The reason why this movie works is because of the performance of Lon chaney Jr. The corny makeup doesn't really matter. Obviously a movie like this is going to be hurt by the censorship of the times. But in this movie, the focus is on the pain of the lead character and the inevitable disaster. That is why the movie works better than most horror movies of the same period.
I have a soft spot for such movies where the lead character is in a tough situation from which there is no escape. He was just in a wrong place at the wrong time. Frankly I was not a fan of the dad character. He didn't really seem understanding of the situation. Sure he did help with the police and all but he could have let him go out of town. It would not mattered of course since the illness would still haunt him. But at least the girl would be safe.
I am not sure if it works as a pure horror movie. I don't think it has many creepy scenes. And often the corny makeup is a problem. I thought the movie would have worked better if there was a real wolf and if there was an effective transformation scene. But then I guess the special effects were not possible then.
It was really depressing to see Larry losing his grip on sanity and getting further away from Gwen. It finally ends in a tragic way but at least in the end, his reputation is unspoilt.
I liked the movie overall 7/10.
I have a soft spot for such movies where the lead character is in a tough situation from which there is no escape. He was just in a wrong place at the wrong time. Frankly I was not a fan of the dad character. He didn't really seem understanding of the situation. Sure he did help with the police and all but he could have let him go out of town. It would not mattered of course since the illness would still haunt him. But at least the girl would be safe.
I am not sure if it works as a pure horror movie. I don't think it has many creepy scenes. And often the corny makeup is a problem. I thought the movie would have worked better if there was a real wolf and if there was an effective transformation scene. But then I guess the special effects were not possible then.
It was really depressing to see Larry losing his grip on sanity and getting further away from Gwen. It finally ends in a tragic way but at least in the end, his reputation is unspoilt.
I liked the movie overall 7/10.