Howling V: The Rebirth (1989)

A group of strangers visit an ancient Hungarian castle and bring along a werewolf.

Director:

Neal Sundstrom (as Neal Sundström)

Writers:

Gary Brandner (novels), Freddie Rowe

Stars:

Phil Davis, Victoria Catlin, Elizabeth Shé

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Phil Davis	...	Count Istvan (as Philip Davis)
Victoria Catlin	...	Dr. Catherine Peake
Elizabeth Shé	...	Marylou Summers
Ben Cole	...	David Gillespie
William Shockley	...	Richard Hamilton
Mark Sivertsen	...	Jonathan Lane
Stephanie Faulkner	...	Gail Cameron
Mary Stavin	...	Anna
Clive Turner	...	Ray Price
Nigel Triffitt	...	Professor
Jill Pearson	...	Eleanor
József Madaras	...	Peter (as Joszef Madaras)
Renáta Szatler	...	Susan

Storyline

When a group of people from different walks of life converge in a Hungarian castle situated in Budapest which has been sealed for 500 years, they bring with them a werewolf which slowly begins to cut their numbers down. The movie is The Howling a la Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians.

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Plot Keywords:

werewolf | castle | sequel | man wears eyeglasses | psychotronic film | 

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Taglines:

The Beast Returns

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Genres:

Horror

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Despite the fact that this film states "Based on the novels 'The Howling I, II, and III' written by Gary Brandner", this film is in no way based on any of those novels, and is a sequel to the earlier Howling films in name only.

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Goofs

During most of the outdoor shots of the castle during the blizzard, strong winds can be heard whistling about, but the snow is falling nearly vertically.

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Quotes

Peter: There is an ancient Hungarian proverb: "Check the one who looks innocent!"

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Connections

Followed by Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)

User Reviews

"We're not in the middle ages anymore"

The Howling series doesn't have much of a great reputation, each one being different in style and tone with no real connection to each other. Although the second film does touch upon the original in some sort plot tie. I never been a huge fan of the original and the sequels that I've seen (2, 3 and 4) are simply inferior. So I went into the filth venture (another straight-to-video fare) expecting less, but actually came away mildly enjoying it. In some regards I enjoyed it more than the original… that's not to say it's better than that film. But I was pleasantly surprised by it.

A group of strangers selected from around the world are invited by an aristocratic count to the re-opening of a castle in Budapest that hasn't seen light for over 500 years due to its terrible past. Unknowingly to them everyone in the group bears an identical birthmark that links them to the castle's terrible past.

The low-budget, but sturdy "The Howling V: The Re-Birth" plays around with the ten little Indians murder mystery formula, but the killer is no ordinary being but actually a werewolf. The revelation might not come as a surprise, as there are certain clues scattered about pointing to the one in question, but it still remains cleverly penned (it elaborately plotted) and unpredictable in what order the guests become fresh meat. The performances are down-to-earth by the likes of Stephanie Faulkner, Mark Sivertsen and William Shockley, as there is an odd assortment of characters where a lot of time can be spent on trivial dialogue exchanges. However it stays gripping, crowned with mystery and danger where the remote Gothic castle setting (modern day Budapest) is dark and dank. The ominously gloomy and taut atmosphere works, as they keep to what its budget allows it and this means making sure the beast mostly stays in the shadows. Lurking or stalking its prey. Director Neal Sundstrom favours suggestively brooding handling. We don't get much of a real look, as there's plenty of rapid moving POV shots, minor flashes and off-screen attacks. What we did see of it didn't look the greatest, but it's acceptable. Moments do strike up some eerie spells and suspenseful build-ups before it deliver the shocks. It's helped by competently sweeping camera-work and a foreboding music score.

Entertaining superstitious whodunit b-grade hokum

Details

Country:

UK Hungary

Language:

English Hungarian

Release Date:

10 July 1990 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Howling V

Filming Locations:

Hungary

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allied Vision, Lane Pringle Productions, Mafilm Studios

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1