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An American Werewolf in London (1981)

 -  Horror  -  21 August 1981 (USA)
7.5
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Ratings: 7.5/10 from 41,665 users   Metascore: 60/100
Reviews: 303 user | 151 critic | 6 from Metacritic.com

Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.

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Title: An American Werewolf in London (1981)

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Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joe Belcher ...
Truck Driver
...
...
...
Dart Player
Brian Glover ...
Chess Player
Lila Kaye ...
...
2nd Chess Player
Sean Baker ...
2nd Dart Player
Paddy Ryan ...
First Werewolf
...
Anne-Marie Davies ...
...
...
Don McKillop ...
Inspector Villiers
Paul Kember ...
Sergeant McManus
Edit

Storyline

Two American college students are on a walking tour of Britain and are attacked by a werewolf. One is killed, the other is mauled. The werewolf is killed but reverts to its human form, and the local townspeople are unwilling to acknowledge its existence. The surviving student begins to have nightmares of hunting on four feet at first but then finds that his friend and other recent victims appear to him, demanding that he commit suicide to release them from their curse, being trapped between worlds because of their unnatural deaths. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

werewolf | american | death | curse | nightmare | See more »

Taglines:

John Landis - the director of Animal House brings you a different kind of animal. See more »

Genres:

Horror

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

21 August 1981 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Un hombre lobo americano en Londres  »

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

SEK 3,103,703 (Sweden)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (heavily cut)

Sound Mix:

(re-release)|

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

David Naughton reported that the hospital bed in the forest scene was the most difficult and painful one. Back then, they used glass contact lenses. See more »

Goofs

The couple in the street are the first to be attacked by the werewolf in London. As they walk in the street past the houses, a large studio light is reflected in the windows. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Truck Driver: That way is Proctor, and over here is the moors. I go this way.
Jack: Thanks for the ride, sir. You have lovely sheep.
Truck Driver: Boys, keep off the moors, stick to the roads. The best to ya...
David: Thanks again.
[then to the sheep]
David: We'll miss you.
David: Bye girls...
See more »

Crazy Credits

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy star as themselves. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Creep (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

"BLUE MOON"
Music by Richard Rodgers (uncredited)
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart (uncredited)
Performed by Sam Cooke
Courtesy of R.C.A. Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

Going Out On A Limb (no pun intended)!!
23 May 2004 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

A Film maker's film that's an homage and a refreshing take on the werewolf legend. It's scary; rich in dialogue; practical... (in a horror movie???) AND Funny!

Especially in DTS sound... It's Scary!!!

Specifically...for anyone who enjoys the old 'Universal Studios' classic renditions of the "Wolf Man" saga, this modern 'fairy tale horror' doesn't violate any traditions. If you haven't seen the old classics, not to worry;...this flick stands on its own.

The story unfolds!...And the tension begins!...slowly!

Actors Naughton and Dunne are perfectly cast as your typical college students, backpacking their way thru Europe for...well...for what ELSE!!?!! Their back & forth banter is priceless!! Their 'on screen' chemistry is, unfortunately, too short (that's kinda redeemed in the DVD commentary by both actors). And their trek across the fog laden moor ranks as one of the most frightening scenes in movie history.

But the real star of the film is director John Landis!

Along with the Cast!

And make-up artist Rick Baker.

Not since "Bud Abbott & Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein" has Comedy/Horror worked so well. The difference is: unlike "A&C Meet Frankenstein", this film is a horror story laced with a sharp and clever 'comic relief'. And Landis captures that fine line balance between horror/humor that is unprecedented.

A near definitive werewolf movie that's bloody! scary! funny! satirical! funny! intelligent! sexy! charming!...and ultimately sad!!!...(did I say funny twice?). HEY...if you ever take time to see only one werewolf movie; then...

Well...everyone's got their opinion.

But this film ranks way up their in horror. A Classic!!

With a soundtrack that's perfectly placed! And composer Elmer Bernstein perfectly placing the music.

Grab the popcorn! And Hang On!


54 of 70 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Was david aware revenbarrow
horror?? DomsDad
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How did the werewolf get out???? Sorensen-matt295
Jenny agutter is so hot in this film MemberDismember
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