Dr. Julian Olcott (Carl Schell, "The Blue Max") is a disgraced doctor who assumes a new position as science instructor at a home / school for troubled girls. His arrival coincides with a number of gruesome murders by a savage, bipedal werewolf in the woods outside the dormitory grounds. Naturally, he falls under suspicion, but so do some of the other dubious characters on the premises: a fellow teacher (Maurice Marsac, "King of Kings"), a shady caretaker (Luciano Pigozzi, "Blood & Black Lace"), etc.
Although ultimately the film delivers few surprises, there is at least one twist that makes something of a difference. The script, by the prolific Ernesto Gastaldi ("Torso"), does not hold up to a lot of scrutiny, but the story is still basically entertaining, and in general "Lycanthropus" is definitely good for some chills and some solid atmosphere. That first attack is especially noteworthy, as we can see the beast really hauling ass while it pursues initial victim Mary Smith (Mary McNeeran, in her only film credit); the actual attack is pretty savage, too. The crisp black & white photography is by Renato Del Frate, and the excellent music, by Armando Trovajoli. The acting is on point from much of the cast. Curt Lowens ("Angels & Demons") plays the director of the dormitory, and the lovely young Barbara Lass ("Eva Wants to Sleep") is our top-billed damsel in distress, who probes the mystery of Mary's extracurricular activities as well as her death.
"Lycanthropus" really is a better film than its American title of "Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory" would indicate. While it may not stack up as one of the great films in this sub-genre, it's worth a look for people who are fans.
Directed by Paolo Heusch ("Violent Life").
Seven out of 10.
Although ultimately the film delivers few surprises, there is at least one twist that makes something of a difference. The script, by the prolific Ernesto Gastaldi ("Torso"), does not hold up to a lot of scrutiny, but the story is still basically entertaining, and in general "Lycanthropus" is definitely good for some chills and some solid atmosphere. That first attack is especially noteworthy, as we can see the beast really hauling ass while it pursues initial victim Mary Smith (Mary McNeeran, in her only film credit); the actual attack is pretty savage, too. The crisp black & white photography is by Renato Del Frate, and the excellent music, by Armando Trovajoli. The acting is on point from much of the cast. Curt Lowens ("Angels & Demons") plays the director of the dormitory, and the lovely young Barbara Lass ("Eva Wants to Sleep") is our top-billed damsel in distress, who probes the mystery of Mary's extracurricular activities as well as her death.
"Lycanthropus" really is a better film than its American title of "Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory" would indicate. While it may not stack up as one of the great films in this sub-genre, it's worth a look for people who are fans.
Directed by Paolo Heusch ("Violent Life").
Seven out of 10.