actually be the devil in disguise???
What a hand of cards our guest is dealt as the maniac plays mind games with him, pleading for his freedom... This is actually a neat duel between Carradine and Hughes; they make the most of their roles, if not ham it up, especially Carradine who was into over the top performances. Hughes played a similar role in the classic sci fi film THE THING THAT COULDN'T DIE (Universal 1958) that may have lead to his being cast for this part.
A bullseye, late night must see. SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 remastered dvd box set.
10 Stars.
For starters, John Carradine, in full makeup with a long, white beard-- and piercing eyes --plays Brother Jerome, an eccentric, ranting monk who runs a remote monastery, high up in the mountains. Enter H. M. Wynant (as David), a lost traveler one stormy night, who has the Twilight Zone-ish fortune to knock on the front door. The eerie catch is that deep inside the monastery there's a howling man (well played by Robin Hughes), considered a lunatic, but may actually be the devil in disguise???
What a hand of cards our guest is dealt as the maniac plays mind games with him, pleading for his freedom... This is actually a neat duel between Carradine and Hughes; they make the most of their roles, if not ham it up, especially Carradine who was into over the top performances. Hughes played a similar role in the classic sci fi film THE THING THAT COULDN'T DIE (Universal 1958) that may have lead to his being cast for this part.
A bullseye, late night must see. SEASON 2 EPISODE 5 remastered dvd box set.
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