Synopsis
American tourists David and Jack are savaged by an unidentified vicious animal whilst hiking on the Yorkshire Moors. Retiring to the home of a beautiful nurse to recuperate, David soon experiences disturbing changes to his mind and body.
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Cast
- David NaughtonDavid Kessler
- Jenny AgutterNurse Alex Price
- Griffin DunneJack Goodman
- John WoodvineDr. J. S. Hirsch
- Don McKillopInspector Villiers
- Brian GloverChess Player
- David SchofieldDart Player
- Lila KayeBarmaid
- Rik MayallSecond Chess Player
- Sean Baker2nd Dart Player
Recommendations
- 100
Slant Magazine
The film’s indisputable centerpiece is the protracted werewolf transformation sequence. - 89
Austin Chronicle
This movie presented a radical melange of genuine horror and self-aware comic touches, not to mention the fabulous Rick Baker special effects. - 80
Variety
A clever mixture of comedy and horror which succeeds in being both funny and scary, An American Werewolf in London possesses an overriding eagerness to please that prevents it from becoming off-putting, and special effects freaks get more than their money's worth. - 80
Empire
Carnivorous lunar activities rarely come any more entertaining than this. - 80
Empire
Although AWIL's comedy/horror elements aren't always cosy bedfellows, the film retains its original, quirky charm. Great effects for the day, too. - 75
ReelViews
The transformation sequences on their own are disturbing enough to upset sensitive viewers (even though the first one doesn't occur until an hour into the 97 minute film, making the first two-thirds of the movie relatively tame, with the exception of a few appearances by Jack, who looks like a "walking meatloaf"). - 60
The New York Times
When the movie backfires, which it finally does, it's because too much grisly footage has been used too lightly. Mr. Landis's comic detachment, which has been fascinating throughout much of the movie, is something he holds on to even when a deeper response is needed. Eventually it becomes less comic than callow. - 60
Time Out
In the cold light of day, it must be admitted that Landis leans too heavily on the shock effects provided by Rick Baker's lycanthropic transformation make-up.
