Werewolf of London (1935)

I watched this 1935, Universal picture, Werewolf of London on Svengoolie. This was the first mainstream movie to feature a werewolf. The film is directed by Stuart Walker (American producer and director in theatre and motion pictures) and stars Henry Hull (American character actor, lots of westerns) as Wilfred Glendon, a world-renowned Botanist turned werewolf. Jack Pierce designed the make-up to look like what would come six years later in The Wolf Man,

but Henry Hull wanted the character to be recognizable to people after the change. Pierce did not agree but Hull won out. The first werewolf seen is in Tibet (see photo behind the rock) where Glendon has gone to find the mariphasa plant (see plant photo) that only blooms in moonlight.

The movie also stars Warner Oland as Dr. Yogami, (well known for his portrayal of Charlie Chan), and Valerie Hobson (Bride of Frankenstein and Great Expectations), as Lisa Glendon.

A couple of funny things in the movie is the number of drunk old ladies and the werewolf puts on a scarf, hat, and coat, after transforming before he goes out to kill. I’ll give this movie 3.75 out of 5 stars.