I'm 82 and my Grandfather entertained Lon Chaney Jr in our house in Alameda California, I was so scared because I had seen the movies and was very young. My Grandfather George Wulzen had a beautiful Victorian home in Alameda that was full of those. Mr. Chaney was very nice to me and cooled me down.
So jealous of you, sir. Chaney has been my idol since childhood and we even share the same birthday (I was born on his 55th birthday)! Good health to you, sir!
Good luck with that no commercials part! Commercials ruin a good movie. And if its not HBO or one of those paid TV networks, they are going to cut parts out. And that's no good. Its usually the good parts! 😟
My mom was born in 1935. She said the wolf man transformation was the scariest to her as both a child and adult. When they'd show it on TV she said she'd fallen asleep. When she awoke, that transformation scene was on. Childhood trauma is for real! LOL! Great fact about that beautiful auto! I'm a car buff as well. Don't get me started on steam trains either. Great video Rick!
The transformation in Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman is terrific because Jack Pierce put Chaney's head in a cast.With his head always in the same place he added a little bit of yak hair (stop motion) the result is like morphing 50 years later
This is my favorite werewolf film. It featured a stellar cast. The makeup and transformation (via dissolves) still wears well. Lon's dog ("Moose") did a great job as "the werewolf." The ending was something straight out of Greek tragedy. Thank you, rick nineg!
Yes, The Wolfman was always my favorite "Universal Monster" I wonder why "Jack Pierce" changed his look for "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein"⁉ and there might have been another movie? Maybe Jack didn't do The Wolfman makeup on A&C MF movie? 🤔
I love that wolf man and Lon Chaney just like you and the music is so special. The lady in the lead was great too. I love how he turned into the wolfman. Yes very hard work but so enjoyable end product.
Lon Chaney, Jr. was a true gentleman, always demanding that everyone on the set, down to the custodian, was treated with respect. A man of impeccable character who I worked with long ago. Reinhold Von Treffencaunbowz
Another NineG Monster spectacular! Please keep making these. The transformation of the Wolf Man on screen was amazing and worth it. I remember the transformation scared the bejesus out of both my older brother and me.
Jack Price was the make up man who did the transformation scenes. He was later fired by Universal for wasting film and time for his make up procedure. Afterwords Wolfman transformations were where the actor would pass out behind a couch, and emerge as the Wolfman . A real time saver.
@@johnbockelie3899 that is true… And unfortunately we see that happening in the industry even to this day. Any person who doesn’t change with the times is seen as the first to be cut. But I digress… Anyway, something that you mentioned about the make up, did you know that the backstory is when they made werewolf of London the main actor didn’t want his facial features to be covered up with make up, so when Pierce was able to work on Wolfman in 41, he was able to create the full make up that he originally wanted to use.
The Wolfman transformation in the movie was AWESOME n FASCINATING as a child watching it In the 1960s !!! This movie was truly an iconic one. Even assembled in the 1960s the Wolfman model from this movie. Was an awesome experience ! Anticipating ur next upload. Peace
@@ricknineg The Wolfman with Lon Chaney Jr. was my favorite of all werewolf movies.. the make up for it is my favorite. I love all the Universial Monster movies. they were well done and proved you could make a good horror movie with no Blood and Gore, Sex and nudity. that you see in today's horror movies.
Just checked it on Wikipedia, Bellamy was 37 when he made this film, so not that incredible that he was still around to make "Trading Places". He always looked a bit older than he actually was.
It would have been interesting to compare the shooting schedule to "The Wolfman" of 2010. That is pretty amazing that they released the movie within 3 months!! Chaney, Jr. Always seemed like a regular guy - big drinker but a really kind man.
A mention regarding Claude Rains' performance in this film. Of course Claude Rains was good in any film he was in. But I remember seeing this film in my pre-teen years-around 1971 or 1972. I was absolutely shocked and horrified at the scene where Claude Rains beats the wolf man with his silver headed cane, not knowing it is his own son. In the early 1970's there was not much violence on television such as was portrayed in that scene. I also remember being impressed by the quality of the acting in this film, too.
Rick! Youi are an incredible "detective". I learned so much from watching this. Thanks for that! PS: I hope that you will be doing a video on "Frankenstein vs. The Wolfman"
Though the monsters dying and coming back to life was becoming redundant-which as a child I didn't mind much- my favorite was House of Dracula. I think Onslow Stevens' mad doctor stole the show.
I really enjoyed the change of format in this video! The raindrops especially! Keep the special effects coming! Overall, the information was extremely interesting! So much behind the scenes info I was not fully aware of. It gave me new perspective on this movie overall. How some of the people involved in these old productions came out safe and sane remains as mysterious as the monster legends themselves. Thanks as always for the hard work Rick, it definitely is worth the effort! 😎
Thank you, thank you and thank you ,Rick, for sharing these tidbits on the making of the Wolf Man. It’s my favorite horror movie too because Lon Chaney actually makes me feel compassion towards the werewolf. I had already heard about the grueling hours spent on his makeup. However, I didn’t know about his German Shepard playing the part of the wolf that attacked him. Also Elena Verdugo of Marcus Welby MD fame came out in the movie as one of the women killed by the werewolf.Also Bela’s gypsy mother was a famous acting coach who trained actresses like Anne Baxter. Thanks again for all your efforts in putting together such a nice video. ❤️🙏🏻
I just watched this movie less than 2 hours ago! It's always been a favorite of mine and it's because of Lon Chaney Jr. He shows such angst and sadness at the idea of him killing or harming someone and you really feel his pain. I always feel so sorry for him. It's also allegorical for a family . with a drug or booze addict in it. I like the way they keep everything dark and in shadows in it too. Like the rooms in the shop are mostly dark and have a low ceiling - keeping everything closed in. I really enjoyed your video. :)
I thought the cover photo with the lady interviewing the Wolf Man is hilarious. Lon Chaney's Wolf Man was the best one and my all time favorite monster movie. Thanks!
I was 6 and 7 years old at the time when Shock Theatre starring Gregory Graves was greatly anticipated each Saturday night at about 10 pm. It was a real treat and I always loved the Wolfman starring Lon Chaney Jr. Those were good days for television, unlike today where every word and phrase is scrutinized by the word Nazis.
I think either actual or imaging transformation would be good. And I also read awhile ago that Werewolf of London was supposed to be a vehicle for Karloff and Lugosi in the Hull and Oland roles
Loving the monster specials! This is one of my favorite monster movies but my fav is Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, hope you have seen it because it is a true classic! Stay hopeful Rick, blessings and thanks!
Hi Rick! I am really enjoying this series you've been doing. There has been so many interesting details. Thank you so much. Have a great night Rick. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎵
I agree. I was about 3 years old when my sister took me to a movie house to see "Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein." The scenes with the Wolfman terrified me.
@@johnbowen2956 Yep. And when you’re grown the films are harmless. As a little kid you can be scared out of your mind. I remember the movie all right, I even have them on Blue-ray. What I remember more is my child’s fear.
Rascal01...I was also a young boy in the 50's...born 1952...and watching these Classic horror movies back then really grabbed my imagination and scared me more times than I can count..!! As far as I knew, these things might really exist. I remember one night; probably not real late but still dark, I had just watched one of these horror movies at the local indoor movie theatre and was riding my bicycle home. I had one of those lights that ran off a little generator that spun against the back tire. It put out a lot of light when I pedaled real fast. Well, I was so scared riding home that evening, that I got in the middle of the neighborhood street and pedaled as fast as I could and swiveling the light right & left, hoping that my light would scare off which ever monster I had just watched from jumping out of the hedges and grab me !!! And yes, watching Lon Chaney's legs & feet transform into the Wolfman was the only way to do it; it really got my imagination fired up.
@@marbleman52 My one eared Tabby cat asleep in my lap just let me know how annoyed he is by my laughter at your comment. I’m in my Lazy Boy recliner and was about to surf Roku looking for a vintage horror flick. I cracked up at your description of a post-horror film bike ride as you turned your headlamp into a floodlight. I was born in ‘47. Your remarks have “illuminated” me and I have learned something of interest. Those of us scared half to death by vintage horror movies on television or at a theater may be relatively few in number. Technology progressed and vintage horror lost some of its punch when compared to newer films. Science fiction became a new realm and began to gain favor. We may be part of a vanishing generation. My mother took me to see a mummy movie when I was around 5 years old. I was terrified beyond words and convinced it lived behind our coal furnace. At Christmas I got a Hop-along Cassidy twin 6 gun set and a case of Kilgore roll caps. A box of caps held 5 rolls of 50 shots each. I don’t recall what was in a case but it was plenty. I sat at the top of our basement staircase and fired every cap I had down the stairs into the basement. I was afraid and ready to run if needed if that bastard showed his face. When I was done the air was blue with gun-smoke and I was sure he was dead. Some of the family wanted me to stop shooting but the Old Man said ‘Let the kid go. It’s Christmas.” I still wasn’t comfortable in the basement until I was around 12 even though I was sure I had killed him. I had named him the “Deece” and he was a dreadful dude. Now I have the movie that scared me on Blu-ray. It’s a B movie and 70 years later, archaic and a bit comical. I still remember how afraid I was. I remember that fear. And that was no laughing matter. That mummy movie had done its job.
I wish that you had mentioned Maria Ouspenkskaya, the great Russian character actress who portrayed the old Gypsie woman and Bela's mother. She appeared on a lot of movies from this period. My favorite role was her depiction of the grand society Dame entertaining a dinner party in Berlin on "Dr. Erhlich's Magic Bullet." The best scene of the movie shows Ouspenkskaya asking Dr. Ehrlich (Edward G. Robinson) what his latest project was. Dr. Ehrlich answers straightforwardly that he's researching a cure for syphilis, followed by shocked silence from all the proper ladies and gentlemen
Hi, Rick! I enjoyed this probably the most of all your videos, and that's huge, bc I enjoy them all! I was very surprised by all the facts behind the scenes, Ì had never heard them. I really liked hearing the wolf was actually Lon Chaney's personal dog! That is ingenious! I think that I am surprised about Lon's treatment of his co-star for something that was basically his fault, and out of her control. Thanks again for a wonderful video! Keep up your joy & hope!
It makes me miss my father he told me about him and my uncle in Central Illinois running home annoying me fall night after watching The Wolfman and Dracula scared out of their minds. I miss you Dad
Lon Chaney played the part with feelings, I always felt bad for the wolf man because Lon played the torment of a good man being a monster. I love watching this movie.
Lon Chaney, Jr.'s given name was actually, Creighton Chaney, but his films before "The Wolf Man" were all box office disasters, so studio execs suggested he adopt the stage name, Lon Chaney, Jr. His father, who died in 1929, discouraged his career.
If Val Lewton had produced and/or directed, then a psych thriller with Talbot only imagining himself turning into a wolf would have been a good vehicle. That said, this movie was great as is and Universal’s marketing people had the right approach. Tragic how the 2010 remake missed the mark; Benecio Del Torres really evokes Lon Chaney (father & son) and with a better script & vision, could have been a superb remake. At least Rick Smith got it right.
Very good video and great facts. I love learning facts and history and classic films are a favorite topic of mine. Thanks for great video. Keep up the great work.
Back in the early 70s, I used to visit a friend from time-to-time who lived in Three Rivers. When he and his wife visited Fresno, where I lived, we'd get together for lunch. His name? Curt Siodmak.
The story about Evelyn fainting has also been attributed to a cut scene in which she is menaced by a bear. But it’s the same idea that she faints and when the shoot cuts no one around her realizes she’s not “ok.” It’s been said that sing can be seen in a trailer. Have you ever seen it? I can’t seem to find visual evidence. You could’ve also mentioned since you talked about the silver bullet, that the idea of the transformation happening with a full moon is also something that happens in the later films. The original 41 film just mentions when the wolfbane blooms and the moon is “bright.” Another fun fact that you can mention is that this Wolfman design was originally created for the previously filmed werewolf film, werewolf of London. Jack Pierce wanted to create this design but the leading actor didn’t want his facial features to be covered up. He wanted to be recognized. So this was basically a do-over where Jack Pierce was able to use his original make up designs.
I read that the Wolfman transformation effects were so time consuming that the special effects man was later fired for using up too much film. Later movies had the actor fall behind a counter, or hiding spot, then emerge as the Wolfman.😅
@@johnbockelie3899 I don't doubt it! Back in those days, movies were shot on extremely small budgets, and they did not have any time nor resources to waste. In fact, very few people know this, but the beginning of movie making centered around the production of film that was patented by Thomas Edison, and it was extremely expensive. The only way Charlie Chaplin was able to be successful in distributing his movies was to get around Edison's extremely high royalties and literally smuggle reels of film to theaters. Even as recently as 40 years ago, movie production was highly influenced by the very high price of VHS tapes and equipment at the time. Modern TV and movie effects could not exist without the CGI methods developed by George Lucas - and even those effects cost a fortune.
Yes, if the Transformation was mental, then the entire transformation would only be in his head. He would just be a guy running around at night biting people on the neck! The movie would've sucked, big time if that was the case! 🤪 🐺
@@lazyhomebody1356 You must be referring to the Spencer Tracey version. But even then he had some make-up on. In the (much better) Frederick March version, Mr. Hyde has some of the most horrific make-up in all of movie history. It kept getting more gruesome every time he changed, and the final scene twisted March's face around so much he had to be hospitalized. It quite nearly destroyed the man's face. He did finally recover from it.
Youre right. The sets/exteriors were on Universals back lot. They were the same as the that for Frankenstein. Actually, they were the "hunchback" set/town square from the silent version that were used for both Jas. Wales Frankenstein & the wolfman! I toured Universal the first year the began tours (1965) and they mentioned that...
I met the writer of The Wolf Man, Curt Siodmak in the 90s -- he lived to 98! His brother, Robert Siodmak was a successful director in Hollywood. He told me stories about Chaney and how he influenced the film. It was Chaney's idea to have the father kill Larry with the silver-headed cane. Chaney told him his OWN father, Lon, would beat him with a cane -- so he thought this would be meaningful for him.
In those days only the very top actors got the roles they wanted. And even some of the top actors had to play stuff they didn't want to play. Especially female actors had to take what they were given.
I have a suggestion. When you mention unfamiliar names of people or places, I suggest you show the name on the screen. It took me several minutes to find the name Gibson Gowland, and I finally found it on IMDB.
Hey Rick, it was pronounced isotta freshibi....fresh-eeni. The reason I know is from "sunset boulevard with gloria Swanson and William holden. Keep up the good work My friend. Sorry I couldn-t resist. I'm a motorhead
There were also tensions between Chaney & Jack Pierce , the make-up artist. Pierce refused to use foam rubber & insisted on using older techniques where the hair was actually glued to his skin. This caused some irritation to Chaney`s skin & took more time. Unfortunately for Chaney , he would have to endure this several times over the course of his career.
Did you know that universal was planning to do a technicolor shoot film involving the wolfman and Frankenstein with Lon Chaney ,but, it never came through possible the caused of the expense of the process and the war rations and their use of technicolor in phantoms of the opera climax and 1001 arabinan nights.
'Werewolf of London' (1935) was, I do believe was the first werewolf movie, which was a Universal Picture. Henry Hull played the role of Dr. Glendon who becomes the werewolf. I saw this movie on TV back around 1963 (7 years old) or 1964 (8 years old) when I was a kid on KTLA Channel 5 out of Los Angeles, CA. Every Sunday early evening. It was a show that was called 'Weird, Weird, Weird World' that showed mostly all the classic Universal Picture Horror movies. 'Werewolf of London' is an excellent movie as well.
How do you explain , that in Chaney's first transformation when he's sitting on a chair in his house, he's wearing a white t-shirt , but when he's running in the woods in the next scene, he's wearing a BLACK shirt ? I never heard any body mentioning that blooper .
I guess they didn't really care, figuring people wouldn't notice. Certainly, I think the dark shirt looked better on the Wolf Man. As a kid, I had an 8 mm film with no soundtrack with highlights of House of Dracula. I swear, in the scene where the coach crashes with Dracula craving it, you could see the tuxedoed, top-hat wearing stunt man run out from the wreckage. The film cuts to a close-up of the wreckage and we see John Carradine as Dracula crawling from the coach! It occurs to me that the Wolf Man and Werewolf of London could sort of be considered feature length bloopers, since both have humanoid werewolves, whereas my understanding is that werewolf legends involved a person literally turning into a wolf, such as The Howling or Bela in The Wolf Man. But Larry's transformation in the W M is much cooler, IMO, and more terrifying.
I love this movie rick the wolfman is my favorite monster out of the classic universal monsters I love werewolves lon Chaney played that character great I felt sorry for him you felt pity for him he didn't want too be the wolfman or a werewolf you felt his pain and misery he played that awesome I'm gonna watch this movie here pretty soon cool info I always heard Evelyn ankers and lon Chaney didn't get along always heard that Rick never knew bela lugosi was meant for it lon Chaney was a great choice great video Rick 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Yes your right total suffering and agony and misery definitely I just felt so sorry for Talbot fell his pain and misery love a lot of the werewolf films a lot of them yep I've seen the American werewolf in London that's a classic werewolf movie
I'm 82 and my Grandfather entertained Lon Chaney Jr in our house in Alameda California, I was so scared because I had seen the movies and was very young. My Grandfather George Wulzen had a beautiful Victorian home in Alameda that was full of those. Mr. Chaney was very nice to me and cooled me down.
That’s incredible!
So jealous of you, sir. Chaney has been my idol since childhood and we even share the same birthday (I was born on his 55th birthday)! Good health to you, sir!
Very cool.
Very cool story.
That is so cool.Thank You for sharing that.
There's nothing better than finding a 1940s-50s horror movie on TV in the middle of the night right before Halloween. (preferably with no commercials)
👍 😎
This was a GOOD horror movie. Sometimes a really bad one is just as much fun, albeit in a different way.
Good luck with that no commercials part! Commercials ruin a good movie. And if its not HBO or one of those paid TV networks, they are going
to cut parts out. And that's no good. Its usually the good parts! 😟
Words of genius. What a great way to describe one aspect of life in America. Reminds me of a Rockwell seasonal painting. Couldn’t agree more.
COPY THAT
My mom was born in 1935. She said the wolf man transformation was the scariest to her as both a child and adult. When they'd show it on TV she said she'd fallen asleep. When she awoke, that transformation scene was on. Childhood trauma is for real! LOL! Great fact about that beautiful auto! I'm a car buff as well. Don't get me started on steam trains either. Great video Rick!
The transformation in Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman is terrific because Jack Pierce put Chaney's head in a cast.With his head always in the same place he added a little bit of yak hair (stop motion) the result is like morphing 50 years later
This is my favorite werewolf film. It featured a stellar cast. The makeup and transformation (via dissolves) still wears well. Lon's dog ("Moose") did a great job as "the werewolf." The ending was something straight out of Greek tragedy. Thank you, rick nineg!
My favorite Wolfman (NOT, werewolf) film, also👍!!!
The Wolf Man is my favorite Universal Monster character and movie. I’m glad you covered this movie Rick, keep up the great work and take care!
Thanks so much Jared! More coming down the pike
Yes, The Wolfman was always my favorite "Universal Monster" I wonder why "Jack Pierce" changed his look for "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein"⁉
and there might have been another movie? Maybe Jack didn't do The Wolfman makeup on A&C MF movie? 🤔
I love that wolf man and Lon Chaney just like you and the music is so special. The lady in the lead was great too. I love how he turned into the wolfman. Yes very hard work but so enjoyable end product.
My favorite Universal horror movie! And a shout out to "Jack Pierce" who was a make-up genius!
Lon Chaney, Jr. was a true gentleman, always demanding that everyone on the set, down to the custodian, was treated with respect. A man of impeccable character who I worked with long ago.
Reinhold Von Treffencaunbowz
Seeing him transform into the Wolfman was so awesome.....this blew me away when I watched it as a kid.
His acting in this movie is GREAT! really plays the character with humanity
Another NineG Monster spectacular! Please keep making these. The transformation of the Wolf Man on screen was amazing and worth it. I remember the transformation scared the bejesus out of both my older brother and me.
Will do!
Back when I was a kid these transformations were cool .
The transformation scenes in all of the wolfman movies were always the best.
Jack Price was the make up man who did the transformation scenes.
He was later fired by Universal for wasting film and time for his make up procedure. Afterwords Wolfman transformations were where the actor would pass out behind a couch, and emerge as the Wolfman . A real time saver.
@@johnbockelie3899 that is true… And unfortunately we see that happening in the industry even to this day. Any person who doesn’t change with the times is seen as the first to be cut. But I digress…
Anyway, something that you mentioned about the make up, did you know that the backstory is when they made werewolf of London the main actor didn’t want his facial features to be covered up with make up, so when Pierce was able to work on Wolfman in 41, he was able to create the full make up that he originally wanted to use.
@@johnbockelie3899 Bob Westmore Jr took over as makeup man .
The Wolfman transformation in the movie was AWESOME n FASCINATING as a child watching it In the 1960s !!! This movie was truly an iconic one. Even assembled in the 1960s the Wolfman model from this movie. Was an awesome experience ! Anticipating ur next upload. Peace
Great series Rick
I liked the opening editing with the rain drops as well.
Take care🙂
The 9G monster specials are all worth a big thumbs up...tnx 4 doing these Rick.
Thanks so much for the Axel!
@@ricknineg The Wolfman with Lon Chaney Jr. was my favorite of all werewolf movies.. the make up for it is my favorite. I love all the Universial Monster movies. they were well done and proved you could make a good horror movie with no Blood and Gore, Sex and nudity. that you see in today's horror movies.
A bit of trivia . Warren William, who played Dr. Lloyd was the original Perry Mason in the movies during the 30's .
Noticed Ralph Bellamy in the credits. Crazy to think he was in a 1941 movie & was still alive to star in Trading Places with Eddie Murphy!
Just checked it on Wikipedia, Bellamy was 37 when he made this film, so not that incredible that he was still around to make "Trading Places". He always looked a bit older than he actually was.
These old movies did so much with so little, sadly an almost lost art these days. I love the little background details from your videos
Karloff my fav Frankenstein
Great learnings about the Wolfman. Thanks Rick. I would rate this video as "Wolf-tastic!"
...not to mention that you showed the main cast at the end of your video that really is quite extraordinarily cool as this cast was outstanding.
My all time favorite Universal Horror movie. Have seen it hundreds of times. Scared me senseless when I was a little boy! Thanks Rick for the upload.
7:02 Rick, as a Hogan's Heroes fan, you didn't notice that this set was also used in HH?
It was ? Where did it show up?
The transformation was stunning for the time.
Always felt Lon Chaney was perfect for the role of the tragic Larry Talbot.
He actually adopted the dog while on the set, after which, they became constant companions
It would have been interesting to compare the shooting schedule to "The Wolfman" of 2010. That is pretty amazing that they released the movie within 3 months!! Chaney, Jr. Always seemed like a regular guy - big drinker but a really kind man.
A mention regarding Claude Rains' performance in this film. Of course Claude Rains was good in any film he was in. But I remember seeing this film in my pre-teen years-around 1971 or 1972. I was absolutely shocked and horrified at the scene where Claude Rains beats the wolf man with his silver headed cane, not knowing it is his own son. In the early 1970's there was not much violence on television such as was portrayed in that scene. I also remember being impressed by the quality of the acting in this film, too.
Excellent comments. Claude Rains also played the Invisible Man, in the early 1930's movie. So he has two classic movies to take credit for.
Yea, he was the Invisible Man, Larry’s Father and 40s version of the Phantom
@@davids9520 I didn't see the invisible man🤣🤣
Not much violence, on TV??? What do you call Vietnam??
Rick! Youi are an incredible "detective". I learned so much from watching this. Thanks for that! PS: I hope that you will be doing a video on "Frankenstein vs. The Wolfman"
Thank you so much. I enjoyed making the video so much and bringing it to all of you
Though the monsters dying and coming back to life was becoming redundant-which as a child I didn't mind much- my favorite was House of Dracula. I think Onslow Stevens' mad doctor stole the show.
Best make up job of all time! One of the greatest horror movies of all time!
I really enjoyed the change of format in this video! The raindrops especially! Keep the special effects coming! Overall, the information was extremely interesting! So much behind the scenes info I was not fully aware of. It gave me new perspective on this movie overall. How some of the people involved in these old productions came out safe and sane remains as mysterious as the monster legends themselves. Thanks as always for the hard work Rick, it definitely is worth the effort! 😎
Def mysterious things and circumstances with many of these productions
Thank you, thank you and thank you ,Rick, for sharing these tidbits on the making of the Wolf Man. It’s my favorite horror movie too because Lon Chaney actually makes me feel compassion towards the werewolf. I had already heard about the grueling hours spent on his makeup. However, I didn’t know about his German Shepard playing the part of the wolf that attacked him. Also Elena Verdugo of Marcus Welby MD fame came out in the movie as one of the women killed by the werewolf.Also Bela’s gypsy mother was a famous acting coach who trained actresses like Anne Baxter.
Thanks again for all your efforts in putting together such a nice video. ❤️🙏🏻
You’re most welcome!
I just watched this movie less than 2 hours ago! It's always been a favorite of mine and it's because of Lon Chaney Jr. He shows such angst and sadness at the idea of him killing or harming someone and you really feel his pain. I always feel so sorry for him. It's also allegorical for a family . with a drug or booze addict in it. I like the way they keep everything dark and in shadows in it too. Like the rooms in the shop are mostly dark and have a low ceiling - keeping everything closed in. I really enjoyed your video. :)
Thank you kindly!
I thought the cover photo with the lady interviewing the Wolf Man is hilarious.
Lon Chaney's Wolf Man was the best one and my all time favorite monster movie.
Thanks!
That publicity photo is of evelyn with a pair of tin snips trimming the wolf mans chin whiskers -not a microphone !
@@markkersey2778 So sorry for the error!!!
Wow such detail! I can’t believe that they got this movie done and out that fast!
Super fast!
I was 6 and 7 years old at the time when Shock Theatre starring Gregory Graves was greatly anticipated each Saturday night at about 10 pm. It was a real treat and I always loved the Wolfman starring Lon Chaney Jr. Those were good days for television, unlike today where every word and phrase is scrutinized by the word Nazis.
I just loved the universal classic monster movies.
My favorite Universal horror film! Chaney Jr was so underrated!
The “Wolf Man” was always my favorite monster!
I would have been devastated if he didn’t physically transform into the wolf man!
I think either actual or imaging transformation would be good. And I also read awhile ago that Werewolf of London was supposed to be a vehicle for Karloff and Lugosi in the Hull and Oland roles
Loving the monster specials! This is one of my favorite monster movies but my fav is Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, hope you have seen it because it is a true classic! Stay hopeful Rick, blessings and thanks!
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr., walking with the Queen, doin' the Werewolves of London.
Ah-Ooooooooooooooo!
You better stay away from him, he'll rip your lungs out Skip.
Hey Rick, great description! I've seen this movie many times but you know how to keep it fresh and fun. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi Rick! I am really enjoying this series you've been doing. There has been so many interesting details. Thank you so much. Have a great night Rick. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎵
Thank you kindly!
So coool !
Love the bloopers.
Thanks
Thanks for sharing 👍😀
The feet transformation scene scared the hell out of me in the 70's. I can imagine how much this scared the audience back in 1941!
I've never seen this movie. Now I'll have to definitely check it out. 👀
To have a visual werewolf is what the audience wanted so it was right to give them one. All the cast in the film were fabulous.
LOVE the raindrop effect
This may be an old movie now, but as a boy in the 1950s, it was petrifying.
I agree. I was about 3 years old when my sister took me to a movie house to see "Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein." The scenes with the Wolfman terrified me.
@@johnbowen2956 Yep. And when you’re grown the films are harmless. As a little kid you can be scared out of your mind. I remember the movie all right, I even have them on Blue-ray. What I remember more is my child’s fear.
Rascal01...I was also a young boy in the 50's...born 1952...and watching these Classic horror movies back then really grabbed my imagination and scared me more times than I can count..!! As far as I knew, these things might really exist. I remember one night; probably not real late but still dark, I had just watched one of these horror movies at the local indoor movie theatre and was riding my bicycle home. I had one of those lights that ran off a little generator that spun against the back tire. It put out a lot of light when I pedaled real fast. Well, I was so scared riding home that evening, that I got in the middle of the neighborhood street and pedaled as fast as I could and swiveling the light right & left, hoping that my light would scare off which ever monster I had just watched from jumping out of the hedges and grab me !!!
And yes, watching Lon Chaney's legs & feet transform into the Wolfman was the only way to do it; it really got my imagination fired up.
@@marbleman52 Great story of a childhood memory.
@@marbleman52 My one eared Tabby cat asleep in my lap just let me know how annoyed he is by my laughter at your comment. I’m in my Lazy Boy recliner and was about to surf Roku looking for a vintage horror flick. I cracked up at your description of a post-horror film bike ride as you turned your headlamp into a floodlight.
I was born in ‘47. Your remarks have “illuminated” me and I have learned something of interest. Those of us scared half to death by vintage horror movies on television or at a theater may be relatively few in number. Technology progressed and vintage horror lost some of its punch when compared to newer films. Science fiction became a new realm and began to gain favor. We may be part of a vanishing generation.
My mother took me to see a mummy movie when I was around 5 years old. I was terrified beyond words and convinced it lived behind our coal furnace. At Christmas I got a Hop-along Cassidy twin 6 gun set and a case of Kilgore roll caps. A box of caps held 5 rolls of 50 shots each. I don’t recall what was in a case but it was plenty. I sat at the top of our basement staircase and fired every cap I had down the stairs into the basement. I was afraid and ready to run if needed if that bastard showed his face. When I was done the air was blue with gun-smoke and I was sure he was dead.
Some of the family wanted me to stop shooting but the Old Man said ‘Let the kid go. It’s Christmas.” I still wasn’t comfortable in the basement until I was around 12 even though I was sure I had killed him. I had named him the “Deece” and he was a dreadful dude.
Now I have the movie that scared me on Blu-ray. It’s a B movie and 70 years later, archaic and a bit comical.
I still remember how afraid I was. I remember that fear. And that was no laughing matter. That mummy movie had done its job.
I wish that you had mentioned Maria Ouspenkskaya, the great Russian character actress who portrayed the old Gypsie woman and Bela's mother. She appeared on a lot of movies from this period. My favorite role was her depiction of the grand society Dame entertaining a dinner party in Berlin on "Dr. Erhlich's Magic Bullet." The best scene of the movie shows Ouspenkskaya asking Dr. Ehrlich (Edward G. Robinson) what his latest project was. Dr. Ehrlich answers straightforwardly that he's researching a cure for syphilis, followed by shocked silence from all the proper ladies and gentlemen
Yes, she was great in that role with Bela at the Gypsy camp.
Rick, I love watching your videos. The Wolfman is my favorite, too. Keep up the good work!!!
Hi, Rick! I enjoyed this probably the most of all your videos, and that's huge, bc I enjoy them all! I was very surprised by all the facts behind the scenes, Ì had never heard them. I really liked hearing the wolf was actually Lon Chaney's personal dog! That is ingenious! I think that I am surprised about Lon's treatment of his co-star for something that was basically his fault, and out of her control. Thanks again for a wonderful video! Keep up your joy & hope!
Great classic film!
It makes me miss my father he told me about him and my uncle in Central Illinois running home annoying me fall night after watching The Wolfman and Dracula scared out of their minds. I miss you Dad
Lon Chaney played the part with feelings, I always felt bad for the wolf man because Lon played the torment of a good man being a monster. I love watching this movie.
Chaney loved coming up to the Eastern Sierra to camp and fish.
Great trivia!
Lon Chaney, Jr.'s given name was actually, Creighton Chaney, but his films before "The Wolf Man" were all box office disasters, so studio execs suggested he adopt the stage name, Lon Chaney, Jr. His father, who died in 1929, discouraged his career.
These Universal Horror films are my favorites. Nothing can touch them. Thanks for all the great information on this classic. ❤
If Val Lewton had produced and/or directed, then a psych thriller with Talbot only imagining himself turning into a wolf would have been a good vehicle.
That said, this movie was great as is and Universal’s marketing people had the right approach.
Tragic how the 2010 remake missed the mark; Benecio Del Torres really evokes Lon Chaney (father & son) and with a better script & vision, could have been a superb remake. At least Rick Smith got it right.
Seeing Lon Chaney changing scared the Heck out of me.
One of my favored films.
Very good video and great facts. I love learning facts and history and classic films are a favorite topic of mine. Thanks for great video. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Brian! You are as a great supporter of the channel as Bud Jamison was for the Stooges.
How awes ome, thank you for this🎃🎃
I grew up on the Universal monster movies, and this one scared the shit out of me.
Cool stuff! I didn't know these facts,
Any chance of a video highlighting White Zombie? If memory serves Lugosi did this around the same time or just before Dracula.
Pretty cool. One of my very favorite horror movies from my childhood.
Cant stop hearing Warren Zevon's Werewolves London in my head.
Really good job Rick on putting this together. Amazing cast and a true classic!
Thank you! It was very fun to make
@@ricknineg You're welcome! Good.
As discomforting the transformation to Chaney, it was the only way to go.
Back in the early 70s, I used to visit a friend from time-to-time who lived in Three Rivers. When he and his wife visited Fresno, where I lived, we'd get together for lunch. His name? Curt Siodmak.
Was it the same man or just shared his name?
One of my favorite movies! Thank you, for all of the interesting facts you provided about it.
Much appreciated
I enjoyed what you brought out. One thing you didn't mention is that the moon wasn't shown in this movie.
The story about Evelyn fainting has also been attributed to a cut scene in which she is menaced by a bear. But it’s the same idea that she faints and when the shoot cuts no one around her realizes she’s not “ok.”
It’s been said that sing can be seen in a trailer. Have you ever seen it? I can’t seem to find visual evidence.
You could’ve also mentioned since you talked about the silver bullet, that the idea of the transformation happening with a full moon is also something that happens in the later films. The original 41 film just mentions when the wolfbane blooms and the moon is “bright.”
Another fun fact that you can mention is that this Wolfman design was originally created for the previously filmed werewolf film, werewolf of London. Jack Pierce wanted to create this design but the leading actor didn’t want his facial features to be covered up. He wanted to be recognized. So this was basically a do-over where Jack Pierce was able to use his original make up designs.
Great video fantastic movie thank you.
You’re Welcome! Thank you for the support
If the transformation was just mental instead of physical, the audiences would have been PISSED OFF.
It never bothered people in Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde though
I read that the Wolfman transformation effects were so time consuming that the special effects man was later fired for using up too much film.
Later movies had the actor fall behind a counter, or hiding spot, then emerge as the Wolfman.😅
@@johnbockelie3899 I don't doubt it! Back in those days, movies were shot on extremely small budgets, and they did not have any time nor resources to waste. In fact, very few people know this, but the beginning of movie making centered around the production of film that was patented by Thomas Edison, and it was extremely expensive. The only way Charlie Chaplin was able to be successful in distributing his movies was to get around Edison's extremely high royalties and literally smuggle reels of film to theaters. Even as recently as 40 years ago, movie production was highly influenced by the very high price of VHS tapes and equipment at the time. Modern TV and movie effects could not exist without the CGI methods developed by George Lucas - and even those effects cost a fortune.
Yes, if the Transformation was mental, then the entire transformation would only be in his head. He would just be a guy running around at night biting people on the neck!
The movie would've sucked, big time if that was the case! 🤪 🐺
@@lazyhomebody1356 You must be referring to the Spencer Tracey version. But even then he had some make-up on. In the (much better) Frederick March version, Mr. Hyde has some of the most horrific make-up in all of movie history. It kept getting more gruesome every time he changed, and the final scene twisted March's face around so much he had to be hospitalized. It quite nearly destroyed the man's face. He did finally recover from it.
love this channel
Good review....great movie!
I was raised with, Frankenstein , The Wolf Man and Dracula, later "The Creature from the black lagoon" and "The Thing".
The physical transformation was the only way to go! Great movie that I will never forget 👍
Youre right. The sets/exteriors were on Universals back lot. They were the same as the that for Frankenstein. Actually, they were the "hunchback" set/town square from the silent version that were used for both Jas. Wales Frankenstein & the wolfman! I toured Universal the first year the began tours (1965) and they mentioned that...
The Wolf man with Lon Chaney Jr. is one of my favorite movies and I was surprised to hear he liked to play practical jokes on the cast of the movie.
He was a definite jester haha
I met the writer of The Wolf Man, Curt Siodmak in the 90s -- he lived to 98! His brother, Robert Siodmak was a successful director in Hollywood. He told me stories about Chaney and how he influenced the film. It was Chaney's idea to have the father kill Larry with the silver-headed cane. Chaney told him his OWN father, Lon, would beat him with a cane -- so he thought this would be meaningful for him.
Holy shit
I am surprised then that Ankers appeared in other films with Lon since he treated her that way
Actresses had to put up with some sh*t!! Many TV shows have leads who despise each other, like Castle
In those days only the very top actors got the roles they wanted. And even some of the top actors had to play stuff they didn't want to play. Especially female actors had to take what they were given.
A classic amongst classics.
I have a suggestion. When you mention unfamiliar names of people or places, I suggest you show the name on the screen. It took me several minutes to find the name Gibson Gowland, and I finally found it on IMDB.
I went to school with his Grandaughter, Caren Cheney!
Neat! Private schol? One of my boyfriends had a sister who was Gene Kelly's granddaughter's roommate,lol
Hey Rick, it was pronounced isotta freshibi....fresh-eeni. The reason I know is from "sunset boulevard with gloria Swanson and William holden. Keep up the good work My friend. Sorry I couldn-t resist. I'm a motorhead
There were also tensions between Chaney & Jack Pierce , the make-up artist. Pierce refused to use foam rubber & insisted on using older techniques where the hair was actually glued to his skin. This caused some irritation to Chaney`s skin & took more time. Unfortunately for Chaney , he would have to endure this several times over the course of his career.
Did you know that universal was planning to do a technicolor shoot film involving the wolfman and Frankenstein with Lon Chaney ,but, it never came through possible the caused of the expense of the process and the war rations and their use of technicolor in phantoms of the opera climax and 1001 arabinan nights.
The set with the arch was also used in one of the Basil Rathbone/Sherlock Holmes films
'Werewolf of London' (1935) was, I do believe was the first werewolf movie, which was a Universal Picture. Henry Hull played the role of Dr. Glendon who becomes the werewolf. I saw this movie on TV back around 1963 (7 years old) or 1964 (8 years old) when I was a kid on KTLA Channel 5 out of Los Angeles, CA. Every Sunday early evening. It was a show that was called 'Weird, Weird, Weird World' that showed mostly all the classic Universal Picture Horror movies. 'Werewolf of London' is an excellent movie as well.
How do you explain , that in Chaney's first transformation when he's sitting on a chair in his house, he's wearing a white t-shirt , but when he's running in the woods in the next scene, he's wearing a BLACK shirt ? I never heard any body mentioning that blooper .
I guess they didn't really care, figuring people wouldn't notice. Certainly, I think the dark shirt looked better on the Wolf Man. As a kid, I had an 8 mm film with no soundtrack with highlights of House of Dracula. I swear, in the scene where the coach crashes with Dracula craving it, you could see the tuxedoed, top-hat wearing stunt man run out from the wreckage. The film cuts to a close-up of the wreckage and we see John Carradine as Dracula crawling from the coach! It occurs to me that the Wolf Man and Werewolf of London could sort of be considered feature length bloopers, since both have humanoid werewolves, whereas my understanding is that werewolf legends involved a person literally turning into a wolf, such as The Howling or Bela in The Wolf Man. But Larry's transformation in the W M is much cooler, IMO, and more terrifying.
I meant Drac was driving the coach, we all know what he was craving.
Informative video! I was never able to figure out how the wolfman had the presence of mind to slip on a dark shirt before going out on a spree.
The director told him to? LOL a lot of these old movies had those kind of conundrums.
One of those continuity errors. Like Rick said, the original plan called for not actually seeing the werewolf. A Val Luten approach.
@@garylockhart7112 continuity error, definitely a much better term.
I think LCJr played a great troubled soul because he was a troubled soul.
Clap for the Wolfman, he gonna rate your video high!
This was a truly remarkable, but unheralded, cast. How did the producers get Rains, William, Bellamy, and Ouspenskya to sign on?
The studio told them to do it. They were contract players.
@@kevinwachs5905 Of course. Completely forgot about the studio system when I posted. Thanks!
They had to borrow Rains. He was at Warner Bros.
I love this movie rick the wolfman is my favorite monster out of the classic universal monsters I love werewolves lon Chaney played that character great I felt sorry for him you felt pity for him he didn't want too be the wolfman or a werewolf you felt his pain and misery he played that awesome I'm gonna watch this movie here pretty soon cool info I always heard Evelyn ankers and lon Chaney didn't get along always heard that Rick never knew bela lugosi was meant for it lon Chaney was a great choice great video Rick 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
"To be a werewolf is to suffer" That's a poignant theme in ALL werewolf tales. Have you seen An American Werewolf in London?
Yes your right total suffering and agony and misery definitely I just felt so sorry for Talbot fell his pain and misery love a lot of the werewolf films a lot of them yep I've seen the American werewolf in London that's a classic werewolf movie
That car today would be worth about $ 373210.88 in today 2021 U.S dollars