Werewolf of London (1935)

The first mainstream werewolf on screen and, somehow still not quite the definitive movie werewolf, perhaps because the themes which would eventually be considered classic ...are not quite there yet.

In this case, we have some of the conflicts between religion/faith and science which appeared in both Frankenstein (1931) and the later Dracula's Daughter (1936.)

There are a few "what Man was not meant to know" type comments and scenes.

According to the dialogue both evolution and creation seem to be equally accountable for existing species.

A character even has a problem with man-generated, artificial moonlight!

The humor is also reminiscent of Bride, with women and elderly women providing it.

Despite an emphasis on science, the scientists present seem to be unaware of the meaning of the suffix 'phobia,' as in the term 'lycantrophobia.'

Botanist Henry Hull also has a Colin Clive vibe (or is it just me?)

And, instead of the obviously Freudian bent of the Chaney wolfmen, we get a love triangle.

The werewolf is very close to a Hyde character (as a kid I was disappointed in the simpler Jack Pierce make-up, as an adult I recognize how influential this particular make-up became, especially in many modern vampire and werewolf transformations.)

The werewolf seems to have human awareness (as in his concern about wearing a hat and a cape,) and is also able to speak, though this might be because he is in the middle of a back-to-human transformation.

Similar to the Chaney wolfman he locks himself in.

The film also has some zoo scenes parallel to American Werewolf In London (1981) though the story is itself quite different.

His first victim is a lady of the night (London based, natch.)

And, "the one he loves most" is currently being courted by an old flame. No wonder one of the witnesses claims the monster had "green eyes."

Another couple of victims are a man cheating on his wife (and kids) and his lover.

None of the silver bullet or cane stuff is here yet.

Instead, we get the sap taken from a fictitious flower which can work as an antidote when applied cutaneously. We also get the transmission by bite, fear of an epidemic (this early, a theme which would not be addressed again till Dance of the Vampires (1967)!)

Am I the only one who hears 'Wolfie' when "Wilfred' is said?

An early home surveillance system!

Really cool, frog-eating plant!

Charlie Chan as a werewolf!

An early one, but not looking nearly as creaky as I remembered it from a TV showing long ago.