Synopsis
The movie The Howling (1981) is a horror film directed by Joe Dante and loosely based on the novel of the same name by Gary Brandner. The story follows Karen White, a television news anchor played by Dee Wallace, who becomes the target of a brutal serial killer named Eddie Quist. After a traumatic encounter with Eddie, Karen agrees to participate in a police operation to catch him. The plan goes awry, and Karen is left emotionally scarred.
Seeking solace and a fresh start, Karen and her husband Bill, played by Christopher Stone, decide to spend some time at a secluded retreat called “The Colony.” Unbeknownst to them, The Colony is inhabited by a group of werewolves. As Karen investigates the strange happenings around her, she begins to suspect that the residents of The Colony are not what they seem.
The movie The Howling (1981) delves into the mystery of The Colony and the true nature of its inhabitants. Karen learns the truth about her attacker and finds that he is not only still alive but is also a werewolf..
The movie The Howling (1981) is known for its blend of horror and satire. Director Joe Dante infuses the film with sly humor and references to classic horror movies. It is praised for its groundbreaking special effects, particularly the werewolf transformations, which were created by Rob Bottin.
Cast
- Dee Wallace as Karen White
- Patrick Macnee as Dr. George Waggner
- Dennis Dugan as Chris
- Christopher Stone as Bill Neill
- Belinda Balaski as Terry Fisher
Trivia
- The Howling (1981) was the first film in a series of eight sequels.
- The film’s special effects, particularly the werewolf transformations, were groundbreaking for their time and were created by makeup artist Rob Bottin.
- The Howling (1981) was released the same year as John Landis’ An American Werewolf in London, leading to a resurgence of interest in werewolf-themed horror films.