This month marks the 90th anniversary of one of the most influential, lycanthrope movies ever made: Universal Pictures' Werewolf of London.
Directed by Stuart (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) Walker, scripted by John (Under Capricorn) Colton (from a story by Robert Harris) and produced by the prolific Stanley Bergerman, Werewolf of London stars Henry Hull as its titular fiend, botanist Dr. Wilford Glendon, who's joined by Warner Oland (portrayer of Charlie Chan and Fu Manchu) as fellow botanist Dr. Yogami, both of whom seek the restorative properties of a moonbeam-drawing flower said to quell lupine manifestations. They're joined by Valerie (Bride of Frankenstein) Hobson, Lawrence (Son of Frankenstein) Grant, Lester (The Raven) Matthews, Spring (December Bride) Byington and a copious queue of others.
Werewolf of London holds the distinction of being the first ever, full-length, werewolf movie, preceding Universal's The Wolf Man. Unfortunately, the movie underperformed in 1935, which is why Universal reinvented its approach six years later, allowing Lon Chaney Jr.'s Lawrence Talbot to seize the studio's furry crown. However, with the passing of time, Werewolf of London (due in no small part to Hull and Oland's distinguished portrayals) has gained significant fame, becoming one of Universal's most revered submissions.
As proof of the movie's endurance, Hull's Hyde-ish guise (fashioned by genius, makeup artist Jack Pierce) has been represented in action figures, model kits, t-shirts, posters and magazines, sealing Glendon's honored place in classic, monster history.
Do yourself a favor and celebrate Werewolf of London with a view. It does hold up, and you may just find, it's even better than you remember.
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