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Variety,
December
17, 1941
 The
Wolf Man (1941)
Universal release
of George Waggner production, directed by Waggner. Features Lon
Chaney, Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles,
Bela Lugosi, Maria Ouspenskaya. Original screenplay by Curt Siodmak;
camera, Joseph Valentine; editor, Ted Kent; asst. director, Vernon
Keays. Previewed in studio projection room, Dec. 9, ’41. Running
time, 69 MINS.
| Sir
John Talbot |
Claude
Rains |
| Dr
Lloyd |
Warren
William |
| Colonel
Montford |
Ralph Bellamy |
| Frank
Andrews |
Patric
Knowles |
| Bela |
Bela Lugosi |
| Maleva |
Maria Ouspenskaya |
| Gwen
Conliffe |
Evelyn
Ankers |
| Charles
Conliffe |
J.M. Kerrigan |
| Jenny |
Fay Helm |
| Twiddle |
Forrester
Harvey |
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And Lon
Chaney as the Wolf Man |
The English
legendary werewolf provides basis for another cinematic adventure
into the horrific chiller-diller realm. The Wolf Man is a compactly-knit
tale of its kind, with good direction and performances by an above
par assemblage of players, but dubious entertainment at this particular
time. It’s a B dual supporter, which must depend on bookings
for audience receptivity in each particular booking.
 Young
Lon Chaney (who drops the Jr. in films for the first time here)
returns to the family’s English castle after long absence in
America, to stand in line as heir to the estate. According to legend,
a person bitten by a werewolf assumes the dual personality of the
latter — and Chaney is the victim of a bite. The psychological
effect of Chaney’s mental and physical transitions provides
the dramatic elements until he is killed by his father.
Young Chaney
gives a competent performance both straight and under makeup for
the dual role. Strength is added by good cast consisting of Warren
William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Maria Ouspenskaya
and Evelyn Anders. Script stresses the tenseness of the fabled tale
in both action and dialog, with George Waggner piloting in okay
manner.
copyright
© 1941 Variety
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