Title: Dive into the Wackiest Werewolf Cinematic Experience with "Prepare for Wolf Man"
With the cinematic return of werewolves in Leigh Whannell's upcoming "Wolf Man," the genre is buzzing with possibilities, following the successful revival of vampires last year in "Nosferatu." Dive into the unusual world of werewolves by watching the offbeat 1974 horror flick, "The Beast Must Die." This peculiar movie, boasting a star-studded cast, is undoubtedly one of the genre's more bizarre entries.
Based on the 1950 short story "There Shall Be No Darkness," this film shares similarities with an Agatha Christie-style arrangement, inviting a group of peculiar individuals to a secluded countryside manor under false pretenses. The suspects soon realize they're in for a chilling getaway with a body count. The flamboyant millionaire, Tom (portrayed by Calvin Lockhart), is the obsessive mastermind behind this twisted game, determined to capture a werewolf – his ultimate hunting trophy.
Despite a light sprinkle of doubts about their existence, the movie largely leaves the debate over werewolves on the sidelines. Tom's unparalleled obsession leads him to invest heavily in a sophisticated (for its time) surveillance system to monitor his mansion's grounds – a system that intrigues and unsettles the guests.
As the film begins, the narrator draws you into the mystery, causing your detective instincts to tingle, "This is a detective story – and you are the detective." The question is no longer "who is the murderer?" but "who is the werewolf?" This intriguing twist sets the stage for the rest of the movie, keeping you guessing – and hoping for a "werewolf break."
The film expertly weaves Agatha Christie-esque elements with a groovy, vaguely disco-inspired soundtrack to create a suspenseful atmosphere. Horror classics, like Peter Cushing (who later became known for his role as Grand Moff Tarkin in "Star Wars"), serve an unexpected twist as a werewolf expert. The introduction of 'wolfsbane pollen' and compulsory handling of silver objects apply tension, reminiscent of the later blood test scene in John Carpenter's "The Thing."
As the accusations fly, the identity of the werewolf becomes a captivating guessing game. However, amidst the serial accusations and tense interrogations, you might forget about the promised "werewolf break." But don't worry; "The Beast Must Die" delivers on its title promise, delivering the break around the 15-minute mark before ultimately unveiling the true culprit behind the strange events.
The film is available for streaming for free on Tubi and some other FAST channels. Additionally, you can rent it on Prime Video or watch it through Shout! Factory TV and Fandor subscriptions. For fans of behind-the-scenes insights, Severin Films also releases a Blu-ray version with captivating commentary from director Paul Annett.
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The resurgence of werewolf movies in the future could draw inspiration from the technological advancements seen in films like "The Beast Must Die," as evidenced by the sophisticated surveillance system used in the film. io9's coverage of upcoming genre releases would undoubtedly highlight any potential revivals of werewolf movies, offering insights into their potential themes and narratives.
