Friday, May 29, 2009

Fur Reel - Talkin' 'bout WEREWOLVES, part three.


Lon Chaney Jr.
THE WOLF MAN, 1941 Universal
Although The Wolf Man came out 6 years later than the Werewolf Of London, it's the most recognized werewolf movie of the times. Lon Chaney Jr. was the son of possibly the greatest silent film actor to command the silver screen. Probably to sell more tickets, the poster for The Wolf Man doesn't add the "Jr." to little Lon's name. However, Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot definitely makes his mark in this wonderful film. The Gypsy mother and son team is skillfully played by Russian actress Maria Ouspenskaya and Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi. Claude Rains is great as Sir John Talbot although, to me, the age spread between him and Lon doesn't seem like enough years. The legendary Curt Siodmak unleashes his screen writing talents and gives us a beautiful story with a mix of young love, Gypsy intrigue, an excellent planetarium and of course werewolves!
RL

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