Willard (1971)

A social misfit uses his only friends, his pet rats, to exact revenge on his tormentors.

Director:

Daniel Mann

Writers:

Gilbert Ralston (screenplay) (as Gilbert A. Ralston), Stephen Gilbert (novel)

Stars:

Bruce Davison, Elsa Lanchester, Sondra Locke

2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Bruce Davison	...	Willard Stiles
Sondra Locke	...	Joan
Elsa Lanchester	...	Henrietta Stiles
Ernest Borgnine	...	Martin
Michael Dante	...	Brandt
Jody Gilbert	...	Charlotte Stassen
William Hansen	...	Barskin
John Myhers	...	Carlson
J. Pat O'Malley	...	Jonathan Farley
Joan Shawlee	...	Alice
Almira Sessions	...	Carrie Smith
Pauline Drake	...	Ida Stassen
Helen Spring	...	Mrs. Becker
Alan Baxter	...	Walter Spencer
Sherry Presnell	...	Mrs. Spencer

Storyline

A social misfit, Willard is made fun of by his co-workers, and squeezed out of the company started by his deceased father by his boss. His only friends are a couple of rats he raised at home, Ben and Socrates. (And their increasing number of friends) However, when one of them is killed at work, he goes on a rampage using his rats to attack those who have been tormenting him.

---

Plot Keywords:

character name as title | psychotronic film | literature on screen | european literature on screen | irish literature on screen | 

---

Taglines:

This is Willard and his friend Ben. Ben will do anything for Willard.

---

Genres:

Horror

---

Certificate:

GP

Did You Know?

Trivia

Announced under the title "Ratman's Notebooks", the title of the novel on which it is based.

---

Goofs

When Willard goes to the sink to add water to the poison, you can see the rat wranglers shadow as he reaches to remove Ben from the center island.

---

Quotes

Willard Stiles: Tear him up!

---

Connections

Referenced in Murphy Brown: A Rat's Tale (1995)

User Reviews

RATMAN'S NOTEBOOKS

Made the mistake of reading the book before seeing the movie; the movie, as a consequence, couldn't possibly live up to my expectations. Nor did it. But that's not a put-down. While there were some things that irked me (the mother rat's humble "thanks" at one point, the rubber rats all too much in evidence at the birthday party, etc.), Bruce Davidson and Ernest Borgnine deliver solid performances that help keep one focused on the twisted relationships that are the core of this film. (Elsa Lanchester as Willard's mewling mother also deserves mention.) I don't know how this one would hold up today, but, back in 1971, it was a must-see.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 July 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ratman's Notebooks

Filming Locations:

Higgins-Verbeck-Hirsch Mansion - 637 South Lucerne Boulevard, Windsor Square, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$19,216,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bing Crosby Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1