The Howling Man (4 Nov. 1960)
"The Twilight Zone" The Howling Man (original title)

David Ellington recounts a story, one that began just after the end of World War I. He was hiking in Europe when he sought refuge in an abbey during a violent rain storm. The residence is ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas Heyes

Writers:

Charles Beaumont, Rod Serling (creator)

Stars:

John Carradine, H.M. Wynant, Robin Hughes

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
John Carradine	...	Brother Jerome
H.M. Wynant	...	David Ellington
Robin Hughes	...	Howling Man
Friedrich von Ledebur	...	Brother Christophorus (as Frederic Ledebur)
Ezelle Poule	...	Housekeeper

Storyline

David Ellington recounts a story, one that began just after the end of World War I. He was hiking in Europe when he sought refuge in an abbey during a violent rain storm. The residence is isolated and its head, Brother Jerome, tells him he cannot stay. Ellington is ill however and during his short stay meets someone who is being kept prisoner and howls constantly through the night. Ellington believes the Howling Man is being kept there for no good reason but Brother Jerome tells him of the man's true nature. The decision Ellington makes will haunt him for the rest of his life.

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Plot Keywords:

monk | hermitage | devil | thunderstorm | based on short story | 

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Genres:

Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 1960 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cayuga Productions, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

25 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Charles Beaumont had originally envisioned that the monks would keep the Howling Man imprisoned by putting a cross in front of his cell door. Fearful of a backlash in the religious community, the producers substituted the "staff of truth," over Beaumont's objections.

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Quotes

Narrator: [Closing Narration] Ancient folk saying: 'You can catch the Devil, but you can't hold him long.' Ask Brother Jerome. Ask David Ellington. They know, and they'll go on knowing to the end of their days and beyond - in the Twilight Zone.

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Connections

Featured in Atop the Fourth Wall: Twilight Zone #9 (2011)

User Reviews

A moral about human's weakness

This was an episode I saw on TV a few years ago and the one that I remembered the most due to the very memorable ending. As I started watching The Twilight Zone from the first season just about a month ago, I kept wondering which one of the next episodes I'm going to watch is going to be "The Howling Man" as I did not know the title of it when I first saw it. Well I just finished watching it in its' entirety and was compelled to write at least some of my impressions while they remain fresh.

This is without a doubt one of the best of the Twilight Zone. I can say this without having seen them all, although I will eventually as I am on my quest. However, it does not take one to see the entire series run to see which episode reeks of quality. It has just about everything that made classic black and white horror/science fiction cinema great.

The music, the classic cinematography, mystery, all enveloped in trademark horror atmosphere.

One of the best things I've always loved about The Twilight Zone, and in fact what piqued my interested in the series; is that they always have something to say about society, or man in general. This episode touches upon a few various character traits, but the most obvious one is left for the finale. One which I will not reveal for the sake of not spoiling the experience.

A memorable entry, one that I'm sure will be appreciated by newer viewers.